Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – All business owners and managers in Union County are welcome to attend “Public/Private Partnerships,” a free networking breakfast on doing business with government agencies scheduled for Wednesday, September 5, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at the Holiday Inn in Clark.

The program is part of the successful Union County Means Business series of free networking breakfasts, designed to help the business community connect with local, state and federal resources that are available to help them grow. The series was launched earlier this year as part of Union County Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella’s 2012 business initiatives in partnership with Union County business entities, colleges and universities.

Pre-registration is required by visiting ucnj.org/ucmeansbusiness, or call the County Manager’s office at 908-527-4200.

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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.

Union County – With reports of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus on the rise, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that there are steps they can take to reduce their exposure to mosquito bites.

The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has also stepped up its ongoing program of mosquito monitoring and control.

“Mosquitoes emerged much earlier than usual this year, resulting in a larger population,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Bureau of Mosquito Control has been working diligently to bring those numbers down, and the public can help in this effort, too.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Some of the most effective methods include:

• Use an  EPA-registered insect repellent while enjoying the outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when weather permits.
• Avoid the outdoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Install or repair window and door screens.

Mirabella also advised County residents to check their property for places where stagnant water can collect including clogged rain gutters, empty flower pots and children’s toys.

“Mosquitoes only need a small amount of stagnant water to reproduce, so clearing your property of these breeding areas will help keep the population down,” said Mirabella.

The West Nile virus is spread most often by the bite of an infected mosquito, but sometimes can be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast feeding, and during pregnancy from mother to child. It is not spread by casual touching.

Although most people infected with West Nile show no signs of being ill, symptoms of West Nile can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting swollen lymph glands, and at times a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. The symptoms generally develop between 3 and 14 days after being bitten.

In response to the above-average mosquito population this year, the Bureau of Mosquito control has been working with experts from Rutgers University to develop a response that includes surveillance, trapping and mosquito testing along with exterminating mosquito larvae and adults.

The Bureau of Mosquito Control has increased the number of trucks for adulticide operations, and has added thermal fogging, liquid larviciding by truck-mounted sprayers, and barrier treatments.

The Bureau will continue its efforts this evening with adulticide sprayings at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights, and Oak Ridge and Esposito parks in Clark. Operations will also be conducted in the residential areas of the following towns: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Scotch Plains, Union and Winfield Park.

For a listing of streets included in this evening’s scheduled operations visit https://ucnj.org/mc or call the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834/654-9873.

For additional information on the West Nile virus visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile.

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

More than 80 teens from across Union County recently graduated from the Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy, a program designed to familiarize young people with the role of a police officer. Also, it operates similar to an actual police academy for teens interested in law enforcement.

“The Youth Academy aims to teach our kids about law enforcement and it is a great first step for those interested in the field,” Sheriff Ralph Froehlich said during the graduation ceremony. “And from what I heard from these fine young women and men, we succeeded in all of our goals in this program.”

Sheriff Froehlich also thanked the officers from the various law enforcement agencies that participated in the program including the New Jersey State Police, the FBI, the Union County Police Department and the Union County Corrections.

Participants in the Youth Academy received hands-on experience in a wide variety of emergency services and law enforcement functions and training.  In addition, youths have the opportunity to learn respect for law enforcement through positive interaction during their time in the program.

“Showing them the human element of law enforcement helps our young people connect with officers in a way they never thought they could,” the Sheriff added.

The Sheriff’s Youth Academy is not a ‘boot camp’ for troubled youth. In order to enroll in the program, the youngsters must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 (B- average), letters of reference and write an essay explaining why the student would like to attend the Youth Academy.

During the first week of the program, the teens engaged in a physical training regime twice a day while attending lectures on subjects such as crime scene investigations, K-9 and motor vehicle stops. They also received visits from representatives from several branches of the military, New Jersey State Police and the Secret Service.

The second week of the Youth Academy involved class trips to the Union County SWAT Range, the Union County Jail and the State Police Museum in Trenton.

CAPTION: Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich speaks to members of this summer’s Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains.

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.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that 46 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2012 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to our economy and quality of life, the Union County Freeholders established the HEART Grant Program in 1998. This innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and it demonstrates a commitment to the artists and community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $75,000.

“The recipients of HEART Grants are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – composers and writers, historians, visual artists, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The response to the program has been exciting ever since its inception.”

“The services provided by these artists, scholars and organizations directly benefit the residents of our county and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities,” Freeholder Mirabella added. “These cultural assets are a vital part of community life, well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism in Union County.”

