Author: Web Site Administrator

The Port Authority is prepared to accommodate the nearly six million people who will travel by air, car or rail during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer travel season. The agency has taken proactive measures to ensure travelers have a safe and customer-friendly experience while using Port Authority facilities across the region.

Following this week’s tragic terrorism attack in Manchester, England, the Port Authority Police Department has stepped up security at all of the agency’s facilities through the Memorial Day weekend.  The actions include increased counter security efforts, such as random bag and vehicle checks, the deployment of special weapons units, as well as the assignment of additional security personnel and equipment at the agency’s bridges, tunnels, airports, PATH rail and other holdings.

Airports

Beginning Friday, May 26, through Tuesday, May 30, the agency expects more than 1.8 million passengers to use the Port Authority’s aviation facilities – a 1.4 percent increase over last year.

The Port Authority expects approximately 839,000 passengers to travel through John F. Kennedy International, approximately 576,000 to travel through Newark Liberty International Airport, an estimated 384,000 to travel through LaGuardia Airport, a projected 15,000 to travel through Atlantic City International Airport and 3,200 to travel through Stewart International Airport.

To handle the high volume of expected air travelers, the Port Authority will staff the airports with hundreds of Customer Care Representatives to assist travelers throughout the holiday weekend. Travelers should check with their carriers on the status of their flight before going to the airport.

Given ongoing redevelopment-related construction, travelers to LaGuardia Airport should plan ahead and check www.laguardiaairport.com for tips and the latest information on parking, mass transit and ground transportation alternatives.

For additional information on how passengers can streamline their trip through screening checkpoints, visit the TSA website at

https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/wait_times_home.aspx.   

Passengers planning to use the Port Authority’s airports during the Memorial Day weekend can sign up for Airport Info Alerts at http://www.airportinfoalerts.com/. This free, mobile subscription service notifies customers about weather delays and parking lot capacities.

Bridges and Tunnels

The Port Authority projects that approximately 3.4 million travelers will use its bridges and tunnels during the holiday weekend. The agency will have a full complement of toll collectors on duty to expedite travel through its crossings.  With passenger traffic expected to be heavier than normal, motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destination.

All construction on Port Authority bridges and tunnels, with the exception of emergency work, will be suspended from Friday morning through Tuesday morning for the holiday weekend. The Bayonne Bridge will remain opened from 5 a.m. Friday, May 26, through 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30.

Heavier than normal crowds are expected at the Port Authority Bus Terminal during the holiday getaway and passengers are urged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines prior to their scheduled departure.

To ensure the safety of the traveling public, the Port Authority Police Department will conduct a DWI checkpoint at its facilities throughout the weekend to discourage people from drinking and driving.

To receive the latest travel alerts, travelers are encouraged to register for Port Authority Alerts at www.bridgeandtunnelalerts.com.  Motorists can receive alerts directly to their cell phones or e-mail accounts.

Additionally, travelers are encouraged to download Waze, a free crowdsourced traffic and navigation application. The Port Authority will feed information on lane closures, traffic incidents and other events to the Waze platform in real time.

PATH

The Port Authority projects that approximately 520,000 travelers will use its PATH rail system during the holiday weekend. PATH will operate additional trains as needed on Friday, May 26, to assist commuters leaving early for the holiday weekend. PATH will operate on a normal Saturday schedule on Saturday, May 27.  On Sunday, May 28, PATH will operate on a Sunday schedule. On Monday, May 29, PATH will operate on a Saturday schedule.

For up-to-date service information, riders are encouraged to follow PATH Rail System on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PATHTrain. Riders also can sign up for PATHAlerts at www.pathalerts.com, which provides up to the minute bulletins on PATH service changes.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce the third and final lecture in the spring “Trailside Talks” series, for adults and high school students at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.   This free program has been funded by the Trailside Museum Association.  Donations are welcomed.          

“This lecture is one not to be missed.  It answers the many questions people are posing about the declining bee population”, notes Freeholder Chairman, Bruce H. Bergen.

