Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board’s popular free networking breakfast series will hold its third session in partnership with TD Bank. Called “The Dollars and $ense of Funding Your Business,” the event will be held at L’Affaire, 1099 Route 22 in Mountainside on Wednesday, April 4 starting at 7:45 a.m.

Any person who owns or manages a business in Union County, or who is planning to open a business in the County, is welcome to attend free of charge. Pre-registration is required by visitingucnj.org/ucmeansbusiness, or call Union County at 908-527-4200.

“We had a fantastic response to the first two sessions and we expect this one to connect the local business community with even more information about government resources that can help them grow and create more jobs in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Dollars and $ense of Funding Your Business features a panel discussion with Alfred Titone of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Lori Matthews of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Ellen McHenry of the Union County Economic Development Corporation, Carlos Sanchez of the Elizabeth Development Company and Dominick N. Miceli, SVP and Market President at TD Bank.

“If you have a large business or a small one, or if you’re just starting out, all are welcome,” said Mirabella. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get information that can help your business, straight from the source.”

Mirabella proposed the free networking breakfast series as a cornerstone of his 2012 Chairman’s Initiatives, “Putting People First,” which are designed to help more County residents connect with government services and resources. The initiative includes the County’s UC Means Business website which serves as an information clearinghouse for local businesses, and a free e-newsletter.

The Union County Means Business series is sponsored by the Freeholder Board in partnership with the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union County College and the New Jersey Small Business Development Center.

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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 Daniel Sullivan (L) and Bette Jane Kowalski (R) present resolutions to members of the Union County Adopt-A-Trail Chainsaw Crew thanking them for removing nearly 900 fallen trees from along hiking and bridle trails in the Watchung Reservation, Lenape Park and Ash Brook Reservation last year. The Freeholder Board commended and honored the trained volunteer group for their efforts and time donated throughout 2011, but especially following Hurricane Irene and the October Nor’easter. The Chainsaw Crew members are (from left): Rich Palmatier, Jane Osman, Sal Coppa, Bob Czaja, Bill Wallis, Larry Russo and Ned O’Connell.
(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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella congratulates the Clark Pop Warner Midget Large Novice Cheerleading Squad for earning a spot in the National Pop Warner Cheer Championships at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The squad won the fourth place trophy at the competition.  (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

CLARK, NJ – Archery safety lessons are available for beginners ages nine years and older at the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Each archery course is two hours long and consists of a safety training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range. The fee is $20 per person and reservations are required. Archery equipment is provided by the County of Union. For more information about the Archery Range and the schedule of classes, please call the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal at 908-527-4900 or visit the web site: www.ucnj.org/archery.

CLARK, NJ – The sport of archery is alive and well in Union County and there’s no time like the present to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that archery safety classes are available for people who would like to learn the basics of archery.

“Archery is a popular recreational activity that has been underserved in our area,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is thrilled to see the public interest in the archery range and happy to offer beginners ages nine years and older an affordable lesson that includes archery safety, basic skills, proper equipment use and technique.”

Each archery course is two hours long and consists of a safety training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range. The fee is $20 per person, which is due at registration. There will be a minimum of eight and a maximum of 24 participants per class.

Archery equipment is provided by the County of Union. The lessons are taught by a trained and certified USA Archery Instructor and/or a trained and certified 4-H National Archery Instructor.

Group archery lessons are scheduled at the following times:

• Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m.;
• Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m.;
• Sunday, May 20, at 2 p.m.;
• Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m.;
• Wednesday, June 13, at 6 p.m.;
• Sunday, June 24, at 10 a.m.;
• Sunday, July 15, at 10 a.m.;
• Sunday, August 5, at 10 a.m.;
• Wednesday, August 15, at 6 p.m.;
• Sunday, August 26, at 10 a.m.;
• Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m.;
• Sunday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m.;
• Sunday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m.;
• Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m.

After successful completion of the lesson and a safety questionnaire, participants are qualified to purchase a Union County Archery Range ID card that permits them to use Union County’s Archery Range. The range is open daily, dawn to dusk.

Anyone who has already completed an accredited archery safety course can call 908-527-4900 or 908-654-9805 for information about purchasing a Union County Archery Range ID Card.

The fee for the ID card is $20 for adult Union County residents and $10 for youths and seniors. The Union County fee also applies to residents of Edison. The ID card fee for all other out-of-county residents is $30 for adults and $15 for youths and seniors.

Archery safety class space is limited, so reservations are required. Anyone interested in learning the safe use of a bow and arrow should call the reservation desk at the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900 (Elizabeth) or 908-654-9805 (Westfield). Registration for an archery safety class is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the Union County Archery Range, visit our web site at: www.ucnj.org/archery

Private family and small group lessons for eight or fewer people also are available. The fee is $25 per person and will be scheduled at mutually agreeable times. Please call 908-654-9854 to schedule a private small group lesson.

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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 Vernell Wright (L) and Mohamed Jalloh speak with Sage Eldercare Executive Director Jessica Rosenzweig during a visit to the not-for-profit organization in Summit where they volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels to senior citizens in the area. The Freeholders’ visit also included a tour of Sage’s facilities on Broad Street that provides several senior services. For more information about Sage Eldercare visit www.sagenj.org. 
(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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

WATCHUNG RESERVATION – Spring is here and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering guided trail rides on Sundays starting April 1, for everyone nine years of age or older.

“Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat – you see so much of the park and also get some exercise!” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Watchung Reservation is a 2,065-acre park that offers everyone a chance to experience the natural beauty of a forest, right here in Union County.”

The trail rides are held on Sundays at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. Groups of 15 or more people at a time ride along bridle trails in the woods. The rides are on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to anyone with or without riding experience.

Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals or groups of up to 15 people. These private rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time and have a full deposit for all riders before the set date. The cost of the private group rides includes the rental fee (In-county $28; Out-of-County $39 per rider) and an additional $30 for the instructor.

For those younger riders under nine years of age, Watchung Stable offers leadline rides on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Leadlines are also held during the week if weather permits and are held on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for a leadline ride is $15 for Union County residents and $23 for out-of-county participants. Leadlines are half-hour rides only.

The trail rides and leadline rides are offered at Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. 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. For further information, call 908-789-3665 during the normal office hours; visit the web site www.ucnj.org/stable, or email questions tostablequestions@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 .

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (R) joined Congressman Leonard Lance (2nd L) and Springfield Mayor Ziad Andrew Shehady (L) in congratulating Springfield Free Public Library Director Susan Permahos (C) and Board of Trustees President Shelley Stangler on the 80th anniversary of the library during a reception there on March 18. For more information about the Springfield Free Public Library visitwww.springfieldpubliclibrary.com.
(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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that Union County’s Department of Human Services has received a $493,000 competitive award from the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds awarded will go towards funding Rafael’s Life House Supportive Program.

“The Freeholder Board is thankful that Union County was awarded these funds,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are hopeful that with them we can help the women of Rafael’s Life House acquire the skills they need to ultimately lead a life of independence and success.”

Sponsored by Covenant House NJ, an affiliate of Covenant House International, Rafael’s Life House Supportive Program is a permanent housing project intended to provide safe, clean, and affordable housing for pregnant women and young mothers struggling with mental illness.

The program will kick off with 6 homeless mothers from the Rafael’s Life House transitional living facility.

As part of the Supportive Program, they will receive mental health and support services and will be assigned a case worker who will facilitate the transition to permanent housing, and further their progress towards greater independence with weekly meetings.

Earlier this year the Union County Department of Human Services was also awarded $3.4 million from the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance program to fund ongoing and renewal projects.

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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.

EW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The County of Union will sponsor a recycling event for electronic equipment on Saturday, March 31, so Union County residents can get rid of unwanted computers, televisions and other electronic equipment in an environmentally proper manner.

The special E-cycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

All residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. There is a limit of six electronic items per car.

“Computer monitors, old televisions and other electronic devices are the source of a considerable amount of dangerous material, including lead, mercury, cadmium and PCBs – and it is unlawful to dispose of them with the regular garbage,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Board. “Up to 95 percent of most electronic appliances can be recycled. This is a responsible way to keep hazardous heavy metals out of our environment.”

Electronic equipment that will be accepted on March 31 includes computer monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, CPU’s, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, televisions, VCR’s, fax machines, telephones, circuit boards, CD’s, DVD’s and video cassettes.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and air conditioners will not be accepted.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on March 31 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning website: www.ucnj.org/recycle.

The electronics collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

In addition to the special March 31 recycling event sponsored by the County of Union, there are local businesses as well as 15 municipalities that provide E-cycling opportunities for residents. Visit the websitewww.ucnj.org/recycle or call your municipal recycling coordinator for more computer and electronics recycling options.

Goodwill and Dell have teamed up to recycle computers. Goodwill in Union County is located at 126 Route 22 West, Springfield 07081, next to Macy’s Furniture. Call Goodwill at 973-912-0156 for more details or visit their web site: www.reconnectpartnership.com.

Best Buy stores now offer electronics recycling, including TVs, computer monitors, DVD players and other consumer electronics. Visit their website (www.bestbuy.com/) for store locations, or call toll-free for information about electronics recycling: 1-888-237-8289.

Staples also offers a computer recycling program seven days a week. For more information, visit the Staples web site for store locations: www.staples.com.

Waste Management accepts “covered electronics” (televisions, monitors, computers, etc.) at 629-647 Amboy Ave., Elizabeth 07201, Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; (908) 629-9270.

An alternative drop-off program for recycling electronics equipment is available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Newtech Recycling, located at 600-A Apgar Drive, Somerset NJ 08873; (732) 469-9774. Visit www.newtechrecycling.com .

For more information about recycling events, please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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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 – Tickets are currently on sale for the 2012 Women of Excellence Dinner, celebrating the honorees of the 2012 Women of excellence awards.

The Women of Excellence Awards, supported by the Union County Freeholder Board, are presented to recognize distinguished women who reside or work in Union County.

The dinner will be held on March 23rd at The Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood. For further details or to purchase tickets, contact Carol Lombardo, 908-789-0508.

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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.