County of Union, New Jersey

On behalf of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd R) donates books about human trafficking to Elizabeth Public Library Director Mary Faith Chmiel at the start of donation program to bring awareness about the epidemic of human trafficking nationwide. Similar donations will be made to libraries throughout the County who expressed interest in receiving these books. They are joined by Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage (R) and Principal Librarian Jose Ruiz-Alvarez. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The February 10, 2014 Raritan Valley Rail Coalition Town of Westfield meeting date has been changed to Tuesday February 18, 2014.The meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Town of Westfield Council Chambers.  The meeting date has been changed so the coalition can receive an update briefing from NJ Transit on the starting date for one seat ride service on the Raritan Valley Line.

The coalition guest speaker has not been confirmed but we are hoping to have a representative from NJ Transit present details on the start of one seat ride service on the Raritan Valley line.  The Coalition trustees will update the membership on the details including the proposed start time and hours of operations of one seat ride service.

If any person has items they would like to have added to the agenda or questions answered, please contact me at voice/fax/ e – mail voice (908) 231-7021, fax (908) 707-1749, or e-mail at rvrc@co.somerset.nj.us.

 

**If inclement weather is predicted please contact (908) 281-9569 on Monday February 17th to determine if the meeting has been postponed.**

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to offer special “February Festivities” programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside during the Presidents Day holiday weekend, Feb. 13-17.  Pre-registration is required for most programs. Call Trailside for space availability. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

“All of the programs during February Festivities give families an opportunity to enjoy creative and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight adults and children of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Union County is committed to providing affordable family fun at our facilities.”

Kicking off the holiday weekend on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. for adults, ages 18 and older, is “Songs of the Civil War: History and Myth.” Lisa Wilkins and Chuck Winch, dressed in period clothing, sing authentic Civil War songs and original compositions to explore how popular songs shaped and reflected the sentiments and events of the time. This program is sponsored in part by the New Jersey Council for Humanities and it will take place in the renovated Masker’s Barn located in the Deserted Village of Feltville. Please meet in the parking lot at Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Ave., at 7:15 p.m., where a van will transport participants to the barn. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are appreciated.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. families can learn how to build the “Perfect Campfire.” Working together, each family will collect tinder and kindling to make a decorative fire starter kit for their home fireplace. Using their new found knowledge, participants will help to light a campfire and enjoy sipping hot cocoa and toasting marshmallows.

At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, see how 100 percent real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree during “The Journey of Sap to Syrup.” Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. This “sap to syrup” program will be repeated on Monday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Later on Saturday, discover how many natural history items your family can find in the winter woods during the “Winter Scavenger Hunt” at 3:30 p.m. Search for animal tracks, acorns, winter grasses and nests. Then enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows as we compare answers around a warm campfire. A prize will be given to the team with the most points.

Take a short walk outdoors during “Feed the Birds” to look for our feathered friends and find out how they are coping with the cold winter weather. Visit the Bird Viewing Area and help the naturalist fill the feeders. Enjoy watching which birds come to eat and learn to identify them by sight and sound. Find out about the different types of seed used to attract birds and make a wild bird treat to take home.

Highlighting the festivities on Monday, Feb. 17, at 1:30 p.m. is the Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo. Many mammals have developed amazing characteristics to avoid becoming “lunch.” Meet live animals as you find out how they defend themselves from other animals in this educational and entertaining program. This matinee is recommended for ages 4 and older and admission is $5 per person. Tickets for Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo go on sale at 1:00 p.m. before the matinee. No strollers in the auditorium, please.

Programs during the weekend February Festivities are recommended for families with children ages 5 and older unless otherwise specified. The fee for “Perfect Campfires” is $6 per person for residents of Union County and $7 per person for non-county residents. The fee for “The Journey of Sap to Syrup,” “Winter Scavenger Hunt” and “Feed the Birds” is $5 per person for Union County residents and $6 per person for out-of-county participants.

For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities or any upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

Trailside naturalist Cathleen Bolton leads a group of children on a winter walk to search for squirrel nests, woodpecker holes, buck rubs and other winter wonders in the Watchung Reservation. Registration for the winter series of programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside is now under way with workshops including Toddler Time (for adults with children up to three years of age); Two of Us (for adults with children ages 3-4); Small Fry Days (drop-off programs for 4-6 year-olds); Afterschool Explorations (for children in the 1st and 2nd grade); and Trailside Explorers (for children in the 3rd thru 5th grade). These popular programs offer hands-on investigations of the natural world through crafts, hikes and interactive educational activities. Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 for a complete brochure of winter offerings or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road, at Coles Ave., in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce a new and exciting season of summer camps and family programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside summer programs offer adults and children a great opportunity to explore the outdoors while learning about nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Each Trailside camp and family program is filled with hands-on, educational activities that encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Theme hikes, games and crafts are all part of the Trailside experience.”