On Saturday, June 3 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  the Trailside Talks Series concludes with “Pollinators.” Butterflies, bumblebees, moths and other creatures help pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants and crops, contributing to over $29 billion in crops each year.  Currently many species of pollinators are struggling to survive.  A naturalist from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation explores why pollinators are crucial to our environment, health, food systems and economy.  Learn how to help the declining species of New Jersey pollinators with simple steps we can take to protect them in our own backyard. 

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please 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 facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Improvement Authority hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Union County Courthouse Cherry Street Annex.  Located at 2 Cherry Street in Elizabeth, the new courthouse provides six state-of-the-art courtrooms and facilities that will serve families throughout Union County. The event brought together county officials, judges and legal professionals from across Union County.

“As a Judiciary, we are proud of this courthouse for many reasons,” said the Honorable Karen M. Cassidy, Assignment Judge for the Union County Vicinage (Union County Court).  “This is the first time that litigants are able to come to a facility that will address their needs in one location.” 

“The new Courthouse is a dignified, modern and functional facility for the usage of families, the judiciary, our employees, and the community as a whole,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are pleased to support the construction of a permanent facility that is dedicated to helping those in need.”

Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Union, Somerset and Middlesex), who serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated: “I am pleased to celebrate the official opening of the new courthouse that will serve Union County families. The expansion of our court facilities was critical to ensuring that our judiciary is able to meet the needs of residents, who expect that our courthouses are equipped to operate in an effective and efficient manner. I’m confident this twenty-first century courthouse will adequately serve our region well into the future.”

Assemblyman Jerry Green of Plainfield (D-22), Speaker Pro Tempore of the NJ Assembly, said: “The new Courthouse is an outstanding facility that will provide the proper setting to improve the lives of the families and children who need help and seek justice.”

Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, whose community is hosting the facility, added: “”The new Union County Annex building not only contributes to the revitalization of Elizabeth’s downtown area, but also provides additional services for our City and County residents. Elizabeth is proud to be the County seat and looks forward to having more resources to support families in need as well as help those seeking assistance and legal guidance.”

Union County Acting Prosecutor Grace H. Park said:  “The Courthouse will also house the newly established Union County Family Justice Center (FJC), which is expected to open in late summer 2017. The FJC will provide crime victims with legal assistance, crisis counseling, court advocacy, logistical support, and housing aid. We believe this will positively transform the way in which domestic violence receive services in Union County.”

UCIA Executive Director Daniel P. Sullivan served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which began with the presentation of colors, conducted by the Office of the Union County Sheriff Honor Guard. The program included a performance by the Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Choir from Elizabeth. The program’s honored guest and keynote speaker was New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.

The new facility serves as an extension of the current courthouse. It will provide 78,071 square feet of new space.

The building was designed in accordance with NJ Courthouse Facility Guidelines and embraces the latest in technology and security features to serve judges, staff, lawyers and litigants. The Courthouse includes four interconnected spatial and circulation systems, each separate and secure, including:

• Six state-of-the-art Courtrooms and support facilities
• Judges’ Chambers and Support Staff offices
• Prisoner Intake, Holding and Attorney/Client Conference spaces
• Sheriff’s Department security control facilities

The public enters the Courthouse through an elevated courtyard and secured lobby, providing direct access to court-related administrative functions and stair/elevators connections to courtroom waiting areas on the floors above.  Other public spaces include a Cafeteria, Children’s Waiting Room, Attorney Lounge, Conference, Hearing and Mediation Rooms and several Waiting Areas. The building is fully accessible to the handicapped and provides surface parking including a separate and secured parking lot for judges.  The project was also designed to receive USGBC LEED® Certification.

“The UCIA is proud to play an important role in the construction of our newest courthouse in Union County, and we greatly appreciate the support given to this project by the Board of Chosen Freeholders,” says UCIA Chairman, Anthony Scutari. “It is a state-of-the-art facility that will meet the needs of Union County families and our Courts for many, many years to come,” adds Mr. Scutari.

