Category: Public Info

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.

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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.

Union County, NJ – Union County will once again participate in the national Point-in-Time Count and Survey of the Homeless. This national census of homeless persons takes place each January. In Union County, it will be conducted countywide on the streets in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 24, from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The number of people staying at homeless shelters in Union County will also be recorded.

“While the Union County economy is strong, it is important to recognize that any person or family can fall upon hard times. As a community we strive to lend a helping hand to those in need, and the annual Point in Time Count provides valuable insights into the issue of homelessness in our neighborhoods, throughout New Jersey and across the nation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The annual Point-in-Time Count is mandated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is intended to guide efforts to end homelessness.

In New Jersey, the NJCounts 2018 survey will focus on homeless families, youth and veterans. It includes both persons staying in shelters and those without shelter, in all 21 counties.

The Point-in-Time Count in Union County is coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services with volunteers from the public and additional assistance from the Union County Sheriff.

As needed, the Union County Police Division and the Plainfield Police Department will provide rides for those requesting shelter.

“Many factors contribute to homelessness. New Jersey faces a number of challenges, including a shortage of rental housing, the loss of living-wage jobs, and the failure of Congress to increase funding for the federal Housing Choice Voucher program,” said Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “Even under current levels, the wait for a Section 8 voucher ranges from five to 10 years in Union County.”

In order to help homeless persons connect with resources in Union County, two outreach events have also been scheduled for January 24.

The Salvation Army at 615 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield will host an event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. including free winter coats, clothing and toiletries, and free HIV testing among many other services.

The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at 118 Division Street in Elizabeth will also host an event from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on January 24, offering free haircuts, food, clothing, legal aid, veteran’s services and more.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 165,800 people in 70,000 New Jersey households use a voucher to afford decent, privately owned housing. In 2018, New Jersey could lose 5,500 vouchers if Congress does not increase renewal funding sufficiently to cover rising rents and other costs.

The 2017 Point-in-Time Count recorded a total of 291 households in Union County, totaling 475 persons. A total of 43 persons in 43 households were identified as chronically homeless. Fifty households totaling 55 persons were unsheltered on the night of the count.

“The fact is that any homeless person is one too many,” said Freeholder Granados. “When people lose their homes, the impact ripples out to their families and communities. Solving the problem of homelessness requires a renewed commitment on all levels – state, federal and local.”

Union County Granados’s Chairman’s initiatives for 2018 include UC HEART, a series of measures that deploy existing County resources to focus on community well-being and inclusiveness. This includes the creation of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, the first county-based LGBTQ Office in New Jersey, and the first People with Special Needs Office in New Jersey, along with continuation of the UC-HERO program for veteran’s services.

The Point-in-Time survey is coordinated statewide in New Jersey by the nonprofit housing organization Monarch Housing Associates. For more information visit Monarch Housing online at monarchhousing.org.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Chairman Granados announces office as part of initiatives for 2018

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has established the state’s first Office for People with Special Needs, which will promote inclusion, conduct outreach, and provide recreational, educational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados announced the new office as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018 in his address during the county’s 162nd Annual Reorganization. The office uses existing manpower and resources, at no additional expense.

“This Freeholder Board is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and inclusion for all residents, and especially for those living with special needs,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Having volunteered my time extensively within these communities over the years, I am excited by the creation of this office, and I pledge to continue to keep working to ensure that no resident is left behind or unable to pursue their dreams or an opportunity because of a disability or special need.”

The Office will operate under the new Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services.

The creation of the Office for People with Special Needs was immediately hailed by advocates and administrators in the Special Needs community:

“It is tremendous news to hear that Chairman Granados created this office as part of his initiatives and that the Union County Freeholder board is deepening its commitment to serving individuals with disabilities,” said Kaylee McGuire, CTRS, Community Recreation Coordinator, for the Recreational Therapy/Child Life unit at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. “We are happy to see the great work that the county does for individuals with disabilities continue, as it provides incredibly meaningful activities, services, and resources. These programs are vital to the health and well-being of our citizens, and provide opportunities for children and adults to be active and engaged members of the community. The County of Union has been a true partner and friend to us at Children’s Specialized Hospital in serving the community, and we are excited about more opportunities to come. ”

Karen Lewicki, Special Olympics Area 5 Director, noted her organization has enjoyed a “strong” relationship with the County and its Parks Department for years and was excited to learn about the creation of the new division.

“They (County) have been more than generous donating facilities for league play and competitions, hosted several events such as Saturday morning Golf Program and offered to run our track meet at Warinanco Park in Roselle,” said Lewicki. “We value our partnership, and believe they provide a much needed service to the special needs community and we hope to continue our relationship as it becomes a more ‘disabilities’ focused organization moving forward.”

The County has provided a strong platform for engagement for special needs residents, especially during the past few years, having broken ground on a Sensory Friendly Trail in the Watchung Reservation that will open later this year, the creation of a new inclusive playground at Mattano Park in 2016, and Granados’ announcement of the Level the Playing Field grant program, as Union County will become the first County in the state to have every municipality build an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. The County also continues to fund “Sensory Friendly” theatre performances at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

The mission of the Office for People with Special Needs is as follows:

• To provide recreational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental challenges;
• To provide outreach to community groups and organizations to identify needs and interests of persons and families living with special needs as an opportunity to design effective programs;
• To develop additional resources to fund programs targeting engagement of persons living with special needs;
• To identify and implement an effective means of communication to educate community residents on programs and social events available such as yoga, ceramics, zumba, cooking, golf, swimming, sensory friendly theatre shows, a carnival and a barn dance.

The Office for People with Special Needs has already established partnerships with the following agencies/organizations to create programming:

• Special Olympics of New Jersey Area 5 (Union County)
• Children Specialized Hospital (Mountainside)
• New Jersey Devils
• Community Access Unlimited (Elizabeth)
• Kean University (Union)
• Prevention Links (E-Port Community Center)
• Linden Spectrum All-stars
• High Expectations Inc. (Clark)
• Union County Educational Services Commission (Westfield)
• Elizabeth Public Schools
• Elizabeth Parent Support Group
• Inroads to Opportunity (Roselle)
• Jardine Academy/Cerebral Palsy League (Cranford)
• Ashrams for Autism (Yoga national company)
• Summit TryCan
• Elks Eastern Central District (Union County)
• Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club

For more information or to be on the distribution list please email the office at snrec@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781. Manuel Ramirez is the Coordinator for the office, and Nicole DeAugustine is the Assistant Coordinator.