Author: Web Site Administrator

A six-member delegation from the Social Security Department of the Ministry of Finance for the People’s Republic of China visited the County of Union to obtain an overview of its’ budget process.

After a brief introduction in the Freeholder’s Chamber room, the delegation met with Finance Director Bibi Taylor to discuss the budget. The Chinese Delegation is visiting the U.S. this month for the purpose of learning public budgeting and finance, especially as it pertains to social services programs. They will also be visiting New York City, Washington D.C. and Virginia to have similar discussions with Federal, Municipal and County agencies.

l. to r.  Social Security Senior Section  Member (PRC) Wang Hui, Social Security  Consultant (PRC)  Huang Yaodong, Social Security Senior Section Member (PRC) Wang Min, Union County Finance Director Bibi Taylor,  Social Security Ministry (PRC) Deputy Director General Song Qichao, Union County Manager Al Faella (making presentation of gift to the delegation., Social Security Director (PRC) Wang Wenjun, Social Security Senior Section  Member (PRC) Xiao Yi, and Union County Public Relations Director Sebastian D’Elia

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – American History lovers mark your calendars. On Sunday, October 19, as part of Union County’s Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration at The Deserted Village in the Watchung Reservation, visitors will have the opportunity to hear two noted authors speak about the rich history of the area.

“Four Centuries in a weekend offers everyone an opportunity to visit historic sites throughout our county and learn first-hand the role our area played in creation of this great country,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

“We are fortunate to be able to present two guest speakers to discuss the events surrounding the War for Independence and the role Union County played in our nation’s history,” Hudak said.

At 2:00 p.m., Mark Di Ionno, a lifetime newspaperman and a 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist in news commentary for his work on Hurricane Sandy, will speak at Masker’s Barn. Di Ionno will discuss the Revolutionary War in the Garden State, which was the topic of his last non-fiction book, and A Guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail.

Di Ionno is a four time winner of the New Jersey Press Association’s first-place award for column writing. His columns appear regularly in The Star-Ledger, and its online partner, nj.com.

He is also the author of three award-winning nonfiction books that include New Jersey’s Coastal Heritage, and A Guide to New Jersey’s Revolutionary War Trail, which received the New Jersey Academic Alliance Award. His third book, Backroads, New Jersey was named among the most notable New Jersey books (1995-2005) by the New Jersey Center for the Book.

At 4:00 p.m., historian Robert Sullivan will discuss the strategic role the Watchung Mountains played in Gen. George Washington’s incursion against the British troops.

In his book, “My American Revolution,” Sullivan highlights the battles that took place in New York and New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania in our country’s battle for freedom.

Visit the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park during 4 Centuries In A Weekend on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 19 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m., free of charge. The day includes guided tours, Hay rides, apple cider pressing, old fashioned children’s games and refreshments on sale in the General Store.

For the first time, visitors will also be able to get to the event via mass transit.  While shuttle buses will be available in many communities along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, Union County Parks & Recreation is joining with Mountainside and Westfield to provide shuttle service from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, with stops at three historic sites along the way in the two communities.   The shuttle service will run during the hours of the two-day celebration.

For more information about 4 Centuries In A Weekend you can visit the Union County website atucnj.org.

In advance of the Jewish High Holidays, Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan urges members of the Jewish community, cultural institutions and synagogues across the county to take stock of the security measures.

There are no specific threats ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur but security precautions are necessary.

“Now is a vital time to confirm that security measures are in place, to ensure the safety of congregants throughout the season and year-round,” Acting Sheriff Cryan said. “Always think security and stay vigilant.”

The Jewish community’s heightened visibility during this time is often tempting to perpetrators of anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment. Current crisis around the globe also increase the possible threat.

“After the recent conflict in Gaza and with the current dangerous situation with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, a greater threat looms,” he added. “Islamic State terrorists recently released a video as a threat against America.”

“We always need to be conscious of the security needs of the Jewish community,” said the Acting Sheriff. “This is especially true around the High Holidays.”

Good security is about more than cameras, locks or fences. People need to be aware of their surroundings and what is going on around them. Solid security is also about good planning and building relationships with your local law enforcement agencies.

The Anti-Defamation League recommends security practices for the High Holidays for synagogues and Jewish communal institutions that include:

·         Advise local law enforcement of High Holy Day schedules and special events.

·         Ensure that ushers understand their critical role in security matters, and that they are familiar with suspicious activity indicators.

·         Establish procedures for controlling access to community facilities.

