Category: Public Info

(From left) Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich and Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski congratulate the winners of the 2011 “My County” poster contest sponsored by the Union County Constitutional Officers. The top winners of the contest, which is open only to fourth-graders, are (from left): Vanessa Sousa (1st place) from St. Bartholomew Academy in Scotch Plains, Erika Hurst (2nd place) from St. John the Apostle Elementary School in Clark and Jethzabel Bermudez (4th place) from Christopher Columbus School No. 15 in Elizabeth. Annie Carmack (not pictured) from the Franklin School in Summit won 3rd place. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada, Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd R) and Nancy Ward (R) speak with Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi during a passport fair at the Clerk’s office in Westfield on ‘Passport Day in the USA,’ a national passport acceptance and outreach event. Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/Passports. The phone number at the Union County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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

On Tuesday, May 10th the Volunteers Guild of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County will offer replica handbags & high fashion jewelry for sale in the facility multi-purpose room at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Sale hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cash and checks only will be accepted.

The public is invited to attend RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital product sales. A percentage of all purchases made at these sales is credited to the Volunteers Guild. Funds raised are used to enrich the lives of residents and patients by obtaining items that may include prizes for bingo games and paying for entertainment. The Guild, which makes product sales possible, also sponsors a holiday party/gift distribution in cooperation with the Berkeley Heights Lions Club.

“Add lovely accents to your wardrobe and support RUNNELLS residents and patients,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, RUNNELLS Freeholder liaison.

The Volunteers Guild and the Office of Volunteer Services of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital are always interested in recruiting volunteers. Flexible hours and a variety of opportunities exist with resident contact and performing other tasks. Anyone who wants more information should call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.

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The Volunteers Guild of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County will feature the styles of “Sheila Fashion” on Monday, April 25th. The sale which features Colombian and Brazilian jeans, dresses, pants, jackets and more in sizes 4 to 3X will be held in the facility multi-purpose room at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Sale hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cash as well as Visa, MasterCard, MAC and debit cards will be accepted.

The public is invited to attend RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital product sales. A percentage of all purchases made at these sales is credited to the Volunteers Guild. Funds raised are used to enrich the lives of residents and patients by obtaining items that may include prizes for bingo games and paying for entertainment. The Guild, which makes product sales possible, also sponsors a holiday party/gift distribution in cooperation with the Berkeley Heights Lions Club.

“Look at this traveling boutique of women’s fashions at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder liaison to RUNNELLS. “It offers you fashion and value while it supports the residents and patients of RUNNELLS.”

The Volunteers Guild and the Office of Volunteer Services of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital are always interested in recruiting volunteers. Flexible hours and a variety of opportunities exist with resident contact as well as performing other tasks. Anyone who would like further information should call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that a grant-writing workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Union County Annex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

“The grant-writing workshop is intended for historical societies, schools, museums, libraries and similar organizations in Union County,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Attendees will learn about the three types of competitive grants available through the Union County History Grant Program administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.”

Workshop attendees will receive assistance in the technical aspects of completing the application. Grant applications and guidelines for the following grants will be available at the workshop:

1) GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT (GOS) Grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation (e.g. programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, etc.) to Union County-based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $7,500.

2) The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is introducing a new MINIGRANT (MG) which provides funding to history organizations only. The MG is offered in conjunction with the start of a national four year (April 2011 to April 2015) commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Grant funds up to $1,500 are available to organizations interested in conducting research into the history of slavery at the organization’s site and/or within their municipality. An organization applying for GOS may also apply for a Mini-Grant. Ten of Union County’s municipalities have been identified as having a history of slavery.

3) SPECIAL PROJECT (SP) Grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $5,000.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

To confirm attendance at the April 26 workshop or receive more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202. Telephone: (908) 436-2912. New Jersey Relay users dial 711. E-mail requests to culturalinfo@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 .