Due to the popularity of Trailside’s summer programs, a lottery system will be used beginning Saturday, Feb. 8 and continuing through Friday, Feb. 21, or until all numbers have been drawn. Union County residents may visit Trailside to draw a lottery number from noon to 5 p.m. daily.  There are more than 500 numbers.

Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, will be required to draw a number and only one number may be drawn per family/address. Registrants must pick their own lottery ticket for their family, and each registrant’s name, address, lottery number and arrival time will be recorded when the lottery number is chosen. The number drawn will indicate the registrant’s position on line and time of arrival for registration day, scheduled for Saturday, March 1.

Summer Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, for Union County residents who have drawn a lottery ticket. Registrants must bring their ticket with them to register and must be present when their number is called or their position in line will be forfeited. Each ticket holder may only register their child/family.

If a registrant arrives after their number is called, but within their designated registration hour indicated on their lottery ticket, they may register at the end of the one-hour time block. If the registrant misses their one hour time block entirely, they may return at 3:30 p.m. to register. No exceptions will be made.

Registration for out-of-county residents will begin Monday, March 3, from noon to 4:45 p.m.  Lottery tickets will not be required and registration will continue until all programs are filled.

For information about Trailside’s 2014 Summer Camps, including registration procedures, please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Summer brochures and registration cards will be distributed during the February lottery. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Elizabeth, NJ–A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Sunday, February 23, 2014 to examine all aspects of the Union County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Sheriff Ralph Froehlich announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Union County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Sheriff Froehlich said. “Having been previously certified by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) and recognized by CALEA, I look forward to re-accreditation.”

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-527-1843 on Monday, February 24, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Sheriff’s Office, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ. The local contact is Sergeant Patrick Hora, who can be reached at 908-527-4420.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053, or email Accreditation Program Manager, hdelgado@njsacop.org or by phone (856)-334-8943.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office must comply with 100 standards in order to achieve accredited status.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Sheriff Froehlich said.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed,” Delgado said. “Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through its’ New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – Trailside Nature and Science Center is pleased to announce a musical program, “Songs of the Civil War: History and Myth,” for adults 18 years and older, on Thursday evening, February 13. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation, this educational and entertaining program will take place at Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village of Feltville from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Through music and song, this program will transport you dramatically to the Civil War era and offer a greater understanding of the period,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Lisa Wilkins and Chuck Winch will sing both authentic Civil War era songs and original compositions to explore how popular songs shaped and reflected the sentiments and events of the time. Dressed in period clothing, their unique presentation illustrates how these songs continue to resonate emotionally among those interested in the Civil War and American history.

The performers use authentic and reproduction period instruments, including banjo, fiddle, guitar and bones. This musical program is sure to be enhanced by its location in the historic Masker’s Barn, built in the period shortly after the Civil War.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are welcome. Patrons are asked to meet and park in the parking lot at Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Avenue. A van will transport participants to the barn. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m. to allow for transportation to the barn

For additional information about this and other programs and special events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the federal Affordable Care Act includes a free information service to help consumers with questions about finding affordable health insurance.

The service is run locally by non-profit agencies that are officially designated as Navigators by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Union County residents can get reliable information free of charge by contacting Navigators in our area, or by visiting the Affordable Care Act website at healthcare.gov,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “There no need to pay a third party to make an informed choice about affordable health insurance.”

In the Union County region, the lead Navigator is the Urban League of Hudson County in partnership with the Urban Leagues of Bergen County, Morris County, and Union County.

In addition, major pharmacy chains have officially partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute free information at their retail locations.

The goal of the Navigators is to help consumers use the new health insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov to find affordable health insurance, and to determine their eligibility for financial assistance.

“The healthcare.gov website has been improved to provide consumers with all the information they need online, but in case you need extra help the Navigators are here to assist you one-on-one,” said Hudak. “I encourage you to call with any questions you may have, especially when it comes to any subsidies for which you qualify.”

Hudak also reminded residents that the new Union County Prescription Drug Discount Card may help reduce the cost of their medications. The free card, which includes discounts on pet medications, can be obtained by calling the Union County Division of Human Services, 908-527-4800.

To contact a Navigator in Union County, call the Urban League of Union County at 908- 351-7200 or email uluc.aca.coverage@gmail.com.

