Author: Web Site Administrator

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2013 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is on display at the Freeholders Gallery located in the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth. The art work is on display through January 3rdduring regular office hours.

The exhibit consists of 55 pieces of art selected from more than 650 visual art works shown at the 2013 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“The artwork in this exhibit is exceptional. The fact that the artists are teenagers makes the show even more outstanding,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit while it tours around Union County.”

For information about the Teen Arts program, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550.  NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

2013 TEEN ARTS  EXHIBIT – The exhibiting students are:

Berkeley Heights

Columbia Middle School
Alice Gao
Governor Livingston High School
Michael Horwath

Clark
Mother Seton RHS
Nathalia Palacios

Elizabeth
Abraham Lincoln School
Evelyn Huiloti
Benedictine Academy
Angie Mery
Charles Hudson School
Isidra Alvarado Vasques
Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy
Jezebel Jimenez
Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jefferson Torres
Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Robert McCall
Elizabeth HS – Hamilton Academy
Evelyn Lopez
Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Chrysthel Jean-Louis
David Simancas
Cindy Montalvo
Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Yilian Borroto
Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Nicole Capelo
Sung Soon DeSouza
Elmora School
Jayline Rodriguez
Louveture-Lafayette School
Katuiska Zuniga
Mabel G. Holmes School
Santiago Hoyos
Nicholas M. Butler School
Ramon Rivera
Nicholas S. LaCorte School
Oscar Heredia
T.C. Reilly School
Eqequiel Carvalo
William F. Halloran School
Harmonie Garcia
Woodrow Wilson School
Irene Negron

Hillside
Hillside HS
Kameron Kee
Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Samantha Felipe

Kenilworth
David Brearley HS
Erick Soriano
Melissa Dudukvich

Linden

Linden HS
Adrianna Rendon
Kylie Vorob
McManus MS
Kara Depczynski
Soehl MS
Nicholas Francisco

Mountainside
Deerfield MS
Isabella DiCosmo

New Providence
New Providence HS
Adrienne Cirotti
Christie Shaw
New Providence MS
Licheng Yang

Plainfield
Cook School
Fritz Mersola
Plainfield Academy of Arts
Sebastian Nunez
Gabrielle Lugbauer
Plainfield HS
Erika Jackson
Union County TEAMS Charter School
Gabrielle Labady
Stephany Vargas

Roselle
Abraham Clark HS
Zulis Linares
Ti-Reece Vaughn
Grace Wilday Jr. HS
Agape DeLeon

Scotch Plains
Union County Vo-Tech HS
Bre’on Johnson
Austin McCaffrey

Summit
Oratory Preparatory School
Alex McDonald

Union
Union HS
Wislet Dazime
Armando Flores

Westfield
Hillcrest Academy South
Kadeem Venus
Lamberts Mill Academy
Genesis Malacara

Winfield
Winfield School
Corey Hallari

Union County, NJ – This little fellow is an American Woodcock who was probably on his way south for the holidays when he lost his way in Elizabeth. Union County Parks & Community Renewal employee Margaret Heisey spotted him inside the Chris Bollwage Parking Garage and he was safely released into Mattano Park by Union County Vicinage employee and longtime parks volunteer Natalie Gregorio. Union County’s park system provides important habitat for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south route.(photo: Natalie Gregorio)

 

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

Union County, NJ — The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County offers the following food safety tips for holiday cooking:

Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator (3-4 days for a 15 lb. turkey)

• Stuff the turkey right before it goes in the oven.
• Cook at a minimum temperature of 325° F and use a thermometer.
• When done, the thermometer should register 165° F in the inner thigh, wing, breast, and stuffing.
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

The Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For additional food safety tips call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline, 1-888-674-6854.

For information on all Union County Extension programs including 4-H youth clubs, Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards, and family wellness initiatives visit ucnj.org/rce or call 908-654-9854.

 

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

 

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are offering a special incentive for residents to apply for a passport during the month of December: the cost of each passport photograph will be reduced to $5.00. This half-price photo offer applies only to applicants for a new passport or a passport renewal during December.

“To jump-start interest in the winter travel season, my offices are giving travelers a break on their vacation expenses while still providing a full range of passport services with no need for an appointment,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Are you ready for that winter getaway you’ve been dreaming about? Now is the time to make sure your passport is up-to-date.”

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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: ucnj.org/Passports.

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.

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Union County, NJ — Fall weather is no deterrent to Union County Adopt-A-Park volunteers, who play a key role in improving and maintaining more than 6,600 acres of public open space. Pictured here are members of the Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee in Warinanco Park last Saturday. They picked up litter, collected recyclables, removed weeds and repaired fencing at a shoreline restoration project designed to attract hummingbirds, songbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. To find out more about Adopt-A-Park visitucnj.org/parks or call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-789-3683.

