County of UnionDefault category for all normal press releases
l. to r. Robert E. Jeans, Sr., Commander of VFW Post 2230,
Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, and MC Cheryl Vesselli
at the dedication of the Robert E. Jeans, Sr., Veterans Memorial Park,
next to the Kenilworth Veterans Center, on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2011.
The park was dedicated in honor of Cmdr. Jeans’ outstanding service to veterans and his community.
The Academy for Information Technology, recognized nationally for academic excellence,
is one of five schools at the Union County Vo-Tech Schools campus in Scotch Plains.
(Photo credit: Union County Vo-Tech Schools).
Union County, NJ – The Union County Vo-Tech Schools are in the news again, with one Vo-Tech senior planning to attend Yale University next year and another recent Vo-Tech graduate honored with an international prize for excellence in academic achievement at Columbia University.
Earlier this year, Vo-Tech was named in academic surveys by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, and 26 students were recently recognized by the National Merit Scholars Program.
“These two students, Justin Sears of Plainfield and Richard Sun of Summit, are outstanding representatives for the hundreds of Vo-Tech students who work hard and thrive in a rigorous academic environment,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “We are very proud of Justin, Richard, and the entire student body at Vo-Tech.”
Justin Sears attends the Academy for Information Technology, one of five schools on the Vo-Tech campus in Scotch Plains. In addition to his academic achievements he is a talented basketball player and was offered athletic scholarships at top universities around the country.
Sears committed to Yale, even though the school does not offer athletic scholarships, in order to focus on academics and a career after basketball according to a recent profile in the Star-Ledger.
Richard Sun graduated from Magnet High School two years ago and is attending Columbia University. He was recently awarded the Oscar Wilde Gold Medal for Academic Excellence, an honor that until now was only conferred on students from Ireland.
Richard’s essay on urban sustainability was one of only 23 Gold Medal winners selected from almost 2,400 submissions, and he was one of only two students from America to achieve the honor.
“Along with preparing our students academically, we also strive to help them develop the sensibilities to envision a future for themselves and their communities, said Vo-Tech Superintendent of Schools Thomas J. Bistocchi. “Each in their own way, Justin and Richard have demonstrated the full range of the Vo-Tech experience.”
The Union County Vo-Tech Schools are dedicated to providing Union County youth with career development in high-demand, emerging and traditional fields. The Vo-Tech campus on Raritan Road in Scotch Plains houses five distinct schools: Magnet High School, Academy for Information Technology, Academy for Allied Health Sciences, Academy for Performing Arts, and Vocational-Technical High School.
For more information about the Union County Vo-Tech schools visit ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts. Information on all Union County programs and services is available at 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.
ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2011 Teen Arts Traveling Exhibit is on display at The Freeholders Gallery located in the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth. The art work is on display through December 30th during regular office hours.
The exhibit consists of 53 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual art works shown at the 2011 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal.
“Each year I am amazed by the wonderful artwork submitted by local students,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”
For information about the Teen Arts program, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth 07202; telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or emailculturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The exhibiting students are:
Berkeley Heights
Columbia Middle School
Julia Young
Clark
Mother Seton Regional HS
Victoria Marples
Cranford
Cranford HS
Shannon Daly
Gina DeCagna
Hillside Avenue School
Allison Curley
Orange Avenue School
Louis Capucci
St. Michael School
Kyle Borokowski
Elizabeth
Abraham Lincoln School
Dianeth Hernandez
Benedictine Academy
Keyona Wright
Benjamin Franklin School
Juan Martinez
Charles Hudson School
Damaris Quezada
Dr. Orlando Edreira School
Jessica Arguera
Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jorge Soto Soriano
Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Gustavo Perez
Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Andres Camargo
Christie Ramirez
Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Wislet Dazime
Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Danny Luca
Madison-Monroe School
Arianna Honore
Nicholas M. Butler School
Eunice Edmond
Nicholas S. LaCorte School
Jonathan Lopez
St. Mary of the Assumption School
Carla Gomes
T.C. Reilly School
Sindy Chavarria
William F. Halloran School
Walter Casanas
Woodrow Wilson School
Joel Romero
Hillside
Hillside HS
Ambyr Szablowski
Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Pinto & Campbell
Kenilworth
David Brearley HS
Samantha Hoag
Anthony Madonia
Linden
Linden HS
Jose Ferero
McManus MS
Clint Malakuskie
Soehl MS
Eduardo Plaza
Mountainside
Deerfield MS
Bea Collins
New Providence
New Providence HS
Lylah Dugan
New Providence MS
Lillian Cahill
Plainfield
Central Jersey Arts School
Silvia Alpapucho
Cook School
Carin Hardy
Hubbard MS
Jose Peña de Leon
Maxon MS
Caleah Atkinson
Plainfield Academy of Arts
Anthony Cancel
Union County TEAMS HS
Crystal Attidore
Union County TEAMS MS
Shaun Counts
Scotch Plains
Union County Vo-Tech
Camillo Castillo
LaJuan Miller
Springfield
FM Gaudineer MS
N. Adbullahu, M. Pisauro &
N. Stanislawczyk
Jonathan Dayton HS
Farharah Mohamad
Summit
Oratory Preparatory School
Tyler Otterbein
Union
Union HS
Pamela Chuang
Andrea Garcia
Westfield
Edison Intermediate School
Catlin Collins
Roosevelt Intermediate School
Kevin Miller
Alyson Palia
Winfield
Winfield School
Joel Walters
—
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 .
ROSELLE, NJ – Bring the family and join in the excitement at the Warinanco Ice Skating Center on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 3:15 p.m. as the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents the “Thanksgiving Score-O Challenge.” No hockey or skating skills are required.
“Come to the skating center for some family fun and let your children try their luck at shooting the puck through a hole in the goal,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “After the Score-O Challenge, sit by the fire and warm up with a snack and a cup of hot chocolate from the snack bar.”
Registration for the Thanksgiving Score-O Challenge begins at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 26. There is a $2 registration fee per participant. Regular admission and skate rental fees do not apply; this is not a skating event.
There is no public skating during this event. The Score-O Challenge will begin at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 4 through 17 years who are competing in the challenge will be divided into four age groups. Prizes will be awarded.
The Warinanco Ice Skating Center is located off Thompson Avenue in Warinanco Park, located near the border of Roselle and Elizabeth. For more information call the Skating Center at 908-298-7850 or the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900, or visit www.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 .
Union County, NJ – Union County 4-H is holding its annual Holiday Gift-Making Night on Friday, December 2, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westfield Community Center, 425 East Broad Street in Westfield. A fee of $7.00 includes all materials and guidance for making holiday-themed gifts including a candy-filled snow ball, a decorated flower pot with an aloe plant, and a snow man door stopper. The 4-H Teen Council will host a refreshment table as a fund-raiser. Advance registration is required by calling 4-H Secretary Ellen DiIorio at 908-654-9854, or email to ediiorio@ucnj.org.
The Union County 4-H Clubs and its Youth Development programs are made possible through Rutgers University and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
# #
Clubs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on a grade appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. All possible efforts will be made to include rather than exclude youth in events conducted by 4-H.
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.
Elizabeth, NJ– The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, announced the creation of a new DVD on cyber safety for parents.
The DVD, entitled “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking,” takes a proactive approach to keeping children safe from the dangers of the web and social networking. It is designed to teach parents the potential threats to their children and offers tips on how to address the cyber safety issue without embarrassing their children or betraying their trust.
The “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking” DVD is an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, and is now available for free from the Union County Office of Public Information. The video from the DVD has also been posted to the Union County website and can be viewed in the video channel section, at www.ucnj.org/videochannel/
“It is our hope the information provided on this presentation will help parents take a proactive approach to keeping their children cyber safe,” said Freeholder Scanlon. “The internet and modern technology have changed the landscaping of parenting. Children are cyber savvy, many parents are not. We encourage parents to use the material from the presentation to have a discussion with their children about this matter.”
Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said he hopes the video will empower parents and guardians to get more involved with their children’s Internet activities and to take the time to educate themselves with the particular programs and devices children use to communicate.
“The internet can be very useful and informative, but it can also be a very dangerous vehicle,” Prosecutor Romankow said. “We are trying to help parents learn about what they can do to protect their children from trouble.”
