Author: Web Site Administrator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2014

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – With miles of hiking and bridle trails crisscrossing the Watchung Reservation, maintenance and repair is an important, on-going task. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation have the perfect opportunity for trail users who want to “give something back” to the trails they enjoy.

“If you love the great outdoors and love to hike or ride horses in the Watchung Reservation, then you can show your appreciation on National Trails Day,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The 2,060-acre forest preserve is Union County’s largest park and it offers a variety of trails and scenery for all ages to enjoy.”

You can celebrate our local trails on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 7, by signing up to take a guided hike and/or participate in a trail work project in the Watchung Reservation. Participants should dress to get dirty and/or wet. Meet at the Scout Camping Area behind the greenhouse at Trailside Nature and Science Center’s Visitor Center, located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Ave.) in Mountainside.

National Trails Day begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast for all pre-registered project volunteers. Anyone interested in doing some trail work should call 908-789-3683 to register, or e-mail: bkelly@ucnj.org. From 8:45 to 10:00 a.m., a Trailside naturalist will take hikers along one of many marked trails in the Watchung Reservation in search of wildlife sights and sounds, animal tracks and interesting plant life along the way. Listen and look for migratory birds that use the Reservation as a rest stop along their trip north.

A trail work project from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will offer volunteers the chance to repair a section of hiking trail. Volunteers will learn new skills, meet other trail users and have fun while working in the out-of-doors. Bring gloves, a shovel, loppers, pruning shears and/or pick axe if you have them. Some tools will be provided. The event will be held rain or shine. Trail work participants must be seven years of age or older and children must be accompanied by an adult.

For directions to Trailside Nature and Science Center, go to http://goo.gl/maps/WG4g5 or call Trailside: 908-789-3670.

# # 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 21, 2014

Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (right) listens as John Garofalo, Assistant Superintendent of the Union County Division of Weights and Measures, explains how gas pumps are inspected at a Shell station in Rahway. The demonstration was the kickoff of Union County’s annual gas pump inspection program, marking the start of the upcoming summer travel season.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

RAHWAY, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders joined with the County’s Weights and Measures Division to kick off its annual gas pump inspection program with a demonstration of the service, marking the start of the upcoming summer travel season.

“With the Memorial Day holiday marking the start of the serious travel season in New Jersey,  we are highlighting this valuable consumer service and urging consumers to follow tips on how to save gas and protect yourself at the pump,” Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak said.

Hudak was joined by Public Safety Director Andrew Moran, Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed Jalloh, Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman, County Manager Alfred Faella, and personnel from the Weights and Measures Division. The event was held at the Shell Gas Station at the intersection of St. Georges and West Grand Avenues—a major travel artery that serves as a gateway to the Jersey Shore.

The Weights and Measures Division inspects all gas stations in the County,  with the exception of the City of Elizabeth, which has its own program. The County  inspects approximately 150 stations a year. The program finishes by the end of October.

Gas pumps may fail inspection for giving the incorrect amount of gas, having a leaky hose or for calculating the price incorrectly. Pumps that fail inspection cannot be used until they are repaired.

Once repaired, the pumps must undergo a reinspection from the County. The  penalty can be $100 per count if a violation is not addressed. Last year, the County tested 3,010 pumps. Approximately 2,857 were correct and 153 were incorrect.

While at the pump, Hudak noted consumers should always get a receipt to protect themselves. Consumers are also urged to watch the transaction to ensure the price gauge has been reset, and the requested type of gas and correct amount are served.

Aside from retail gas pump accuracy, Hudak also noted that County drivers can take steps to ensure that they get the most out of their gas budget this summer.

According to studies, the gas savings from safe, moderate driving can be substantial. Some of the basics are:

• Observe the posted speed limit.  Fuel efficiency drops greatly at higher speeds.
• Keep a safe following distance.  Passing, weaving and tailgating all involve needless accelerating and braking, which wastes gas.
• Avoid jackrabbit starts.  Accelerating gradually is more fuel efficient.

Idling is another major source of fuel waste. After just 15 seconds, an idling car uses more gas than shutting off the engine and restarting it. Idling for more than 3 minutes when not in traffic is also against the law in New Jersey because it affects local air quality, especially in school zones.

Keeping up with routine maintenance, especially oil changes and tire pressure, also results in significant savings.

Avoid “miracle” fuel additives and gadgets.  The Federal Trade Commission has studied dozens of these products and concluded that none of them work.  Some may cause engine damage or contribute to decreased fuel efficiency.

Union County has an ample stock of local recreation opportunities, which cuts the expense and hassle of travel down to a minimum.

“We have swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, boating, horseback riding, picnic areas, playgrounds with water features, free outdoor music and movies, nature programs and activities for children, and much more,” said Hudak.

For more information about Union County parks and recreation programs, visit ucnj.org/parks or call the Parks Department, 908-527-4900.

For questions about pump accuracy, fuel additives, or other consumer issues related to gasoline, contact the Union County Division of Consumer Affairs at 908-654-9840 and/or go towww.ucnj.org/gastips

# # 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2014

On May 20th, over 300 participants from both the business and government sector, converged at The Lobby in Elizabeth for the Business 2 Business Networking Event hosted by the Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The Union County Workforce Investment Board directs training investments to create sustainable jobs for residents within the County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2014

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados (2nd L) joined (from left) Union County Director of Human Services Frank Guzzo, Union County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Chairman Glenn Nacion of Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Carlos Medina, Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Investment Board Director Antonio Rivera, Alberto Goncalves, owner of The Lobby Restaurant, Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, Elizabeth Councilman Frank Cuesta, The Savor Group President Jim Brady and Union County Deputy County Manager William Reyes at the WIB Business 2 Business Networking Event at The Lobby Restaurant in Elizabeth. The gathering, which was sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Workforce Investment Board, drew hundreds of people from the business community. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 20, 2014

Union County, NJ – The second annual Union County Women Mean Business (UCWMB) Summit returns next week with a full slate of workshops aimed at helping women business owners and managers develop skills that meet the challenges of the new millennium. UCWMB is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The 2014 UCWMB Summit will be held on Wednesday May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill, at Union County’s public Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

Seats are filling fast but online registration is still open until May 27 at ucnj2.org/ucmb.

“The 2014 UCWMB Summit is a great opportunity to learn from the best, while networking with your peers from all over Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

The registration fee of $35 covers lunch, a chance to win door prizes including free airline tickets, and breakout sessions covering hot topics in today’s business environment:

Crowd Funding: Learn how to leverage the power of the crowd to get the most out of this alternative financing platform.

Decluttering: Get expert tips on streamlining your life to save time and operate more effectively.

Community Service: Discover new ways to find time in your busy schedule to “give back and move forward.”

Managing Your Finances: This panel discussion includes representatives from Union Center National Bank, aimed at helping you to organize your business and personal finances.

Personal Branding: Learn how to translate your passion for business into a brand story that stands out in the crowd.

A networking opportunity and cocktail reception (cash bar) conclude the Summit.

The 2014 UCWMB Summit is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Union Center National Bank, Atlantic Health System, KemperSports, TaylorMade, Winning Strategies Washington and Southwest Airlines. The Union County Means Business Series is offered 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.

For complete details, including information about the Union County Means Business networking series, visit ucnj2.org/ucmb or call 908-527-4103.

##

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2014

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds registered voters that sample ballots for the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 3, may be reviewed on-line by visiting the County Clerk’s website.

The names of candidates running for the Republican or Democratic nominations for U.S. Senate, Congressional seats, County Surrogate, County Freeholders and Municipal offices in the June 3 Primary Election are posted at www.ucnj.org/sample-ballots.

“As a former school board member, Mayor and Freeholder myself, I know the importance of an informed electorate,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “My website is designed to help voters familiarize themselves with their local candidates in all 21 Union County municipalities before Primary Election Day.”

The County Clerk’s responsibilities include administering election laws within and for the County of Union and its 21 municipalities for primary, general, school board and special elections including acceptance of nominating petitions, designing ballots, mailing “Vote By Mail” ballots and tabulating voting results for the public record.

More information about sample ballots for the Primary Election can be obtained by calling the County Clerk’s Office at 908-527-4996 or by visiting the office at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth NJ 07207. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, email: ucvote@ucnj.org .

##

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2014

Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (3rd L) and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella (L), Linda Carter (2nd L) and Bette Jane Kowalski (R) present resolutions to Danielle Bracco (3rd R) and Christine Truhe of Bonds of Courage congratulating them as the non-profit organization that supports troops, veterans and their families marks its 10th anniversary at the Westfield Armory. For more information about Bonds of Courage visit www.bondsofcourage.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 19, 2014

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 2014 Kids Recreation Trust Fund grant opportunity. The 2014 grant program offers two exciting opportunities for each of the twenty one municipalities in Union County: The Discover Our Parks day trip program, and a Recreational Improvements matching grant program.

The Discover Our Parks program gives Union County municipalities the opportunity to expand their summer recreational programs by offering a day trip to their campers. The Recreational Improvements matching grant program helps local governments offset the cost of creating, enhancing, and replacing recreational facilities in their municipality.

“The physical and social benefits of recreation are well known, and the Kids Recreation Trust Fund has made a difference in the quality of life for our children,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Since 2004, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund matching grant program, administered through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, has helped rebuild, refurbish, expand, or build over 100 parks and other recreational facilities throughout Union County.

“The Kids Recreation Trust Fund has done a great job of improving recreational opportunities for our communities,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen, Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund. “It’s another reason why Union County is a great place to raise a family.”

The application deadline for the Kids Recreation Trust Fund 2014 grant program is August 18, 2014.

For additional information on the Kids Recreation Trust Fund grant program contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Union County Office of Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278, or visit online at ucnj.org.

#  #

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

For Immediate Release: May 19, 2014

Union County, NJ — Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (R) and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella (L) and Linda Carter speak with Lt. Col. Bill Morris at the Support 4 Soldiers wrap up event at the Westfield Armory where volunteers boxed donations of toiletries, healthy snacks, and other basic items that will be shipped to active duty U.S. service members overseas. Local students created the campaign as a way for the entire Union County community to show its support for the military abroad. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

(From left) Union County Freeholders Bruce Bergen, Bette Jane Kowalski, Vernell Wright and Sergio Granados congratulate Christine Marti-Millward of Linden on winning first place in the youth category at the 13th Annual Union County Employee Art Show during the opening reception at the Elizabethtown Gas Company’s Liberty Hall Center in Union. The contest, co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The National Arts Program Foundation, was open to Union County employees and their relatives. The exhibit will be open to the public weekdays until May 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Gas Company, located at Liberty Hall Center, 1085 Morris Avenue in Union Township.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)