About the UCIA

The aims and purpose of the Union County Improvement Authority are those set forth generally in County Improvement Authorities Law, N.J.S.A. 40:37A-44 et seq., and particularly in N.J.S.A. 40:37A-54, which provides the Authority with the statutory power and resources to assist the State of New Jersey, the County of Union, and the municipalities within the County to create, construct and operate a variety of facilities and services for the public benefit. For more information visit ucimprovementauthority.org.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a total of 21 new miles of County roads will be repaved this season in 15 municipalities. Work will begin later this summer.

“Union County maintains more 174 miles of roadway that are of import for the transport of our residents but also goods and commerce that impacts New Jersey and the region as a whole,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We look forward to making progress this summer in ensuring these roads are in good condition for travel.”

Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is a member of the Public Works and Facilities Freeholder Committee, added:  “Resurfacing also makes travel on our roadways safer and more efficient.  We also make improvements to signage and striping to improve visibility, and to curbing to improve safety and accessibility for people with disabilities.”

The 2017 Roads Resurfacing program will begin later this summer after the County completes the 2016 Roads Resurfacing program which was delayed last year after Governor Christie froze the state’s Transportation Trust Fund which pays in part for the program.

The 2017 Road Resurfacing program will cost approximately $8.2 million, with an approximate 50-50 funding split between the County and the State Transportation Trust Fund.

The work will be conducted at night when possible, in order to minimize the need for detours during peak travel periods. 

The roads scheduled for resurfacing in 2017 are:

• Berkeley Heights/Summit: Glenside Avenue from Valley Road to Baltusrol Ave 
• Berkeley Heights: Valley Road from Glenside Ave to the Somerset County Line
• Clark/Cranford: Walnut Avenue from South Avenue to Valley Road
• Elizabeth:  Linden Avenue from Acme Street/ Park Entrance to Elmora Avenue
• Elizabeth/Linden: Linden Ave/Lidgerwood Avenue  from Park Avenue to Edgar Road
• Hillside: Conant Street from Liberty Avenue to Salem Ave
• Linden:Wood Ave from St. Georges Avenue to Blancke St.
• Linden: Wood Ave form Pennsylvania R.R. Ave. to Rts # 1 and 9 
• Mountainside: Summit Lane  from Summit Road to W.R. Tracy Dr.
• Rahway: Milton Avenue to Route 1 & 9 to Broad Street
• Rahway:  Hazelwood Avenue/Hart Street from Fulton Street to  Randolph Avenue
• Roselle: Chestnut Street from St. Georges Avenue to 1st Avenue
• Roselle Park: Lincoln Avenue East from Chestnut Street to  Galloping Hill Road 
• Scotch Plains: Mountain Avenue & Willow Avenue from Route 22 
• Scotch Plains: Raritan Road from Lake Avenue to Terrill Road
• Summit: Passaic Avenue from Constantine Place to River Road
• Union: Salem Road from Morris Avenue to Conant Street
• Westfield/Clark: Central Avenue from South Avenue to Barnes & Noble

For up-to-date information on road closures and other travel advisories related to County road and bridge projects, visit the interactive Road Construction Update page at ucnj.org/traffic.

To report potholes on County roads, use the convenient online form at ucnj.org/pothole.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright welcomed Janice Huff, Chief Meteorologist for NBC 4 New York, to the fifth annual Union County Women Mean Business (UCWMB) Summit at the Clubhouse at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. They were joined by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

Huff delivered the keynote address at the event that was designed to help women grow their business networks and build critical skills. UCWMB is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen welcome members of the Union County Municipal Clerks Association at the County Clerk’s annual appreciation luncheon in honor of Municipal Clerks Week. They were joined by Ellen Dotto of Union County College.

This year’s luncheon was held at Union County College Cranford campus.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados visits with students and faculty at John Marshall School # 20 in Elizabeth where Groundwork Elizabeth was installing a vegetable garden as part of the Union County Kids Dig In! grant program.

