Author: Web Site Administrator

ELIZABETH, NJ – In celebration of Women’s Heritage Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present “The Union County Government Women Trailblazers” exhibit now through April 12 at the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth.  Gallery hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The women whose photographs are on exhibit include:

Ann Baran, appointed the first woman County Manager in Union County and in the State of New Jersey in 1990. She developed the first grassroots coalition of labor, business, education and government in the state called the Union County Alliance;

 

Linda Carter of Plainfield, a member of the Plainfield City Council who became the first Black American woman to be elected to the Freeholder Board in 2010;

 

Carol Indursky Cohen, Union County’s first woman County Counsel in 1998 and a former Union County Freeholder from Westfield;

 

Florence P. Dwyer of Elizabeth, the first woman in Union County to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served eight consecutive terms from 1957 to 1973. She championed women’s and civil rights;

Lillian F. Feickert of Plainfield, former President of the New Jersey Women’s Suffrage Association and founding organizer of the New Jersey League of Women Voters. She was the first woman to run for the United States Senate from a major party;

 

Helen Glaser of Clark, the first woman appointed to the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders;

 

Mildred Barry Hughes of Elizabeth, the first woman to be elected to the New Jersey Senate in 1965. She also was elected to four terms in the New Jersey Assembly between 1957 and 1965, and served as Assistant Majority Leader in 1960 and 1961;

Mary Kanane of Kenilworth, Elizabeth, and Union, who was elected the first woman Surrogate of Union County in 1963;

Veronica C. Leonard of Linden, who was the first woman Department Head in the history of Union County when she was named County Treasurer for a three-year term in 1975;

 

Joanne Rajoppi of Springfield, the first Chairwoman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1980. She was elected the first woman Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages in 1984 and in 1996 became the first woman Union County Clerk;

 

Libby E. Sachar of Plainfield, who was the first woman Superior Court Judge appointed in New Jersey in 1946;

Elfie Scheideler of Roselle, the first woman elected to a three-year term on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1951.

For further information and to learn more about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, please contact Teya David, Curator, at the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Replay users may dial 711.

 

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter (3rd R) and Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak (C) march with Freeholders (from left) Daniel Sullivan, Alexander Mirabella, Bruce Bergen and Vernell Wright in the 17th annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Union on March 16. They are joined by NJ State Senator Nicholas Scutari (3rd L)   (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

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

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ- Union County residents are invited to take part in “Seafood at its Best,” a two-part series on seafood selection and preparation, and the benefits of consuming fish. The series, sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with help from the Freeholder Board, will be conducted by Rutgers University nutrition expert Dr. Karen Ensle.

“Research has shown that the consumption of fish can reduce the risk of diseases ranging from Prostate Cancer to Heart Disease,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The Freeholder Board would like to encourage County residents to participate in the series and learn how incorporating fish into their diet can further benefit their health.”

The seminar, developed by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, will take place on Tuesday, April 9th and Tuesday, April 16th from 7pm to 9pm in the county services building located at 300 North Ave East in Westfield. Food demonstrations and tastings will take place on both evenings. Pre-registration, along with a $25 fee to cover the cost of food supplies is required by April 5th.

To register, please contact Judith Laganga at the extension offices at 908-654-9854 or via email atjlaganga@ucnj.org. Checks should be made out to “NJ Cooperative Extension-Cook” and mailed to “Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 300 North Ave E Westfield, NJ 07090-1426, Attention: Judith Laganga.”

 

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

 

“Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.

Union County, NJ – The popular Union County Means Business (UCMB) series starts up again in 2013 with a new slate of free events designed to help the Union County business community connect with helpful resources and information. The first UCMB networking breakfast session is scheduled for Thursday, March 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Kean University in Union.

The highlight of this year’s UCMB series will be the “UCMB Women’s Summit,” a half-day of workshops and programs scheduled for June 19 at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course clubhouse.

“If you own or manage a business in Union County, or if you are planning to start one, I encourage you to put all of our 2013 UCMB events on your schedule,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Our goal this year is to help you learn about business development opportunities, the Affordable Care Act and Internet-based business strategies, and enable you to connect with resources that can help your business thrive in Union County.”

The topic of the March 28 kickoff session is “Legislative Outlook for Business.” Special guests include U.S. Representative Rush Holt and New Jersey State Senators Raymond Lesniak and Thomas Kean, Jr.

A presentation on the impact of Superstorm Sandy on Union County businesses is also included in the March 28 session.

“Business experts, legislators and policy-makers made UCMB a great success last year with their enthusiastic support and participation,” said Carter. “We are already seeing the same outstanding level of interest in 2013, and we are looking forward to a very fruitful year.”

This year, the UCMB event format has also been expanded to accommodate small group discussions on topics such as financing and e-commerce.

Union County Means Business started in 2012 as a Freeholder initiative of then-Chairman Alexander Mirabella, in partnership with the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, and Union County College.

In addition to serving hundreds of participants through networking sessions, Union County Means Business has grown to include a free e-newsletter, a website that serves as an information clearinghouse, a new workforce affiliation with Union County College, and a special loan program through the Union County Economic Development Corporation.

All sessions are free and open to Union County business owners and managers, whether or not they live in Union County. Pre-registration is required, by visiting the Union County Means Business website atucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness.

 

For complete event details and schedules, for and more information, visit ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or call 908-527-4200.

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (8th from left) and Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak (10th from left) join Union County parks volunteers and staff to honor the valuable contributions made through the Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail programs. (Photo: Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The work of hundreds of 2012 Union County Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail volunteers was honored at a celebratory dinner last month, marking another year of outstanding efforts to help to preserve the County’s 6,768 acres of parkland. In addition to many on-going projects, volunteers played a key role in re-opening popular trails in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy

“Union County’s park system is a precious natural resource that thousands of residents and visitors enjoy year-round,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “These dedicated volunteers freely give their time to help keep our parks pleasant and enjoyable, and their efforts are truly appreciated by all.”

in 2012, more than 916 Adopt-a-Park stewards contributed more than 3,500 hours of labor on a wide range of tasks such as repairing fences, spreading gravel and mulch, picking up litter, removing invasive plants, and planting native species.

A total of 41 Adopt-a-Trail steward spent 250 hours to monitor the condition of more than 50 miles of hiking and bridle trails, and perform maintenance work including clearing clogged drains, pruning intrusive undergrowth and picking up litter.

One highlight of the year was the removal of 401 fallen trees that blocked trails after Superstorm Sandy, many of them large and fully mature. The work was performed by a specially trained Adopt-a-Trail chainsaw crew. In all, a total of 422 fallen trees were removed in 2012.

No experience is needed to join Adopt-a-Park or Adopt-a-Trail, and opportunities to volunteer are available for individuals as well as groups from schools, businesses, Scouts and other organizations.

An orientation meeting for Adopt-a-Trail volunteers is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. To pre-register for the session or to get more information about Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail, call 908-789-3683 or visit the Union County website atucnj.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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The County of Union will sponsor a recycling event for electronic equipment on Saturday, March 23, so Union County residents can get rid of unwanted computers, televisions and other electronic equipment in an environmentally proper manner.

The special E-cycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

All residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. There is a limit of six electronic items per car.

“Computer monitors, old televisions and other electronic devices are the source of a considerable amount of dangerous material, including lead, mercury, cadmium and PCBs – and it is unlawful to dispose of them with the regular garbage,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Board. “Up to 95 percent of most electronic appliances can be recycled. This is a responsible way to keep hazardous heavy metals out of our environment.”

Electronic equipment that will be accepted on March 23 includes computer monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, CPU’s, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, televisions, tablets and e-readers, VCR’s, fax machines, telephones, circuit boards, CD’s, DVD’s and video cassettes.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and air conditioners will not be accepted, but they are accepted at Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program.

 

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on March 23 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning website: www.ucnj.org/recycle.

The electronics collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

In addition to the special March 23 recycling event sponsored by the County of Union, there are local businesses as well as 16 municipalities that provide E-cycling opportunities for residents. Visit the websitewww.ucnj.org/recycle or call your municipal recycling coordinator for more computer and electronics recycling options.

Goodwill and Dell have teamed up to recycle computers. Goodwill in Union County is located at 126 Route 22 West, Springfield 07081, next to Macy’s Furniture. Call Goodwill at 973-912-0156 for more details or visit their web site: www.reconnectpartnership.com.

Best Buy stores now offer electronics recycling, including TVs, computer monitors, DVD players and other consumer electronics. Visit their website (www.bestbuy.com/) for store locations, or call toll-free for information about electronics recycling: 1-888-237-8289.

Staples also offers a computer recycling program seven days a week. For more information, visit the Staples web site for store locations: www.staples.com.

Waste Management accepts “covered electronics” (televisions, monitors, computers, etc.) at  629-647 Amboy Ave., Elizabeth 07201, Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 908-629-9270.

An alternative drop-off program for recycling electronics equipment is available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Newtech Recycling, located at 600-A Apgar Drive, Somerset NJ 08873; 732-564-3110. Visit www.newtechrecycling.com .

For more information about recycling events, please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908- 654-9889.

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

 

Administrators and personnel from the Union County Child Safety Seat program recently put on an informational seminar on the laws, usage and installation of Child Safety seats at Plainfield High School for the Teen Parenting program.

l. to r. Christine Marcantonio (Union County Traffic Safety program coordinator), Yakima de los Reyes, Priscilla Aquino (Plainfield High School Senior Case Manager), Aaliyah Walton, Lyric Wheeler, Caylin Brown,Joseph Garcia, Kelly Toscano, Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright, Laura Garcia, Jaclyn Klutkowski (Child Passenger Safety Technician). Photo by Manuel Ramirez, County of Union

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to attend Cut the Salt and Lower Your Blood Pressure, a two-hour class designed to help County residents trim their salt intake down to “heart smart” levels while enjoying balanced, great-tasting meals. The class will be conducted by Rutgers University nutrition expert Dr. Karen Ensle, head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

Cut the Salt and Lower Your Blood Pressure is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. at the Extension offices in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. A $5.00 materials fee will be collected at the door and pre-registration is required by calling Judi Laganga at the Extension, 908-654-9854.

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you need special accommodations, have questions about physical access, or require alternate means for program information, please contact your local Extension Office. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite members of the public to participate in a free workshop that will help create a plan for improving access to transportation, educational resources, economic opportunities and quality of life in the North Jersey region. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Kean University STEM Building’s 6th-floor Conference Center, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“This is a fun, interactive event that enables Union County residents from all walks of life to get on record with their concerns and their goals for improving our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It’s a unique opportunity to make your voice heard, and to have a say in setting Union County and the North Jersey region on a positive path to the future.”

The workshop is hosted by the Freeholder Board, Together North Jersey and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

Together North Jersey is a voluntary partnership of counties, cities, towns, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions working together to develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development encompassing Union County and the surrounding area.

The effort is part of a national initiative, funded partly through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, aimed at helping cities, suburbs and rural areas plan to develop more sustainably and create livable communities.

“We have passed the stage in which economic growth was linked to pollution, traffic congestion and poor public health. Today we have the opportunity to create a more sustainable model that supports a growing, thriving commercial sector while enabling our communities to grow more pleasant, enriching and healthful, too,” said Carter.

Part of the workshop involves a group activity in which participants use electronic “clickers” to register their answers to questions about building stronger communities while encouraging economic growth.

The workshop also includes breakout sessions in which individuals and small groups can speak directly with planners and workshop hosts about living, working and getting around in the region, as well as “open house” sessions for informal discussion.

A light meal and child-friendly activities are also included.

More information is available online at togethernorthjersey.com. For those not able to attend the workshop in person, an opportunity to provide input is available at Together North Jersey’s www.engagenorthjersey.comonline project.

The Kean University STEM Building is easily accessible by mass transportation, and parking is free. For directions and more information about the workshop, including assistance with child care, transportation, language interpreters and audio assistance, contact Miriam Salerno at 848-932-2876 ormiriam.salerno@ejb.rutgers.edu.

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to offer an “Aquatic WILD” teacher-training workshop for teachers of grades K-12, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The health of our water supply is becoming a topic of increasing concern,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “This teacher-training workshop offers techniques for educating our students and making them aware of the issues, in a comprehensive and enjoyable program.”

Trailside is offering this new workshop, which is part of the Project WILD curriculum, for teachers in K-12 to learn new ideas and activities to bring back to the classroom. Developed by the Council for Environmental Education, in compliance with the New Jersey Core Curriculum standards, Project WILD Aquatic emphasizes aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Based on the premise that young people and educators alike have an interest in learning about our natural world, this program underscores wildlife’s intrinsic value and addresses the need for us all to be responsible stewards of our planet.

Hands-on activities are designed for integration into existing courses of study for formal and non-formal educators. Participants receive six NJDOE professional education credits. A guidebook is included and morning refreshments will be served. The fee is $25 per person.

 

Pre-registration is preferred as space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

For additional information about this event or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .