Author: Web Site Administrator

Four-Mile Run and Family Fun Walk added to day of family activities

 

Union County, NJ – A day of healthy outdoor family activities marks the start of Red Ribbon Week 2010 on Saturday, October 23, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. Supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links and the Union County D.A.R.E. Officers Association, the Red Ribbon Campaign works to prevent substance abuse by bringing families together.

“Family activities offer a supportive environment in which to talk to your children about substance abuse, and it’s never too early to start,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “Even very young children can share their thoughts and feelings about issues that concern their well being.”

Red Ribbon Day is packed with free children’s activities including such favorites as a petting zoo, moonwalks, games, and a helicopter landing. The activities take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A new feature this year is the Red-Ribbon Four Miler. The race will take place on a USATF Certified scenic course with mile splits and water stops. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Early registration (by 10/15) is $18. Registration after 10/15, including race day, is $23. Register online at www.raceforum.com/rr4miler or www.compuscorereg.com.

Another new event this year is the Red Ribbon Family Fun Walk, designed to encourage families to join with children in support of Prevention Links and substance abuse prevention and education.  Funds that are raised will go to Prevention Links, to help substance abuse prevention efforts in Union County.

The walk begins at noon on a flat two-mile course around Nomahegan Park. Registration begins at 11:00 AM. Individual walkers can start a fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/preventionlinks. To set up a fundraising team, visit www.preventionlinks.org/donations. Fundraising awards will be presented to the top Individual Fundraiser, Family Team, and Classroom Team. Walkers and runners will receive T-shirts for participating.

Prevention Links also invites schools and students to participate in the annual “What’s My Anti-Drug” poster contest. The contest is open to all Union County 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Three winners from each grade will be selected to receive a prize and present their winning submission at Red Ribbon Day.

The Red Ribbon Campaign commemorates the life of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while conducting an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer before joining the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information on the Red Ribbon Campaign and all Red Ribbon activities, visit Prevention Links at www.preventionlinks.org, email infor@preventionlinks.org or call (732) 381-4100.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal in conjunction with The Trailside Museum Association (TMA) are pleased to announce an exciting Matinee Program for Monday, Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center.  The program, “A Touch of Nature,” is recommended for children ages 4 and older and admission is $5.00 per person. TMA members are admitted free of charge. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before the show.

“This program, offered when the schools are closed for the Columbus Day holiday, is another opportunity for families to enjoy an exciting and educational show together and visit our fabulous nature center in the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

The wonders of nature are just a touch away when the audience is introduced to the world of animals. While blending excitement and surprise with care and understanding, the audience will develop an appreciation for all living things, from the ordinary to the exotic. A variety of live animals that may include birds, tarantulas, lizards, snakes and alligators will make this program truly exciting and entertaining.

The Trailside Museum Association, a sponsor of this program, is an organization dedicated to assisting Trailside staff in their ongoing efforts to educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy. Their generous financial support has provided for many amenities at the facility.

“We encourage volunteerism and organizational support for all of our facilities and appreciate help from individuals and groups such as the Trailside Museum Association,” Freeholder Scanlon added. “The TMA is a dedicated group of people who put a tremendous amount of time and effort into providing support to Trailside.”

In 2006, the TMA provided $56,000 to fund the American beech tree exhibit in the two-story atrium of the newly renovated Visitor Center. They also co-sponsored the water feature in the Backyard Habitat and provided the funding for the Mosaic Column. A representative from the TMA will be available on Oct. 11 to assist anyone interested in becoming a member.

For additional information about TMA, matinee programs, or other upcoming events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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Jerry Zelenka from “A Touch of Nature” gets the attention of the children in the audience as he shows off a Python during a show last year at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. For more information about the Oct. 11 matinee program, visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside or call Trailside Nature & Science Center at 908-789-3670.

Union County, NJ – New federal grants totaling $23 million have poured into Union County this year, creating new jobs and enabling the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to approve more roadway resurfacing projects and other vital infrastructure upgrades, along with other programs.  The new funds come from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“Union County’s transportation infrastructure supports a global hub that provides a vital economic pathway for New Jersey and the nation. It is hard to imagine a scenario under which the system could keep going with our local revenues alone,” said Union County Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan. “The work we have been able to do through ARRA clearly demonstrates the value of putting federal tax dollars to work on projects that serve the public welfare.”

In all, Union County has received $23 million in ARRA funding for infrastructure, energy efficiency improvements, public safety programs, and human services including meals for seniors, job training, foreclosure guidance and housing assistance. Of the total, $11.3 million is available for road resurfacing and improvements to key intersections.

Union County has just completed the road resurfacing projects funded by ARRA. They add up to 12 miles of new surface including sections of:

* Lamberts Mill Road and Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains
* East Hazelwood Avenue, West Inman Avenue and Woodbridge Road in Rahway
* Bonnie Burn Road in Watchung
* Mountain Avenue and Constantine Avenue in Summit
* Kenilworth Boulevard in Kenilworth
* Stiles Street in Linden
* Salem Road in Union
* Galloping Hill Road in Elizabeth
* Plainfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights
* Mountainside Avenue in Mountainside
* Springfield Avenue and Mountainside Avenue in Springfield
* Springfield Avenue in Westfield

ARRA funding for upgraded intersections will be used to install new signals, road markings and signage for improved traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The new signals use high efficiency LED technology that reduces energy costs. Where needed, the work also involves upgrading curb cuts and other features to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many of the projects are located in Elizabeth.

