Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh and Freeholders Linda Carter and Christopher Hudak present resolutions to members of Team Light Blue congratulating them on winning the civic engagement challenge of 2015 Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC STEP).
UC STEP was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership and personal growth skills and responsibility within their communities.
A total of 192 sophomore and junior high school students from 21 high schools throughout Union County participated in the second annual program, which took place in December 2014 at Kean University.
Team Light Blue’s campaign, “Donate to Educate”- Schools Supplying Schools, won the civic engagement challenge and will be the county-wide community service project undertaken by participating Union County high schools in 2015.
Team Blue members attend the following high schools: Union Catholic Regional High School, Governor Livingston High School, UC Academy for Information Technology (AIT), Arthur L. Johnson High School, Barack Obama Green Charter High School, Cranford High School, David Brearley High School, UC Magnet High School, Summit High School, UC Academy for Allied Health Sciences (AAHS), John E. Dwyer Technology Academy, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and Union High School.
(From right to left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh and Freeholder Bruce Bergen present a $10,000 Preserve Union County matching grant award to Summit City Council President Robert Rubino, Reeves Reed Arboretum Executive Director Frank Juliano and Summit Councilman Gregory Drummond to assist with emergency repairs at the historic Reeves Reed Arboretum in Summit. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present special programs for families and adults. To kick off the Presidents’ holiday weekend a free re-enactment of part of the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt, for adults 18 years and older, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside will be presented on Friday, February 13 from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. as part of the February Festivities programming.
The date is December 29, 1940, Franklin Roosevelt has just been re-elected to an unprecedented third term in office. But the world is in crisis. Europe and America may soon be drawn into war. Learn what President Roosevelt was thinking. Listen to his plea for the support of our Allies. Experience firsthand the history that shaped our nation. Neill Hartley, of the American Historical Theatre, portrays F.D.R. in a fully staged historical presentation, which brings to life the background behind the famous address that implored: “We must be an arsenal for democracy.” This program is made possible in part by funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. The program is free but donations are welcomed.
“Here is a chance to relive historic events that happened 75 years ago, as history comes alive with this dramatic performance,” says Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.
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. For more information about this workshop for adults and a complete listing of the February Festivities activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on our website at www.ucnj.org/trailside.
Trailside Park Naturalist Becky Novorro and assistant Nicholas Gabuzda of Westfield pose in front of a windmill during a field trip to the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City as part of a week-long camp entitled “The Green Team” for children entering 5th-6th grades
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce a new and exciting season of summer camps and family programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center.
“Trailside summer programs offer adults and children a great opportunity to explore the outdoors while learning about nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Each Trailside camp and family program is filled with hands-on, educational activities that encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Theme hikes, games and crafts are all part of the Trailside experience.”
Due to the popularity of Trailside’s summer programs, a lottery system will be used beginning Saturday, February 7 and continuing through Friday, February 20, or until all numbers have been drawn. Union County residents may visit Trailside to draw a lottery number from noon – 5 p.m. daily. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, will be required to draw a number and only one number may be drawn per family/address. Registrants must pick their own lottery ticket for their family, and each registrant’s name, address, lottery number and arrival time will be recorded when the lottery number is chosen. The number drawn will indicate the registrant’s position on line and time of arrival for registration day, scheduled for Saturday, March 7.
Summer Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 for Union County residents who have drawn a lottery ticket. Registrants must bring their ticket with them to register and must be present when their number is called or their position in line will be forfeited. Each ticket holder may only register their child/family. If a registrant arrives after their number is called, but within their designated registration hour indicated on their lottery ticket, they may register at the end of the one-hour time block. If the registrant misses their one hour time block entirely, they may return at 3:30 p.m. to register. No exceptions will be made.
Registration for out-of-county residents will begin Monday, March 9, from noon – 4:45 p.m. Lottery tickets will not be required and registration will continue until all programs are filled.
For information on Trailside’s 2015 Summer Camps, including registration procedures, please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Union County Baseball Association Also Honors Student Athletes at 79th Annual Dinner to Benefit Youth Baseball Leagues
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Roy White, former New York Yankees All-Star outfielder and two-time World Series champion, will be the special guest speaker at the 79th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, February 8, starting at 1:00 p.m. in the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, in Mountainside.
The awards dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association (UCBA), in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Since 1937, the Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner has been the primary fund-raiser for the UCBA’s summer and fall programs for young ballplayers.
During the afternoon awards ceremonies, the UCBA will induct four new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame: Jorge Comas of Elizabeth, Barry Kaverick of Kenilworth, Richard McCormack of Elizabeth, and Jack Shaw of Roselle Park.
“We’re delighted to welcome Roy White to this year’s Hot Stove League Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh. “We hope that family members, teammates and friends of the Hall of Fame inductees and the very deserving young local honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”
Among the young local ball players to be honored for their athletic achievements are: Nick Christiani of Linden, Chrissy Ferraro of Westfield, Rebecca Rotola of Linden, and Tommy Trotter of Cranford.
The Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor athletes from local youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2014.
Union County Baseball Association 79th Hot Stove League Annual Baseball Dinner February 8, 2015 – Starting at 1:00 p.m. L’Affaire Banquet Center, Route 22 East, Mountainside, New Jersey 07092
Tickets for the awards dinner are $45 and may be purchased in advance online by visiting www.UCBA-NJ.org or by downloading and mailing the ticket reservation form to the Union County Baseball Association, PO Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023. For more information, please call Jim Iozzi at 908-917-2523.
Trailside Naturalist Becky Novorro guides a group of visitors on a walk to search for animal homes and hideouts last winter
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to offer special February Festivities programming at Trailside Nature & Science Center during the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, February 13-16, 2015.
“All of the programs during February Festivities give families an opportunity to enjoy creative and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight adults and children of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Union County is committed to providing affordable family fun at our facilities.”
Featured for FREE this year on Sunday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m. is a showing of Disney’s sing-a-long version of “FROZEN”outdoors on the big screen. Surrounded by campfires, families are invited to enjoy hot chocolate as they watch this popular children’s movie. Arrive early at 4:00 p.m. to watch Kathy Murarik, of the New Jersey Sled Dog Club demonstrate the working skills of her sled dog team. Visitors can watch as her dogs are hitched to a sled specially modified for New Jersey terrain. The New Jersey Sled Dog Club (NJSDC) was formed in 1978 by approximately 30 state residents who raced dogs. One of the purposes of the club was to conduct sled dog events in the local area and to educate the public about the sport. Another function of the club is to offer educational programs informing the public about sled dogs, their history, function, breed types, equipment and famous races such as the Iditarod. Visitors are also invited to join in a Twilight Winter Walk with one of Trailside’s naturalists before the movie begins. Discover which animal neighbors are waking up as the sun goes down in winter. Look and listen for signs of resident birds and mammals.
Kicking off the holiday weekend on Friday, February 13 at 7:15 -8:15 p.m. for adults, ages 18 and older, is a re-enactment
Visitors of all ages are invited to take part in Trailside Nature and Science Center’s annual February Festivities event, February 13-16.
entitled “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” The date is December 29, 1940, Franklin Roosevelt has just been re-elected to an unprecedented third term in office. The world is in crisis. Europe and America may soon be drawn into war. Learn what President Roosevelt was thinking. Listen to his plea for the support of our Allies. Neil Hartley portrays F.D.R. in a fully staged historical presentation that brings to life the background behind the famous address that implored: “We must be an arsenal for democracy.” This program is sponsored in part by the New Jersey Council for Humanities. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are appreciated.
On Saturday, February 14, at 1:15 p.m. families can find out what turtles and snakes have in common and where they go for the winter months. Meet live snakes and turtles from Trailside’s reptile collection.
At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, families will see how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree in “The Journey of Sap to Syrup.” Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. “The Journey of Sap to Syrup” and “Snakes and Turtles of NJ” are recommended for families with children ages 5 and older. The fee for these two programs is $5/person for Union County residents and $6/person for non-county.
Highlighting the festivities on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16 at 1:30 p.m. is “Fantasy, Illusion and Magic.” Join Joe Fischer for a fast paced show has the perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement. The matinee is recommended for ages 4 and older and admission is $5/person. Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. before the matinee. No strollers in the auditorium please. At 2:30 on Monday, The Journey of Sap to Syrup will be offered again for families recommended with children ages 5 and older.
For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities or any upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
EITC is a federal and state tax benefit for individuals and families who earn low-to-moderate incomes in NJ. It is a tax credit that may reduce the amount of taxes you owe, or provide you with a refund, even if you don’t owe any taxes.
To get the NJ state EITC, you must file a federal tax form, be eligible for the federal EITC and file a state income tax return. (If you are married but file separately, you may not claim the EITC.)
Am I Eligible?
Depending on your income and family size, you could receive a federal credit of as much as $496 to $6,143, and a state credit of as much as $99 to $1,228.
To qualify, your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must be less than:
$46,997 ($52,427 if married and filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children;
$43,756 ($49,186 if married and filing jointly) with two qualifying children;
$38,511 ($43,941 if married and filing jointly) with one qualifying child;
$14,590 ($20,020 if married and filing jointly) with no qualifying children.
Get FREE tax help.
Free tax preparation is available at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. For the nearest locationon, call NJ’s resource hotline, 2-1-1 or visit www.nj211.org
To obtain more information on New Jersey’s EITC, call toll-free 1-888-895-9179 or visit www.njeitc.org. For more information on federal EITC, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 or visit www.irs.gov/eitc.
EITC and Other Benefits
EITC refunds won’t count as income when you apply for or renew benefits like SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, cash assistance, or public housing. If you save your tax refund, it will not count against the resource/asset limits of these federally-funded programs for 12 months after the refund is received.
Snow and black ice are expected to impact the afternoon and evening commute today and tomorrow morning, as temperatures dip below freezing with a chance of snow. Please drive with extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
(From left) Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Bette Jane Kowalski, Vernell Wright and Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh presented a check from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to the 2015 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade General Chairman Tony Brennan, Grand Marshal Dr. Margaret McMenamin and Adjutant Kathleen Holmes during the parade committee’s Celebrity Bartenders fundraiser at the Kenilworth Veterans Center. The 2015 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
