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Union County, NJ – Thirty high school students from Union County’s award winning Vo-Tech Schools are up against a ticking clock in a global competition to build two fully functional, specially designed robots from scratch. The robots must be built within six weeks and they must be able to perform specific tasks. They will be put to the test at the upcoming FIRST Robotics Challenge on March 12 in New York City.

Named “Parallel Universe,” the Vo-Tech team is number 1257 in a field of more than 2,000 worldwide.

“The field of robotics is emerging as an important factor in sustainable technology and other growth sectors of the economy,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The Freeholder Board is proud of Vo-Tech’s world class educational experience, and we are proud to support its mission of preparing young people for rewarding careers in a competitive global market.”

“In addition to honing their skills in robotics, the members of Parallel Universe are gaining valuable experience in skills that are essential for high level professional careers: teamwork, working calmly under pressure, and working with mentors and advisors,” said Vo-Tech Schools Superintendent Thomas J. Bistocchi.

FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” It is a not-for-profit public charity organization founded in 1989, with the goal of inspiring young people to pursue an interest in science and technology.

The FIRST Robotics Challenge, also known as the “varsity sport of the mind,” involves rigorous requirements for raising funds and establishing a team “brand” as well as building specialized robots within a strict deadline. In this year’s challenge, the teams must design a primary robot with an articulated arm that can lift tubes and place them on a horizontal pole. The robot must also be able to deploy a minibot that can race up a vertical pole.
Parallel Universe is meeting every day after school in order to complete its robots in time for the competition, and fundraising is ongoing. Those wishing to make a contribution can contact Lloyd Harris, Vo-Tech faculty advisor, lharris@ucvts.tec.nj.us.
For more information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools, visit www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

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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 https://ucnj.org, on Facebook at https://ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Photo Caption: Two members of the Union County Vo-Tech Schools “Parallel Universe” robotics team, Ariel Weingarten (r) and Joseph Obiajulu (l), are pictured at the FIRST Robotics Competition last year in Trenton. The team of 30 students is working on two robots to compete in this year’s event on March 12.

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal has released details of its annual Watchung Reservation Deer Management Program, which will begin on Monday morning, February 28.

From 1996-1999, the County of Union’s state-approved deer management program worked to reduce the number of deer in the Watchung Reservation from an estimated 180 deer per square mile to the goal density of 20 deer per square mile. This goal was achieved one year earlier than anticipated. The program currently underway, begun in 2000, changed the emphasis from reduction to maintenance of that density level.

This year’s Watchung Reservation Deer Management Program will operate between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, through Wednesday, March 2. In the event of inclement weather on any of those days, the program may occur on Thursday and Friday, March 3 and 4, but under no circumstances will the program extend past Friday, March 4.

The Deer Management Program has been expanded this year to include sites within Passaic River Park in Summit. Those sites have been hunted since 2005 by a private company under a contract issued by the City of Summit. This year, those same sites will be hunted by volunteers from the Watchung Reservation Program, during the same dates and times, at no cost to the City of Summit.

Sixteen marksmen, chosen by the County from among experienced, licensed hunters, most of whom have previously participated in Union County’s program, have been selected to serve on a voluntary basis. The deer that are killed will be processed at a USDA-approved butcher. Venison will be distributed to the needy and homeless through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Teams of agents will be supervised by the Union County Police and representatives from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Anyone found hunting on any County park property outside the terms of this program will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Citizens observing any such illegal activity are urged to immediately contact the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The public should note that the Watchung Reservation will not be closed during the deer management program; however, portions of some roadways inside the park may be closed for short periods if necessary. Park patrons are urged to stay on the marked hiking, walking and bridle trails. Patrons also are urged to keep pets restrained on a leash.

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal will be mailing information about its annual deer-management program to households surrounding the Watchung Reservation. Copies also will be available at Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, and Watchung Stable, 1160 Summit Lane, both in Mountainside.

For further information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 789-3682.

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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 .

Thomas O. Mineo, P.E., the County of Union Engineer, received a certificate of appreciation for his outstanding public service from the New Jersey Alliance for Action at their recent “Salute the County Engineers” breakfast at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel.

L. to R. Philip K. Beecham, President of NJ Alliance for Action; Thomas O. Mineo, P.E. Union County Engineer (holding certificate), and George Laufenberg, Chairman of NJ Alliance and Administrative Manager of the NJ Carpenters Fund.

Union County Public Works crews remove snow from Pearl Street in Elizabeth to free up parking and improve traffic flow around Elizabeth High School. In a continued effort to share services, Union County has assisted Elizabeth, New Providence, Summit, Linden and Springfield, among the municipalities requesting assistance with snow removal, carting away more than 300 truckloads of snow to improve driving and parking conditions. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

The Volunteers Guild of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County will feature a sale by Cellular Needs on Monday, March 28th. There will be cellular phone and IPod accessories, cases, chargers and more. It will be held in the facility’s multi-purpose room at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital product sales. A percentage of all purchases made at these sales is credited to the Volunteers Guild. Funds raised are used to enrich the lives of residents and patients by obtaining items that may include prizes for bingo games and paying for entertainment. The Guild, which makes product sales possible, also sponsors a holiday party/gift distribution in cooperation with the Berkeley Heights Lions Club.

“Purchases at the Guild sales of RUNNELLS Hospital are win, win situations,” stated Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh. “You enjoy great savings while supporting the patients and residents. This sale should answer some of your cellular needs including popular hands free items.”

The Volunteers Guild and the Office of Volunteer Services of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital are always interested in recruiting volunteers. Flexible hours and a variety of opportunities exist with resident contact as well as performing other tasks. Anyone who would like further information should call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.

Residents of Union County who are 60 years of age or older are invited to exhibit an original work of art – completed within the last three years – in the annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the exhibit is open to entrants who are either amateur/non-professional or professional in status.

The Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit, which starts with an opening reception, will be on display from June 8 to July 16 at the spacious enclosed atrium of the Elizabethtown Gas Company, located at 1085 Morris Avenue in the Township of Union.

Any person who meets at least two of the following criteria is considered a professional: sold the type of art entered in the exhibition through commercial channels; exhibited in a professional gallery; and held professional membership in a guild or association.

Following are the 11 categories of eligible work: oil, acrylic, watercolor (includes gouache), pastel (including chalk, charcoal and oil pastel), print (such as etching, engraving, lithograph, woodcut, monoprint, monotype, silkscreen), drawing (including pencil, pen, ink, graphite, and markers), mixed media (combines two or more media, no one of which clearly predominates; includes collage and assemblage), sculpture (designed in three dimensions, carved or constructed in any medium, abstract or figurative, painted or unpainted), craft (one-of-a-kind creations only, no craft kits or molds), computer imagery (artwork created by computer only, using a pixel-based painting or graphics program, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator or Corel Painter), and photography. Please note: photos taken by a digital camera, digitally-altered photos, and images made using a scanner must be entered in the Photography category.

Guidelines require that hanging artwork, crafts and photos must be no more than 36 inches and no less than 11 inches in height and width, including matting, from outer edges of the frame. Standing sculptures or 3-D crafts may not exceed 18 inches in height, width or depth, including the base. All works must be properly labeled and delivered “show-ready” with screw eyes ready for hanging. Where necessary, pictures must be protected with glass, Plexiglas, Mylar or other clear material. Plexiglas is strongly recommended on pieces over 24 inches.

Three professional artists will judge the entries. Awards will go to first, second, third place and honorable mention winners in each category. First place winners in all categories go on to compete in September at the New Jersey State Senior Art Show which will take place at the Meadow Lakes retirement community in East Windsor.

To obtain an application, call Teya David, Senior Art Coordinator, at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs: 908-558-2550, or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Relay users dial 711.

Applications must be returned via mail to the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; by fax to 908-352-3513; or by the e-mail address, on or before Monday, May 23, to be eligible.

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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 https://ucnj.org, on Facebook at https://ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – If you are seeking ways to improve your savings and achieve financial stability, please join the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County for a free workshop titled “Saving, Investing and Surviving Tough Times.” The interactive class will be conducted by Dr. Barbara O’Neill CFP, a professor and financial expert from Rutgers University. Topics include strategies, goals and methods, overcoming obstacles, budgeting, education planning, and future planning. The workshop will be held on Thursday March 3, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the new County building in Westfield. The event is free but pre-registration is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@ucnj.org.

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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 atwww.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

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, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.

Union County Freeholder Daniel Sullivan today announced his strong support for the Amtrak’s proposed Gateway Project, which would greatly expand capacity for Amtrak and NJ Transit trains traveling to midtown Manhattan.

“The Gateway Project would have a huge positive impact on Union County and the entire region,” said Sullivan, who also serves as Chairman of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). “Its construction would have immediate benefits by creating much-needed jobs, and in the long run, the improvements to our rail infrastructure would fuel economic development in the County and beyond.”

The proposed Gateway Project was announced earlier this week by Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman and U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez. Amtrak plans to spend $50 million to begin preliminary engineering and design on two new rail tunnels from New Jersey to New York City that would increase NJ Transit’s train capacity and allow for development of regional high-speed rail on the Northeast Corridor. The announcement comes in the wake of the cancellation of the Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) rail tunnel project late last year.

“ARC may be gone, but there is still a very real and compelling need for more trans-Hudson transit capacity,” Sullivan said. “We’re now vying with other regions around the country and the world for economic activity. World-class transit service for New Jersey and real high-speed rail for the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will make us truly competitive.”

Sullivan also pointed out that the project would have strong economic benefits at the local level by boosting home values along the lines and creating development opportunities, especially in areas near train stations.

“Make no mistake about it,” Sullivan said. “The Gateway Project would be a true investment in the future of our county and region, with very real and positive impacts for our residents.”

The new tunnels would allow for an additional 13 NJ Transit trains per peak hour and increase the number of Amtrak trains into the city by eight per hour. It would provide connections to Moynihan Station and a new Penn Station South, which would be connected to the existing New York Penn Station. The project also would replace and expand the Portal Bridge, a vital component of the Northeast Corridor.

Amtrak projects that the project could be completed in 2020 at an estimated cost of $13.5 billion. It will take a lead in finding ways to pay the cost and will look for contributions from local, regional and state governments, as well as private investors Jersey, and New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), as well as private investors.

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) and Freeholder Christopher Hudak (R) congratulate Union County Baseball Association President James Iozzi of Scotch Plains on being honored at the group’s 75th Annual Hot Stove League Dinner on February 13 in Mountainside. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) and Freeholder Christopher Hudak (R) congratulate Robert Brewster (2nd L) of Westfield and Jack Byrnes of Roselle on being inducted into the Union County Baseball Association Hall of Fame at the Union County Baseball Association’s 75th Annual Hot Stove League Dinner on February 13 in Mountainside. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj