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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 22nd annual Women of Excellence Awards, sponsored with the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

The Women of Excellence Awards program was established to raise awareness about the significant contributions made to Union County by women from all walks of life.

“For more than 20 years, the Women of Excellence Awards have celebrated and supported the difference that women make to the quality of life in Union County, all throughout our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “If there is an outstanding woman in your sphere of activity, whether professional or volunteer, I encourage you to submit her name for consideration.”

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. They receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and are presented with a Resolution by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Additional information and nomination forms are available at 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 no later than December 1, 2013 to:

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

The 2014 Women of Excellence Award Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a new class called “Preserve the Harvest,” conducted by experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

“With New Jersey’s rich tradition of home gardening, Preserve the Harvest is a great opportunity for Union County residents to learn the basics of safely canning and freezing, so home grown fruits and vegetables can be enjoyed all year,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

The class is scheduled for Friday October 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Extension offices in the Union County Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, 300 North Avenue East.

Pre-registration is required by October 9. To pre-register or get more information, call Judi Laganga at the Extension, 908-654-9854 (press option “2”). A $5.00 materials fee will be collected at the door.

For information about all Union County Extension programs for children and adults, visit ucnj.org/rce.

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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.

Photo Credit: Canned cherries by jeffreyw via flickr.com.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you need special accommodations, have questions about physical access, or require alternate means for program information, please contact your local Extension Office. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents that Tuesday, October 15, is the deadline to register to vote and to make address changes within your town or Union County to vote in the upcoming Gubernatorial Election in New Jersey.

“This year’s election for Governor also offers residents an opportunity to vote for local members of the New Jersey Legislature as well as Union County, municipal and school board officials (except in Summit) and public questions. But first you must register to vote by October 15,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “I urge all eligible residents to be part of the process and vote on Tuesday, November 5. Your vote does count.”

To register to vote or to register an address change, forms are available in every municipality at the office of the municipal clerk. Forms also may be obtained by calling the office of the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996, by visiting the County Clerk’s office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, or by visiting the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/voter-registration.

Voter registration forms and change of address forms must be mailed to the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07208 no later than Friday, October 11, in order to be eligible to vote in the General Election on Tuesday, November 5.

To qualify to vote, you also must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old, not serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction, and a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

Voters are encouraged to Vote-By-Mail, an easy process that has replaced Absentee Voting. To apply to Vote-By-Mail, voters can pick up an application from their municipal clerk, download the form at the Union County website, https://ucnj.org/vote-by-mail, visit the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield, or contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. Applications to Vote-By-Mail must be received by the County Clerk no later than Oct. 29. The deadline for in-person applications at the Clerk’s offices is Nov. 4 before 3 p.m.

For more information about voter registration, please call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

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Granados will fill unexpired vacancy left by former
Freeholder Daniel Sullivan until end of year

UNION COUNTY, NJ— Sergio Granados, an Elizabeth resident, has become the newest Union County Freeholder, filling a vacancy on the Board.

Granados assumes Sullivan’s vacant Freeholder spot, which expires at the end of December this year. Sullivan resigned last month, creating the vacancy. Granados was sworn in Thursday night (tonight) after being selected on Tuesday by the Democratic Committee to succeed Sullivan.

“I thank the members of the Committee for their support and confidence in me,” Granados said. “I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm and energy to County Government and am honored to be working with a team of Freeholders who continue to work hard to provide high quality services to our residents.”

As per his philosophy and work ethic, Granados quipped he “would not be the one who crams to learn but understands to learn.”

“I do not intend to rush through issues and seek quick fixes,” Granados said. “My goal is to take a holistic, fair and reasoned approach to solutions.”

Chairman Linda Carter welcomed Granados to the Board.

“Sergio, as someone who has governmental experience, will be able to hit the ground running,” Carter said. “My colleagues and I look forward to working with him in moving Union County forward.”

County Manager Alfred J. Faella also welcomed Granados.

“Sergio is a hard working official who will be able to sit down and immediately begin helping with ideas and solutions,” Faella said. “I welcome him to County Government and look forward to his leadership and participation.”

Granados said he would emphasize communication and outreach, saying he looks forward to their input and that of the public’s, adding he will be someone who will “always listen to your concerns.”

Granados, a resident of Elizabethport who is of Portuguese and Salvadorian descent, is a graduate of Kean University and Elizabeth High School. He works as a Supervisor in the City of Elizabeth’s Health Division where, among his responsibilities, he conducts budget analysis, policy implementation and training.

“I look forward to working with County administrative officials in seeking out efficiencies and shared services,” he said.

As Freeholder, Granados said he would focus on economic development, job training and job creation initiatives, shared services, fiscal issues–and education.