The Union County Prosecutor’s office has been extremely proactive in response to the issue of cyber-bullying and internet safety, Scanlon noted. The DVD, which is over an hour and twenty minutes, contains a presentation by Sergeant Michael Hoose of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Task Force. Hoose is recognized as an authority on cyber incidents, and conducts outreach each year; visiting schools and making presentations to parents’ organizations and students. During his presentation he discusses the most prevalent threats to children and young adults including sexting, cyber-bullying, secret videotaping and high-tech pranks.
Copies of the DVD will be made available at the Public Information Van during various Union County events. Residents may also obtain a copy of the Cyber Bullying DVD by contacting either Mary Lynn Williams 908-527-4106 of the Union County Office of Public Information or by sending an email to info@ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ – Choose My Plate is a simple but effective chart that puts the focus on good-tasting, low-cost foods that lead to better health. You can learn how to use it at a class offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County taught by Karen M. Ensle, EdD, RD, FADA, CFCS. Ensle is an award winning educator at Rutgers University and head of the Union County Extension.
The Choose My Plate class is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Extension offices in the Union County services building in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East. A $5.00 fee includes tastings and all materials. Pre-registration is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension, dtorres@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854.
“Everyone knows that a good diet helps to prevent serious diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, and it can also help lower your grocery bills, too,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Choose My Plate helps you save money while improving your health.”
Choose My Plate is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Get Moving” program supported by First Lady Michelle Obama. The Union County Extension is one of 3,000 county-based Extension offices nationwide that work with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that the public has access to reliable information on nutrition and health.
To learn about Choose My Plate online visit choosemyplate.gov. More information about all Union County programs and services is available at www.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.
Union County, NJ – Afterschool providers in Union County can help boost the science skills of their young charges with help from a new curriculum suitable for children in grades 1 through 6. The curriculum, called “Sinking and Floating,” focuses on fun, hands-on exercises that illustrate basic principles such as density, buoyancy and opposing forces.
“Sinking and Floating” is available through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Program, which will host a workshop on the curriculum on Friday, December 16. The workshop is open to staff from local organizations that operate afterschool programs.
The fee for the workshop is $75, which includes lunch and all materials for conducting the program. To register or to get more information, contact James Nichnadowicz of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is headquartered in the County services building in Westfield.
“Programs like Sinking and Floating can help younger children gain confidence that will help them progress through middle school and beyond,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “An early interest in science can lead to a high value career, so these educational programs form an important part of workforce development in Union County.”
Scanlon noted that the program complements the ‘Green Boot Camp’ developed by educators at the Union County Vo-Tech High Schools in partnership with Honeywell. The Green Boot Camp is an annual workshop designed for middle school educators, to help them introduce hands-on, team based science and technology exercises to their students and prepare them for more challenging courses in high school.
For more information on all Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H programs, community health initiatives and volunteer opportunities call the Extension at 908-654-9854 or visit the Union County website,www.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.
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Usher in the holidays with the sights and sounds of the season at the 28th annual Holiday Nature Craft Show at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to present this seasonal craft show and charity drive in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration at Trailside on Sunday, December 4, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The price of admission is an item of dry or canned food or a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed through local charities.
“While shopping at the Nature Craft Show for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, visitors will be treated to a festive afternoon of activities,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Adding to the holiday atmosphere, carolers will entice visitors to join them in a sing-along and decorated trees will be displayed throughout the Trailside Visitors Center.”
Staff from various Union County departments will decorate trees in the Visitors Center. All the trees, ornaments and gift cards collected will be distributed to Union County families in need. Visitors are encouraged to stop by each holiday tree and vote on their favorite decoration theme for this year.
With a large selection of handcrafted items available at the show, you will certainly be able to check some names off your gift list. More than 40 vendors will be selling nature-themed items such as natural wreaths, ornaments, handmade gift baskets and hand-painted or stenciled home décor. Crafters and artisans will also offer unique toys, jewelry, stained glass and other gift items with wildlife, gardening and nature themes. Light refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day.
The day’s activities will include the Union County Tree and Menorah Lighting at 1:30 p.m. in the Trailside Auditorium. Children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the auditorium and free children’s coloring and face painting will be offered on the upper level of the Visitor Center to keep the little ones entertained.
