Author: Web Site Administrator

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 and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside summer programs offer adults and children a great opportunity to explore the outdoors while learning about nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “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, Feb. 8 and continuing through Friday, Feb. 21, or until all numbers have been drawn. Union County residents may visit Trailside to draw a lottery number from noon to 5 p.m. daily.  There are more than 500 numbers.

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 1.

Summer Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 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 3, from noon to 4:45 p.m.  Lottery tickets will not be required and registration will continue until all programs are filled.

For information about Trailside’s 2014 Summer Camps, including registration procedures, please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Summer brochures and registration cards will be distributed during the February lottery. 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.

Elizabeth, NJ–A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Sunday, February 23, 2014 to examine all aspects of the Union County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations and support services, Sheriff Ralph Froehlich announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Union County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Sheriff Froehlich said. “Having been previously certified by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) and recognized by CALEA, I look forward to re-accreditation.”

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 908-527-1843 on Monday, February 24, 2014 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Sheriff’s Office, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ. The local contact is Sergeant Patrick Hora, who can be reached at 908-527-4420.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to write: New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053, or email Accreditation Program Manager, hdelgado@njsacop.org or by phone (856)-334-8943.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office must comply with 100 standards in order to achieve accredited status.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Sheriff Froehlich said.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Harry J. Delgado.

“The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed,” Delgado said. “Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, through its’ New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 11,000 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – Trailside Nature and Science Center is pleased to announce a musical program, “Songs of the Civil War: History and Myth,” for adults 18 years and older, on Thursday evening, February 13. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation, this educational and entertaining program will take place at Masker’s Barn in the Deserted Village of Feltville from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Through music and song, this program will transport you dramatically to the Civil War era and offer a greater understanding of the period,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

Lisa Wilkins and Chuck Winch will sing both authentic Civil War era songs and original compositions to explore how popular songs shaped and reflected the sentiments and events of the time. Dressed in period clothing, their unique presentation illustrates how these songs continue to resonate emotionally among those interested in the Civil War and American history.

The performers use authentic and reproduction period instruments, including banjo, fiddle, guitar and bones. This musical program is sure to be enhanced by its location in the historic Masker’s Barn, built in the period shortly after the Civil War.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. There is no fee for this program; however, donations are welcome. Patrons are asked to meet and park in the parking lot at Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Avenue. A van will transport participants to the barn. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m. to allow for transportation to the barn

For additional information about this and other programs and special events at Trailside, 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 service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the federal Affordable Care Act includes a free information service to help consumers with questions about finding affordable health insurance.

The service is run locally by non-profit agencies that are officially designated as Navigators by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Union County residents can get reliable information free of charge by contacting Navigators in our area, or by visiting the Affordable Care Act website at healthcare.gov,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “There no need to pay a third party to make an informed choice about affordable health insurance.”

In the Union County region, the lead Navigator is the Urban League of Hudson County in partnership with the Urban Leagues of Bergen County, Morris County, and Union County.

In addition, major pharmacy chains have officially partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute free information at their retail locations.

The goal of the Navigators is to help consumers use the new health insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov to find affordable health insurance, and to determine their eligibility for financial assistance.

“The healthcare.gov website has been improved to provide consumers with all the information they need online, but in case you need extra help the Navigators are here to assist you one-on-one,” said Hudak. “I encourage you to call with any questions you may have, especially when it comes to any subsidies for which you qualify.”

Hudak also reminded residents that the new Union County Prescription Drug Discount Card may help reduce the cost of their medications. The free card, which includes discounts on pet medications, can be obtained by calling the Union County Division of Human Services, 908-527-4800.

To contact a Navigator in Union County, call the Urban League of Union County at 908- 351-7200 or email uluc.aca.coverage@gmail.com.

For information about the Affordable Care Act visit healthcare.gov (cuidadodesalud.gov in Spanish), or call 1-800-318-2596 toll free.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photography/montage by Leona M. Seufert of Roselle Park in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “Discovering New Jersey – Union County” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 28th.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

 

“We are pleased to have Ms Seufert’s beautiful images of Union County on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit demonstrates her mastery of both photography and Photoshop techniques.”

 

Ms. Seufert graduated from the prestigious High School of Art & Design in New York City and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the State University College of Arts and Science in Potsdam, NY. She is a board member and webmaster of the Les Malamut Art Gallery in Union and the founder and curator of shows for the Casano Community Center Art Gallery in Roselle Park.

 

“As I travel through this diverse and fascinating state with my digital camera always tucked in my bag, I seek to capture the uniqueness of the cities and towns I visit,” Ms. Seufert said. “I have lived in Union County for 28 years and am enchanted by its architecture both old and new.”

 

Leona’s artwork has appeared in numerous group and solo shows in the metropolitan area and upstate New York. She has exhibited in galleries and museums such as the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, the Hoboken Historical Museum, The Visual Arts Center of NJ in Summit, The Les Malamut Art Gallery in Union, the Kenny Art Gallery at the High School of Art & Design, the Abracheff School of Art in New York City and the Market St. Gallery in Potsdam. She also lectures and demonstrates the use of Photoshop to manipulate images.

 

To see images of Leona Seufert’s work, visit http://Studio-L.tripod.com/index.htm.

 

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County Baseball Association Also Honors Student Athletes at 78th Annual Dinner to Benefit Youth Baseball Leagues

 

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Jake Wood, the former Detroit Tigers second baseman and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, will be the special guest speaker at the 78th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:00 p.m. at 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 five new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame: Larry Caroselli of Linden, Al Faella of Elizabeth, Leroy Horn of Summit, Jim Jeskey of Union, and Al Volpe of Linden.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jake Wood to this year’s Hot Stove League Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We hope that family members and friends of the Hall of Fame inductees and the very deserving local student honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”

Among the students to be honored for their athletic achievements are: Elena Scarano of Westfield, Rob Smorol of Clark, Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth, and Ryan Williamson of Cranford.

The Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor local American Legion Baseball players and athletes from youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2013.

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online by visiting www.ucba-nj.org or by downloading and mailing the table registration form to the Union County Baseball Association, Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023.

For more information, please call Jim Iozzi at 908-917-2523.

 

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Union County Baseball Association78th
Hot Stove League Annual Baseball Dinner
February 9, 2014 – 1:00 p.m.
L’Affaire Banquet Center, Route 22 East
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092

 

 

GUEST SPEAKER

Jake Wood

 

Jacob “Jake” Wood Jr. played PAL and American Legion baseball in Elizabeth and was a star shortstop for Thomas Jefferson High School. With the assistance of famed Elizabeth-area baseball scout Irving “Rabbit” Jacobson, Jake Wood signed with the Detroit Tigers organization in 1957 when he was a 20-year-old at Delaware State University. Jacobson also was instrumental in signing other local ballplayers, including George Alusik, Norm McRae, Bob Molinaro, Jackson Queen, Richard Jones and William Bennett.

From his start at Erie, in the New York-Penn League, Jake went from one minor league level to another – Lakeland, Durham, Idaho Falls, Knoxville, Appleton, Denver – and hit everywhere he went. His numbers from Triple-A Denver in 1960 stand out even today: a .305 batting average, 24 doubles, 18 triples, 12 home runs and 76 runs batted in.

Jake played four years in the minor leagues before making his debut at second base with Detroit on April 11, 1961. When he took the field, he became the first African American player to advance through the Tigers minor league system and play in the Major Leagues. His first Major League hit that day was a two-run home run to deep left field at old Tiger Stadium.

Jake enjoyed a standout rookie season as an everyday player with 171 hits, 96 runs, 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 69 RBI’s and 30 stolen bases while leading the American League with 14 triples – despite a .258 batting average and a new league record of 141 strikeouts. His playing time decreased in 1962 as he platooned with hard-hitting Dick McAuliffe. Jake got off to a fast start in 1963, with 95 hits and 11 homers in 85 games, but an injury led to season-ending surgery.

After the Tigers acquired veteran second baseman Jerry Lumpe, Jake became a utility player for the rest of his career. He made a bit of a comeback in 1966, appearing in 98 games, but by 1967, at age 30, after appearing in only 14 games, Jake was sent to Triple-A Toledo. On June 23, 1967, his contract was purchased from Detroit by the Cincinnati Reds. He made a dozen pinch-hitting appearances for the Reds that summer before his Major League playing days ended.

Jake Wood and his wife live in Pensacola, Florida. Jake is a member of the Union County Baseball Association Hall of Fame and he can still be found at his local senior softball games and Detroit Tigers reunions. At Comerica Park in 2010, Jake received the Detroit Tigers African American Legacy Award for his profound impact as a trailblazer and mentor for other players.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
(five honorees, listed alphabetically)

Larry Caroselli

 

Lawrence “Larry” Caroselli was born and raised in Linden, New Jersey. His childhood years were spent in the area not far from the Linden PAL fields that were originally built near Linden Airport. He was always interested in baseball and played in the Linden Police Athletic League.

