Category: Public Info

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards. The awardees will be honored at the 26^th annual Women of Excellence dinner on Friday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood.

“Throughout the years, the Women of Excellence Awards have sparked conversations about opportunities, challenges and achievements in today’s society,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Now more than ever, it is vital to affirm the powerful impact of women’s leadership, and affirm our support for women in all aspects of life in Union County.”

The Women of Excellence Awards honor women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of arts and humanities, business/entrepreneurial, community service, education, government, law, law enforcement, medicine/health care, and women’s advocacy. The program is run by the Commission on the Status of Women and sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Union County Office on Women.

“Our Women of Excellence awardees provide us with inspiring models for success in a wide range of endeavors. The whole community is strengthened and invigorated when each one of us can follow our passion and exercise our full potential,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, who is the Board’s liaison to the Commission on the Status of Women.

Residents of Union County and out-of-county residents who are active in Union County affairs are eligible for the award.

The 2018 Women of Excellence awardees are:

Malathi Narayan Ananthakrishnan, New Providence  (Arts in Education)

Dr. Ludovina Archeval , Holy Redemer Home Care of Elizabeth (Health/Medicine)

Brooke Campbell, Cranford (Children’s Advocacy)

Maria Carvalho, Elizabeth (Youth Advocacy)

Councilwoman Rose Checchio, Scotch Plains (Government)

Candyce Mayers, Linden (Women’s Advocacy)

Marguerite Modero, Roselle Park (Special Needs Advocacy)

Donna Puzella , Summit (Business Leadership)

Patricia Roman, Clark (Volunteerism)

Margaret Salisbury, Union (Lifetime Achievement)

Nominations are open to women 21 years or older who live, volunteer, or work in Union County.

All awardees are guests of honor at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner each spring. Awardees receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution recognizing their contributions to the Union County community.

The 2018 Women of Excellence Award Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Friday March 16, at The Westwood in Garwood.

Tickets are required for attendance and must be purchased by March 2, 2018. The cost is $50.00 per person. Payment may be made by check to the UCCSW and mailed to Ms. Carol Lombardo, 275 Fourth Avenue, Garwood NJ 07207. For more information email bkwrm148@hotmail.com.

The Union County Office on Women was established to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives. More information is available online at ucnj.org/women.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

MOUTAINSIDE, NJ – The Klondike Derby, sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, will be held Saturday, January 27, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, at the Loop in the Watchung Reservation. Many years ago, men raced by means of dogs and sledges across the frozen wastes of Alaska in search of gold. Scouting has capitalized on this theme and developed the Klondike Derby as an exciting activity for Boy Scouts.

The Klondike Derby has become one of the most exciting events of the Scouting year. Patrols of four to eight Boy Scouts will pull their sleds over a field course to simulated towns, where the patrols can earn points by solving problems using their Scouting skills. Challenges can include first aid, fire building, knot tying and lashing, orienteering, wilderness survival, and team work.

“As we have in past years, Union County is excited to have the Boy Scouts of America sponsoring this wonderful event at the Watchung Reservation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

On Saturday, January 27, the Watchung Mountain District will participate. The district includes Scout Troops from Berkeley Heights, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, Murray Hill, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Summit, Watchung, and Westfield.

The following Saturday, February 3, the Klondike Derby will feature participants from the Raritan Valley District, which includes Scouts from Plainfield.

The Klondike Derby will conclude on Saturday, February 10, with the Munsee District, which includes troops from Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield, Union, and Winfield Park.

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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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Update: Please note, the meeting originally scheduled for February 10 has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will host an annual meeting for new and seasoned Trail Stewards at Trailside Nature & Science Center on _____________.

“Throughout the years Trail Stewards have volunteered many hours to ensure that our trails are kept safe and accessible to trail users,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We appreciate all the help that has been provided in the past, and look forward to welcoming new stewards to the program”.

Being part of the Adopt-A-Trail program allows trail users to ‘give back’ to the trails they use throughout the year by helping to keep drainage ditches clear of debris, trails free of litter, branches and fallen trees and water diverted off trails to prevent erosion and many other tasks.

New trail stewards will be given basic instruction on how to monitor and maintain a section of trail in the Union County Park System, including the Watchung Reservation, Passaic River Park in Berkeley Heights and Summit, Lenape Park in Cranford, Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains and various other locations.

All stewards are required to attend an annual meeting, must commit to monitoring and maintaining their trail for a minimum of two years and submit quarterly reports through the year.

Registration for the meeting on February 10th is required. To register you can email Betty Anne Kelly at bkelly@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.