County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Club earned an Environmental Heroes award earlier this month at the annual Wild Earth Festival at Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, for their Earth Day clean-up activities and tree planting efforts. Pictured with Freeholder Vernell Wright (far l) after accepting their award are (l-r) Asa Coleman of Westfield, Sandeep Mukherjee of Scotch Plains, James Brodowski of Cranford, Joseph Touris of Scotch Plains, Joseph Marta of Scotch Plains, Brian Noonan of Fanwood, Cassie Hansen of Rahway, and club leader TJ Marta of Scotch Plains (not in photo: Nathan Lam, Marcelina Krowinska and Eric Elizes all of Westfield, Dylan Kiell of Fanwood and 4-H club co-leader Melissa Stryker of Scotch Plains). 4-H is a program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Information: contact James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Volunteer 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County gathered to receive an Environmental Hero award at Watchung Reservation earlier this month, in recognition of their community projects and educational programs reaching thousands of school children each year. Joined by spouses, County staff, Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter (3rd from r.) and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (4th from r.), the group included Dean Talcott of Fanwood, Lena Golden of Gillette, Claire Minick of Mountainside, Joan Burns of Elizabeth,  Jean Crichton of Summit, Linda Jacks of Cranford, Gail Sweeney of Clark, Sandy Ciasco of Westfield, Sue Sabo-Innocenti of Watchung, Ken Ilgavizis of Mountainside, Dolores Batz Culp of Scotch Plains, Martha Mahady of Vernon, Sheila Godbee of Elizabeth, and Rutgers Extension 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz (with certificate). Master Tree Stewards is a program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Information: contact James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Karen Kessler, Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Health and founding partner of the public relations firm Evergreen Partners, Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the highly anticipated Union County Women Mean Business Summit on June 19th at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course.

“We are overjoyed that Karen Kessler has agreed to come and join us for this event,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The goal of the Women’s Summit is to inspire and empower women to compete in the business world, and Karen is a powerful and engaging example of the potential that we all have.”

A frequent speaker for business audiences, Kessler’s work has received many awards including the Gold Key Award from the Public Relations Society of America, the YWCA Achievers Award, and the Crisis Management Award from PR NEWS. She has been recognized as one of “50 Most Powerful Non-Profit Board Members,” “50 Most Powerful Women,” and Jewish Women International’s “10 Women to Watch in the USA.” She is more recently famed for her role as technical consultant to the CBS television show, “The Good Wife” and the ABC television show “Nashville”.

Kessler will speak during the luncheon at the Union County Women Mean Business Summit which is expected to draw attention from women across the far reaches of Union County.

In addition to Kessler’s address the program will also feature breakout sessions on topics such as starting a business, re-entering the workforce, enhancing your business through social media, breaking the glass ceiling, and networking.

For a full schedule of events or to register for the Summit, visit https://ucnj.org/ucmb-register; a $25 registration fee is applicable, and pre-registration is required. The first 50 women to register will receive a complimentary golf lesson at 11:00a.m.the day of the event.

The Union County Women Mean Business Summit is a part of the Union County Means Business networking series and is sponsored by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corp., Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, and Union County College. Additional sponsors include SouthWest Airlines, PSE&G, Brown & Brown Metro, Inc., Suplee Clooney & Co., The Alternative Press, and Jude Connally.

For additional information on the Summit or the Union County Means Business Series, please visitwww.ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or contact the County Manager’s office at 908-527-4200.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski congratulates Class 13-01 on graduating the Union County Sheriff’s Office K9 Training Academy during their graduation ceremony in Mountainside. The graduates are (from left) South Plainfield Police Officer Mark Bullock & K9 Blitz, United States Park Police Officer Bekim Cobaj & K9 Vice and South Plainfield Police Officer Michael Grasso & K9 Kaiser.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Vernell Wright (L) and Bette Jane Kowalski present a resolution to Union Police Director Daniel Zieser in honor of National Police Week during the Township of Union’s Annual Police Awards ceremony.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

CRANFORD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, June 1, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cranford campus of Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford, opposite Nomahegan Park.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 1 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

 

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Claudia Savickas, 15, of Westfield, practices her equestrian skills while riding Mason during her regular Watchung Mounted Troop lesson at Watchung Stable in Mountainside.  Claudia has been riding for seven years. She will be one of 300 other participants at Watchung Stable’s 80th Anniversary Spring Troop Show over the weekend of May 24-26. Riding competition events begin Friday evening and continue throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Spectators are encouraged to come and watch at no charge! Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside, is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal administered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about riding lessons or equestrian programs call Watchung Stable at 908-789-3665, or e-mail questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.

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Union County Freeholders, members of the State’s 22nd District legislative delegation, the Linden Youth Soccer Association, and City of Linden municipal officials, including Mayor and Council, were on hand to formally dedicate and cut the ribbon on new soccer and softball playing fields at Wheeler Park in Linden on Saturday.

The County fields were renovated and made new with field turf and new lights, enabling their year-round usage for soccer, softball and other usage. (Photo by Sebastian D’Elia)

l. to r. Linden Councilwoman Michele Yamakaitis, Charisse Cosby-Hurling, Linden Ward 5 Councilwoman Rhashonna Cosby-Hurling, Union County Freeholder Vice Chair Christopher Hudak, Catie Hudak, Union County Freeholder Chair Linda Carter, Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh, Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Ward 6 Linden Councilman Robert Sadowski, Linden Mayor Richard Gerbounka, State Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-22) and State Senator Nick Scutari (D-22). At bottom are honorary uniforms given to the Freeholders by the Linden Youth Soccer Association.

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2013 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit will begin this year’s tour at the Springfield Public Library, located at 66 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. It will be on display through June 10th during regular library hours.

The exhibit consists of 65 pieces of art selected from more than 650 visual art works shown at the 2013 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College. The annual event is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“The artwork in this exhibit is exceptional and the fact that the artists are teenagers makes the show even more outstanding,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”

The public is invited to a reception honoring the student artists on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Springfield Library. For information about the Teen Arts program contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users call 711, or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

2013 TEEN ARTS EXHIBIT

The exhibiting students are:

Berkeley Heights
Columbia MS
Alice Gao

Governor Livingston HS
Michael Horwath
Case Krause

Clark

Mother Seton RHS
Nathalia Palacios
Jovana Georges

Elizabeth

Abraham Lincoln School
Evelyn Huiloti

Benedictine Academy
Angie Mery

Charles Hudson School
Isidra Alvarado Vasques

Dr. Orlando Edreira
Jezebel Jimenez
Joseph Huezo

Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jefferson Torres

Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Robert McCall

Elizabeth HS – Hamilton Academy
Evelyn Lopez

Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Chrysthel Jean-Louis
David Simancas
Cindy Montalvo

Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Yilian Borroto
Patrick Castro

Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Nicole Capelo
Sung Soon DeSouza

Elmora School
Jayline Rodriguez

Louveture-Lafayette School
Katuiska ZunigaLuis Mercado

Mabel G. Holmes School

Santiago Hoyos

Nicholas M. Butler School
Ramon Rivera

Nicholas S. LaCorte School
Oscar Heredia

T.C. Reilly School
Eqequiel Carvalo

William F. Halloran School
Harmonie Garcia

Woodrow Wilson School
Irene Negron
Gilbert Moreno

 

 

Hillside
Hillside HS
Kameron Kee

Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Samantha Felipe

Kenilworth

David Brearley HS
Brian Almeida
Erick Soriano
Melissa Dudukvich

Linden

Linden HS
Adrianna Rendon
Kylie Vorob

McManus MS
Kara Depczynski

Soehl MS
Nicholas Francisco

Mountainside

Deerfield MS
Isabella DiCosmo
Deidre McLaughlin

New Providence

New Providence HS
Adrienne Cirotti
Christie Shaw
Danielle Pagano

New Providence MS
Licheng Yang

 

Plainfield

Cook School
Fritz Mersola

Plainfield Academy of Arts
Sebastian Nunez
Gabrielle Lugbauer

Plainfield HS
Erika Jackson

Union County TEAMS Charter School
Gabrielle Labady
Stephany Vargas

Roselle

Abraham Clark HS
Zulis Linares
Ti-Reece Vaughn

Grace Wilday Jr. HS
Agape DeLeon

Scotch Plains

Union County Vo-Tech HS
Bre’on Johnson
Austin McCaffrey

Summit

Oratory Preparatory School
Alex McDonald
Thomas Snyder

Union

Union HS
Wislet Dazime
Armando Flores
Anidale Naguit

Westfield

Hillcrest Academy South
Kadeem Venus

Lamberts Mill Academy
Genesis Malacara

Winfield

Winfield School
Corey Hallari

th.

“The purpose of Community Action Month is to highlight community action agencies’ role in helping low-income families move out of poverty and achieve independence and economic security,” said Linda Carter, Freeholder Chairman.

According to the 2010 US Census, approximately 53,310 (9.8%) of Union County’s 539,494 children and adults are living in poverty. Last year, the Union County Department of Human Services, in partnership with other community based social services agencies, assisted thousands of residents with food, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance.

Agencies also aided victims of domestic violence, provided emergency, short term assistance to help people avoid foreclosure on their homes, provided emergency/disaster relief; financial literacy training, home buyers education, and workforce development training.

 

The following agencies will be hosting events on May 17th in celebration of National Community Action Month:

• Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey
• The Salvation Army in Elizabeth
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center
• The Urban League of Union County

For more information about National Community Action Month events, and services for low income individuals and families contact Leslie Gutierrez, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, (908) 527-4861.  For information about other Union County services and programs, visit www.ucnj.org.

 

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.