Artists, educators, civic and historical non-profit organizations that want information about next year’s HEART Grant Program can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or send E-mail:culturalinfo@ucnj.org

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2012 (Total $75,000)

• Brian Beste, Fanwood, $1,000, presenting art creating and history workshops;
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $700, presenting dance programs and workshops;
• Danielle Linares Hale, Fanwood, $1,000, intergenerational drawing workshops;
• Kenneth Sack, Summit, $600, “Write Your School Song” workshops at Winfield School;
• Raymond W. Blanks, Rahway, $997, providing photography classes for Rahway youth;
• Sandra Frank, Westfield, $1,000, presenting music education for senior rehab center;
• Valerie Graham, Roselle, $930, presenting free crafts workshops for children;
• Arts Guild New Jersey, Rahway $2,000, Pre-K arts education in Rahway schools;
• Borough of Fanwood, $2,000, presenting Fanwood Cultural Arts Performance Series;
• Borough of New Providence Community Activities, $992, “Faces” children’s portrait project;
• Borough of Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, $1,000, free concert “Legendary Performers and Recordings”;
• Brand New Day, Elizabeth, $2,000, traditional Caribbean music and dance workshops;
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union, $1,600, performance with UCAPA at the Vo-Tech black box theater;
• CASA of Union County, Elizabeth, $2,000, arts workshops for child advocates;
• Center for Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, Scotch Plains, $2,000, musical performances for hospice residents;
• Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $1,500, providing classical music performances;
• City of Rahway, $1,000, hiring artists to make window art for empty storefronts;
• Clark Historical Society, Clark, $2,000, early American life demonstrators at Four Centuries in a Weekend;
• Continuo Arts Foundation, Westfield, $1,500, presenting “Seniors Sing” choral program;

• Cranford Senior Housing, Cranford, $1,000, “Three Tenors” concert for senior residents;
• Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, Summit, $1,500, producing an original musical play;
• duCret School of Art, Plainfield, $1,500, performing arts program for grades K-12;
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500, Friday Teen Arts Night series;

• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $1,900, dance and music events during Hispanic Heritage Month;
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Inc., Elizabeth, $1,600, 10th Annual Tour de Elizabeth bike tour;
• Hillside Public Library, Hillside, $1,818, free arts and cultural workshops for children;

• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500, clay arts projects for immigrant women;
• Language & Enrichment Center Inc, Scotch Plains, $1,000, performances by preschool children of Italian winter songs;
• Literacy Volunteers of Union County, Roselle, $2,500, creating “Connections” a literary publication of student work;
• Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark, $1,000, producing a musical with Union County children;
• Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,300, music programs for U.C. Juvenile Detention Center;
• National Council of Jewish Women, U.C. Section, Elizabeth, $2,000, two inter-generational programs: a big band swing dance and a comedy show;
• NJ Intergenerational Orchestra, Berkeley Heights, $2,000, free community concert;
• Occupational Center of U.C., Roselle, $2,000, art classes for people with disabilities;
• Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation, $1,850, a historical Kwanza celebration with speakers, music and dance;
• Restore Ministries, Inc., Elizabeth, $2,500, “Union County Arts Tour” for youth literary and arts study;
• Second Street Youth Center, Plainfield, $990, a 12-week engineering workshop for children;
• Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah, Clark, $1,000, free concert by Magevet, Yale’s Jewish a cappella group;
• The Theater Project, Union, $2,000, presenting “A Few Steps in a Stranger’s Shoes” to promote understanding among students;
• Union Township Community Action Organization, Inc., $1,700, Senior Choral performances in nursing homes;
• United Youth of NJ, Elizabeth, $2,000, presenting a play about Harriet Tubman;
• Visual Arts Center of NJ, Summit $2,300, a visual arts program for older adults;
• Westfield Symphony Orchestra, Westfield, $1,600, concert “Home for the Holidays”;
• Women in Conversation, Plainfield, $2,500, reading groups for students and seniors;
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,000, “History of Jewish Cultural Impact” lecture series;
• Art in the Garden, through Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Elizabeth, $1,623, free performances at Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth.

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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 .

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski present Krystina Rambaran of Hillside with a certificate congratulating her on receiving the 2012 Investors Saving Bank Scholarship through the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation. Krystina is a recent graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTHS) in Scotch Plains. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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. On Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski present Justin Trembley of Union with a certificate congratulating him on receiving the 2012 Investors Saving Bank Scholarship through the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation. Justin is a recent graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTHS) Academy for Information in Scotch Plains. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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. On Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

WESTFIELD, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announced that Vote-By-Mail ballots for the Westfield Board of Education’s upcoming Special Election will be available beginning on Tuesday, September 4, through the County Clerk’s Westfield or Elizabeth offices.

The Special Election in Westfield, scheduled for Monday, September 24, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., involves a $16.9 million school bond referendum.

“Registered voters in Westfield may obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the Special Election by visiting my website or my offices in Westfield or Elizabeth,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “The service at the Westfield office, with its convenient Saturday office hours and evening hours during the week, makes voting more accessible for voters unable to go to the polls in person on Sept. 24.”

The opportunity to Vote-By-Mail in Westfield and Elizabeth is another service available at the County Clerk’s two offices, along with passport application and renewal services, registration of Trade Names, and the application and swearing in of Notaries Public.

The Westfield Annex of the County Clerk is located at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield 07090. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Vote-By-Mail is an easy, secure process that has replaced the Absentee Ballot. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to Vote-By-Mail. To obtain an application form, voters can download the form at the Union County Clerk’s website: www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/vote-by-mail or they can contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. The Clerk’s website also includes a video that explains how to fill out the Vote-By-Mail application form.

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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 .

Caption: Union County – Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh (2nd R)  at the grand opening of Rita’s Water Ice at 108 Chestnut St in Roselle. He is joined by Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley (3rd R), Roselle Economic Development Coordinator Colleen Mahr (R ) and Rita’s owner Malakatu Saleem (2nd L). (Photo Courtesy of the Borough of Roselle)

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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 .

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – While most of us are preoccupied with end-of-summer plans, the staff at Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside is busy preparing for the start of next season’s horseback riding lessons. Now is the time for beginners and returning riders to register for fall classes at Watchung Stable.

“Our lesson program at Watchung Stable is a great way to learn how to ride,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I’m proud to say that more than 45,000 girls and boys have participated in this terrific program in the Watchung Reservation since it began in 1935.”

All applicants for riding lessons must be nine years of age or older. Fall Troop will last for ten weeks beginning September 4, and will culminate with the Fall Troop Horse Show. The cost to participate begins at $231 for ten classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment. Classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Class and troop assignments are based upon riding ability as determined by the Stable management. Applicants with previous experience may be asked to demonstrate their riding ability in order to be placed in the appropriate class. Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense.

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years of age and older, beginning the week of September 4. Classes for adults are available Sundays at 12:45 p.m., and Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Adult lessons are an eight-week program on either Sunday afternoon or Tuesday morning. Beginners through advanced lessons are available on both days.

Registration forms and fees must be submitted in-person at Watchung Stable. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily.

Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. For further information, and to obtain registration materials, call 908-789-3665 or email:stablequestions@ucnj.org

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BACK IN THE SADDLE – Watchung Stable instructor Kathleen Sheehan lends a hand to nine-year-old Grace Brennan of Scotch Plains while she takes a break during summer camp. Grace is among hundreds of other children who will participate in Watchung Stable’s Fall Troop Program of classes which begin the week of September 4. Now is the time for beginners and returning riders to register for classes in the Fall Troop. Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside, is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, and is administered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about programs and registration, please call 908-789-3665, or e-mail questions tostablequestions@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 .

LARK, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite the community to participate in “Veterans Appreciation Night” on Wednesday, August 22, by bringing items to donate for our troops overseas prior to hearing a free outdoor performance by The B Street Band (The Original Springsteen Tribute) at Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark, at 7:00 p.m.

“We encourage everyone who comes to Veterans Appreciation Night to join with us in supporting American Recreational Military Services (A.R.M.S.) as they collect supplies for our military men and women overseas,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Veterans’ groups from throughout Central Jersey are especially welcome as we show our appreciation for their dedication and service in defense of our country.”

A.R.M.S. is a 501 (c) (3) charity based in Eatontown. Founded in 2003 by volunteers who wanted to give something back to military personnel and their families, A.R.M.S. is soliciting the following items that they will pack and ship to our troops serving overseas: chapstick; saline nose spray; Q-tips; eye drops; foot powder; body powder; deodorant; razors; small tissue packets; canned fruit; beef jerky; corn chips; protein bars; granola bars; microwave foods; small cereal boxes; coffee packets; tea bags; small powdered drink mixes; tuna foil packets; instant oatmeal; nuts and trail mix.

For more information about A.R.M.S., please visit www.supportarms.org

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with staff from the Union County Office of Veterans’ Affairs and other knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about programs and recreational activities available to Union County residents.

Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.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 at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .