Author: Web Site Administrator

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of artworks from the “Art from the HEART” fine arts program. The exhibition is a partnership between The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and Sage Eldercare in Summit, NJ. The Freeholders Gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The exhibit will run through Friday, January 31.

The “Art from the HEART” is in its thirteenth year. Led by instructor Lela Kometiani, the program encourages self-expression, increases self-esteem by recapturing the joy of creativity, and helps keep participants’ minds sharp. “Art from the HEART” is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Additional funding is provided by the Summit Area Public Foundation.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is the state’s largest institution dedicated exclusively to viewing, making and learning about contemporary art, comprising a renowned studio art school and a thriving education, exhibition and programming schedule. Its service mission includes a commitment to creating access to the arts for a range of constituents, from at-risk children and youth to people with special needs and senior adults. To learn more about Art Center programs, visit www.artcenternj.orgor call 908-273-9121.

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services. SAGE is proud to offer a wide range of programs and services that support seniors in the challenges they face during the later stages of life. For more information about SAGE, visitwww.sageeldercare.org or call 908-273-5550.

For further information about this exhibit or to find out about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

ELIZABETH, NJ—In the effort to continue outreach with residents, Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak recently announced the launch of the County of Union’s Instagram page during his County Government reorganization speech. The page is at instagram.com/unioncountynj

“With the opening of this new social media platform, the County continues to add new ways to communicate our services to the public,” said Hudak. “Social media has re-engineered the landscape in creating, sharing and exchanging information, and Union County is at the forefront of this technology.”

Instagram is a free social media platform, acquired by Facebook in 2012, that will enable the County to share photographs—and written information—with the public.

Also as part of his initiatives, Hudak also announced the County’s webpage (www.ucnj.org) would be redesigned to make it easier to navigate, and a subscription service would be added for periodic updates on County information.

The County currently maintains Facebook (ucnj.org/facebook), Twitter (https://twitter.com/countyofunionnj), Youtube account (https://ucnj.org/videochannel/), and a webpage at www.ucnj.org The County of Union also uses the UC First Alert Network to immediately contact residents during a crisis or emergency.

Group Lavender and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders at the 157th Union County Reorganization

Group Lavender (Left to Right): Alyson Liu, Kalilah Underwood, Kristen Nugent, Thomas Little, Johann Ernest, Shazuil Bennett, Jalyse LeeUnion County Board of Chosen Freeholders (Left to Right): Freeholder Bruce Bergen, Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak, Freeholder Linda Carter, Freeholder Vernell Wright, Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Vice Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh

Union County – The winner of the UC STEP Civic Engagement challenge was recently announced by Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak at Union County’s 157th reorganization meeting. Group Lavender won the challenge with over 1800 votes from students, teachers, parents and community members with their “Support 4 Soldiers” campaign.

“Over 4600 votes came in county-wide for the various projects,” Hudak said, “The Freeholder Board is proud, not only that our local student came up with such thoughtful and inspiring ideas, but more that the members of our community came together to show them such great support.”

The headline event of Union County’s very first UC STEP program, the Civic Engagement Challenge brought students together to brainstorm and create a county-wide community service campaign which will be enacted through the Freeholder Board in connection with Union County students.

“Support 4 Soldiers” will include a coordinated drive to collect items to be used in care packages for active military troops. Collection sites will be located in local schools, movie theaters, and libraries.

UC STEP, promotes positive youth development through focusing on topics like leadership, personal growth, and more importantly, civic engagement.

This year’s event, hosted by Kean University, brought together 192 high school sophomores and juniors from 26 high schools across the County, and featured discussion sessions, including “You Be the Judge,” which focused on crafting an effective elevator speech, and “How to be an Effective Leader,” which focused on identifying the diversity, concerns, and values of individuals.

For more information about UC STEP or the Support 4 Soldiers campaign, please visithttp://ucnj2.org/uc-step.

WESTFIELD, NJ – For a limited time only, the Union County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are offering free passport photographs as a special incentive for residents to apply for a passport. From Tuesday, January 21, through Saturday, February 1, the normal $10 cost of each photograph will be waived when a resident applies for a new passport or a passport renewal.

“With spring vacations just a couple months away, now is the time to make sure your passport is up-to-date,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My offices are helping travelers save on their vacation expenses by providing free photographs for those who apply for a passport while still providing a full range of passport services with no need for an appointment.”

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean islands and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.

“Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking certified passport agents ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office, which opens at 8 a.m. weekdays, has convenient evening and Saturday hours and also is fully staffed.”

Information about the cost and how to apply for a passport book and/or passport card is available athttp://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at: www.ucnj.org/Passports.

“Some countries require passports to be valid for an additional three, six or nine months after your visit,” Rajoppi added. “If your passport is due to expire within nine months of your international travel, you should renew your passport to ensure a smoother journey.”

The Westfield office is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The telephone number in Westfield is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number in Elizabeth is 908-527-4966. Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call (908) 527-4966.

Roselle, NJ- Union County Sheriff’s Officers arrested John Lopez of Elizabeth on a cold case parole warrant in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Lopez, 33, was wanted by New York State Division of Parole for parole violation and had been a fugitive since 2008.

The Cold Case Division of the New York State Parole Board contacted the Union County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit last week with some new information on the Lopez case.

The new information produced fresh leads that ultimately resulted in the arrest without incident.

Lopez has an extensive criminal record in both New York and New Jersey for possession, manufacturing and distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

He was booked into the Union County Jail and is being held without bail.  He faces 6 years to life in prison on the parole violation in New York State.

The Union County Sheriff’s Officers credited with making the arrest are Charles Mancuso, Erik Finne, Anthony Gialanella, George Gyure, Mike Schultz and Carlo Caparruva.

Guest Speaker: Jake Wood of Elizabeth, Former Detroit Tigers Second Baseman

Student athletes from schools in Union County will be honored at the 78th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, February 9, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, in Mountainside. The dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association, in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Among the students to be honored for their athletic achievements are:

• Elena Scarano, pitcher for the Westfield Blue Devil Softball Team, who guided the team in 2013 to its first Union County Tournament trophy since 1998, will receive the Banyasz Brothers Award for most valuable scholastic softball player.
• Rob Smorol, graduate of Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark and All-State pitcher at Rutgers University, who now pitches in the Boston Red Sox organization, will receive the Chris Zusi Award for outstanding male athlete.
• Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth, Player of the Year at Roselle Catholic High School and again at Montclair State, who led the Red Hawks women’s basketball team in scoring, will receive the Joseph Lombardi Award for outstanding female athlete.
• Ryan Williamson, a First Team, All-State pitcher for Cranford High School, who led the Cougars to a second straight state crown with an 11-0 record, will receive the Edward Cooper Award for most valuable scholastic baseball player.

The Union County Baseball Association also will induct five new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame during the award ceremonies and will honor local American Legion Baseball players and athletes from youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2013.

“We’re delighted to honor so many deserving athletes from throughout Union County at this year’s Hot Stove Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “I hope that family members and friends of all the honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”

Jake Wood, who played for Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, will be the special guest speaker. Wood signed with the Detroit Tigers organization in 1957 when he was a 20-year-old at Delaware State University. He played four years in the minor leagues before making his debut with Detroit in 1961 – the first African American player to advance through the Tigers minor league system and play in the major leagues. Jake played second base with the Tigers and led the American League with 14 triples during his rookie year.

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online by visiting www.ucba-nj.org or by downloading and mailing the table registration form and payment to the Union County Baseball Association, Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023. Proceeds will help fund the Union County Summer Youth Baseball League for youngsters 8 to 15 years, and the Fall Teen League.

Since 1937, the Hot Stove League Dinner has been the primary fund-raising effort for the Union County Baseball Association’s summer and fall programs. Over the years, the awards dinner has honored many local and national baseball luminaries – including Phil Rizzuto of Hillside, Don Newcombe of Elizabeth, Joe Collins of Union, Jeff Torborg of Mountainside, Willie Wilson of Summit, and Elliott Maddox of Union.

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

UNION, NJ– Union County Sheriff’s Officers acting on an outstanding warrant,  arrested Randy Lydon, 24, of Union, who attempted to flee his Walker Avenue apartment by jumping off the fire escape of the building and into a bush of thorns, where officers apprehended him attempting to scale a backyard fence.

Lydon was arrested on Monday and charged with obstructing the administration of law and  resisting arrest, in addition to his probation violation.  Lydon had been previously arrested in November for distribution of drugs 1,000 feet from a schoolyard. He was treated for minor injuries from the jump and is being held at the Union County Jail.

Sheriff’s Officers credited with making the arrest include Sean Perez, Kevin Sargent and James Miller. Union Township police also assisted.

Union County- Tickets are still available for the January 12th performance of The Little Orchestra Society’s “Things That Go Bang,” a part of Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theater Series.

The third installment in the series, “Thing’s that Go Bang,” is one of several performances specially designed for children with autism and related disabilities.

As part of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella’s “Putting People First” initiatives as Chairman in 2012, the series was designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

Union County worked with Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC to design the series and Paper Mill Playhouse and the Children’s Specialized Hospital assisted in making the program possible.

“Things that Go Bang,” sets audiences in a musical kitchen where Bang the Lion and Buzz the Bee cook up a rhythmic feast and teach kids that everyday household objects can make anyone a percussionist. The concert features music by Bizet, Britten, Gershwin, Ginastera, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky and others!

Upcoming performances in the Sensory Friendly series include New Jersey Ballet’s “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Aesop’s Fables” starring puppeteer Jim West.

For further information on ticketing, or the any of the performances in the series, contact the Union County Performing Arts Center at 732-499-8226 or visit them online at www.ucpac.org. All seats are $8 per person and performances begin promptly at 2 p.m.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theater is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and managed by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak (center) of Linden is sworn as the 2014 Chairman of the Freeholder Board by New Jersey State Senator Nicholas Scutari during Union County Government’s 157th Annual Reorganization on January 5, 2014 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are Freeholder Hudak’s wife Terri and their daughter Catherine. They are joined by the Chairman’s parents, John & Susan Hudak.

 

Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh (2nd left) is sworn as the 2014 Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Elizabeth and Roselle Municipal Court Judge Carl L. Marshall during Union County Government’s 157th Annual Reorganization on January 5, 2014 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible is the Vice Chairman’s wife Maria. They are joined by his parents, Abdulia Ben Jalloh and Bernice Martina Jalloh, his sister Hawa Washington, his brother Abubakar Jalloh and Anita Eldridge.

 

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi administers the oath of office to Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (right) during Union County Government’s 157th Annual Reorganization on January 5, 2014 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are the Freeholder’s Husband, Andy Lanset, and her brother John Kowalski.

 

Plainfield Municipal Clerk Abubakar Jalloh administers the oath of office to Union County Freeholder Linda Carter during Union County Government’s 157th Annual Reorganization on January 5, 2014 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

 

Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage administers the oath of office to Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados during Union County Government’s 157th Annual Reorganization on January 5, 2014 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible are the Freeholder’s grandparents, Fernando De Brito and Maris De Brito.

 

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi administers the oath of office to Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich during Union County Government’s 157th Annual Reorganization on January 5, 2014 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The Sheriff’s wife, Marlene, is holding the Bible. Sheriff Froehlich is now serving his 13th term in office.

Union County to become second governmental agency in nation to request gun vendors answer gun control questions; Sheriff Froehlich, Freeholders Carter and Kowalski start new terms, Freeholder Granados starts first term

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH—Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak today announced a series of initiatives for 2014 that included the creation of free Wifi in several County locations, and programs addressing gun control, economic development, planning, recreation, health and wellness.

Union County would also become the second governmental agency in the nation (after the City of Jersey City) to ask that potential vendors who wish to sell guns to the County’s law enforcement agencies answer socially responsible questions on gun safety.

“Union County residents are tired of waiting for meaningful gun laws,” Hudak said.  “And so is this Board. This Freeholder Board does not have the authority to regulate firearms. But we do have the ability to do business only with responsible vendors of guns and ammunition.”

Hudak, a resident of Linden, was selected as Chairman of the Union County Freeholder Board at the 157th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. This is his first term as Chairman.

“As we gather here today in the midst of a national recovery, there are still many who need our help and much left to accomplish,” Hudak said. “As the theme of our initiatives for 2014, we pledge to provide ‘Strong Government and Strong Services’ needed to keep Union County moving forward.”

Sheriff Ralph Froehlich, Freeholder Linda Carter (immediate past chairman), of Plainfield, and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, of Cranford, were sworn into new terms. Freeholder Sergio Granados, of Elizabeth, was sworn into his first term, and Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh of Union, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Board.

Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2014 schedule and procedural rules.

Hudak outlined his priorities:

 

“STRONG GOVERNMENT AND STRONG SERVICES:”

 

Focus on economic development projects creating new jobs and “Union County 2030,” a multi-level planning endeavor. The new developments include: the new Family Court building, expansion/renovation of Union County College’s Cranford and Plainfield campuses, and the expansion of the Vocational Technical School’s West Hall building in Scotch Plains.  “Union County 2030” involves the creation of new plans and surveys addressing sustainable development, storm infrastructure resilience, transportation, and economic competitiveness.

“We will (also) push the expansion of the Raritan Valley Midtown Direct Service as a critical economic development component,” Hudak said. “And we will focus on identifying and storm vulnerabilities and fixing them. With strategic planning Union County will be “stronger than the next storm.”

“Turf and Build” which announces four new turf field installations and recreational improvements, including lights and track installations. The projects will be rolled in over the course of the next few years at Warinanco Park in Roselle; Mattano Park in Elizabeth; Madison Avenue Park and Rahway River Park in Rahway.

Union County Knows HOW—Health, Opportunity and Wellness—which is aimed at increasing health awareness Countywide. The County will partner with Overlook Medical Center in events that involve free health screenings, inoculations and information distribution. The County will also promote health awareness among its employees through the introduction of an Office Work Challenge weight loss program,  wellness fairs and more.

Increase social media and webpage outreach. Open an Instagram social media site (instagram.com/unioncountynj) and revamp the County webpage to improve navigability and include a section so users may subscribe to periodic information on county services.

Create free Wifi at six County locations including: Wheeler Pool in Linden, Ulrich Pool in Rahway, the County Clerk’s Office in Westfield, Warinanco Skating Rink in Roselle, Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, and possibly part of Nomahegan Park.

“Imagine surfing the web pool side at Wheeler park during those lazy summer days; Posting videos of your child’s first ice skating lesson or hockey game at Warinanco’s skating rink; Checking your email while waiting for your passport picture at the Clerk’s office in Westfield on a Saturday; Using your cell phone at Trailside Nature and Science Center to explore the Center and get information about the exhibits. All this and much more will be possible as we develop this new initiative and continue to bring residents the services they want and deserve,” Hudak said.

Ask gun vendors wishing to sell guns to the County socially responsible questions on gun control and conduct a second Countywide gun buyback program through County Police. In announcing the County’s efforts with gun vendors,  Hudak acknowledged Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (in attendance) for his leadership on the issue. Hudak also pointed out the need for gun reforms, as in the 13 months after Newtown, more than 35,000 Americans have died from guns.

Some questions the County may ask gun vendors include:

– What do you do to combat illegal gun trafficking and illegal gun crime?
– Do you sell assault weapons for civilian use?
– Do you agree not to sell certain models of firearms for civilian use?
– Do you fund research related to gun violence and smart gun technology?

Hudak announced the County would once again offer a Countywide Gunback program, building on the success of last year’s effort.

Hudak noted the County led the state with the largest decrease in crime–a 12 percent drop for 2012. He also praised the County’s efforts through Public Safety shared services to assist municipalities—this included the fire mutual aid system, the County’s Dispatch service and

Finally, Hudak also added the County would continue several previous Freeholder initiative programs, including UCSTEP, a unique program promoting positive youth development through topics such as civic engagement. Hudak said the County would add an effort by Support 4 Soldiers, a group that participated in UCSTEP and won the project competition to the County’s initiatives for 2014: The group will set up collection points at High Schools throughout the County and other locations to gather supplies to send to active military personnel.

The other items Hudak said the County will continue are Union County Means Business, and the Sensory Friendly Theater program offered at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

“As you can see, it takes teamwork to provide strong government and strong services,” Hudak noted in closing.  “So I call on you to join together–my colleagues, our workers, residents and the many partners and friends in this room today.  Any great change or improvement rarely comes as the result of an individual effort.”