The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal would like to offer special thanks to the ShopRite of Clark, Williams Nursery, Dreyer Farms and Parker Gardens for their generous donations as sponsors of this holiday event and charity drive.
For additional information about the Holiday Nature Craft Show please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or go towww.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
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, NJ – Hundreds of volunteers work in the historic Union County parks system to help keep trails and open spaces attractive and enjoyable for all, and their efforts were celebrated at a recent awards ceremony with members of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.
“Our volunteers put forth an extraordinary effort all year long, and they have really gone above and beyond to clear the trails of fallen trees and branches after Hurricane Irene and the recent nor’easter,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Thanks to them, thousands of Union County residents and visitors have been out in the parks, walking the trails and enjoying the fall season.”
So far this year, more than 800 individuals have worked in the County’s Adopt-a-Trail and Adopt-a-Park programs. Some, including several student interns, have helped out administratively. All together they logged a total of almost 4,500 hours.
County Manager Alfred Faella noted that a safety-trained volunteer chainsaw crew removed 582 blowdowns that blocked hiking and bridle trails after the two major storms hit the region.
“We are all very proud of our volunteers and very grateful for their willingness to pitch, in whether it’s just for a few hours or for a long term commitment,” said Faella. “They help make it possible to maintain our parks under a tight budget and they set a great example for all of Union County.”
Most of the volunteers live in Union County. Some live outside the County’s borders and volunteer through their place of work, club or civic organization.
This year, 25 companies and community groups participated in the Adopt-a-Park program. Fifty-four volunteers signed on as Trail Stewards, who take responsibility for maintaining a section of hiking or bridle trails for a period of time.
More than 100 volunteers also signed up for Trail Work Saturdays. That program runs on the first Saturday of each month, from March to December.
“There are many ways to volunteer for the Union County parks, and our coordinators can help you find a way to participate that’s right for you,” said Scanlon. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people who enjoy getting outdoors and helping to preserve our natural resources.”
To find out more about volunteering visit the County website, www.ucnj.org or call the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-789-3683.
Summit residents Anton Evers of the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy and Marian Glenn of the Summit Environmental Commission accept a certificate of appreciation from Union County Manager Al Faella, at Union County’s 4th Annual Adopt-A-Park/Trail Steward Recognition Dinner held recently at Trailside Nature & Science Center. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Marc Grobman of Fanwood, an Adopt-A-Trail steward who adopts the Ash Brook Reservation trail in Scotch Plains, accepts a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholder, Chris Hudak at the County’s 4th Annual Adopt-A-Park/Trail Steward Recognition Dinner held recently at Trailside Nature & Science Center. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Kenneth Mirsky (right) of Westfield, accepts congratulations from Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada at a recent dinner honoring Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-a-Trail stewards. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Allison Parlipiano of South Plainfield accepts congratulations from Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak for her efforts in leading a project that partnered Merck, a major employer in Union County, with numerous Adopt-A-Park projects in Rahway. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Members of the Oak Ridge Sportsmens Association are pictured with Union County Freeholders Chris Hudak (2nd from left standing), Angel Estrada (sitting rear) and County Manager, Al Faella (4th from right standing) after receiving a certificate of appreciation for their Adopt-A-Park efforts. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada congratulates Lee and Jay Sport for their Adopt-A-Park efforts at a recent dinner honoring volunteers for their dedication and service in keeping parks and trails clean. The Sport family of Mountainside works throughout the year keeping a section of Coles Avenue clear of litter. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Steve Jandoli, (left) of Cranford accepts congratulations from Union County Manager Alfred Faella for a job well done by the Rahway River Association. The group has participated in the county’s Adopt-A-Park Program for several years and has led an effort to restore a unique and fragile habitat located in the Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains called Red Hill. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Adopt-a-Trail Steward Lynda Goldschein of Watchung accepts a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada at a recent dinner honoring volunteers in the Union County parks system. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
Bud and Karen Ayres, Adopt-A-Trail stewards of Berkeley Heights, accept a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholders Angel Estrada and Christopher Hudak (l to r). The couple was honored recently for their volunteer service. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)
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
at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.