For information about the Affordable Care Act visit healthcare.gov (cuidadodesalud.gov in Spanish), or call 1-800-318-2596 toll free.

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Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

 

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photography/montage by Leona M. Seufert of Roselle Park in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “Discovering New Jersey – Union County” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 28th.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

 

“We are pleased to have Ms Seufert’s beautiful images of Union County on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit demonstrates her mastery of both photography and Photoshop techniques.”

 

Ms. Seufert graduated from the prestigious High School of Art & Design in New York City and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the State University College of Arts and Science in Potsdam, NY. She is a board member and webmaster of the Les Malamut Art Gallery in Union and the founder and curator of shows for the Casano Community Center Art Gallery in Roselle Park.

 

“As I travel through this diverse and fascinating state with my digital camera always tucked in my bag, I seek to capture the uniqueness of the cities and towns I visit,” Ms. Seufert said. “I have lived in Union County for 28 years and am enchanted by its architecture both old and new.”

 

Leona’s artwork has appeared in numerous group and solo shows in the metropolitan area and upstate New York. She has exhibited in galleries and museums such as the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, the Hoboken Historical Museum, The Visual Arts Center of NJ in Summit, The Les Malamut Art Gallery in Union, the Kenny Art Gallery at the High School of Art & Design, the Abracheff School of Art in New York City and the Market St. Gallery in Potsdam. She also lectures and demonstrates the use of Photoshop to manipulate images.

 

To see images of Leona Seufert’s work, visit http://Studio-L.tripod.com/index.htm.

 

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County Baseball Association Also Honors Student Athletes at 78th Annual Dinner to Benefit Youth Baseball Leagues

 

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Jake Wood, the former Detroit Tigers second baseman and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, will be the special guest speaker at the 78th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, in Mountainside.

The awards dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association (UCBA), in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Since 1937, the Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner has been the primary fund-raiser for the UCBA’s summer and fall programs for young ballplayers.

During the afternoon awards ceremonies, the UCBA will induct five new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame: Larry Caroselli of Linden, Al Faella of Elizabeth, Leroy Horn of Summit, Jim Jeskey of Union, and Al Volpe of Linden.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jake Wood to this year’s Hot Stove League Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We hope that family members and friends of the Hall of Fame inductees and the very deserving local student honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”

Among the students to be honored for their athletic achievements are: Elena Scarano of Westfield, Rob Smorol of Clark, Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth, and Ryan Williamson of Cranford.

The Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor local American Legion Baseball players and athletes from youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2013.

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online by visiting www.ucba-nj.org or by downloading and mailing the table registration form to the Union County Baseball Association, Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023.

For more information, please call Jim Iozzi at 908-917-2523.

 

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Union County Baseball Association78th
Hot Stove League Annual Baseball Dinner
February 9, 2014 – 1:00 p.m.
L’Affaire Banquet Center, Route 22 East
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092

 

 

GUEST SPEAKER

Jake Wood

 

Jacob “Jake” Wood Jr. played PAL and American Legion baseball in Elizabeth and was a star shortstop for Thomas Jefferson High School. With the assistance of famed Elizabeth-area baseball scout Irving “Rabbit” Jacobson, Jake Wood signed with the Detroit Tigers organization in 1957 when he was a 20-year-old at Delaware State University. Jacobson also was instrumental in signing other local ballplayers, including George Alusik, Norm McRae, Bob Molinaro, Jackson Queen, Richard Jones and William Bennett.

From his start at Erie, in the New York-Penn League, Jake went from one minor league level to another – Lakeland, Durham, Idaho Falls, Knoxville, Appleton, Denver – and hit everywhere he went. His numbers from Triple-A Denver in 1960 stand out even today: a .305 batting average, 24 doubles, 18 triples, 12 home runs and 76 runs batted in.

Jake played four years in the minor leagues before making his debut at second base with Detroit on April 11, 1961. When he took the field, he became the first African American player to advance through the Tigers minor league system and play in the Major Leagues. His first Major League hit that day was a two-run home run to deep left field at old Tiger Stadium.

Jake enjoyed a standout rookie season as an everyday player with 171 hits, 96 runs, 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 69 RBI’s and 30 stolen bases while leading the American League with 14 triples – despite a .258 batting average and a new league record of 141 strikeouts. His playing time decreased in 1962 as he platooned with hard-hitting Dick McAuliffe. Jake got off to a fast start in 1963, with 95 hits and 11 homers in 85 games, but an injury led to season-ending surgery.