“If you look at a map of Union County, you will see that many County roads converge on Elizabeth, along with major bus routes and rail lines,” said Sullivan. “By upgrading key intersections there, we make life easier and safer for everyone, whether you drive a passenger or commercial vehicle, use mass transit, walk, or ride a bike.”

The intersection improvements include:

Hillside

* North Broad Street and King Street

Elizabeth

* North Broad Street and at Lower Road
* Summer Street, South Street and South Broad Street
* Pearl Street at Washington Avenue
* West Jersey Street, West Grand Street, Orchard Street and Chilton Street
* Orchard Street and Cherry Street
* North Broad Street at Wilder Street
* West Grand Street at Grove Street
* Maggie Avenue at Monmouth Avenue

Plainfield (Park Avenue Corridor)

* 8th Street, 9th Street, Randolph Road, Thornton Avenue and South End/Parkway Drive

Cranford

* Orange Avenue, Union Avenue and Springfield Avenue

Scotch Plains (Terrill Road Corridor)

* Terrill Road and Raritan Road, East Front Street, East Second Street, East Third Street/Midway Avenue, South Avenue, East Seventh Street/LaGrande Avenue, and Cooper Road
* Raritan Road and Martine Avenue

Sullivan noted that the Terrill Road Corridor intersections will be upgraded to include a dedicated left turn lane and improved sightlines, which is expected to reduce traffic accidents on the roadway.

In addition to ARRA-funded projects, Union County has also just embarked on another round of road resurfacing projects funded through the County budget, totaling 12 miles on the following roads:

* Summit Avenue in Summit
* South Springfield Avenue and Mountain Avenue in Springfield
* Mountain Avenue in Westfield
* Green Brook road in Plainfield
* West Chestnut Street and Morris Avenue in Union
* Terrill Road in Scotch Plains
* Brant Avenue, Oak Ridge Road and Valley Road in Clark
* North Street and Orchard Street in Elizabeth
* Warinanco Park Road in Roselle
* West Milton Avenue and New Brunswick Avenue in Rahway

“It bears repeating that these are vital infrastructure projects that help improve road safety in Union County, while upgrading the efficiency of our transportation system,” said Sullivan. “In addition, every time we put a shovel in a ground that means more people are going to work in Union County.”

Union County also received ARRA funding for energy efficiency improvements in County buildings, totaling $2.8 million. These projects are designed to cut utility costs in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  They include digital control systems that provide temperature resets as well as the installation of programmable thermostats, high efficiency air conditioning units, and high efficiency condensing boilers.

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Friday , October 8th, 1:30 p.m.
at steps of County Courthouse

Speakers include former Governor Don DiFrancesco,
UNICO National President Chris DiMattio, Freeholder Chairman Dan Sullivan
and County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi among others

Elizabeth, NJ-Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan today announced the County’s second Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event set for Friday, October 8th, at 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse.

The event features speeches from former New Jersey Acting Governor and former State Senator Don DiFrancesco, who helped create the New Jersey Italian and Italian-American Heritage Commission, Michael Genevrino, Director of the New Jersey Italian American Heritage Commission, Dr. Thomas Bistocchi, Superintendent of the Union County Vocational Technical Schools system and Carmen Centuolo, Union County Schools Superintendent. Others expected to participate include Andrea Barbaria, the Consulate of Italy in Newark, and UNICO National President Chris DiMattio, and Andre’ DiMino, UNICO Past National President and current Italian American One Voice Coalition President.

Freeholder Sullivan will host and emcee the event, and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will also participate. Freeholder Alexander Mirabella is expected to attend and participate in ceremonies.

The Courthouse is located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue. In the event of rain, the program will be moved in doors to the County Courthouse Rotunda.

“Italians and Italian-Americans continue to make extraordinary contributions to every facet of American life,” said Sullivan, who is of Italian and Irish descent. “Their influence is not only felt on a national level but on a global level, as Italians continue to distinguish themselves in so many fields. It’s also a day to mark the contributions of our Italian ancestors who helped to discover and build this Country.”

UNICO District X, through the efforts of its Governor William Hearon and Deputy District Governor Robert Bengivenga, worked with Plainfields’ UNICO President Anthony Bengivenga and Renato Biribin, a past National President of UNICO, to co-host the flag raising.

Italian-style refreshments will be served after the event in the recently restored rotunda of the historic Union County Courthouse.

