Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – Afterschool providers in Union County can help boost the science skills of their young charges with help from a new curriculum suitable for children in grades 1 through 6. The curriculum, called “Sinking and Floating,” focuses on fun, hands-on exercises that illustrate basic principles such as density, buoyancy and opposing forces.

“Sinking and Floating” is available through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Program, which will host a workshop on the curriculum on Friday, December 16. The workshop is open to staff from local organizations that operate afterschool programs.

The fee for the workshop is $75, which includes lunch and all materials for conducting the program. To register or to get more information, contact James Nichnadowicz of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is headquartered in the County services building in Westfield.

“Programs like Sinking and Floating can help younger children gain confidence that will help them progress through middle school and beyond,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “An early interest in science can lead to a high value career, so these educational programs form an important part of workforce development in Union County.”

Scanlon noted that the program complements the ‘Green Boot Camp’ developed by educators at the Union County Vo-Tech High Schools in partnership with Honeywell. The Green Boot Camp is an annual workshop designed for middle school educators, to help them introduce hands-on, team based science and technology exercises to their students and prepare them for more challenging courses in high school.

 

For more information on all Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H programs, community health initiatives and volunteer opportunities call the Extension at 908-654-9854 or visit the Union County website,www.ucnj.org.

#  #

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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Usher in the holidays with the sights and sounds of the season at the 28th annual Holiday Nature Craft Show at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to present this seasonal craft show and charity drive in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration at Trailside on Sunday, December 4, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The price of admission is an item of dry or canned food or a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed through local charities.

“While shopping at the Nature Craft Show for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, visitors will be treated to a festive afternoon of activities,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Adding to the holiday atmosphere, carolers will entice visitors to join them in a sing-along and decorated trees will be displayed throughout the Trailside Visitors Center.”

Staff from various Union County departments will decorate trees in the Visitors Center. All the trees, ornaments and gift cards collected will be distributed to Union County families in need. Visitors are encouraged to stop by each holiday tree and vote on their favorite decoration theme for this year.

With a large selection of handcrafted items available at the show, you will certainly be able to check some names off your gift list. More than 40 vendors will be selling nature-themed items such as natural wreaths, ornaments, handmade gift baskets and hand-painted or stenciled home décor. Crafters and artisans will also offer unique toys, jewelry, stained glass and other gift items with wildlife, gardening and nature themes. Light refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day.

The day’s activities will include the Union County Tree and Menorah Lighting at 1:30 p.m. in the Trailside Auditorium. Children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the auditorium and free children’s coloring and face painting will be offered on the upper level of the Visitor Center to keep the little ones entertained.

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal would like to offer special thanks to the ShopRite of Clark, Williams Nursery, Dreyer Farms and Parker Gardens for their generous donations as sponsors of this holiday event and charity drive.

For additional information about the Holiday Nature Craft Show please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or go towww.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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 – Hundreds of volunteers work in the historic Union County parks system to help keep trails and open spaces attractive and enjoyable for all, and their efforts were celebrated at a recent awards ceremony with members of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

 

“Our volunteers put forth an extraordinary effort all year long, and they have really gone above and beyond to clear the trails of fallen trees and branches after Hurricane Irene and the recent nor’easter,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Thanks to them, thousands of Union County residents and visitors have been out in the parks, walking the trails and enjoying the fall season.”

So far this year, more than 800 individuals have worked in the County’s Adopt-a-Trail and Adopt-a-Park programs. Some, including several student interns, have helped out administratively. All together they logged a total of almost 4,500 hours.

County Manager Alfred Faella noted that a safety-trained volunteer chainsaw crew removed 582 blowdowns that blocked hiking and bridle trails after the two major storms hit the region.

“We are all very proud of our volunteers and very grateful for their willingness to pitch, in whether it’s just for a few hours or for a long term commitment,” said Faella. “They help make it possible to maintain our parks under a tight budget and they set a great example for all of Union County.”

Most of the volunteers live in Union County. Some live outside the County’s borders and volunteer through their place of work, club or civic organization.

This year, 25 companies and community groups participated in the Adopt-a-Park program. Fifty-four volunteers signed on as Trail Stewards, who take responsibility for maintaining a section of hiking or bridle trails for a period of time.

More than 100 volunteers also signed up for Trail Work Saturdays. That program runs on the first Saturday of each month, from March to December.

“There are many ways to volunteer for the Union County parks, and our coordinators can help you find a way to participate that’s right for you,” said Scanlon. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people who enjoy getting outdoors and helping to preserve our natural resources.”

To find out more about volunteering visit the County website, www.ucnj.org or call the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-789-3683.

 

Summit residents Anton Evers of the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy and Marian Glenn of the Summit Environmental Commission accept a certificate of appreciation from Union County Manager Al Faella, at Union County’s 4th Annual Adopt-A-Park/Trail Steward Recognition Dinner held recently at Trailside Nature & Science Center. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Marc Grobman of Fanwood, an Adopt-A-Trail steward who adopts the Ash Brook Reservation trail in Scotch Plains, accepts a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholder, Chris Hudak at the County’s 4th Annual Adopt-A-Park/Trail Steward Recognition Dinner held recently at Trailside Nature & Science Center. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Kenneth Mirsky (right) of Westfield, accepts congratulations from Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada at a recent dinner honoring Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-a-Trail stewards. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Allison Parlipiano of South Plainfield accepts congratulations from Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak for her efforts in leading a project that partnered Merck, a major employer in Union County, with numerous Adopt-A-Park projects in Rahway. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Members of the Oak Ridge Sportsmens Association are pictured with Union County Freeholders Chris Hudak (2nd from left standing), Angel Estrada (sitting rear) and County Manager, Al Faella (4th from right standing) after receiving a certificate of appreciation for their Adopt-A-Park efforts. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada congratulates Lee and Jay Sport for their Adopt-A-Park efforts at a recent dinner honoring volunteers for their dedication and service in keeping parks and trails clean. The Sport family of Mountainside works throughout the year keeping a section of Coles Avenue clear of litter. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Steve Jandoli, (left) of Cranford accepts congratulations from Union County Manager Alfred Faella for a job well done by the Rahway River Association. The group has participated in the county’s Adopt-A-Park Program for several years and has led an effort to restore a unique and fragile habitat located in the Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains called Red Hill. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Adopt-a-Trail Steward Lynda Goldschein of Watchung accepts a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada at a recent dinner honoring volunteers in the Union County parks system. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Bud and Karen Ayres, Adopt-A-Trail stewards of Berkeley Heights, accept a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholders Angel Estrada and Christopher Hudak (l to r). The couple was honored recently for their volunteer service. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

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
at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ – A new Union County messaging service provides citizens with new ways to provide tips on criminal activity without disclosing their names, by texting UC TIP to 274637, or submitting an online form through the Union County Crime Stoppers website, www.uctip.org. Anonymous tips are also accepted through the Crime Stoppers 24-hour toll free hotline, 908-654-8477.

“Community involvement is the key to crime prevention, and Crime Stoppers is a valuable resource for Union County residents who want to be involved, but who do not wish to identify themselves,” said Deborah Scanlon, Union County Freeholder Chairman.

Anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers has proven to make a difference. Since its inception, the program has resulted in thousands of arrests for crimes including murder and other serious offenses, the recovery of contraband such as illegal drugs and weapons, and the return of property to its rightful owner.

The Union County Crime Stoppers Board is a volunteer organization dedicated to encouraging more residents to step forward and share information about criminal activity. It works closely with the Union County Police, the Union County Police Chiefs Association and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

A cash reward of up to $5,000 may be offered for information resulting in the arrest and indictment of an offender.

Phone calls to the Crime Stoppers tipline at 908-654-8477 are handled through a designated phone that  does not provide caller ID, and conversations are not recorded.

Citizens who would like to use the online form at www.uctip.org will have their identity protected through a secure connection. They can also return to the same form to add new information without disclosing their identity.

To ensure the anonymity of citizens who text UC TIP to 274637, all messages are routed through a remotely located third party, and no records of the messages are retained.

 

#  #

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.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – A technical assistance workshop will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Scotch Plains Public Library. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the workshop “Designing History Exhibits Based on Your Archival Collections” aims to help museum staff and volunteers, history organizations, libraries and private collectors install first class exhibits using photographs, documents and artifacts drawn from their archival collections.

Plainfield Public Library Director Joseph Da Rold will lead a discussion about the intricacies of incorporating fragile items into displays, how to expand exhibits beyond one’s resources, and the important role of exhibit curators and installers.

Prior to assuming his current position in 1994, Mr. Da Rold honed his exhibit design skills at several California-based museums and libraries, including the Hathaway Ranch Museum in Santa Fe Springs, where he served as Deputy Director and Curator, and the Whittier Historical Society/Whittier Museum, where he served as Executive Director. He has turned the Plainfield Public Library’s Anne Louise Davis Gallery into a premier venue for the exhibition of photographs, documents and artifacts from its large local and state history collections.

Pre-registration is requested. The fee is $5. For registration and/or a free brochure about the workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550; Relay Users call 1-800-852-7899; visit the website www.ucnj.org/cultural or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. This workshop is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

 

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 .

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – A technical assistance workshop will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Scotch Plains Public Library. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the workshop “Designing History Exhibits Based on Your Archival Collections” aims to help museum staff and volunteers, history organizations, libraries and private collectors install first class exhibits using photographs, documents and artifacts drawn from their archival collections.

