The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders celebrated National Night Out 2015 at Meisel Park in Springfield NJ. The evening consisted of music, food, games, raffles, public safety demonstrations and displays, jugglers, movie night and more. For more information on Union County events visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/ . For more videos visit Union County Television on Youtube at www.ucnj.org/tv
Category: Public Info
Default category for all normal press releases
Union County, NJ – For more than thirty years, trained volunteers have made the Union County Rape Crisis Center a beacon of hope for victims of sexual violence, by providing support and guidance through the legal, medical and emotional aftermath. County residents can join this rewarding volunteer experience by attending the next round of training sessions, starting at the end of September.
No previous experience in crisis counseling is necessary.
“All we ask of our volunteers is that they have a big heart, a strong capacity for empathy, and a desire to make a difference at a point of crisis in someone’s life,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh. “If you are looking for a deeply meaningful way to serve the Union County community, I encourage you to contact Union County Rape Crisis Center and join the next training session.”
The Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC) has been a part of the Union County Department of Human Services since 1984. As advocates for victims of sexual violence, UCRCC volunteers most often provide guidance over the phone.
Volunteer advocates may also accompany a victim to the police station, hospital or courtroom. If requested by the victim, advocates provide support and guidance to family members, loved ones or friends.
“Despite some progress, women – and men – who are dealing with the aftermath of sexual violence can still encounter obstacles, outmoded ways of thinking, and lack of support within their own circle,” said Jalloh. “Our UCRCC volunteers are there to help them overcome these barriers and reclaim their lives.”
The next round of training sessions for Volunteer Advocates begin Monday, September 28 and conclude Friday, November 6. The program includes 11 classes that will be held Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Colleen Fraser Building in the County services complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, and have their own vehicle. Prior to training, prospective volunteers are scheduled for an informal interview.
To schedule an interview, or for more information about volunteering, call the UCRCC hotline at 908-233-7273. Additional information is available at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.
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Union County, NJ – Children at the Rahway Public Library got a fun introduction to the principles of the scientific method this summer from a group of volunteer Union County 4-H Science Ambassadors. The projects included blowing bubbles and a simple “ski slope” demonstration.
“The 4-H Science Ambassador program helps young people to feel confident about their ability to gain knowledge through research,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “That’s an important first step to a STEM career, and our 4-H Science Ambassadors are to be commended for providing the next generation of scientists and engineers with support and encouragement.”
4-H is a national youth development program. In Union County, 4-H is supported by the Freeholder Board, Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Science Ambassador team consisted of high school students Christopher Stradford, Ana Rita Oliveira, Patrick Yurick, Manpreet Nagra and Vladimir Lee of Rahway, Keziah White of Cranford, Kyle Grant of Union and Camille Herbert of Plainfield.
To prepare for their Rahway Library presentation in July, they attended the 4-H Summer Science Program at Rutgers University earlier in the month. They lived on campus at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences during the one-week program, learning about scientific investigation as it relates to current issues and challenges.
The 4-H Science Ambassador program was sponsored by Rahway Public Library, Rahway High School and the Samsung Corperation.
For information the 4-H Science Ambassador high school program, or to join a 4-H club for students in grades 1-12, contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854, or come to the annual 4-H Open House on September 18.
Details on all 4-H programs are available online in “County Visions,” the Union County 4-H Summer/Fall brochure, at ucnj.org/rce.
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Plainfield Health Fair Photo Album
Union County Freeholder Linda Carter participated in Plainfield’s Health Fair Hosted By Plainfield Neighborhood Health Center on August 10th. Local media website TapIntoPlainfield stated: In honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), which has been celebrated for more than 30 years, the Plainfield Neighborhood Health Center (1700-58 Myrtle Avenue) hosted a free health fair event on Monday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The health fair featured free health and dental screenings, nutritional information, adoption information, music, games, refreshments, giveaways and guest speakers. View their full article by clicking here.
from left to right Deputy Director of Economic Development City of Plainfield Carlos Sanchez, Sr. VP Medical Affairs JFK Health Dr. Bill Oser, Director of Administration and Finance City of Plainfield Ron West, CEO of NHSC D, Rudine Smith, Pyles Superintendent Plainfield Public Schools Ana Belin, Union County Freeholder Linda Carter, NJ State Dept of Health official Linda Anderson and Assemblyman Jerry Green, 21st District.
Mountainside, NJ –The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues Wednesday evening, August 12, with American Rapture taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The free concert series, presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholder, and sponsored by ConnectOne Bank will take place at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
American Rapture is a 17-member Rock and Soul Revue that comes with marvelous singers and plenty of brass. Formed in 1999, American Rapture started as an annual musical theatre production for Mystic Vision Players in Linden, New Jersey, and transformed into a concert band after a ten year run. They now play popular music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.
Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from vendors.
Once again, UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with Hapi Yoga of Westfield presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.
“With the summer winding down this is a great opportunity to come out and enjoy some great entertainment in one of our outstanding parks,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.”
The Summer Arts Festival concerts will continue at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside for two Wednesdays with the schedule below:
- August 19 – The Benjamins
- August 26 – The Sensational Soul Cruisers
For rain information you can call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the concert or you can visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org.
Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright joined Whole Foods Store Team Leader Leigh Siegel at the grand opening of the new Whole Foods Market at the Clark Commons in Clark.
Whole Foods used Union County’s Workforce Innovation Center in Elizabeth, funded in part through the County of Union and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, to hire and train 187 new employees—mostly at their Clark store. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Horrific Turnpike Accident on Tuesday highlights need
for proposed connector road to NJ Turnpike Interchange 12
UNION COUNTY, NJ— In light of Tuesday’s NJ Turnpike accident that snarled the region’s traffic flow and stranded workers and truckers for hours at an industrial area in Linden, the Union County Freeholder Board has renewed its call for the construction of a connector road from New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 12 to Linden’s Tremley Point area.
The Freeholder Board is supporting a resolution up for adoption next Thursday calling upon the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to restore more than $80 million in funding to construct the long-awaited Tremley Point connector road, and immediately add it to their capital program.
The proposed connector road would provide access from the New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 12 through Carteret, over the Rahway River, and into Tremley Point in Linden. It would provide a direct link between the two neighboring counties at a location where none currently exist, garnering support from Middlesex County as well.
“The construction of the Tremley Point Connector Road is vital to the economic and public safety interests to the region as a whole and to the residents of the City of Linden, especially those who are impacted by the current truck and industrial traffic to this area,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is a sponsor of the resolution.
Tuesday’s horrific crash on the New Jersey Turnpike temporarily knocked out the Wood Avenue Bridge which is the main road of access to this industrial section of Tremley Point, and egregiously magnifies the importance of the proposed connector road.
As a result of the accident, workers and trucks were stranded in the Tremley Point area for hours.
“The construction of a connector road would have helped emergency management workers better access the site of the accident and ease traffic pressures,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “It is of paramount importance to move forward with the construction of the Tremley Point connector road. The Turnpike Authority would also greatly benefit from it, as Tuesday’s accident unfortunately demonstrates.”
Freeholder Angel Estrada, a Second Vice Chairman of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, is also a supporter of the proposed roadway.
“In terms of economic benefit, the roadway would ensure the smooth flow of commerce to existing business and industry in the location, and free up the development of nearly 400 acres of brownfields that could create as many as 2,000 new jobs,” Estrada said.
The connector road would also encourage the potential development of Tremley Point as a multimodal freight village that involves rail, barging and value-added warehouses and distribution centers.
Estrada noted the urgency to move forward immediately as approvals for the project are set to expire in 2016, and would jeopardize its construction.
Through the efforts of United States Senator Bob Menendez (NJ), $10 million in Federal funds were set aside toward this project, while the Turnpike had agreed to provide more than $80 million necessary for completion, and had once included the project in its capital program before removing it a few years back.
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(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced the Route 22 westbound Rosemont Avenue exit in Union will be closed.
There will be a detour for Rosemont Avenue starting on Friday, August 7.
- Traffic will be detoured using Wewanna Avenue and Lansdowne Avenue.
- Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles
The $2 million project will be replacing the existing bridge deck, sidewalk, parapets and fencing. The project will be constructed in stages beginning with the new deck and parapets. Each stage will re-construct approximately one third of the bridge deck at a time. For most of the project the Rosemont Ave exit from Route 22 westbound will be closed and the entrance to Route 22 westbound will limited to Emergency Vehicles only. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during daytime hours for the entirety of the project.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
Learn more about the Desered Village at www.ucnj.org/dv
NJ.com’s article about Jersey summer bucket list:
Jersey summer bucket list: 25 warm weather things to do before you die

on August 04, 2015 at 8:57 AM
First of all, there is no endless summer, unless you live somewhere like Hawaii or Bora-Bora.
But that doesn’t mean your Jersey summer has to be an endless litany of traffic jams, heat waves, balky air-conditioning and other warm-weather headaches.
And with summer 2015 starting to wind down, it’s seemed the perfect time to put together our Jersey Summer Bucket list — a list of the defining summertime Jersey experiences that you should tackle before time runs out.
There are a few Shore-related activities on my list (if you’ve never been to Wildwood, what are you waiting for?), but most of these are scattered around the state, from High Point to Bivalve. (Yes, Bivalve. Just down the road from Shellpile.)
I could have suggested you go Nature Boy or Girl and visit the state’s only legal nude beach, but these are all wholesome, g-rated activities, like exploring New Jersey’s most scenic back roads, or wandering through the state’s best food neighborhood, or getting lost in the Pine Barrens.
My list takes you indoors and outdoors, will keep you high and dry and get you totally wet, encourages you to explore the swamps of North Jersey and a secret garden; go to a drive-in movie or professional rodeo (wait, in New Jersey?); and visit museums where you can admire a hand-cranked submarine and see (but not sample) a 125-plus-year-old slice of wedding cake.
There are 25 must-do things on my Jersey summer bucket list, and while you probably won’t be able to do them all before summer’s over, so you can file the rest away for next summer.
We’ve also included a convenient check-list, which you can download and keep in your wallet or on your phone — to mark your progress through this tour of summertime wonders.
And if you have a favorite summer activity that didn’t make my list (staying home and avoiding traffic and the rest of the human race doesn’t count), let me know below.
Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile.
Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Vernell Wright and Linda Carter joined Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan, Union County Police Captain Robert McGuire, Sheriff’s Detective Brian Dustin, Detective Robert McLaughlin, Officer Bryan Frew and McGruff the Crime Dog at the National Night Out event hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders on August 4 in Meisel Park in Springfield. National Night Out is a campaign geared toward generating drug and crime awareness and prevention throughout the country. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Photos of Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh and Freeholders Linda Carter and Vernell Wright attending the Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield and the Union County/Springfield National Night Out events.