·         Encourage staff, leadership, and constituents to trust their instincts if they come across someone or something suspicious.

·         Review event publicity in light of security.

All law enforcement and community leaders should be aware of High Holy Day schedules and special events. This year Rosh Hashanah is September 25-26. Yom Kippur is October 4.

[via NJDOT]

Bridge to remain closed during construction

(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced overnight lane closures in the eastbound direction on heavily traveled Route 24 will begin tonight for priority repairs to the Hobart Avenue Bridge connecting Summit, Union County and Milburn, Essex County.

The bridge, which goes over Route 24, was struck by a tractor trailer carrying construction equipment on August 26, damaging three beams.  NJDOT evaluation crews assessed the structure and closed the Hobart Avenue Bridge to ensure the safety of motorists.

Overnight work with lane closures will begin tonight and continue until the project is completed, which is expected to be within the next two weeks.

Beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, September 17, 2014 through 5 a.m. Thursday, September 18, NJDOT and its contractors will close up to two eastbound lanes on Route 24 to repair the beams. The overpass is located about 1.5 miles east of Exit 7/CR 649 and the Short Hills Mall.

The work will take place Sundays through Thursdays from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next morning, and Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next morning. The repair is expected to be completed by early October. At least one eastbound Route 24 lane will be maintained during the overnight construction. The westbound lane will not be affected by the work.

The following detours have been in place for motorists wishing to cross the Hobart Avenue Bridge:

·         Motorists traveling westbound on Hobart Avenue are directed to Route 124 westbound/Morris Turnpike to Summit Avenue, which is the next bridge over Route 24, and then to Route 124 eastbound/Morris Turnpike to Hobart Avenue.

·         Motorists traveling eastbound on Hobart Avenue are directed to Route 124 eastbound to Route 24 eastbound to Exit 9B to Morris Avenue/CR 527 to Route 124 westbound to Hobart Avenue.

To ease congestion at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Route 124 westbound, NJDOT is making signal improvements that will include replacing the signal controller and cabinet, as well as four signal heads. A dedicated left turn arrow from Summit Avenue to Route 124 eastbound will be added to help clear traffic on the bridge more efficiently. These improvements will be permanent.

The process to repair the damaged beams under the bridge uses a specialized heat straightening technique. This will allow NJDOT to make a permanent repair more quickly than a traditional repair that often includes replacing beams, which is both more costly and time consuming.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.  Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

 

Union Country Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed Jalloh (R) and Freeholders Sergio Granados (L), Vernell Wright (C) and Bette Jane Kowalski (2^nd R) joined Store Manager Dominic Romeo, Lisa Housel (2^nd L) and Christine Wolfe of the Shoprite in Clark for the store’s annual “Help Bag Hunger” event. Cashiers collected donations for the Shoprite Partners in Caring Fund to help fill the shelves of local community food banks. For more information about the “Help Bag Hunger” campaign visit www.shoprite.com/feedthehungry/. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

In advance of the Jewish High Holidays, Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan urges members of the Jewish community, cultural institutions and synagogues across the county to take stock of the security measures.

There are no specific threats ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur but security precautions are necessary.

“Now is a vital time to confirm that security measures are in place, to ensure the safety of congregants throughout the season and year-round,” Acting Sheriff Cryan said. “Always think security and stay vigilant.”

The Jewish community’s heightened visibility during this time is often tempting to perpetrators of anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment. Current crisis around the globe also increase the possible threat.

“After the recent conflict in Gaza and with the current dangerous situation with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, a greater threat looms,” he added. “Islamic State terrorists recently released a video as a threat against America.”

“We always need to be conscious of the security needs of the Jewish community,” said the Acting Sheriff. “This is especially true around the High Holidays.”

Good security is about more than cameras, locks or fences. People need to be aware of their surroundings and what is going on around them. Solid security is also about good planning and building relationships with your local law enforcement agencies.

The Anti-Defamation League recommends security practices for the High Holidays for synagogues and Jewish communal institutions that include:

·         Advise local law enforcement of High Holy Day schedules and special events.

·         Ensure that ushers understand their critical role in security matters, and that they are familiar with suspicious activity indicators.

·         Establish procedures for controlling access to community facilities.

·         Encourage staff, leadership, and constituents to trust their instincts if they come across someone or something suspicious.

·         Review event publicity in light of security.

All law enforcement and community leaders should be aware of High Holy Day schedules and special events. This year Rosh Hashanah is September 25-26. Yom Kippur is October 4.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that replacement of the 103-year-old Gordon Street Bridge is in sight. The Board voted to award a contract for the design of a new bridge at its regular meeting on Thursday, September 11. Due to the complicated nature of the project, the design phase is expected to take approximately 18 months.

The Gordon Street Bridge is located near the western end of the border between Roselle Park and Roselle. It spans the railroad tracks between the two boroughs, at Gordon Street in Roselle. It connects two major east-west arteries, Route 28 and Route 610, which run parallel to the tracks on either side.

“The Gordon Street Bridge project underscores the importance of infrastructure to economic development,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We expect that an update of this key connector will help businesses in Union County fill their transportation needs more effectively, create more convenience for commuters and travelers, and enhance our emergency response.”

The Gordon Street Bridge plays an important role in Union County’s roadway network, as one of only four railroad crossings between Roselle Park and Roselle. Of those four, only two are bridges. The other two crossings are below or at the grade level of the railway.

The original parts of the Gordon Street Bridge were constructed in 1911. A 1990’s-era reconstruction project added an extension at the south end of the bridge. The bridge was also rehabilitated in 2005 as a preventive measure, to address a deteriorating concrete deck and other deficiencies.

In addition to enabling the Gordon Street crossing to meet modern construction standards, the new bridge will be expanded from the existing two lanes to three lanes. The third lane will be used for left-hand turns at both ends of the bridge, to ease traffic flow.

The Gordon Street Bridge has been called an “orphan” bridge because it has no owner. Union County has been designated to oversee the design phase, which has been fully funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through an arrangement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

“This is a complicated project that involved county, state, and federal agencies working together to improve vital infrastructure that would otherwise be left in limbo,” said Hudak. “The Freeholder Board is very happy to see this project move forward.”

The design contract of approximately $750,000 was awarded to Hardesty & Hanover of West Trenton.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter attwitter.com/countyofunionnj.

More Accolades for Union County Vo-Tech Schools

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that all five Union County Vocational-Technical Schools have earned a place in the 2014 Newsweek list of “absolute” top-performing high schools in the country.

“The continued national recognition of our Vo-Tech schools’ performance is a testament to UCVTS community’s commitment to creating an atmosphere that supports challenging academics and personal development,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

“I am extremely proud of the UCVTS community for their academic accomplishments and congratulate our students, dedicated staff members, and administrators on this latest national recognition,” said UCVTS Superintendent Peter A. Capodice. “I look forward to building on the educational foundation we have set.”

For its survey, Newsweek ranked the top 500 schools nationwide using academic criteria including graduation rates and college enrollment.

Newsweek’s latest survey includes two lists: ‘America’s Top High Schools 2014,’ which ranks schools based solely on performance (“absolute” list), and ‘Beating the Odds: America’s Top High Schools for Low-Income Students,’ which ranks schools with poverty levels taken into account (“relative” list).

All five Union County Vocational-Technical Schools were ranked in Newsweek’s “absolute” list of top-performing high schools in the country.

Union County’s Magnet High School ranked #2 nationally. The Academy for Allied Health Science ranked #21, the Academy for Information Technology ranked #27, the Academy For The Preforming Arts ranked #52, and Union County Vocational-Technical High School #198.

The UCVTS campus is located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Expanded and updated considerably within recent years, the campus includes five high schools that engage students in challenging college-level academics and high demand workforce skills within a supportive environment.

The application process for UCVTS begins when prospective 8^th-grade students attend a required information session at the campus in Scotch Plains. The first session will be on Saturday, September 20. Students who are interested in applying to enter as freshmen in fall 2015 can visit ucvts.tec.nj.us for the schedule of available sessions and all details about applying.

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

Union County Freeholders Linda Carter (L) and Bette Jane Kowalski (R) joined Public Safety Director Andrew Moran (2^ndL) and Union County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska (4^th R) during a visit with  members of Union County Police PBA Local 73 at the Habitat for Humanity project on West Seventh Street in Plainfield. The members of PBA Local 73 volunteered and helped build houses that will go to deserving members of the community. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

 

(From left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak, Vice Chairman Mohamed Jalloh and Freeholders Linda Carter and Angel G. Estrada congratulate James Morris (3^rd L) and Azana Crawley (3^rd R) on becoming New Jersey ACT-SO Gold Medalists. ACT-SO, which stand for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is a NAACP student enrichment program that culminates in local, state and national competitions where students compete for awards and prizes. Both gold medalists attend the Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy in Elizabeth. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)