Category: Public Info

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, County administrators met today with representatives from the Union County WE ARE ONE NEW JERSEY immigration center and members of Make the Road New Jersey to discuss immigration issues concerning the greater Union County community.

“Now more than ever, with the onslaught of anti-immigration policies being put forth by the Trump administration, we need to ensure that we are well-versed on the impact these actions are having on immigrants, and what we can do to address these issues,” said Granados. “This Freeholder Board is proactively working with non-profit groups such as Make the Road New Jersey to provide solutions to our community’s concerns.”

“I would like to thank Make the Road New Jersey for this meeting.  Based on the discussions that occurred today, I will work with my colleagues on the Freeholder Board to set forward additional policies that show our immigrant community that we consider Union County a safe place for all and not to fear any interactions with County government for services,” said Granados.

Some of the topics included in the discussion involving the immigrant community were access to services, protecting the privacy of all residents, ICE, Dreamers (DACA), and deportation (not using tax dollars to separate families.)

Sara Cullinane, Esq., who is the Director of Make the Road New Jersey, said:

“I thank Chairman Granados for organizing this very productive meeting. As ICE ramps up attacks on our communities,  we look forward to partnering with the Freeholder Board to establish policies that ensure Union County is a fair and welcoming place for all residents, regardless of immigration status. Our county resources must be used to promote our health, education and public safety, not to separate families.”

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ), based in Elizabeth, seeks to build the power of immigrant and working class families to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, high-quality legal and support services, and transformative education.

In addition to Granados and Cullinane, others in attendance included: County Manager Alfred Faella, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, incoming County Manager Ed Oatman, Elizabeth Montes of the WE ARE ONE NEW JERSEY immigration center, Brandon Givens, Director of Community Development in the Department of Economic Development, Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Corrections Department Director Ron Charles, Lauren Herman, Sara Mora and Nedia Morsy of Make the Road New Jersey.

Also involved in discussions was Mora, a resident of Hillside and Make the Road New Jersey organizer whose family immigrated from Costa Rica when she was three, received DACA status when she turned 16, allowing her to get her driver’s license. Her immigration status made her ineligible for state and federal financial. Despite this, because of DACA, she was able to get a work permit and worked to put herself through Union County College. Mora was recently honored by the Freeholder Board for leading the Pledge of Allegiance at Governor Phil Murphy’s Swearing-In Ceremony in Trenton earlier this month.

Nedia Morsy, an organizer with Make the Road New Jersey originally from Hillside, spoke on behalf of students:

“This was a good opportunity to speak with some of our representatives in government who are decision makers,” said Morsy, noting that a large percentage of students throughout Union County are immigrants. “The timing could not be any more appropriate with the State of the Union coming up, and students living in fear of being deported.”

The Union County Freeholder Board has blazed a trail in supporting immigrant rights during the past several years, including the creation in 2015 of the Union County WE ARE ONE New Jersey immigration and naturalization center, which is sponsored through the Union County Freeholder Board.

In 2014, Union County also became the first New Jersey county to formally adopt a policy declining to hold individuals in its jail based on requests issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without sufficient legal proof. The County Freeholders have sponsored various measures supporting immigrant rights, including most recently this month, a resolution in support of the DREAM act, and Chairman Granados, who is of Salvadoran descent, issuing a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 200,000 Salvadorans.

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THE MARCH 13 EVENT IS CANCELLED. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE MARCH 20 EVENT BY EMAILING BKELLY@UCNJ.ORG

Union County, NJ – On the lookout for the first signs of spring? Bird watchers and nature fans are invited to break out their binoculars and gather for the annual Union County Woodcock Walk & Talk events. One will be held in the Watchung Reservation in Berkeley Heights on Tuesday, March 13 and the other will be in Lenape Park in Cranford on Tuesday, March 20. Both programs start at 6:00 p.m. an conclude around 8:15 p.m.

The two events are free and open to adults and children age 10 and up with an adult. Pre-registration is required by emailing the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at bkelly@ucnj.org.

“The American Woodcock requires very specific habitats, so it’s a great source of pride that Union County’s preserved open spaces can support this unusual bird,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The annual Walk & Talk events help our residents and visitors see – and hear – the value of local nature conservation.”

Hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, the annual Woodcock Walk & Talk provides seasoned birders and beginners alike with the chance to catch a glimpse of the American Woodcock and learn more about this unusual and elusive bird.

“Bird watchers appreciate spotting this unique bird in March, as its appearance signals warmer weather and sunny days to come after a long winter,” explained Granados.

The American Woodcock is known by a variety of colorful names including timberdoodle, Labrador twister, night partridge, mudbat and bog sucker.

The species is most commonly referred to as the woodcock due to its preference for wooded areas. American Woodcocks are drawn to moist forests and require dense woodland, providing ample cover and food.

In the spring, the bird seeks out forest clearings, abandoned fields spotted with low brush or open fields next to forest edges to serve as courtship sites.

In preparation for mating, males establish individual territories known as singing grounds.

Perhaps the most fascinating attribute of the American Woodcock is the acrobatic courtship displays performed by the males, which have been described as mesmerizing.

As part of their mating ritual, a displaying male on the ground will emit a nasal, buzzing call referred to as a peent, to attract females. He then takes flight and ascends 200 or 300 feet. All the while, musical twittering sounds are made by the male’s wings. Afterwards, he will spiral or zigzag back to the ground while producing a liquid chirp.

The March 13 Woodcock Walk & Talk in the Watchung Reservation will take place at the Deserted Village. The group will meet at Masker’s Barn, which is located at the far end of Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights (GPS users: plug in 13 Cataract Hollow Road and follow road to the end), at 6:00 p.m.

The March 20 event at Lenape Park will meet at the old Trap and Skeet field house near the main entrance off Kenilworth Boulevard/County Road 509 in Cranford (the park entrance is between Dorset Drive and Nomahegan Road).

For more information on activities and programs in Union County parks, and to find out about volunteering with Union County Adopt-a-Park, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental and sustainability programs visit The Green Connection online at www.ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to welcome the president and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, John Gallucci, Jr. as the featured speaker in a special edition of the Union County Means Business networking breakfast series titled “Are You –ABLE?” on Wednesday, February 21, 8:00 a.m. at the Kean University STEM building, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union.

“With his considerable experience and keen insights, Mr. Gallucci has much to offer business owners who are seeking ways to sharpen their focus, burnish their skills and realize their full potential,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you own or manage a business in Union County, I encourage you to attend this special event and build your network in our community.”

Mr. Gallucci, MS, ATC, PT, DPT, is known throughout the area as a frequent guest on radio and television, including ESPN’s award-winning “Outside the Lines,” NJ News 12, WFAN, PIX 11, Fox 5 News and MSG Varsity.

Among his numerous credits as a medical practitioner, businessman, speaker and author, Mr. Gallucci was recently honored as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and has been featured as one of the “20 People to Watch in Health” by 201 Magazine. JAG Physical Therapy has been named a Future 50 Award Winner by Smart CEO Magazine among many other recognitions. 

The former Head Trainer of the New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team, Mr. Gallucci and is currently the Medical Coordinator for the 600 players of Major League Soccer, and is a Sports Medicine consultant for professional athletes in the NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB. He has also worked in the Athletic Departments of Columbia University, New York University and Long Island University, and has been a Clinical Instructor at Columbia University, Seton Hall University, Rutgers University, and Dominican College.

Mr. Gallucci’s philanthropic work has included a leading role in fundraisers for the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society among others He supports more than 100 high schools, college programs and athletic clubs throughout the Tri-State Area.

In “Are you –ABLE?” Mr. Gallucci will cover a variety of topics including:

• Harness the power of networking: directing without dictating
• Millennial mindset
• Death by meetings: creating an executable plan

The Union County Means Business networking series began as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella in 2012, helping local entrepreneurs regain their footing after the global financial crash of 2008.

“The Freeholder Board has continued to support Union County Means Business every year since then, and each year we offer new programs to help our local businesses connect with new opportunities,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are always looking at new and innovative ways to make sure our residents, including our local businesses, are well informed and up to date with strategies to help them succeed.”

The registration fee for “Are you –ABLE?” is $10.00 and includes breakfast. Advance registration online is required by visiting ucnj.org/union-county-means-business.

For more information about Union County Means Business visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that eligible students may attend Union County College tuition-free through the Freeholder Scholars Program. The next round of scholarships applies to the 2018-2019 academic year.

“A college education should be available to any qualified student regardless of their family income, and upon graduation they should be able to start their careers without a crushing load of debt,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, who is himself an alumnus of Union County College. “The Freeholder Scholars program has helped make college affordable for a generation of Union County students, and we are looking forward to helping many more students start their college careers at UCC, which provides outstanding educational resources and is one of the top two-year colleges in New Jersey.”

Since 1999, nearly 2,000 students have attended Union County College through the Freeholder Scholars Program.