The grant covers establishing/building of gardens, garden boxes and/or tools and equipment. It is aimed at educating students about gardening and fostering the growth and creation of community gardens at the schools.

The County awarded 31 schools in 12 county municipalities Union County Kids Dig In! grants through its Open Space Trust Fund, offering a total of just under $40,000 in grant.

The grant program covers produce gardens including vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, herbs and spices, pollinator-attracting plants and plants for pest management. It does not cover ornamental plants or non-producing gardens.

Schools must agree to set aside 30% of their harvest for community donation and enroll in Come Grow With Us!, a free countywide information and resource sharing network for community gardens.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

56-year-old facility, including skating rink, doubles in size, and becomes year-round sports center

The Warinanco Park Skating facility—a familiar old friend and landmark for Union County skaters since 1961—has doubled in size and become the Warinanco Sports Center after undergoing an extensive $7 million modernization that has transformed it into a year-round venue for skating, baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced.

The project, which was financed through the County’s Park’s Department, was completed over a two-year period. Later this year, the County will host a full celebration marking the start of skating activities.

“Our vision was to provide modernized amenities while creating a venue that can remain in use year-round for other purposes,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “We are excited to be opening an exciting update that has restored the skating rink to full prominence.”

“The new Warinanco Sports Center is a place where families will continue to make great memories,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is also the Freeholder Board’s parks liaison. “We’ve completed an imaginative recreation of the landmark.”

Elements of the renovation/modernization included:

• A new state-of-the-art field house measuring 11,000 square feet, including two rooms for parties, a large food concession area, a video game room, and skate rental room;
• A new exterior seating area that will be covered, protecting patrons from the elements;
• The rink’s refrigeration system has been renovated;
• A new ice rink floor has been installed (covering the same foot print), including new refrigeration piping, LEED lighting and reflective ceiling, which is made from a material which will help prevent humidity build-up;
• New flooring in the rink as well as new boards, glass and nets;
• An all new gas fireplace–stone covered and running the height of the field house and big screen TVs throughout;
• Team locker rooms have also been remodeled.

Later this Summer, Field turf will be laid on the rink floor and baseball/softball batting cages will be added as well as an infield so as to service the large number of baseball and softball leagues in the area. The turf will also be able to service the large number of soccer clubs and lacrosse teams throughout Union County.

Mar-Bridge Enterprises of Matawan was the general contractor, and Netta Architects of Mountainside designed the new facility. The complex will  be managed by Sports Facility Management (SFM) of Clear Water, Fla.

SFM Founding Partner and CEO, Jason Clement remarked, “We believe in the power of sports, fitness and recreation and its ability to improve the health & economic vitality of the communities we serve and are inspired by the vision and continued investment in the park by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. We are excited about bringing our national network of resources and results-driven approach to help provide a new level of service to the iconic Warinanco Park and Union County community.”

As a part of the engagement, Sports Facilities Management will also be involved in both the re-branding and marketing of the new Warinanco Sports Center, as well as the Park itself.

“The national resources, experience and expertise that SFM brings to the table is not unlike our successful collaboration with KemperSports, a leader in the golf course management industry (which started in 2010) and played a key part in the day-to-day management and transformation of the Galloping Hills course and Learning Center into one of the most sought after public golf courses in the state of New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chairman Bergen.

The rink, which is located on the Roselle side of the park, was part of the original plans for the park drawn up in the 1920s. It was finally built and opened as an outdoor facility in October, 1961 with much fanfare: the opening program featured group and solo exhibitions from local professional and amateur skaters, a pee wee hockey game, and speed skating.  The rate card billed the rink as “The First Public Artificial Ice Skating Rink in Union County.”

The rink was built in what was then known as the “Spinning Woods” area of Warinanco Park, and cost $225,000 to construct. It required 216 tons of sand for the base and 32 tons of crystal spar.

A roof was added in 1969 making the ice surface usable in all weather conditions. The rink is now home ice for nine hockey teams from six Union County high schools and is used by nearly 50,000 skaters each year.