After the Tigers acquired veteran second baseman Jerry Lumpe, Jake became a utility player for the rest of his career. He made a bit of a comeback in 1966, appearing in 98 games, but by 1967, at age 30, after appearing in only 14 games, Jake was sent to Triple-A Toledo. On June 23, 1967, his contract was purchased from Detroit by the Cincinnati Reds. He made a dozen pinch-hitting appearances for the Reds that summer before his Major League playing days ended.

Jake Wood and his wife live in Pensacola, Florida. Jake is a member of the Union County Baseball Association Hall of Fame and he can still be found at his local senior softball games and Detroit Tigers reunions. At Comerica Park in 2010, Jake received the Detroit Tigers African American Legacy Award for his profound impact as a trailblazer and mentor for other players.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
(five honorees, listed alphabetically)

Larry Caroselli

 

Lawrence “Larry” Caroselli was born and raised in Linden, New Jersey. His childhood years were spent in the area not far from the Linden PAL fields that were originally built near Linden Airport. He was always interested in baseball and played in the Linden Police Athletic League.

Larry was involved in the PAL as an adult as well. He coached in all levels of PAL baseball for more than 13 years and won championships with both the Clarke Engineering and the Custom Hair Design teams. However, his favorite sport became golf and he regularly played with Vito Giglio and his son Joe Giglio. When Vito became ill and ultimately succumbed to cancer in 1988, Larry decided to organize a golf outing in his memory. He has continued this memorial golf outing for the past 26 years and has donated proceeds from the outing to the Union County Baseball Association for the last 20 years. These donations provide necessary equipment and supplies for the Summer Youth Leagues.

Larry Caroselli is married to his wife Joan and has two sons, Michael and Christopher. He and his wife currently reside in Westfield and he retired in 2011 from the County of Union, where he was employed for 35years, 29 of which were as Director of Finance.

 

 

Alfred Faella

 

Al Faella is a product of the Union County Baseball Association’s Summer Youth Leagues. In 1970, he was the most valuable player of the Teen League. As a center fielder for Coach Kevin Duggan’s baseball team at St. Mary’s High School in Elizabeth, he was selected to the Second Team, All Union County in 1972 and 1973. He holds a high school career batting average of .371 and he stole 44 bases in 45 attempts.

Al was a three-time All Star for the Betsytown VFW team from 1972 to 1974, playing for manager Lenny Green. He also played at Kean College, where he had a .310 batting average.

After Kean, Al stayed involved in baseball by coaching. He led Blessed Sacrament to six consecutive Uptown Division championships. Al served as athletic director and coached at St. Patrick’s in 1980. He also served on the boards of the North Elizabeth and Mountainside little leagues.

Following an 18-year State, Municipal and County government tenure, Alfred Faella was appointed County Manager of Union County in 2011. He and his family live in Mountainside.

 

 

Leroy Horn

 

Leroy Horn was a three-year starter for the Summit High School baseball team. He was selected to the First Team, All Union County squad by the Star-Ledger and the Elizabeth Daily Journal in his sophomore and senior years. In his junior year, he was selected to the Second Team. Leroy was named to the First Team, All-Conference squad all three seasons. In 1984, he earned a Third Team All-State selection in his senior year. He had a .418 batting average in senior year with eight triples, still a Summit High School record.

Leroy moved on to Montclair State University as an outfielder, hitting .326 with 37 doubles, 18 home runs, 172 hits and 139 RBI’s in his three-year career. He was named First Team All-NJAC, All-Mid-Atlantic Region, and Third Team All America. He ranks in the Top 20 in several MSU baseball statistics. He also excelled on the football field as a running back and kick returner as the Red Hawks earned three straight NJAC Championships.

Leroy Horn was recently inducted into Montclair State’s Hall of Fame. He remains active with baseball in Summit, coaching at all levels from Middle School to Junior Varsity.

Jim Jeskey

 

Jim Jeskey played baseball, soccer and basketball at Panzer College before the school merged with Montclair State. He transferred to Seton Hall University and pitched for the Pirates in 1955 and 1956. His catcher was Mike Sheppard, who went on to coach Seton Hall baseball for years.

After a stint in the Army, Jim became assistant baseball coach at Union High School, where he stayed for 36 years, from 1963 through 1999. He also was the coach and player/manager of the semi-pro Livingston Giants in the prestigious Essex County Baseball League from 1969 to 1979, and he coached the Livingston American Legion teams from 1963 to 1968, and again in 1980.

Jim served as head soccer coach at Union High School from 1961 to 2008. He has 500 career wins, four Union County Conference Championships and 11 conference titles. The Union High School soccer field is named in his honor. During his varied athletic career, Jim coached the bowling team and varsity golf, and coached basketball at the junior varsity level. He also coached CYO baseball and basketball teams.