The Freeholder Scholars Program is funded by the Freeholder Board. To be eligible, students must be Union County residents who have attained a record of academic success in high school. The scholarship  covers tuition and fees at Union County College for two years, for students pursuing an associate’s degree.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Full time enrollment status at Union County College (12 credits or more per semester)
• A minimum of 3.0 (or B average) achieved in high school
• Union County resident (per existing Union County College residency policy)
• Annual family income of $75,000 or less

Students applying for the Freeholder Scholars Program must file for federal and state financial aid. Those who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for the Freeholder Scholarship Program. The Freeholder Scholarship will cover the difference between full-time (12 credit hours) Union County College tuition and fees and the grant and scholarship assistance received.

Continuing students who maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at Union County College and earn a minimum of 12 non-remedial credits per semester are eligible to receive the scholarship for four consecutive Fall/Spring semesters.

For more information about the Freeholder Scholarship, contact Brian Birch, Associate Director of Financial Aid at Union County College, 908-965-2342.

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Photo Caption: In 2016 Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Angel G. Estrada, and recently retired Freeholder Vernell Wright joined Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin, Union County College Board of Trustees Chair Victor Richel and Union County College Foundation Chair Jeffrey Katz last year to congratulate some of the Union County College students who received Freeholders Scholarships that year. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents special programs for families during the Presidents’ Day Holiday on Saturday, February 17 and Monday, February 19. 

“February Festivities at Trailside offers educational and imaginative programs to delight people of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This year we are excited to welcome Mad Science of New Jersey with their entertaining, engaging and hands-on workshops.”   

Highlighting Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 19 is Mad Science of New Jersey.  Children ages 8-12 are invited to join a professional teacher from the Mad Science team to discover how much fun science can be.

Through hands-on demonstrations, unique equipment and animated instructors, children will enjoy investigating chemical reactions in Chem in a Flash offered at 1:00 & 2:00 p.m. Chem in a Flash permits young scientists to perform instantaneous experiments and witness split second reactions.

Children can also explore the farthest reaches of the solar system, create a lunar eclipse and build and take home Kepler’s Cube, a fun and educational 3-D Solar System puzzle during Planets and Moons also offered at 1:00 & 2:00 p.m. on February 19. You can enroll your child in back to back sessions for an exciting, super science filled afternoon.

Longer days and patterns of freezing and thawing signal the beginning of another maple sugaring season. Each year for a period of only four to six weeks the sap of the sugar maple tree is collected and turned into syrup. This year, Trailside celebrates The Journey of Sap to Syrup on Saturday, February 17 and Monday, February 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree.  Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take a walk to see a tapped sugar maple tree.  Take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. 

Outrageous Owls, offered on Saturday, February 17 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., investigates the habits and habitat of these secretive, nocturnal animals. Listen to calls of the screech, great horned and barred owls.  Learn about the special adaptations these birds have that make them successful hunters.

Families are invited to work together and challenge their natural history skills on a winter walk in search of animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other signs that tell us our animal neighbors have visited.  Conclude your outdoor investigation around a warm campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Animal Clue Winter Walk and Campfire is offered 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17. 

Trailside is offering a special arts and crafts workshop Winter Art Extravaganza for all ages on Monday, February 19 any time between 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Parents and their children are invited to drop in and use their artistic abilities to celebrate the season.  Winter and snow will be the inspiration for this afternoon’s craft session. 

Pre-registration is required for programs as space is limited.  Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.  The fee for Chem in a Flash and Planets and Moons is $10/ child for residents of Union County and $12/child for out-of-county residents. The fee for The Journey of Sap to Syrup, Animal Clue Winter Walk & Campfire and Outrageous Owls is $5/person for residents of Union County and $6/person for out-of-county residents.  The fee for the Winter Art & Crafts Extravaganza is $5/child for residents of Union County and $6/child for out-of-county residents

For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities, winter workshops and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados thanks Crystal Orr and Keyonah Orr of the Urban League of Union County Young Professionals for a donation of business clothing for men & women to the Union County One Stop Center. They were joined by Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.

The donations were coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, which was announced by Chairman Granados during the recent County reorganization as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for County government in 2018. The office promotes volunteerism and outreach, and works with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities. For more information on the office, please email Ms. Hernandez at Nahernandez@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter and Alexander Mirabella presented resolutions to members of Color Group Orange from the Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC STEP) congratulating them on winning the Civic Engagement Challenge of 2018 UC STEP. Eight of the members received their resolutions in person during the Regular Freeholder Board Meeting on Thursday, January 25. They were joined by Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner and Deana Mesaros of the Department of Economic Development.

UC STEP was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership and personal growth skills and responsibility within their communities.

More than 200 sophomores and junior students from high schools throughout Union County participated in the annual program, which took place in December 2017 at Kean University in Union.

Color Group Orange’s campaign, Branches Against Bullying will be a “compliment drive” of positive and uplifting messages written on leaves of the Branches Against Bullying tree.  The trees will be placed in all participating schools for students to take a compliment leaf whenever one is needed.

All together the members of Color Group Orange are: Nick Sofianakos, Arthur L. Johnson High School; Erin Butterfield, Governor Livingston High School; David Martinez, Governor Livingston High School; Michael Guzman, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy; George McReynolds, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy; Meital Oshri, Jonathon Dayton High School; Derrick-Charles Cosby-Hurling, Linden High School; Pierette Foy, Linden High School; Marissa Policarpio, New Providence High School; Nina Suske, New Providence High School; Rashanna Fowler, Plainfield High School; Kyle Isolda, Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School, Sarai G. Romero, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School; Kendra Melendez, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy; and Sydnee Alava, Union High School.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders appointed Edward Oatman to be the new County Manager effective March 1st.

Oatman will succeed Alfred Faella, who announced his retirement effective March 1st after more than six years as County Manager.

Oatman, 42,  has more than 16 years of governmental experience. He is the 12th top executive under the County Manager form of government. Oatman assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations and budget of a 21-municipality government with approximately 2,800 full-time employees.  He will be responsible for the implementation of the policy of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“I would like to thank the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for this opportunity as well as the residents of Union County,” said Oatman. “I look forward to continuing the vision and course of action the Freeholder Board has set, and to deliver the best possible services to our residents. It is an honor to serve the public in this position.”

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados congratulated and welcomed Oatman.

“Ed has more than 16 years of governmental experience at the state and in working with officials at the local and county levels of government, as well as experience in running a business,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, who added that Oatman had reached out to every Freeholder on the Board prior to his confirmation. “We are excited to work with him in moving Union County forward.”

Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski added that the Board has confidence in Oatman’s abilities having worked through him over the years on state issues involving Senator Scutari and former Assemblywoman Linda Stender.

“Ed has great experience in developing solutions to complex issues,” said Kowalski. “He brings the added dimension of his statewide contacts and experience, and his ability to build a consensus in getting things done.”

Over the years, Oatman has worked to assist Senator Scutari and former Assemblywoman Stender in developing landmark environmental, public safety, health and infrastructure legislation. He has served as Chief of Staff for Senator Scutari for the past six years and for Assemblyman Jim Kennedy for the past two years. Oatman was the Union County Campaign Coordinator for Governor Phil Murphy. Oatman previously served as Chief of Staff for former Assemblywoman Linda Stender from 2002-16.  He is a partner in Parktowne Associates, a small business focusing on political consulting and community and governmental affairs.

Oatman has worked on bills that would prohibit individuals on the terror watch list from being able to purchase a gun in New Jersey; the Global Warming Response Act signed by then Governor Corzine; a measure reducing the use of pesticides in schools; the Pedestrian safety legislation which provides pedestrians with a clear right to safely navigate New Jersey’s roadways; and a bill that consolidated the NJ Turnpike and the Parkway, resulting in millions in savings to taxpayers.

Oatman also worked with various levels of government in efforts that resulted in funding for the Tremley Point Connector road in Linden, a long-sought infrastructure project that is vital to improving roadway safety and fueling economic development in the region.

Working on behalf of Stender and Scutari, Oatman worked to aid a local Scotch Plains family as Scutari amended a law to change the form of Marijuana that could be distributed for medicinal purposes. Christie ultimately vetoed the measure and the case made national news as  it involved a two-year-old Scotch Plains resident who suffered from a catastrophic, drug-resistant form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.

As County Manager, Oatman added he would continue to follow the Board’s vision of realizing economic efficiencies, maintaining the County’s high bond rating, while continuing the trend of delivering solid services that touch all residents and working families at every stage in life.

“These are all areas this Freeholder Board has excelled in governing, and I will continue to move the needle forward,” said Oatman.

Oatman also emphasized the importance of continuing to jumpstart economic development, especially infrastructure improvements including roadway projects, while providing new job opportunities to residents.

“We certainly look forward to working with our new Governor, who shares many of the same priorities as the Freeholder Board does,” said Oatman.

Oatman has a Bachelor’s of Science in Political from Kean University. Oatman currently serves on the Kean University Board of Trustees; and has been active in his hometown of  Woodbridge, having served on the Boards of the Woodbridge Little League; and the Woodbridge Township Youth Soccer Association. He is a member of the Mawbey Street School & Woodbridge Middle School PTO.

Oatman is married and has three children, and lives in Woodbridge with the family dog, Buddy the Beagle.