Parking (pay) is available in the Midtown area at Elizabeth’s Parking Deck #6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street-the entrance is on Dickinson Street. A second deck is also close by at the Midtown Train Station entrance on W. Grand Street. The entrance to the train station. All visitors are urged to arrive early due to road construction projects ongoing in the area.
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Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel Sullivan (R) and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L) and Mohamed Jalloh join Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi in congratulating Christina Chen of Scotch Plains on winning the most creative category in the “Build a Scarecrow” contest at the 29th annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The event was hosted by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel Sullivan (R) and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L) and Mohamed Jalloh join Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi in congratulating Marazul, Marleni and Pablo Chavana of Hillside on winning in the best dressed category in the “Build a Scarecrow” contest at the 29th annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The event was hosted by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel Sullivan (R) and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L) and Mohamed Jalloh join Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi in congratulating Aleida, Yamileth and Natalie Quijano of Elizabeth on winning in the classic category in the “Build a Scarecrow” contest at the 29th annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The event was hosted by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel Sullivan (2nd R) and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L) and Mohamed Jalloh (3rd L) join Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (2nd L) in congratulating Mark, Anne, Bernadette, Mark and Jude Yamakaitis of Clark on winning in the classic category in the “Build a Scarecrow” contest at the 29th annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The event was hosted by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (R) congratulates senior citizen volunteers (from left) Elizabeth Royster of East Orange, Paul Centonze of Roselle Park, June Atkins of Plainfield and Rosalind Turner of Plainfield as they are honored for their outstanding service throughout Union County at the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Recognition Luncheon on September 24 in Mountainside. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

by Bette Jane Kowalski
Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

September 2010

A new resource is available for Union County residents who are struggling with the high cost of health care. It’s called the Union County Wellness Program. It can help you save money on prescription drugs, along with other health care savings.

The main feature of the Wellness Program is a discount plan that helps to lower the cost of prescription drugs. It’s ideal for Union County residents who have no insurance coverage, including students and the self-employed. If you have an insurance policy that provides drug coverage, the Wellness Program can help close gaps and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

The Freeholder Board started the Wellness Program after hearing of its success in Bergen County. When we learned the details of the plan, we knew it was a good choice. There are no restrictions, and the program is open to all Union County residents regardless of age, pre-existing conditions, or other factors.

The Wellness Program discounts can range from 10 percent to 50 percent, for an average of about 30 percent. On some medications, the savings can be as high as 75 percent.

The Wellness Program is free and easy to use. It is not an insurance policy. It is simply a discount plan supported by participating medical companies, so there are no forms, fees, or hidden costs. A membership card is provided free of charge. When you purchase your prescription drugs, your pharmacist or cashier scans your card and searches a database for the best available discounts.

You can download free membership cards and get more information by visiting the County website at www.ucnj.org/wellnessdiscount. Discounts are also available for hearing aids, vision care, dental care, diabetes supplies, and certain pet medications.

If you don’t have Internet access, you can leave a voice message with your name and address at the Union County Wellness Program hotline, 908-527-4750, and we will mail a free card and brochure to you.

The Wellness Program is a step in the right direction. We also expect Union County residents to benefit from President Obama’s new health care reforms. Independent analysis has confirmed that the new reforms help to reduce the federal budget deficit while making affordable insurance available to more households. They also help small businesses with new tax credits, they provide important new consumer protections against arbitrary denial of coverage, and they prevent insurers from dropping you when you get sick.

There is still work to be done, but step by step we are progressing toward a more efficient, reasonable and fair health care system that will benefit Union County residents.

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Marc Muller leads the sing-alongs as marshmallows are toasted by the fire

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Autumn evenings are a time for hay rides and family fun around the campfire at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the fun-filled evenings include hay rides, songs around a campfire led by singer Marc Muller, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire.

Tickets for these popular outings must be purchased in advance – so don’t wait until it’s too late! Seating for the hay rides is limited. Rides begin at 6:30 p.m. on the evenings of Oct. 1, 8, 9, 15, and 29.

No tickets will be sold at the hay rides, so please register early. The cost is $5 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants.

Marc Muller is a talented New Jersey musician, producer and arranger. He has worked on PBS-TV, Food Network and Disney Channel productions, and has performed with Van Zant, Shania Twain, Dr. John, Carly Simon, Branford Marsalis, Elton John, Nickelback, and many other popular performers.

Tickets can be purchased every day from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside; or weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks & Community Renewal, 2nd Floor, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth.

For further information, call Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal at 908-527-4900; or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Phoebe Weiman of Cranford was awarded the “Trooper of the Year” trophy and medal for accumulating the most points during the 2009 Watchung Mounted Troop season. Fourteen-year-old Phoebe, who has been riding horses for five years, received her trophy in May from stable manager Rachel Baris during the Watchung Stable 77th Annual Spring Troop Horse Show in Mountainside. Watchung Stable, a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, is administered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information regarding equestrian programs call Watchung Stable at (908) 789-3665, or e-mail questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (R) presents a resolution to Mary Close of Summit congratulating her on receiving the Agnes N. Badgley Award from SAGE Eldercare during the organization’s 56th Annual Meeting in Summit. The award was created to recognize the invaluable contributions of SAGE Eldercare’s many volunteers. As one of the oldest and most respected senior service agencies in New Jersey, SAGE Eldercare helps thousands of frail, older adults, their families and caregivers each year. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)