Plainfield Public Library Director Joseph Da Rold will lead a discussion about the intricacies of incorporating fragile items into displays, how to expand exhibits beyond one’s resources, and the important role of exhibit curators and installers.

Prior to assuming his current position in 1994, Mr. Da Rold honed his exhibit design skills at several California-based museums and libraries, including the Hathaway Ranch Museum in Santa Fe Springs, where he served as Deputy Director and Curator, and the Whittier Historical Society/Whittier Museum, where he served as Executive Director. He has turned the Plainfield Public Library’s Anne Louise Davis Gallery into a premier venue for the exhibition of photographs, documents and artifacts from its large local and state history collections.

Pre-registration is requested. The fee is $5. For registration and/or a free brochure about the workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550; Relay Users call 1-800-852-7899; visit the website www.ucnj.org/cultural or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. This workshop is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

 

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 .

(From right) Union County Manager Alfred Faella, Gordon Haas of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Angel G. Estrada join Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage and Big Lots! staff at the ribbon cutting officially opening the new Big Lots! store located at 900 Center Drive in Elizabeth.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

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 On Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Photo Caption (photo attached): Union County Vo-Tech students from thirteen different municipalities have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for academic excellence this fall. The students attend Vo-Tech’s Academy for Information Technology (pictured here), Magnet High School, and Academy for Allied Health Sciences.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that 26 Union County Vo-Tech students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. The students are enrolled in Vo-Tech’s Magnet High School, the Academy for Information Technology, and the Academy for Allied Health Sciences. All three schools are relatively new but have already gained national recognition for academic excellence.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to commend these young people on their hard work, determination and dedication to excellence,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Through their efforts, the Vo-Tech school district has once again proven itself to be an invaluable public education resource for Union County residents.”

This year, Magnet High School and The Academy for Information Technology were named in a recent “Best High Schools for Math and Science” national survey from US News & World Report. Only three other county based vo-tech schools in New Jersey made the list.

Earlier this year, the same two schools joined the Academy for Allied Health Sciences for inclusion in Newsweek’s list of top 500 public high schools in the nation.

“Our Vo-Tech program includes rigorous academic preparation, to help give the young residents of Union County a running start on the challenging career paths of the 21st century,” said Vo-Tech Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bistocchi. “The entire Vo-Tech community is very proud of our National Merit Scholarship Program honorees.”

The Union County Vo-Tech Schools campus is located on Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. It includes five distinct high schools.

The newest school on the campus, the Academy for Performing Arts, prepares students for careers in the metro region’s important entertainment industry. Vo-Tech High School rounds out the district with programs that help students advance their skills in traditional occupations as well as emerging fields such as electric vehicles.

National Merit finalists have not yet been announced. The Union County Vo-Tech Schools honorees are:

National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists:

Austin Galiardo (Clark) – Magnet High School
Adam Jlelaty (Mountainside) – Magnet High School
Charles Lee (Berkeley Heights) – Magnet High School

 

National Merit Commended Scholars:

Rebecca Cargan (Springfield) – Magnet High School
Adam Greene (Mountainside) – Magnet High School
Stephanie Jordan (Union) – Academy for Information Technology
Jonathan Mahoney (Fanwood) – Magnet High School
Anthony Markowitz (Elizabeth) – Academy for Information Technology
Madhumita Parmar (Scotch Plains) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences
Stacy Rappaport (Union) – Magnet High School
Seth Schlisserman (Scotch Plains) – Magnet High School
Alexander Sebastio (Hillside) – Magnet High School
Radhika Srivastava (Springfield) – Magnet High School
Knyckholas Sutherland (Berkeley Heights) – Magnet High School
Peng Yang (Berkeley Heights) – Magnet High School

 

National Achievement Scholarship:

Knyckholas Sutherland (Berkeley Heights) – Magnet High School

National Achievement Semifinalists:

Kamil-Amani Bynoe (Union) – Academy for Information Technology
Stephanie Jordan (Union) – Academy for Information Technology

National Achievement Outstanding Participant:

Nia Colon (Union) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences
Monique Gordon (Elizabeth) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences
Shalyn Brangman (Union) – Academy for Information Technology

National Hispanic Recognition Program:

Andres Alvarez (Union) – Magnet High School
Lucas Cruz (Westfield) – Magnet High School
Victoria Pereira (Union) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences 
Ariel Vega (Union) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences 
James Wong (Linden) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences

National Hispanic Recognition Program Honorable Mention:

Tylor Meek ( Roselle Park) – Academy for Allied Health Sciences

 

More information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools is available at
www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts or visit the Union County website, www.ucnj.org.

 

#  #

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.

The new Elizabeth River Trail project in downtown Elizabeth will receive funds from the Union County Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund this year, as part of a countywide effort to improve children’s access to regular physical activity. When finished, the paved pathway will be accessible to all age groups for walking, biking, and more. (credit: Courtesy of Groundwork Elizabeth)

 

Union County, NJ – With a total of more than $1 million in matching grants from the Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund, municipalities across Union County are looking forward to upgrading playing fields, basketball courts, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities for children and families.

“Every day it seems that people talk about the problem of child obesity, but I am proud to say that actions speak louder than words in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “Union County residents have supported the Trust Fund since its inception, and it continues to help improve children’s access to healthy activities.”

The Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund was established as an initiative of Freeholder Angel G. Estrada in 2004, to help local recreation departments upgrade their facilities for children. It is a program of the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, established in 2000 by popular referendum.

The Kids’ Trust Fund consists of matching dollar-for-dollar grants that are based on proposals by local recreation departments. Eligible projects can include the improvement of existing playing fields and other facilities, or the construction of new facilities.

“By keeping the initiatives local, the Kids’ Trust Fund ensures that communities have the opportunity to plan for improvements that best suit the needs of their residents,” said Estrada.

Some of the projects eligible for the Kids’ Trust Fund are specific to children, such as playgrounds and youth-sized playing fields. Other projects cover popular activities that are accessible to a wide range of age groups.

One highlight of this year’s funding round is the Elizabeth River Trail. This all-ages project consists of a new paved path that will follow alongside the Elizabeth River through downtown Elizabeth, providing a pleasant urban environment for walking, jogging, roller skating or biking.

The new path will also serve Union County’s alternative transportation goals by providing local residents with a more safe and convenient way to commute across the city by foot or bicycle. It even has a regional economic development role to play.

“Projects that help children enjoy the outdoors also can also provide broad benefits to the whole community, and the Elizabeth River Trail is a good example of that,” said Estrada. “In future phases, it will join with the East Coast Greenway, a nationally significant bike trail that extends from Maine to the Florida Keys, which will bring new visitors to Union County and stimulate economic activity along the way.”

Other Kids Trust Fund highlights this year include improvements to municipal swimming pools in Cranford, Hillside, and Springfield, and new artificial turf for Al Kalla Park in Linden.

2011 Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund Matching Grant Awards:

Berkeley Heights: $20,000.00 – Field improvements.

Clark: $25,000.00 – Parks improvements.

Cranford: $35,000.00 – Improvements at municipal pool.

Elizabeth: $125,000.00 – Elizabeth River Trail project.

Fanwood: $50,000.00 – Various improvements to fields, trails, skate parks.

Garwood: $25,000.00 – continued progress at athletic field complex.

Hillside: $75,000.00 – Renovations to municipal pool.

Linden: $125,000.00 – Installation of artificial turf at Al Kalla Park.

Mountainside: $21,600.00 – Various field improvements (Deerfield Softball Field and Borough Hall Field).

New Providence: $25,000.00 – Field improvements at Leider Field.

Plainfield: $65,000.00 – Enhancements at Joe Black Jr. memorial baseball field.

Rahway: $44,250.00 – Improvements to eight basketball courts.

Roselle: $75,000.00 – Improvements to various playgrounds.

Roselle Park: $35,000.00 – Improvements to Aldene Park.

Scotch Plains: $40,000.00 – Improvements to Kramer Tennis courts and Brookside Park paving.

Springfield: $75,000.00 – Improvements to municipal pool, roller hockey area, and athletic field.

Summit: $25,000.00 – Improvements at Summit field and Tatlock Park tennis courts.

Union: $100,000.00 – Improvements at Hall Stadium, Biertuempfel Park and general field improvements.

Westfield: $35,000.00 – Renovation of athletic fields at 1200 Boulevard.

 

Total……………………………………………………………$1,020,850.00

 

#  #

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.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) announced today that  the Disaster Recovery Centers(DRC) in Union county will close.

The center in Union County scheduled to complete operations at close of business, Wednesday, Nov. 2:

Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., Cranford, NJ 07016

“The type of assistance typically provided at a DRC is still available either online or through FEMA’s toll-free Helpline,” said Lt. Paul Miller, the state coordinating officer with the NJOEM.

There are three ways to contact FEMA: Go to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free,800-621-3362 (FEMA).  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

The deadline to register for federal disaster assistance is Nov. 30, 2011.

To find the nearest recovery center, use our DRC Locator.

To date, federal assistance is more than $147 million through the individual and households programs, and nearly $63 million in low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For the latest news, photos and videos, go to: FEMA/New Jersey Recovery.

###

 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities atwww.twitter.com/craigatfema.