Jim Jeskey has finished a number of major running events including the Marine Corps Shore and the Boston Marathon. He has competed and won medals in ten National Senior Olympic Games.

Al Volpe

 

Al Volpe has served the City of Linden since 1967, when he became Assistant Superintendent, and since 1976 as Superintendent of Linden Recreation. While he has made numerous contributions to all sports in Linden, his contributions to the baseball programs in Linden and Union County are particularly notable.

Al sponsored numerous free baseball clinics for players of all ages and co-sponsored clinics with Ed Flanagan of the Linden PAL that featured major league players and managers such as Jeff Torborg and Roy White. He sponsored teams in all age brackets of the Union County Summer and Fall Youth Baseball Leagues and sponsored three teams annually in the Tri-County League. In addition, he sponsored annual clinics for girls’ softball teams that featured college coaches.

During his tenure, Al Volpe oversaw the construction of one of the first lighted baseball facilities in the county and created a system of baseball fields available for schools, community groups and teams of all ages for practice and games. He also sponsored American Legion baseball teams at all levels, hosted numerous County and State American Legion Baseball tournaments and provided facilities for Union County and State High School tournaments.

Chris Zusi Memorial Award
Outstanding Athlete
Union County

Rob Smorol

Rob Smorol played four years of varsity baseball at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, where he was selected to First Team All-Union County and Group 2 All State squads by the Star Ledger during his junior and senior years. He played for legendary coach Fred Hill for four years at Rutgers University, where he was one of the most accomplished left-handed pitchers in the school’s 144-year baseball history. Rob was a three-time All State selection and he ranks third in Rutgers career and single-season wins and in career strikeouts.

As a Rutgers senior, Rob received the 2013 Ron Kish Academic Award for having the highest GPA on the team. After graduation, he signed with the Boston Red Sox and began his professional career with their Gulf Coast League affiliate. He is the 66th Scarlet Knight to sign a major league contract during Coach Hill’s career. Rob’s success in his first season with the Gulf Coast Red Sox led to a late season promotion to the Greenville Drive, Boston’s Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

Joseph Lombardi Memorial Award
Outstanding Athlete
Union County

Melissa Tobie

Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth was a three-year starter at Roselle Catholic High School, where her 1,016 career points make her the third leading girls basketball scorer in school history. She finished her senior season averaging 19 points and more than eight rebounds per game and led Roselle Catholic to the school’s third straight Union County Tournament championship. Melissa was named Union County Player of the Year for 2010-11 by the Star-Ledger.

At Montclair State University, Melissa had outstanding freshman and sophomore years, starting every game of both basketball seasons. She averaged 18 points per game as a freshman. A year after she earned the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Rookie-of-the-Year honor, Melissa was named Player of the Year by the league. She also collected her second All-America honor. Under the direction of Coach Karin Harvey, Melissa led the Red Hawks in scoring, free throws, assists and blocked shots. Now in her junior year, she has already reached the elite 1,000-point club for her MSU career.

Edward Cooper Memorial Award
Most Valuable Scholastic Baseball Player

Ryan Williamson

Ryan Williamson had a stellar year leading Cranford High School to its second straight state crown, third in four years, and the Number One spot in the final Star-Ledger Top 20 of 2013. Ryan, a left-handed First Team, All-State selection, finished his senior year with an 11-0 record and a 0.56 ERA. He led the Cougars to every championship they could win – conference, sectional and state. He struck out 88 and walked 22 in 75 innings with a WHIP of 0.90.

When not pitching, Ryan played center field and finished with a .419 batting average with 11 doubles, two triples, 27 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .457. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round of the Major League draft, but he is attending North Carolina State University on a baseball scholarship.

Banyasz Brothers Memorial Award
Most Valuable Scholastic Softball Player

Elena Scarano

Elena Scarano led the Westfield High School Blue Devil Softball Team in 2013 to its first Union County Tournament trophy since 1998. The right-handed pitcher struck out 121 batters and walked just 24 in 142 innings while recording a 1.82 ERA. Elena also had a good season at the plate, finishing with a .314 batting average, 26 hits, seven doubles, 17 RBI’s and 14 runs scored. She was named Union County Softball Player of 2013 by the Star-Ledger.

Under the direction of Coach Caitlin MacDonald, the Westfield Softball Team approaches the 2014 spring season with a talented roster that includes Elena Scarano, seven other seniors and two juniors – and likely will be a contender in Union County and throughout the state. In the “off season,” Elena is a four-year varsity volleyball player and captain of the Westfield team.

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