Warinanco Park has seen extensive renovations culminating over the past few years with the opening of the new athletic turf field and track area on the Roselle side, and a new sprayground/playground sports area on the Elizabeth side, across from the Boat House.

Located in the City of Elizabeth, and the Borough of Roselle, Warinanco Park, which opened in the mid 1920s, comprises 205 acres of developed park land, and was originally designed by the Olmsted Firm.

Beginning in 1857 with the design for Central Park in New York City, Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), his sons and successor firm created designs for more than 6,000 landscapes across North America, including many of the world’s most important parks.

For generations of Union County residents, Warinanco Park is arguably the County’s most well-known recreational facility.  While it is deceivingly small in size, the park’s many features make it appear as if it were actually much bigger.

Warinanco Park has four distinct areas: the Central Park area, the boathouse/playground area, the skating center, and the track area.

Some other  popular attractions include  the Chatfield Gardens; the park’s Great Walk area; tennis courts; ball fields; and par-course fitness route.  In the Spring, the park is noted for its colorful blooms of Cherry Blossom, Dogwood trees and Azaleas.  

Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan congratulates Patrolman Christopher Laver and K9 Jada of the Hackettstown Police Department, Patrolman Matthew Casterline and K9 Chase of the Hillside Police Department, Officer Albert Bauer and K9 Diesel and Officer Shannon Dinella and K9 Basilone from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on graduating the Union County’s Sheriff’s Office K9 Training Academy during the graduation ceremony for Class 17-01 in Summit.

They were joined by Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano, Hackettstown Police Chief James Macaulay and Sergeant Brian Howarth of the Union County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Eight individuals and five organizations received a Union County Human Relations Commission Unity Award for Achievement, an honor annually bestowed upon those who dedicate their time and efforts toward volunteerism and philanthropy in Union County, during a special presentation held Monday, May 8 at the Kean University STEM Building in Union Township.

The 2017 awards marked the 16th year in which the Commission has named Unity Award honorees. 

“This annual award recognizes programs, services, activities, and efforts being put forth by local role models who promote cultural diversity, strong community relations, and human rights,” Commission Co-Chair Nora Mislan said. “Those who are nominated for this award are regular people who do extraordinary things. Their efforts make others’ lives better.”

“Our commissioners unequivocally agree that one of the best ways to strive to accomplish our mission – to actively encourage, develop, promote, and strengthen respect for human rights and cultural diversity among the people of Union County – is to publicly honor those who already do it well,” said the Commission’s other co-chair, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Director of Communications Mark Spivey. “Monday’s presentation was intended to highlight the extraordinary work being done by those who don’t think twice about giving back to their communities, and we are pleased that they are at least getting a fraction of the recognition and thanks they deserve.”  

Two local students received the Unity Award for Achievement by a Student: the first, Nicholas Tarabokia, is an eighth-grader in Berkeley Heights who was honored for his efforts to improve the quality of life for children and their families affected by cancer through advocacy, charity, and support. At age 6, three years into a diagnosis of leukemia, he wrote down the words “cancer stinks.” At age 8, he turned those words into a mission to help other children overcome their anxieties and fears while they battle the disease, and with the help of his brother Ryan and his family, he founded the Cancer Stinks Children’s Foundation, which has delivered more than 5,000 care packages in its six years of operation. 

Also receiving the Award was Alexandra Jackman of Westfield, who at age 8 befriended a girl with cerebral palsy who communicated through hand gestures. At age 10, she volunteered to help special-needs children through a local nonprofit organization, Autism Family Times with Brianna. Her award-winning 14-minute documentary, titled “A Teen’s Guide to Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism,” which can still be seen on YouTube, has been viewed by tens of thousands of people worldwide. Now a senior in high school, Alex’s aim continues to be to raise awareness to, in her words, “look past the special need and get to know the person.” 

Imagine: A Center for Coping with Loss, received a Unity Award for its efforts dedicated toward the strong belief that no child should have to grieve alone. The Center provides free, year-round bereavement support in a safe environment for grieving children, teens, adults, and families who are coping with loss, providing them with the opportunity to become part of a larger support system and make lifelong friends. Director Mary Robinson accepted the Award on behalf of the Center, which recently moved to Mountainside from its original Westfield location so it can expand its services to more children and families. 