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Photo Caption: Margaret Heisey (left), Program Coordinator of Union County’s Recreation Programs for People with Disabilities, presents Alex Jackman (center) of Westfield with a Freeholder sponsored resolution honoring her for her dedication to Autism awareness. The Resolution was presented at the second installment of Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theater Series, which is designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity due to autism and related disabilities. Heisey and Jackman were joined by Adrienne Robertiello (right), Autism Educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital. (Photo courtesy of the County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella presents a resolution to Jazmyn Carrington of Scotch Plains commending her for her quick actions in saving the life of a fellow student at Union County Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains by performing the Heimlich maneuver.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

WESTFIELD, NJ – In honor of Veterans Month, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds any honorably discharged veteran living in Union County that they can receive a free identification card at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth. The wallet-size photo ID card is honored as proof of service in the United States Armed Forces.

“We encourage all of our veterans to bring their original discharge papers to the County Clerk’s Office in either Westfield or Elizabeth and take advantage of this free program,” Rajoppi said. “This ID card service is just one way to say thank you and make veterans’ lives a little easier.”

The Veterans ID Card Act was signed into law last year. The card is available to veterans whose original Certificate of Honorable Discharge and/or DD-214 forms are recorded at the Union County Clerk’s office. It can assist veterans in receiving educational benefits, death benefits, licenses, local property tax rebates and discounts at big retailer box stores when presented with other identification.

If a veteran’s discharge papers have never been recorded, the original documents must be presented at either one the Union County Clerk’s offices. Documents will be recorded in the Union County Veterans’ Index and the original documents will be returned to the veteran together with a free certified copy for their records. Photocopies of Honorable Discharge or DD-214 documents cannot be accepted for recording.

If the original discharge documents are lost, veterans can write to the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63138. Those who have already recorded their documents with the Union County Clerk can call her office at 908-659-7403 for additional information.

“Veterans can be assured that access to their discharge papers is available only to the veteran, his or her mother, father, spouse, brother, sister, child, heir or personal representative,” Rajoppi said. “Veterans’ documents are archived in a secure area and they are not accessible to the public.”

The County Clerk’s Office in Westfield, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The County Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth, located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If additional information is needed, please call 908-659-7403.

 

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Former City of Elizabeth Planning and Community Development Director and 15-year governmental veteran to emphasize economic development and implementation of initiatives and policies on behalf of Freeholder Board and County Manager

 

ELIZABETH—William Reyes, a resident of Mountainside and a 15-year governmental veteran who led the City of Elizabeth’s Planning and Community Development Department, has become the new Deputy County Manager.

Reyes, 39, is a native of Elizabeth and lifelong resident of Union County who resides in Mountainside with his wife, Cheryl, and two children.

“I am truly honored and thankful to the Freeholder Board and County Manager Faella for being given the opportunity to serve the residents of our County in the capacity of Deputy County Manager,” Reyes said. “I look forward to assisting the Board and County Manager in their mission to provide strong governmental services and the implementation of policies that will chart a course for County government moving forward.”

Reyes began his career in 1999 in the City of Elizabeth’s Office of Public Information and served as the Office’s Director of Public Relations before becoming the Director of Planning and Community Development several years ago.

Reyes was responsible for the management of the Community Development Block Grant Program (distribution of more than $3 million in funds), the Economic Development and Public Information Bureaus, the Elizabeth Home Improvement Program and the Office of Relocation.

Reyes graduated from Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, and Rutgers University- New Brunswick, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Spanish.

Among his accomplishments in Elizabeth were:

*The retention of Wakefern in Elizabeth, partnering with the County to recruit Federal Stimulus financing to help the company expand and create over 350 jobs;

*Working to secure $40 million in State funds for the renovation and reconstruction of the Midtown Elizabeth NJ Transit Train station;

*Secured environmental funding to remediate lots and improve the Midtown area;

*Oversaw the completion of Phase 1 of the Rivertrail in Midtown Elizabeth, and the start of its second phase;

*Worked with real estate developers to expand Fedex and Seafrigo facilities– creating dozens of new employment opportunities.

Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter welcomed Reyes to County Government, and added the Board looked forward to working with him.

“Bill has a proven track record as a respected administrator in the City of Elizabeth, and has strong leadership qualities that should enable him to serve well in County Government,” Carter said.

Faella, who selected Reyes, praised him as someone who is a sharp, personable and innovative administrator who gets the job done and does not shy away from challenges.

“Bill is a man of great integrity and vision who developed a reputation as “a go to” administrator, solved issues and developed programs in the City of Elizabeth,” said Faella, who also formerly served as the Director of Community Development for the City of Elizabeth in the ‘90s. “He has an outstanding knowledge of local government, and is ready for the next step in County Government.”

Faella, pointing to the pending implementation of major initiatives regarding the Union County Golf  Division, the jail, economic development and he noted that the timing was right to select Reyes as Deputy County Manager, filling a spot left vacant by the retirement of M. Elizabeth Genievich approximately two years ago.

“We are going to have to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Faella said. “Bill will be able to greatly assist in these endeavors.”

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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