Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ –  Nominations are still being accepted for the 22nd annual Women of Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders with the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2013.

Women of Excellence nominations are open to all women 21 years or older, who reside in or are employed in Union County, and who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business/Entrepreneurial, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Law Enforcement, Medicine/Health Care, or Women’s Advocacy.

Nominators are asked to provide several examples of how the nominee has demonstrated outstanding achievements in these fields, and to indicate how the nominee has made a difference in the lives of Union County residents or employees.

The awardees are guests of honor at the annual Women of Excellence Award Dinner which will take place on Friday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union. They will receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and will be presented with a Resolution by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

For additional information or to obtain a nomination form, visit the Women of Excellence website,ucnj2.org, or contact Jane O’Hara at johara1217@gmail.com.

The nomination form and supporting documents must be submitted by the deadline to:

Ms. Jane O’Hara
708 Newark Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090

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The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition and the One-Seat Ride Coalition have announced that NJ Transit will roll out a morning off-peak, one-seat ride to New York’s Penn Station starting March 2, 2014. The trains will arrive in New York between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

NJ Transit has purchased dual-mode locomotives that will operate as diesels through Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Union counties and as electronic locomotives through the tunnel to Manhattan, making the one-seat ride possible.

The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, joined by a coalition of 30 mayors of towns along the line, seek to ultimately achieve a full one-seat ride Manhattan service on the Raritan Valley Line, which currently terminates in Newark.

“Town after town has major development near their train stations,” said Somerset County Freeholder and Rail Coalition Chairman Peter S. Palmer. “The weekday off-peak service is an important first step.”

He credited the mayors’ coalition, headed by Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, with being “vital to the long-standing effort of the Rail Coalition to bring the one-seat ride to fruition.”

NJ Transit, which has championed Transit-Oriented Development, has agreed to meet quarterly with the One-Seat Ride Coalition to evaluate the results of the new service and discuss further expansion. The next step would be to offer evening one-seat ride service during off-peak hours after 8 p.m.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes you to an exhibit of photographs by Tom Maciejewski of Berkeley Heights in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his work entitled “Stuff to Hang on Walls” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until December 30.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Tom Maciejewski is a prolific self-taught photographer. The first year he got a DSLR camera, he shot 150,000 photographs. He would take 100 photos a day on his way to and from work in New York City. Tom concentrates on people and city scenes, some photographed in black and white and some in brilliant color. Travel to Peru, the Amazon jungle and India expanded his interest in seeing everything around him.

After graduating from Union County College, he went to Hawaii and surfed, learned about computers and earned a degree in International Business from Hawaii Loa College in Honolulu. Tom later studied chemistry at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Working for a small chemical company, he honed his computer skills and became a computer programmer for many NYC start-ups during the “Dot Com” boom in the 1990s. After the boom busted, he went to work for financial institutions.

In 2001, Tom Maciejewski was working for Lehman Brothers in the World Trade Center. On the morning of September 11th he missed his train because he had stayed up late the night before watching the Giants on T.V. He didn’t get into Manhattan until after the first plane hit. He would have been at his desk on the 38th floor if it had not been for that game. Maciejewski’s comment to a friend, “Monday Night Football saved my life,” was overheard by a reporter and printed in the New York Daily News. Tom did not have his camera with him that day.

Mr. Maciejewski commutes to New York to work as CTO of a company called MASS Exchange. Nowadays he doesn’t leave home without a camera around his neck.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please 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.

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Two trainees will learn new skills and embark on a new career

Photo1: Chuck Sona, 39 and a life-long resident of Garwood, NJ, Matthew Carr, 27, and a resident of Roselle Park, is measuring pipes. Both were certified and referred to Cranford Plumbing and Heating by the Union County One-Stop Center, a component of the Union County Freeholder’s Workforce Investment Board and an On-the-Job-Training (OJT) program operated by the Elizabeth Development Company (EDC).

Photo 2: On far right, John DiFabio, Owner of Cranford Plumbing & Heating demonstrates metal cutting, one of many skills the OJT trainees, Matthew Carr and Chuck Sona (blue shirts), will learn. 2nd from left, Sergio Granados, Union County Freeholder, was there to observe the OJT program and thanked John for his willingness to work with Union County Workforce Investment Board and the Elizabeth Development Company’s OJT initiative.

Photo 3: Left to right – John DiFabio, Owner of Cranford Plumbing & Heating with two OJT Trainees, Chuck Sona and Matthew Carr. Joining them are Newton Burkett, Chair, EDC Board of Directors and Sergio Granados, Union County Freeholder (far right). Newton and Sergio were on-site observing the OJT program and thanking John for his willingness to work with Union County residents seeking an opportunity to learn while earning an income.

November 4, 2013 ~ When Matthew Carr learned about an on-the-job training opportunity with Cranford Plumbing and Heating (Cranford P&H), he knew he found a career he would enjoy for a lifetime. Cranford P&H of Garwood, NJ, has been in business for over 11 years and is one of many employers joining with the Elizabeth Development Company (EDC) to help Union County residents learn a new trade, start a new career and meet the qualified staffing needs of local employers. Matthew, 27, and a resident of Roselle Park, was certified and referred to Cranford P&H by the Union County One-Stop Center, a component of the Union County Freeholder’s Workforce Investment Board.

There are many benefits to the program for local small businesses and large corporations. Under the OJT program, employers receive wage subsidies of up to half of a new employee’s gross wages. This can go on for up to 26 weeks to help defray the costs of their employment training. They may even qualify for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit — up to $5,000 over 2 years and they may use their OJT program to help fund the first 6 months of an apprenticeship program for qualified participants.

“The combination of learning the trades of both plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) are unique in this industry, and could often times be very lucrative,” says John DiFabio, owner/operator of Cranford Plumbing and Heating. DiFabio has over 35 years of experience in the plumbing and HVAC industry and specializes in serving the Union County community, both residential and commercial. Running a 10-person operation, John is hoping his two OJT trainees do well enough to enter into his apprenticeship program. The average annual income for someone in this industry is $40,000 to $80,000 per year, according to DiFabio.

EDC launched this new initiative to help train and fill the jobs of local employers and help residents gain employment. The new initiative is specifically for qualifying Union County residents, such as displaced workers, veterans, and/or homemakers re-entering the workforce.

“At EDC, we are definitely working to help our businesses prosper. The OJT program provides incentives to help them find and train qualified unemployed workers, but more importantly our placements make $16.50 per hour, twice the minimum wage. Not only will this help our businesses, it will help our communities thrive,” says Newton Burkett, Chairman of the Elizabeth Development Company.

When asked about how the program has impacted his business, DiFabio said, “I think this is an excellent program because it’s really hard to find people who want to spend the time to learn this kind of trade. Although this industry is stable, it’s hard work and a person really needs to have a passion for this kind career. My two trainees are doing so well, I told other business colleagues that they should consider signing up for the OJT program. To me, it’s a win-win; we employ residents and I get motivated employees.” In addition, DiFabio regularly sends his employees to industry certified training workshops so they may stay current with all the changing and new technologies impacting his business.

Chuck, 39, married with two young boys, and a life-long resident of Garwood, NJ, recently started the OJT program with Cranford Plumbing & Heating. John saw how well the program worked with Matthew and encouraged Chuck to get certified through the EDC and the County’s one-stop center, and join his team. Chuck had some plumbing experience, but now he wants to learn the HVAC trade and thinks this is great opportunity. “I am really interested in working in both plumbing and HVAC as a new career. I’m looking forward to working and learning,” commented Chuck

The initiative is funded by Union County Freeholder’s Workforce Investment Board, City of Elizabeth Community Development Block Grant, and Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit through NJ Department of Community Affairs. The Elizabeth Development Company is actively seeking employers, from various industries, who are willing to hire and train residents seeking employment.

“The On-the-Job Training initiative is a win-win for County residents and businesses, which both benefit from this program,” said Union County Freeholder, Sergio Granados. “Programs like this are helping to build a better skilled workforce, meet the needs for high-demand jobs, and ultimately strengthen the Union County’s economy.” Granados thanked all of the partners involved for their effort in providing innovative job collaboration, adding, “The goal is to enable our businesses and residents to be able to compete and win in the new economy.”