The Volunteers Guild of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County will sponsor a sale of the merchandise of “N & N Linens” and “LGE Jewelry” on Monday, April 11th. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and checks will be accepted. The sale will be in the facility multi-purpose room, 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The quality merchandise includes table linens and kitchen accessories. Shoppers will also find jewelry that is handcrafted and from collections by diverse designers.

The public is invited to attend RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital product sales. A percentage of all purchases made at these sales is credited to the Volunteers Guild. Funds raised are used to enrich the lives of residents and patients by obtaining items that may include prizes for bingo games and paying for entertainment. The Guild, which makes product sales possible, also sponsors a holiday party/gift distribution in cooperation with the Berkeley Heights Lions Club.

“Make your selections from the abundant variety of linens and jewelry while supporting RUNNELLS residents and patients at this Volunteers Guild sale,” noted Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital.

The Volunteers Guild and the Office of Volunteer Services of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital are always interested in recruiting volunteers. Flexible hours and a variety of opportunities exist with resident contact as well as performing other tasks. Anyone who would like further information should call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that National Volunteer Week is coming up, from April 10 to April 16. This year, United Way has joined with Worrall Publications and the firm Ernst & Young to organize volunteer activities at various locations, including Union County’s Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights.

“As a lifelong Union County resident, I am very proud of the community spirit that motivates so many friends and neighbors to give their time,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “National Volunteer week offers a great opportunity to get involved in a countywide event that raises awareness and encourages more people to pitch in.”

At Runnells Specialized Hospital, volunteers will assist senior citizens in attending a special concert program. Other projects include gardening, park cleanups, or working with children in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, New Providence, Plainfield, Summit and Westfield.

Volunteers can sign up for activities as individuals, or a group can register together.

To register, visit the United Way of Great Union County website at http://uwguc.org/Natl_Volunteer_Week.php.

For additional information contact Tenisha Malcolm, 908-353-7171, ext. 136.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce that there are openings available for several popular summer camp programs for preschoolers and children entering 5th – 9th grades as well as for some of the educational nature-related, fun-filled family programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

“We would like to encourage children and families to participate in the exceptional programs and camp opportunities that await them at our beautiful Nature Center this summer,” said Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. “Visitors have a unique opportunity to experience nature through exciting, interactive, fun activities in the beautiful Watchung Reservation.”

From July 5-8, there are several camp openings available for 4 and 5 year-olds. Each camp session, which runs from 1:15 – 3:45 p.m., will take a child’s imagination on a magical journey.

“Animal Crackers/Turtle Time” will allow children to become animal detectives. They’ll search for camouflaged critters, animal homes and foot prints, and also discover the unique adaptations turtles have that allow them to live in the woods, lakes, oceans and deserts around the world. Children will meet live turtles from Trailside’s reptile collection.

Two additional exciting camp opportunities beckon 4 and 5 year-olds: “Going Buggy/Under the Sea” and “Geotykes/Living Lenape.” These camps will introduce children to insects, oceans, the world of rocks and the Lenape Native Americans.

From August 8-12, students entering 5th and 6th grades can spend the morning learning about wildlife in “All about Animals” or the afternoon learning about our environment in “Kids for Conservation.”

“All about Animals,” which meets from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, will have students take an in-depth look into the animal kingdom. Students will meet live animals, currently in the care of the Trailside staff, including snakes, turtles, frogs and fish and take a hike to different areas of the Watchung Reservation to identify the variety of wildlife that live here.

“Kids for Conservation,” which meets from 1 – 4 p.m., will have students explore the ways that we depend on nature everyday. Students will experiment with solutions to clean up our waterways, hike to Lake Surprise to take water samples, and participate in other fun-filled activities that demonstrate the importance of conservation.

From August 1 – 5, students entering 7th – 9th grades can participate in “Nature Treks,” a full-day camp, which runs from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Through engaging activities and opportunistic hikes, participants will have fun learning how to identify trees, plants, wildlife and rocks while investigating the pristine 2,060-acre Watchung Reservation. Students will take a shuttle to seldom visited areas of the Reservation and sample wildlife around Hermits Pond, walk parts of the ten-mile Sierra Trail and visit the old pine forest.

Summer programs and activities are plentiful for families as well. “Friday Family Programs” are for all ages with an adult; however, infants should be in backpacks. From hiking, scavenger hunts, learning about the Lenape Native Americans, or taking a stroll through a stream, there is a program to suit everyone’s interest and entertain even the youngest member of the family. Friday Family Programs are available on various dates throughout the summer and run at 10:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Fees do apply for all Friday Family Programs and pre-registration is required.

For information on Summer Camp or Friday Family Programs or any other upcoming events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us online at https://ucnj.org/trailside.Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Families and children will enjoy exceptional programs and summer camp opportunities at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside, including hikes to Lake Surprise, Hermits Pond, the Sierra Trail and other areas of the beautiful Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. For information about summer camps, Friday Family Programs or other events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit online at https://ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road 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 https://ucnj.org, on Facebook at https://ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

A new “green jobs” training program to qualify dislocated “blue” and “white” collar workers for newly emerging “green” collar jobs in the fields of construction, transportation, and energy, will be introduced April 19 by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The training program was developed in partnership with Rutgers University, School of Engineering; Union County College’s Industry-Business Institute; and Union County government’s Workforce Investment Board (WIB).

Two orientation sessions will be held Wednesday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Elizabeth campus of Union County College, in the Dr. Thomas Brown Center for Business and Educational Advancement, Suite K 519, 40 West Jersey Street. Pre-Registration is required.

According to Freeholder Chair, Deborah P. Scanlon, the program will offer two training and nationally recognized certification tracks. The residential track, designed for displaced construction/manufacturing workers, includes courses in residential home energy inspection and solar panel installation. Prior work experience in the construction or electrical trades will help individuals succeed in this track.

The commercial track is designed for the displaced professional workforce, such as Information Technology (IT) professionals who may work as systems analysts, computer programmers, trainers, project leaders; project managers; marketing and sales workers; accountants, etc. This track will focus on the new “Sustainability Management” career. This new occupation encompasses public relations, environmental regulatory compliance, and the ability to identify cost reductions through energy savings, supply chain, and manufacturing waste.

“The Sustainability Manager must not only be ‘green smart,’ but also must possess skills in leadership, risk assessment, strategic thinking, budgeting, business case development, and change management,” stated Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “Put simply, Sustainability Managers are spearheading the economy’s transformation into the new green economy,” added Freeholder Scanlon.

Green jobs may be defined as jobs that will reduce pollution and benefit the environment by making our transportation systems, vehicles, appliances, buildings and energy resources cleaner and more efficient, Freeholder Scanlon noted.

“Sustainability has become an integral part of today’s successful business strategy, coalescing environmental stewardship with increased revenue and profits. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s good business,” said Stephen Carter, Director of Continuing and Professional Education at Rutgers University School of Engineering.

“Having our clients achieve industry-driven and endorsed credentials is a great advantage when seeking employment. Employers can instantly evaluate the level of training and have confidence the candidate meets qualifications.” Said Kevin Lynott, Chairman of the Union County Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The Union County WIB, as other county WIBs in New Jersey, is responsible for the planning and development of the local workforce readiness system, including all workforce and labor market services designed to prepare and link potential workers to meet the demands of the labor market and insure that employment, training and education programs effectively link these potential workers to the best available jobs.

To register, please contact Elizabeth Paskewich at the Union County Workforce Investment Board,908-527-4886 or epaskewich@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, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that several Union County agencies are participating in a tri-state emergency preparedness drill coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of State Police. The drill began today and will run through Saturday, April 9. During this time, residents may see County and State police and other emergency responders at rail stations and other designated locations.

“Tabletop exercises and computer modeling are extremely helpful tools, but when it comes to effectiveness and efficiency, nothing can substitute for field training,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon.

Along with Union County, the participating counties in New Jersey are Morris, Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Middlesex. Parts of Connecticut and New York are also participating.

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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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj