Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi speaks with a commuter about the Union County Votes App at the Union train station. The free mobile app is designed to help Union County residents connect quickly and easily with accurate information about voting and elections.
The Union County Votes app enables voters to find their polling place, request voter registration forms and vote-by-mail ballots, view sample ballots, and follow unofficial election results in real time. The app also provides information for persons interested in becoming a poll worker or running for office, including election filing dates and district maps.
For more information about the Union County Votes app, visit https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce Bergen speaks before audience with stable riders and County leaders.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a major renovation and expansion of Watchung Stables, the county’s public riding facility. The project includes a new indoor riding ring to enable year-round use of the stable, bringing in additional revenue while providing more Union County residents with affordable access to a popular sport.
The Freeholder Board voted to approve the project during its regular public meeting on Thursday, September 10, and the start of construction was marked in a groundbreaking ceremony today.
“The dream of year-round riding at Watchung Stables has been percolating for almost 30 years, and now we have the opportunity to open up this unique sport to more County residents,” said Freeholder Bruce H. Bergen. “Horseback riding teaches valuable life lessons, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board we are proud to preserve and improve this longstanding Union County tradition.”
Watchung Stables is located in the Watchung Reservation, on Summit Lane in Mountainside. Currently the facility has no indoor riding ring, limiting its use to seasonable weather from April 1 to November 1.
The stable’s Watchung Mounted Troops youth program currently serves approximately 700 children yearly, many of whom volunteer at the stable and perform related community service projects when they are not riding.
Watchung Stables also offers classes and programs for adults and casual riders, activities for non-riders, and boarding services for privately owned horses.
“The many volunteers who have supported Watchung Stables over the years have been inspirational, and they highlight how this valuable community asset has enriched Union County over the years,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who is the Freeholder Board’s liaison to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Riders prepare for opening of 82nd Annual Fall troop show at the Watchung Stables in Mountainside.
Three volunteer groups raise funds for equipment and help staff activities and programs at the stable: Watchung Stables Auxiliary, Watchung Jr. Hunt Club, and Watchung Riding and Driving Club. The Auxiliary also includes a subcommittee called School Horses of Watchung Retirement Program, which arranges new homes for horses that are too old for stable work.
Watchung Stables has been a fixture in Union County since the origin of the County Parks system in 1925. Along with golf, tennis, swimming and other facilities in County parks, Watchung Stable was established to provide all County residents with access to a popular activity that would otherwise require membership in private clubs and riding facilities.
“With a year-round ring and other improvements, Watchung Stables can provide more programs for more riders, and provide more services for our boarding horses,” said Bergen. “The additional revenue offers a fiscally responsible pathway for upgrading this very popular facility.”
The original location of Watchung Stables was in Summit, on Glenside Avenue. That site was lost in the 1980’s when the “missing link” of Interstate 78 was constructed. Work on the present facility in Mountainside began in 1983 and largely concluded in 1985. The initial plans called for the construction of an indoor ring.
The main features of the new project are:
Construction of an energy-efficient indoor ring that requires no heating in winter
Renovation/construction of three outdoor riding rings and six paddocks
New surfaces, fencing, and landscaping throughout
Installation of new barn doors to save energy and prevent heat loss in winter
Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce Bergen joined Freeholders Linda Carter, Angel G, Estrada and Alexander Mirabella, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and County Manager Alfred Faella
The September 10 vote formally approved a contract of $2.3 million to JC Landscape Construction & Management Co., Inc. of Pequannock. Construction will begin this month and progress in phases over the next 18 months. The stable is expected to continue normal operations while construction is under way.
For more information about programs and activities at Watchung Stable, visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
Information on all Union County programs and services is available at ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that adults, ages 18 and older, can register online atwww.ucnj.org/trailisde for a lecture on the “Bee Colony Crisis.” Presented at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Friday, November 13 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., this lecture is free of charge. Pre-registration is preferred; however, walk-ins are welcomed.
“The honey bee plays an important role in our country’s agriculture. This lecture addresses many of the questions we have been asking about a problem that impacts all of us,” says Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.
The bee colony crisis has had a deleterious impact on many agricultural crops world-wide. The decline of the bee population in our country has significantly increased the cost to farmers. Tim Schuler, New Jersey State Apiarist, will lecture on three causes of trauma to the European honey bee. Enhanced by a PowerPoint presentation, the lecture will define the ecological problems we face, the impact on the bee-keeping industry and how professional bee keepers and hobbyists have responded to this crisis.
For more information about this program 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.
Kurt Christoffers, floral designer and owner of the innovative Christoffers Flowers of Mountainside, demonstrates how to arrange flowers from the garden along with foliage from local trees and shrubs at a workshop hosted at Trailside Nature and Science Center last spring. Participants worked with Mr. Christoffers to create their own distinctive personal arrangement to take home. By popular demand, Kurt Christoffers will return to Trailside on Monday, November 9 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. to offer adults, ages 18 and older, the opportunity to create a floral centerpiece just in time for the holidays. Floral material and a container will be provided for participants to design their own masterpiece to take home. The fee for this workshop is $25 for residents of Union County and $30 for non-county. Pre-registration is required as materials are limited. For more information about this program, or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670. Visit www.ucnj.org/trailside to register online. 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 is pleased to announce online registration at www.ucnj.org/trailside for “Flower Arranging with Kurt Christoffers” for adults, ages 18 and older, on Monday, November 9 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.
“This program not only offers inspiration, it provides a relaxing environment to cure the ills of a stressful day,” says Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Residents can have fun while learning how to skillfully create a beautiful floral centerpiece just in time for the holidays.”
Join Kurt Christoffers, floral designer and owner of the innovative Christoffers Flowers of Mountainside, as he demonstrates how to arrange a centerpiece using nature’s best harvest. Relax as you watch Mr. Christoffers masterfully design an artistic piece that can be used to dress your holiday table with beauty. Try your hand at designing a centerpiece of your own to take home. Floral material and a container will be provided. Bring your own shears or clippers if you have them.
The fee for this workshop is $25 for residents of Union County and $30 for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration for this program is required as materials are limited. For more information about this program, 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.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi recently spoke with members of American Legion Post 322 in Summit about the services the County Clerk’s office provides. For information about County Clerk services visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/ or call 908-527-4787. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)
38,000 square-foot expansion adds new classrooms, science labs, lockers and athletic facilities
Union County elected officials, school administrators, teachers and students today cut the ribbon on the completed $11 million expansion of the West Hall building for the Union County Vocational-Technical School High School.
The two-story, steel-frame academic building serves the district’s four-year, full-time Union County Vocational-Technical High School (UCTech) and has opened with more than 400 full-time students using the facility.
“Future generations of entrepreneurs, communicators, and creators are receiving their education here, honing their skills and learning how to ply their craft,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who serves as a Freeholder liaison to the Vo-Tech.
“We’re proud to be investing in our children’s future, and it is paying off as Union County’s Vocational-Technical education system is one of the strongest in the state and nation,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, who also serves as a Freeholder liaison to the Vo-Tech.
The 38,000 square-foot addition contains 10 new classrooms, two new computer labs for biology and chemistry-physics, a faculty room, administration office, and a 1,200 square foot fitness center with adjoining health classroom. The total project cost of the expansion—approximately $11 million—is financed through a county bond issue. The architect for the project was Netta Architects of Mountainside, and the general contractor was Mar-Bridge Enterprises of Matawan, NJ. Pinnacle Construction Management of Newark, is the construction manager.
“The addition to West Hall is being used to provide all the academic programs for UCTech full time students,” said Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Peter A. Capodice. “Last year, all UCTech full-time students received the academic portion of their program in our Academy for Information Technology (AIT at Bistocchi Hall). Now we hope to grow both the AIT and UCTech programs.”
UCTech is one of the five academies at the school, and offers students a four-year, full-time program that combines high-end academics with access to the career or technical training program of their choice. Students at UC Tech follow a comprehensive high school education program while simultaneously pursuing opportunities to study traditional vocational-technical programs. These programs include automotive technology, building trades, communication, public safety, culinary arts and cosmetology, among the 20 or programs.
UCTech, recipient of the “National Blue Ribbon School Award” in 2013, also has highly specialized career academies under its umbrella including Exercise Physiology and Related Sciences; the UCTech School of Design, the Teacher Education Academy, the Sustainable Science Academy and the Academy of Clinical Care Sciences.
Union County Vocational Technical High School’s shared-time vocational-technical training programs serve 600 Union County high school students in twenty occupational areas as well as over 100 post-secondary adults. The District’s apprenticeship program continues to be the largest program in New Jersey serving over 2,500 apprentices.
More than 1,400 students—plus an additional 600 shared time students—attend all five academies of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools system. In 2013 both the Academy for Information Technology (AIT) and the Magnet High School were recipients of the prestigious “National Blue Ribbon School Award”. This was the second time the Magnet High School earned the award (2004).
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Angel G. Estrada presented a resolution to Prevention Links Executive Director Pam Capaci congratulating the organization on a successful Drug Prevention Walk during the 17th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day on October 17 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. They were joined by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. The event kicked off Red Ribbon Week which is aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drugs and encourages them to live a drug free lifestyle. For more information, visit www.preventionlinks.org.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Alexander Mirabella and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi joined Springfield Mayor David Barnett and Deputy Mayor Margaret Bandrowski in visiting improvement projects in the township that are funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant authorized by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The township is using the grant to make repairs/renovations to a bus shelter and some local streetscape improvements.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright and Christopher Hudak speak with Union Township Committeemen Joseph Florio and Clifton People about the Springfield Avenue Re-Development Project in the Vauxhall section of Union. The project is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh speaks with Roselle Park Councilwoman Charlene Komar Storey and Councilmen Joe Petrosky and Rich Templeton about the Charles Street Rehabilitation Project in the borough. The project, which will pave the Borough road and make other improvements, is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. The matching grant initiative makes available a total of $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2015. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union) — with Mohamed Sellu Jalloh.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright and Christopher Hudak speak with Union Township Committeemen Joseph Florio and Clifton People about the Commerce Avenue Re-Development Project in Union. The project, which included the repaving of six roads totaling two miles, is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright and Christopher Hudak speak with Union Township Committeemen Joseph Florio and Clifton People about the Springfield Avenue Re-Development Project in the Vauxhall section of Union. The project is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union) — with Bruce Bergen, Sergio Granados, Mohamed Sellu Jalloh and Chris Hudak.
Members of the Union County Freeholder recently toured some of the locations that were funded by the County’s Infrastructure Grant program, and met with municipal officials. The initiative, which awarded $1.5 million to the County’s 21 municipalities, is designed to stimulate the development of local projects of economic, social, transport and governmental importance,
During the early morning hours of Friday, October 15, members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division-Family Violence Unit conducted a child support sweep in Union, Linden, Rahway, Roselle and Hillside, Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan announced today.
The Sheriff’s officers arrested 15 people for failure to pay child support for arrears totaling $419,890.42. As a result of their investigation, an additional 7 people surrendered to the Sheriff’s Office for arrears totaling $171,792.98.
“Time and time again we are seeing parents struggle because someone has shirked their responsibility,” Sheriff Cryan said.
“We want to send a message that if you are not paying your obligation for child support, we will pursue you and we will catch you,” the Sheriff added. “If this type of enforcement coerces other parents to pay what they owe, it is worth it.”
The round-up was led by Family Violence Unit Commander Lt. Jeffery Coon and Unit Supervisor Sgt. Clifford Meros. All the arrests were made without incident.
Those who were arrested were committed to the Union County Jail pending a Superior Court appearance. The people who surrendered were processed and brought for a Superior Court appearance.
This month’s Vintage Views program features interviews with Ron Esposito, AAA Traffic Safety Specialist, and Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator for Union County. The program centers around important traffic safety and driver assistance programs for seniors, as well Union County’s popular Child Safety Seat program, which inspects and assists with the installation of child safety seats for residents.