Cranford Plumbing and Heating is located at 350 Willow Avenue, Garwood, NJ; phone number 908-272-4641. Employers interested in more information about the OJT program, may call Fatimah Raymond, Program Director at the Elizabeth Development Company at 908-289-0262 or email fraymond@edcnj.org

Pictured are trophy and ribbon winners of the opening event, “First Class Troopers Over Fences,” at the Union County Watchung Stable’s, 80th Annual Fall Troop Horse Show.  From left to right are: 1st place trophy and blue ribbon winner, Courtney Maier of Mountainside, 2nd place, Lauren Baldowski of Cranford,  3rd place, Meghan Foley of Clark, 4th place, Lindsay O’Donnell of Garwood, 5th Place, Caroline Culp of Scotch Plains, and 6th Place, Candice Mason of Clark.

First Class Troopers are the most advanced riders of the Watchung Stable’s group riding lesson program for youth, beginning at age 9 and lasting through age 17 or the rider’s senior year of high school.  Adult group “Troop” lessons are also offered, along with individual and semi-private instruction for anyone ages 9 and up.

Watchung Stables is locate in Union County’s scenic Watchung Reservation, at 1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside.  For information on group and individual lessons, as well as public and private trail rides, birthday parties, lead-line horse rides and non-riding group programs, call the facility at (908) 789-3665 or visit www.ucnj.org/stables.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites formal and non-formal educators of children in grades K-12 to take part in Project WOW, the Wonders of Wetlands, on Thursday, December 5,  from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Wetland areas are a critical habitat for a diverse array of animals and plants,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The 2,060-acre Watchung Reservation, with its many streams, lakes and ponds, is an ideal place to study the wonders of wetlands.”

Project WOW is an instructional program that provides more than 50 hands-on, multi-disciplinary activities in lesson plan format for educators working with children in grades K-12. Extensive background information on wetlands, ideas for student action projects and a wetlands resource guide are all provided in this interactive and engaging teacher-training workshop. Activities in the workshop are correlated with the National Science Education Standards.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. The fee is $25 per person and includes the Project WOW guidebook. Each participant will receive six New Jersey Department of Education credits. Morning refreshments will be served during registration. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch.

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 or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on our website at www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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Union County- The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County Performing Arts Center recently announced that tickets are now available for the November 17th performance of “Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players,” a part of the Sensory Friendly Theater Series.

“As an educator, I recognize the value- cultural and therapeutic- of music and theater,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter, “I am proud that the Freeholder Board has had a hand in bringing programs like this one to our local community.”

The second installment in the series, “Justin Roberts” is one of several performances specially designed for children with autism and similar sensory sensitivities, and other special needs.

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

Union County works with Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC to design the series and make adjustments to each performance to suite the special needs of our guests.

Justin Roberts is a Grammy nominated Indie artist who logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children’s show business.

With numerous national awards and recognition, and a devoted fan base, “Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players” dishes out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.

Upcoming performances in the Sensory Friendly series include New Jersey Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, Aesop’s Fables starring puppeteer Jim West, and The Little Orchestra Society’s Things that go Bang!

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.

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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.

Photo Caption: Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski speaks with Gordon Haas, CEO and President of The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, during Union County Means Business’ final event of the season, “Maximizing your Business with the Internet” at Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway. Headlining the program was Tara Dowdell, former “Apprentice” contestant, who spoke at length about areas of interest including website development, social media and maximizing your business’ online presence. (Photo Courtesy of James Lowney, County of Union)

l. to r. Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter, and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright join Union County Vocational Technical Schools Superintendent Peter Capodice and Vo Tech Schools Business Administrator Sue Anne Marcello in holding up a blueprint for the planned expansion of the West Hall building at the Union County Vocational Technical Schools system in Scotch Plains. The 29,000 square foot, two-story expansion will add new classrooms, science labs, lockers and athletic facilities and will cost approximately $9 million. A groundbreaking is expected to occur soon. (Photo by Jim Lowney)

For youngsters who love pets, Union County 4-H clubs offer a fun opportunity to learn all about pet care while developing key life skills including teamwork and decision making. Openings are still available in the 3rd Grade Pet Club, 4th and 5th grade Variety Club, and the Dog Obedience Club for 3rd grade and up. For more details contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu, or visit ucnj.org/rce. 4-H is a youth development program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. (photo: Yukari* via flickr.com)

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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, 848-932-3584.

Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.