Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in connection with Union County College, invite County residents with an interest in the fields of Transportation, Logistics and Distribution to attend an information session on free job training, offered through the Union County Choices program, taking place Thursday, May 16, at Union County College’s Elizabeth Campus, located at 40 West Jersey St.

“Transportation and Logistics is a growing and promising industry,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “There are endless opportunities for trained professionals in these fields, and our goal is to ensure that Union County residents are adequately prepared to compete in the market.”

Careers in these areas are usually found in a wide range of companies in various industries. Occupations in Transportation, Logistics and Distribution generally fall into the following areas: Transportation and Port Operations; Maintenance; Warehousing and Distribution; Supply Chain Management and Logistics; Whole­sale Trade; and Corporate Administration (Sales, Marketing, Safety, Purchasing, Information Technology, etc.).

The Union County Choices program, which is one of Carter’s initiatives as Chairman, is geared towards providing a range of skills and sector training to eligible job seekers in Union County’s priority economic development sectors.

 

The information session is free of charge to attend, and walk-ins are welcome although pre-registration is preferred. To register, or for more information on the Union County Choices program, please contact Gina Tuesta at gtuesta@ucnj.org; for registration purposes, please include your name, contact information and email address.

In addition to attending the information session, to be considered for the Union County Choices program candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, take the TABE test and score at 8th grade level or above, be WIA eligible and complete a criminal background check prior to the start of the training program.

 

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the County’s long-running Horticulture for People with Disabilities program has been recognized for Excellence in Programming by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, the state’s leading professional organization in the field of recreation services and land stewardship.

The program was created by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County through its volunteer Master Gardener program, in conjunction with the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“Horticulture for People with Disabilities began 25 years ago on a somewhat modest footing, and over the years we have seen it blossom into a state and national role model,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The Freeholder Board is very proud of our Master Gardener volunteers, and of all who have worked to make the program an effective and successful one.”

Directed horticulture projects have long been recognized as an effective way to exercise the mind, spirit and body, leading to improved outcomes for people with disabilities. Horticultural therapy can also serve as a pathway to a vocation for both volunteers and participants.

The roots of the Union County program date back to 1988, when Master Gardener volunteers began offering a biweekly horticultural therapy program at a local health care facility.

The program was an overwhelming success, with a ripple effect that included the establishment of fully accessible outdoor vegetable gardens and an arboretum.

In 2009, Union County expanded its offerings to focus on children with autism, resulting in the Horticulture for Children with Disabilities collaboration between the County, Master Gardeners, Children’s Specialized Hospital, and the local advocacy group Autism Family Times.

“When you see how children in this program gain confidence through participating in new activities and new social situations, you begin to realize how essential these enriching experiences are,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. As Chairman last year, Mirabella initiated the Sensory Friendly Theater series at the Union County Performing Arts Center, for audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

Horticulture for Children with Disabilities consists of six sessions, each led by Master Gardener volunteers at the Demonstration Gardens in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, in Mountainside.

Each volunteer has been trained and certified as a Master Gardener by experts with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and they also receive sensitivity training from autism educators with Children’s Specialized Hospital.

One important feature of the program is an illustrated weekly “social story,” which participants and their families or caregivers read together in advance of each session.

The reading exercise helps prepare the children to accept a new, unfamiliar event in their weekly routine. Many families also bring a copy with them to the sessions, to help their child navigate the steps in the projects.

Autism Family Times has also played a vital role in the program’s success. The group provides trained peer mentors to offer social support for the participants, engaging them with new friends. That helps the session leaders focusing on providing one-on-one assistance when needed.

In additional to general plant care and garden experiences, the program includes special projects like terrarium planting, herb dish gardens and decoupage.

In addition to the focus on children, the Rutgers Extension and Master Gardeners also developed a specially designed eight-session Introduction to Horticultural Therapy program for all ages.

For this program, which does not require access to a garden, Master Gardeners lead horticultural therapy sessions at care facilities. Staff members at the facility also attend and learn the program, so they can continue to offer as part of their ongoing therapy programming.

For more information on Union County programs for people with disabilities, contact Margaret Heisey of the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-527-4806 or mheisey@ucnj.org.

All Union County recreation events and programs are available online at ucnj.org/parks, or call 908-527-4900.

Master Gardener volunteers perform many acts of community service in Union County, including management of the Demonstration Gardens. No previous experience in horticulture is required to join. For information contact Madeline Flahive at the Rutgers Extension office in Westfield, 908-654-9854 or visit the Master Gardeners online at mastergardeners-uc.org.

 

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The Union County Baseball Association invites young baseball players – boys and girls – ages 8 to 15, to register for its Summer Youth League baseball teams. This annual youth baseball program is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Baseball Association, and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“Since 1945, Union County has offered opportunities for young ballplayers to strengthen their skills and have fun during the summer,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The Summer Youth League continues this long tradition of providing coaches, umpires, shirts and baseball caps to boys and girls who enjoy participating in baseball games at Warinanco Park.”

All games during the Summer Youth League are played in Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The games are coached and supervised by Union County Baseball Association staff.

Sign-ups for the summer league will be held at the Warinanco Park Boat House in Roselle on Saturdays June 1, 8, 15 and 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon each day. Participants also may register online at www.ucba-nj.org . All those who register will participate in play.

Each player is required to bring a $25 registration fee and a birth certificate to the sign-up. Players must be at least 8 years old by June 21 and cannot be 16 before August 1.

The Summer Youth League is divided into three divisions: a Teen League for 13, 14 and 15-year-olds; a Major League for 11 and 12-year-olds; and a Minor League for 8, 9 and 10-year-old players. Registered players will be notified about Team Assignment Day and the first day of play. There will be no refunds after Team Assignment Day.

An awards picnic will be held on Friday, August 2, to mark the end of the Summer Youth Baseball League. For more information call 908-917-2523, or visit the Union County Baseball Association Website at www.ucba-nj.org .

 

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that a “One-Stop” service is available for Union County voters at the Westfield and Elizabeth offices of the County Clerk.

“Eligible voters are able to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the New Jersey Primary Election in person at either one of my offices, receive their ballot and cast the ballot at the same time,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “This one-stop voting service is available at my Westfield office as well as at the main office in Elizabeth.”

“The service in Westfield and Elizabeth makes voting more accessible, particularly at the Westfield office with its convenient Saturday office hours and evening hours during the week,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “With the important June 4 Primary Election for Governor, State Legislature, County and Municipal offices approaching quickly, my office is working to make the voting process as fast and convenient as we can for everyone who is registered to vote.”

The opportunity to Vote-By-Mail in Westfield and Elizabeth is another service available at the County Clerk’s two offices, along with passport application and renewal services, registration of Trade Names, and the application and swearing in of Notaries Public.

The Westfield Annex of the County Clerk is located at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield 07090. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Vote-By-Mail is an easy, secure process that has replaced the Absentee Ballot. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to Vote-By-Mail. To obtain an application form, voters also may pick up the form at their local municipal building; they can download the form at the Union County Clerk’s website: www.ucnj.org/vote-by-mail or they can contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. The Clerk’s website also includes a video that explains how to fill out the Vote-By-Mail application form.

 

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Union County, NJ – Using rainwater collected from a roof, last weekend Cub Scout Pack 145 performed the first known “green” car wash fundraiser in Union County, at the public works building in Clark. The event was a success for the Scouts, who washed almost 100 cars while demonstrating how to conserve water and reduce pollutants.

“I’d like to thank Cub Scout Pack 145 for helping to raise public awareness about the different ways in which we can help clean up our local waterways,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “They all did a great job.”

The green car wash was designed by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program with assistance from Arthur L. Johnson High School students, under a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Also partnering in the project were Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County (supported in part by the Freeholder Board) and the Township of Clark.

The green car wash is a complete system for harvesting fresh water and disposing of wash water.

The two key features of the system are a 5,000 gallon cistern located on the roof of the public works building, which collects rainwater, and an adjacent rain garden.

Rain gardens are designed to soak up excess storm runoff like a sponge, using special soils and low maintenance plants. They require little or no irrigation, fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

Rain gardens are effective ways to prevent pollution from storm runoff in urban areas. In particular, runoff from washing a car at home includes high levels of sediment, heavy metals, oil, grease, surfactants (from soap), and other chemicals that harm fish and other aquatic life.

At the green car wash, runoff is directed to the rain garden, where pollutants are trapped in the soil and are broken down by natural processes.

Otherwise, these pollutants would have entered local storm drain system that eventually leads to the Robinson’s Branch stream, a tributary of the Rahway River.

“It is estimated that 20 gallons of water are used to wash one car with a hose. That’s a lot of wasted water,” said Michele Bakacs, Environmental Agent with the Union County Extension. “Harvesting rainwater is a great alternative for car washing because it helps save the public drinking water supply.”

The green car wash is part of a series of “green infrastructure” projects for the Robinson’s Branch watershed. The goal is to demonstrate environmentally friendly techniques that reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality in urban neighborhoods.

“Our first County parks date back to the 1920’s and they are some of the earliest examples of green infrastructure,” said Carter. “Now it’s up to our generation to improve upon that legacy.”

The project for the Robinson’s Branch is slated for Rahway, where rain gardens are being installed on residential properties. For more about this project contact Michele Bakacs, 732-398-5274 orbakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

For more information about Union County Extension programs and activities, including rain gardens and rain barrels, visit or 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.

Union County –The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Union County Women Mean Business Summit which is set to take place on Wednesday, June 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“Union County recognizes that Women who know how to compete in the workforce are vital to the economic security of not only our state, but our nation as a whole,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “As the first female African American Chairman, I am excited that we can put together a women’s program of this caliber.”

Expanding on the popular Union County Means Business networking series, the Women’s Summit is expected to bring together women from the far reaches of Union County to enjoy a day of inspiration, education and networking.

The program will focus on topics such as starting a business, re-entering the workforce, enhancing your business through social media, breaking the glass ceiling, and networking.

The schedule of events for the day is as follows:

• 11:30 a.m.: Registration Opens
• 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Lunch & Key Note Address
• 1:45 p.m.: -2:45 p.m.: Breakout Session 1
• 3:00 p.m.: -4:00 p.m.: Breakout Session 2
• 4:00 p.m.: -5:30 p.m.: Networking Cocktail Reception (Cash Bar)

 

To register visit www.ucnj.org/ucmeansbusiness; a $25 registration fee is applicable, and pre-Registration is required. The first 50 women to register will receive a complimentary golf lesson at 11:00a.m. on the day of the event.

The Union County Women Mean Business Summit is sponsored by the Union County 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.

For additional information on the Summit or the Union County Means Business Series, please visitwww.ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or contact the County Manager’s office at 908-527-4200.

 

 

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.

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada congratulates Emilia Gabryszewska of Linden on completing the Union County Freeholders College for Teens program at Union County College in Cranford. This summer more than 60 students from throughout Union County completed the three-week program which offers teens in grades 8 through 12 opportunities to explore a variety of career choices while experiencing life on a college campus. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

UNION, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce approval of funding for the 2013 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The application process for a HEART Grant will be explained at a workshop for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars on Thursday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Liberty Hall Museum’s Wagon Shed Building, 1003 Morris Ave., Union, 07083. Although the workshop is free of charge, pre-registration is suggested.

“The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been exciting,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups.”

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to the county’s quality of life and economy, this innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and non-profit organizations of Union County.

“The services provided by these artists, scholars and organizations directly benefit the residents of our county and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “These cultural assets are a vital part of community life, well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism in Union County.”

For additional information or to register for the HEART Grant workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

 

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Union County, NJ – Forty-six members of the Union County 4-H Clubs took to the stage last month for the annual 4-H Public Presentation Night, sharing their personal passion for topics ranging from stop-motion video to basic Chinese, and much more. The event was held at the Union County Vo-Tech Schools campus in Scotch Plains.

“Our 4-H members reflect the diverse, dynamic energy and creative spirit that makes Union County such a wonderful place in which to raise a family,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The Freeholder Board is very proud of every one of the Presentation Night speakers, who reached out to share their favorite subjects with others.”

Seven of the speakers qualified to move up to the statewide Presentation event in June: Kyle Grant of Union, Kirstin Waldman of Roselle, and Adrian Lam, Neeraj Shekhar, Vivek Sreenivasan, Joseph Stokes and Michael Stokes, all of Westfield.

Union County 4-H is the youth development program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

Public Presentation Night is the culmination of long preparation during the school year. Each participant picks a topic they feel strongly about, develops a brief speech that demonstrates their knowledge of the subject, and delivers it at a public event.

The goal is to provide young people in grades 1 through 12 with opportunities to exercise their communication skills, while encouraging them to explore topics of interest to them in greater depth.

Union County 4-H offers many popular clubs including archery, Lego robotics, horticulture, living history, cooking, dog training, fashion and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

For more information about Union County 4-H contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension office in Westfield, 908-654-9854 or Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Please note: 4-H clubs fill quickly, and the Archery and Lego Robotics clubs are chosen by lottery. To keep informed about the registration schedule contact Judi Laganga at the Westfield office, 908-654-9854 orjlaganga@ucnj.org.

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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.

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.

Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich announced this week the 6th Annual Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy is now accepting applications for its 2013 summer class.

The free program is designed to provide youths the opportunity to gain insight into the everyday functions and training of the variety of law enforcement agencies and emergency services. It operates similar to an actual police academy for teens interested in law enforcement.

“The Youth Academy aims to teach our kids about law enforcement and it is a great first step for those interested in the field,” Sheriff Froehlich said.

The Sheriff’s Youth Academy is not a ‘boot camp’ for troubled youth. In order to enroll in the program, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 (B- average) and a one page letter of reference from a non-family member.

The two-week program for middle school and high school students meets daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains.

The class for 7th and 8th graders runs July 15-26. The high school class for grades 9 through 12 will take place from July 29 until August 9.

During the first week of the program, the teens engage in a physical training regime twice a day while attending lectures on subjects such as crime scene investigations and motor vehicle stops. They also receive visits from representatives from several branches of the military, New Jersey State Police and the Secret Service.

The second week of the Youth Academy involves visiting various Sheriff’s Office operations around the county including the K-9 Search and Rescue Unit, the Fugitive Unit and Courthouse Complex Security.

Last year more than 80 students from across Union County graduated from the Sheriff’s Youth Academy.

For applications or more information contact Sheriff’s Officer Tara Halpin at 908-527-4032. Applications can also be downloaded at www.ucnj.org/government/sheriff/sheriffs-youth-academy/.

Completed applications should be sent to the attention of: S/O Tara Halpin, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Administration Building, 1st Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.