“I believe everyone should have the means to further their education,” he said. “It’s a ladder—often the only ladder available to low and middle education families – that will hopefully lead the young generation to real job opportunities in the 21st century. These are the people I am here to represent—working class residents and our families.”

Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter and Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (L) and Alexander Mirabella (R) present a resolution to former Freeholder Daniel Sullivan thanking him for his 19 years of service on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Bette Jane Kowalski (R) present a resolution to Principal Virginia Gilcrest (2nd R) and faculty member Mary Lou Gugger of the Ernest J. Finizio-Aldene Elementary School in Roselle Park recognizing and commending their exemplary role and participation in the 2012-2013 “Adopt A Food Pantry” food drive. Each month during the school year food was collected for the Casano Community Center in Roselle Park. The school consistently followed through on their commitment to serve the residents of the community. “Adopt A Food Pantry” is a Union County Freeholder initiative to assist in the replenishment of community food pantries throughout Union County.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to offer a program, “Cooking with Wild Edibles,” for adults, ages 18 and older, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The fee for this program is $15 for Union County residents and $20 for out-of-county participants.

“This is a delicious way to learn about the wealth of food we commonly call weeds, which can be found readily in our own backyard,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “You’ll never again look at a weed the same way.”

Participants in the “Cooking with Wild Edibles” class will enjoy learning to identify some common plants of the Watchung Reservation. Trailside senior park naturalist Joe Filo will teach participants how to collect, prepare and cook these familiar backyard plants. Enjoy a sampling of delicious foods including acorn bread and sassafras tea. Take home some recipes utilizing plants familiar to all of us.

For additional information about this lecture or other adult programs or upcoming 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.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds county residents to apply for their passports as soon as possible to avoid any complications that may disrupt their winter travel plans. Holiday travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and countries in the Caribbean must have a valid passport to enter or depart from the United States.

“Because of the approaching holidays, there’s an increased demand for new documents from the federal passport agency. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport,” Rajoppi said. “Additionally, if your passport expires within six months of your planned visit, many countries will not permit you to enter. You will need to renew your passport.”

It can take four to six weeks for a regular passport application to be processed and returned to the customer. Even the more expensive expedited delivery option can take three weeks for delivery.

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 County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/Passports.

“No appointment is necessary. Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office has convenient evening and Saturday hours and also is fully staffed.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number at the Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone 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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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a program, “Learning the Basics of Gardening,” a two-part workshop for adults, ages 18 and older, at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The sessions will be held on two Saturdays, October 5 and 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with park naturalist and gardener Ruth Yablonsky. The fee for this two-part program is $20 for Union County residents and $24 for out-of-county participants.

“This workshop will give you all the basics for starting your garden,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “What better place to learn gardening than in Union County’s beautiful Watchung Reservation, right at the Trailside doorstep.”

On Oct. 5, you’ll discover the difference between annuals and perennials and learn how to choose and prepare a site for your garden. Participants also learn what kind of tools and supplies are needed, and how to make compost, critter-proof a garden and create raised beds.

In the second session on Oct. 19, participants will focus on where and how much to plant, weeding techniques and the various chemical options that exist to help maintain a garden. Other topics in this session include: bugs as friends and foes; planting and placement; and how to choose between seeds vs. seedlings.

Pre-registration for “Learning the Basics Gardening” is required. Space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome if space permits. This two-part series offers teachers and master gardeners a chance to earn five Continuing Professional Education Credits. Participants should bring lunch.

For additional information about this lecture or other adult programs and upcoming 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.

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Union County –Spaces are still available for The Affordable Care Act and its Impact on Business a new Union County Means Business program. The event will take place on October 1st from 8:00-10:00 a.m. at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, and will address the questions and concerns with regards to theAffordable Care Act.

“This panel discussion will assemble industry professionals to tackle tough questions and look at the Affordable Care Act from the perspective of small businesses owners,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “With new healthcare exchanges opening for enrollment on October 1st, this Union County Means Business Session is particularly timely.”

Panelists taking part in the program include Christine Stearns Vice President of Health Affairs of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, Al Titone, Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Newark district office, and Alan Lieber Vice President, Atlantic Health System and President, Overlook Medical Center.

The UCMB series is open to all interested parties, specifically people who own or manage a business in Union County, or who are planning to start a business in Union County. It is designed to bring local business owners, prospective owners and managers in contact with government representatives who can help them obtain information about grants, loans, social media, employee recruitment, and other resources pertinent to their endeavors.

All sessions are free but pre-registration is required by visiting the Union County website athttps://ucnj.org/UCMeansBusinessor call 908-527-4200.

UCMB Programs are sponsored by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corp., Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, and Union County College. The Affordable Care Act and its Impact on Business is being cosponsored by Overlook Medical Center.

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