The Union County Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers received a Unity Award for Achievement in Public Service for their efforts to care for many of the nearly 600 children in Union County under the age of 21 who are currently in foster care. Sworn in by a judge and empowered to speak to foster parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, tutors, therapists, and more, these volunteers help their assignees gain access to an education and other services that meet their specialized needs, and make recommendations to a family court judge to ensure that each child’s best interests remain prioritized. The award was accepted by CASA Executive Director Maria Higginbotham.

Other award recipients included:

• Retired Westfield Police Lieutenant James Schneider, for a highly distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement, but also for his lifelong commitment to save lives and lend a helping hand to fellow policemen and women struggling with substance abuse. A longtime volunteer with the Cop2Cop suicide prevention hotline service, he has also made himself available 24/7/365 for any officer in need and their family members.
• Plainfield Auxiliary Police Division Captain Wally Torian, for almost four decades of volunteerism, community service, and civic activism, including his 36-year career as a volunteer auxiliary officer. His many volunteer activities, including acting as a mentor, counselor, and coach, have provided him the opportunity to protect children and encourage young men who might not have been looking to further their education begin or complete their college degrees.
• Robin Johnstone and Melissa Thompson, two Union County mothers who founded of Missions Possible of New Jersey to make a difference in the lives of children and families who fall victim to misfortune, whether via neglect, abuse, or abandonment, by collecting and distributing gently used household items and furniture, toys, and clothing.
• Terri Todd of Linden, for creating a creative mentoring program called The F.A.B. (Fashion Against Bullying) Coalition. The Coalition’s efforts focus on using fashion as a tool against bullying by providing a safe harbor where students of different backgrounds and interests can create their own style and express themselves while working together on common projects and goals. The annual culmination is hands-on business exposure and education by participating as a team in New York City’s Fashion Week.
• Mobile Meals of Westfield, for 50 years of service providing well over one million healthy meals to homebound individuals who are elderly, live alone, or sick. The Mobile Meals drivers, who sometimes are the only other person to visit meal recipients on any given day, develop a relationship with those they meet on their routes, and also monitor health and well-being. Director of Operations Josephine Walsh accepted the award.
• American Muslims for Hunger Relief, for serving the hungry and homeless with compassion, dignity, and respect, without discrimination of any color, race, gender, or religion. This nonprofit group currently serves 10,000 meals every month in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
• Carolyn George, Recreation Coordinator for the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department, for her efforts serving as a tireless and inspirational leader and role model for her community, and her “above and beyond” contributions that have enriched the lives of the residents of Berkeley Heights.

Two veterans were also honored Monday evening, both for their dedicated service to our country and for their continued commitment to support fellow veterans, especially those who are homeless, jobless, and, in many instances, friendless. 

Award recipient Kevin Murphy, a Roselle resident, previously served in the U.S. Air Force, New Jersey Air National Guard, New Jersey Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army. In addition to active service to community organizations including the borough’s Rotary Club, First Aid Squad, and Chamber of Commerce, he also founded the local Veterans Chamber of Commerce, which recently combined its resources with Operation Chillout, an all-volunteer outreach program to homeless veterans. In addition to providing emergency supplies and survival gear to some of the most vulnerable members of the community, he also runs backpack and clothing drives, and raises funds for special equipment needs.

Recently retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brett D’Allessandro, whose service included a tour of duty in Afghanistan, was also honored Monday. Upon encountering a homeless man holding a sign that read “Vietnam Veteran” several years ago, Sgt. D’Allessandro immediately went home and filled his service backpack with clothing and returned to find that man and give it to him. Thus the nonprofit group “Backpacks for Life” organization was born, and it has distributed more than 2,300 such care packages since.

For more information about the Human Relations Commission and the Unity Awards, go online to www.ucnj.org/uchrc.