Larry was involved in the PAL as an adult as well. He coached in all levels of PAL baseball for more than 13 years and won championships with both the Clarke Engineering and the Custom Hair Design teams. However, his favorite sport became golf and he regularly played with Vito Giglio and his son Joe Giglio. When Vito became ill and ultimately succumbed to cancer in 1988, Larry decided to organize a golf outing in his memory. He has continued this memorial golf outing for the past 26 years and has donated proceeds from the outing to the Union County Baseball Association for the last 20 years. These donations provide necessary equipment and supplies for the Summer Youth Leagues.

Larry Caroselli is married to his wife Joan and has two sons, Michael and Christopher. He and his wife currently reside in Westfield and he retired in 2011 from the County of Union, where he was employed for 35years, 29 of which were as Director of Finance.

 

 

Alfred Faella

 

Al Faella is a product of the Union County Baseball Association’s Summer Youth Leagues. In 1970, he was the most valuable player of the Teen League. As a center fielder for Coach Kevin Duggan’s baseball team at St. Mary’s High School in Elizabeth, he was selected to the Second Team, All Union County in 1972 and 1973. He holds a high school career batting average of .371 and he stole 44 bases in 45 attempts.

Al was a three-time All Star for the Betsytown VFW team from 1972 to 1974, playing for manager Lenny Green. He also played at Kean College, where he had a .310 batting average.

After Kean, Al stayed involved in baseball by coaching. He led Blessed Sacrament to six consecutive Uptown Division championships. Al served as athletic director and coached at St. Patrick’s in 1980. He also served on the boards of the North Elizabeth and Mountainside little leagues.

Following an 18-year State, Municipal and County government tenure, Alfred Faella was appointed County Manager of Union County in 2011. He and his family live in Mountainside.

 

 

Leroy Horn

 

Leroy Horn was a three-year starter for the Summit High School baseball team. He was selected to the First Team, All Union County squad by the Star-Ledger and the Elizabeth Daily Journal in his sophomore and senior years. In his junior year, he was selected to the Second Team. Leroy was named to the First Team, All-Conference squad all three seasons. In 1984, he earned a Third Team All-State selection in his senior year. He had a .418 batting average in senior year with eight triples, still a Summit High School record.

Leroy moved on to Montclair State University as an outfielder, hitting .326 with 37 doubles, 18 home runs, 172 hits and 139 RBI’s in his three-year career. He was named First Team All-NJAC, All-Mid-Atlantic Region, and Third Team All America. He ranks in the Top 20 in several MSU baseball statistics. He also excelled on the football field as a running back and kick returner as the Red Hawks earned three straight NJAC Championships.

Leroy Horn was recently inducted into Montclair State’s Hall of Fame. He remains active with baseball in Summit, coaching at all levels from Middle School to Junior Varsity.

Jim Jeskey

 

Jim Jeskey played baseball, soccer and basketball at Panzer College before the school merged with Montclair State. He transferred to Seton Hall University and pitched for the Pirates in 1955 and 1956. His catcher was Mike Sheppard, who went on to coach Seton Hall baseball for years.

After a stint in the Army, Jim became assistant baseball coach at Union High School, where he stayed for 36 years, from 1963 through 1999. He also was the coach and player/manager of the semi-pro Livingston Giants in the prestigious Essex County Baseball League from 1969 to 1979, and he coached the Livingston American Legion teams from 1963 to 1968, and again in 1980.

Jim served as head soccer coach at Union High School from 1961 to 2008. He has 500 career wins, four Union County Conference Championships and 11 conference titles. The Union High School soccer field is named in his honor. During his varied athletic career, Jim coached the bowling team and varsity golf, and coached basketball at the junior varsity level. He also coached CYO baseball and basketball teams.

Jim Jeskey has finished a number of major running events including the Marine Corps Shore and the Boston Marathon. He has competed and won medals in ten National Senior Olympic Games.

Al Volpe

 

Al Volpe has served the City of Linden since 1967, when he became Assistant Superintendent, and since 1976 as Superintendent of Linden Recreation. While he has made numerous contributions to all sports in Linden, his contributions to the baseball programs in Linden and Union County are particularly notable.

Al sponsored numerous free baseball clinics for players of all ages and co-sponsored clinics with Ed Flanagan of the Linden PAL that featured major league players and managers such as Jeff Torborg and Roy White. He sponsored teams in all age brackets of the Union County Summer and Fall Youth Baseball Leagues and sponsored three teams annually in the Tri-County League. In addition, he sponsored annual clinics for girls’ softball teams that featured college coaches.

During his tenure, Al Volpe oversaw the construction of one of the first lighted baseball facilities in the county and created a system of baseball fields available for schools, community groups and teams of all ages for practice and games. He also sponsored American Legion baseball teams at all levels, hosted numerous County and State American Legion Baseball tournaments and provided facilities for Union County and State High School tournaments.

Chris Zusi Memorial Award
Outstanding Athlete
Union County

Rob Smorol

Rob Smorol played four years of varsity baseball at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, where he was selected to First Team All-Union County and Group 2 All State squads by the Star Ledger during his junior and senior years. He played for legendary coach Fred Hill for four years at Rutgers University, where he was one of the most accomplished left-handed pitchers in the school’s 144-year baseball history. Rob was a three-time All State selection and he ranks third in Rutgers career and single-season wins and in career strikeouts.

As a Rutgers senior, Rob received the 2013 Ron Kish Academic Award for having the highest GPA on the team. After graduation, he signed with the Boston Red Sox and began his professional career with their Gulf Coast League affiliate. He is the 66th Scarlet Knight to sign a major league contract during Coach Hill’s career. Rob’s success in his first season with the Gulf Coast Red Sox led to a late season promotion to the Greenville Drive, Boston’s Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

Joseph Lombardi Memorial Award
Outstanding Athlete
Union County

Melissa Tobie

Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth was a three-year starter at Roselle Catholic High School, where her 1,016 career points make her the third leading girls basketball scorer in school history. She finished her senior season averaging 19 points and more than eight rebounds per game and led Roselle Catholic to the school’s third straight Union County Tournament championship. Melissa was named Union County Player of the Year for 2010-11 by the Star-Ledger.

At Montclair State University, Melissa had outstanding freshman and sophomore years, starting every game of both basketball seasons. She averaged 18 points per game as a freshman. A year after she earned the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Rookie-of-the-Year honor, Melissa was named Player of the Year by the league. She also collected her second All-America honor. Under the direction of Coach Karin Harvey, Melissa led the Red Hawks in scoring, free throws, assists and blocked shots. Now in her junior year, she has already reached the elite 1,000-point club for her MSU career.

Edward Cooper Memorial Award
Most Valuable Scholastic Baseball Player

Ryan Williamson

Ryan Williamson had a stellar year leading Cranford High School to its second straight state crown, third in four years, and the Number One spot in the final Star-Ledger Top 20 of 2013. Ryan, a left-handed First Team, All-State selection, finished his senior year with an 11-0 record and a 0.56 ERA. He led the Cougars to every championship they could win – conference, sectional and state. He struck out 88 and walked 22 in 75 innings with a WHIP of 0.90.

When not pitching, Ryan played center field and finished with a .419 batting average with 11 doubles, two triples, 27 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .457. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round of the Major League draft, but he is attending North Carolina State University on a baseball scholarship.

Banyasz Brothers Memorial Award
Most Valuable Scholastic Softball Player

Elena Scarano

Elena Scarano led the Westfield High School Blue Devil Softball Team in 2013 to its first Union County Tournament trophy since 1998. The right-handed pitcher struck out 121 batters and walked just 24 in 142 innings while recording a 1.82 ERA. Elena also had a good season at the plate, finishing with a .314 batting average, 26 hits, seven doubles, 17 RBI’s and 14 runs scored. She was named Union County Softball Player of 2013 by the Star-Ledger.

Under the direction of Coach Caitlin MacDonald, the Westfield Softball Team approaches the 2014 spring season with a talented roster that includes Elena Scarano, seven other seniors and two juniors – and likely will be a contender in Union County and throughout the state. In the “off season,” Elena is a four-year varsity volleyball player and captain of the Westfield team.

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Union County Freeholders Vernell Wright and Mohamed Jalloh (2nd R) joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker, (2nd L) U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (C) and Assemblyman Jerry Green to talk with jobless residents about the impact of the stalled unemployment insurance extension during a roundtable discussion at the Union County One Stop Career Center in Plainfield.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that traffic in the metro area is expected to increase starting on Monday, January 27, as a week of events related to Super Bowl XLVIII builds up to the big game at Met Life Stadium in the Meadowlands on Sunday, February 2.

Area residents are strongly encouraged to use mass transit where available.

“Union County is fortunate to have a strong mass transit infrastructure, so if you are planning to commute or travel in areas affected by Super Bowl traffic there are many opportunities to leave your car at home this week,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

To help residents find mass transit routes quickly and easily, the Union County home page at ucnj.orgnow includes a link to three main sources of information.

The All Union County Transit Info link goes to Union County ConneXions, which includes information on transportation in and around Union County.

The NJT Super Bowl Info link goes to a special page at the New Jersey Transit Authority website, for information about getting to the game and related events.

The NY-NJ Regional Super Bowl Info link goes to a special page at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey website. It includes Super Bowl travel as well as all travel information for the region.

“I’d also like to point out that Union County has more than 6,700 acres of parklands and we offer a full slate of winter recreation opportunities, for those who prefer to stay close to home during Super Bowl weekend,” said Hudak.

Cold weather activities in Union County parks include sledding, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, archery (permit required) and outdoor ice skating.

Echo Lake Park is the most popular spot for sledding, as illustrated by a recent photo essay online atnj.com.

For indoor ice skating, Union County’s Warinanco Ice Skating Center is open for the season.

Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center is open seven days a week and admission is free. It features many interactive exhibits and a well-stocked reading room. Special programs and activities are available for a modest fee.

For all information on the Skating Center, Trailside, and all winter activities in Union County parks, including designated areas for sledding, cross-country skiing, and outdoor ice skating, visitucnj.org/parks or call the Department of Parks, 908-527-4900.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (R) and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella (2nd L) and Linda Carter (2nd R) present certificates to Union County College student athletes congratulating them on achieving high academic honors while participating in UCC’s many sports programs. They are joined by Union County College President Margaret McMenamin (L). (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Union County will once again participate in the national Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless, a national census of homeless persons that takes place each January. In Union County, it will be conducted from the night of Tuesday, January 28 to Wednesday morning, January 29.

The count will also be coordinated with two walk-in community outreach events, in Elizabeth and Plainfield, in order to help persons in need connect with the resources available to them in Union County.

“The Point-in-Time Count provides the kind of consistent detail that can help bring about more effective programs to assist people in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “With an unusually cold and stormy winter upon us, it is now more important than ever to ensure that every person in Union County can depend on a safe, healthful place to call home.”

The program is mandated nationally by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Union County it is a volunteer-assisted effort coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services.

Personnel from the office of Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich also assist. The Union County Police Division provides transportation to shelters as needed and the Plainfield Police Department also assists in Plainfield.

The Elizabeth walk-in outreach event is coordinated by the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at 119 Division Street, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, January 28.

The Plainfield event is coordinated by the Salvation Army at 615 Watchung Avenue, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 28.

In addition, a special Union County initiative called “Union County Street Count” will take place from 3:00 am to 7:00 am on January 29. During these hours, Union County will provide shelter to anyone found homeless on the streets.

Federal regulations require an annual count of homeless persons in conventional shelters and a biannual count of persons sheltering outdoors or in other unconventional locations. In Union County and statewide in New Jersey the program goes beyond that basic requirement to include annual counts for both categories, to help develop improved strategies to prevent homelessness and assist the homeless.

One new program in Union County is the nationally recognized Code Blue Homeless Emergency Shelter Initiative. Launched in 2007, Code Blue puts county and local resources on a coordinated alert during cold weather events to ensure that persons needing shelter are located and can be transported to shelters.

“Code Blue has made an enormous difference in our ability to help homeless people find a safe haven under life threatening conditions, but the ultimate goal is to ensure that this kind of crisis-to-crisis service is needed rarely if ever,” said Hudak.

Homelessness in New Jersey is driven by many factors, including a shortage of rental housing and consequent upward pressure on the cost of renting. Other significant factors include the ongoing foreclosure crisis, a shortage of affordable or supportive housing, a shortage of jobs that pay a living wage, and the continuing effects of housing loss after Superstorm Sandy.

In Union County, the 2013 Point-in-Time Count revealed that a significant majority of homeless persons were members of homeless families.

The count included 371 homeless family households, totaling 1,122 persons. Another 526 individual homeless persons were also counted, for an overall total of 1,648 persons.

Persons interested in volunteering to assist with the 2014 Point-in-Time count in Union County can contact Maureen Segale-Glenn, mglenn@ucnj.org or 908-527-4838.