Kurt Christoffers, floral designer and owner of the innovative Christoffers Flowers of Mountainside, demonstrates how to arrange flowers from the garden along with foliage from local trees and shrubs at a workshop hosted at Trailside Nature and Science Center last spring. Participants worked with Mr. Christoffers to create their own distinctive personal arrangement to take home. By popular demand, Kurt Christoffers will return to Trailside on Monday, November 9 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. to offer adults, ages 18 and older, the opportunity to create a floral centerpiece just in time for the holidays. Floral material and a container will be provided for participants to design their own masterpiece to take home. The fee for this workshop is $25 for residents of Union County and $30 for non-county. Pre-registration is required as materials are limited. For more information about this program, or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670. Visit www.ucnj.org/trailside to register online. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce online registration at www.ucnj.org/trailside for “Flower Arranging with Kurt Christoffers” for adults, ages 18 and older, on Monday, November 9 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.
“This program not only offers inspiration, it provides a relaxing environment to cure the ills of a stressful day,” says Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Residents can have fun while learning how to skillfully create a beautiful floral centerpiece just in time for the holidays.”
Join Kurt Christoffers, floral designer and owner of the innovative Christoffers Flowers of Mountainside, as he demonstrates how to arrange a centerpiece using nature’s best harvest. Relax as you watch Mr. Christoffers masterfully design an artistic piece that can be used to dress your holiday table with beauty. Try your hand at designing a centerpiece of your own to take home. Floral material and a container will be provided. Bring your own shears or clippers if you have them.
The fee for this workshop is $25 for residents of Union County and $30 for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration for this program is required as materials are limited. For more information about this program, or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Union County, NJ – The ecosystem in Union County’s Ash Brook Reservation is a bit healthier today, thanks to students from the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools District, who undertook a conservation project as part of their Sustainable Sciences curriculum.
“The work of these young people is greatly appreciated by the Freeholder Board and the entire Union County family,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, “The natural habitat in our County parks needs care and attention in order to thrive, and this project is a great example of taking sustainability lessons from the classroom to the community.”
Located by the Vo-Tech Schools campus in Scotch Plains, Ash Brook Reservation is part of the Union County parks system. The conservation project was undertaken as part of County’s Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail programs.
Students from the sustainable science classes of Vo-Tech teachers Jennifer Puglia and Gina Ruggiero worked under the guidance of Parks Department staff and volunteer Trail Steward Marc Grobman to remove invasive plants near a section of trail in the reservation. Invasive species, such barberry and winged euonymus, provide little or no habitat benefit while crowding out valuable native plants.
The project also involved building up the trail and cutting back encroaching vegetation in order to improve access.
“Our system of 36 parks is a beautiful legacy from past generations of Union County residents for all to enjoy, and it is inspiring to see a new generation take on stewardship of this invaluable public resource,” said Jalloh.
The School of Sustainable Sciences enables high school students to explore careers in sustainable design, energy and technology, through a curriculum based on project learning and problem solving. More information is available at ucvts.tec.nj.us.
Every year the Union County Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail programs welcome hundreds of volunteers to help conserve habitat and improve access in County parks. Volunteers can join on an individual basis, as a school or civic group, or as an employer-organized project.
For more information about Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail, visit online at ucnj.org, email bkelly@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi recently spoke with members of American Legion Post 322 in Summit about the services the County Clerk’s office provides. For information about County Clerk services visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/ or call 908-527-4787. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)
38,000 square-foot expansion adds new classrooms, science labs, lockers and athletic facilities
Union County elected officials, school administrators, teachers and students today cut the ribbon on the completed $11 million expansion of the West Hall building for the Union County Vocational-Technical School High School.
The two-story, steel-frame academic building serves the district’s four-year, full-time Union County Vocational-Technical High School (UCTech) and has opened with more than 400 full-time students using the facility.
“Future generations of entrepreneurs, communicators, and creators are receiving their education here, honing their skills and learning how to ply their craft,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, who serves as a Freeholder liaison to the Vo-Tech.
“We’re proud to be investing in our children’s future, and it is paying off as Union County’s Vocational-Technical education system is one of the strongest in the state and nation,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, who also serves as a Freeholder liaison to the Vo-Tech.
The 38,000 square-foot addition contains 10 new classrooms, two new computer labs for biology and chemistry-physics, a faculty room, administration office, and a 1,200 square foot fitness center with adjoining health classroom. The total project cost of the expansion—approximately $11 million—is financed through a county bond issue. The architect for the project was Netta Architects of Mountainside, and the general contractor was Mar-Bridge Enterprises of Matawan, NJ. Pinnacle Construction Management of Newark, is the construction manager.
“The addition to West Hall is being used to provide all the academic programs for UCTech full time students,” said Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Peter A. Capodice. “Last year, all UCTech full-time students received the academic portion of their program in our Academy for Information Technology (AIT at Bistocchi Hall). Now we hope to grow both the AIT and UCTech programs.”
UCTech is one of the five academies at the school, and offers students a four-year, full-time program that combines high-end academics with access to the career or technical training program of their choice. Students at UC Tech follow a comprehensive high school education program while simultaneously pursuing opportunities to study traditional vocational-technical programs. These programs include automotive technology, building trades, communication, public safety, culinary arts and cosmetology, among the 20 or programs.
UCTech, recipient of the “National Blue Ribbon School Award” in 2013, also has highly specialized career academies under its umbrella including Exercise Physiology and Related Sciences; the UCTech School of Design, the Teacher Education Academy, the Sustainable Science Academy and the Academy of Clinical Care Sciences.
Union County Vocational Technical High School’s shared-time vocational-technical training programs serve 600 Union County high school students in twenty occupational areas as well as over 100 post-secondary adults. The District’s apprenticeship program continues to be the largest program in New Jersey serving over 2,500 apprentices.
More than 1,400 students—plus an additional 600 shared time students—attend all five academies of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools system. In 2013 both the Academy for Information Technology (AIT) and the Magnet High School were recipients of the prestigious “National Blue Ribbon School Award”. This was the second time the Magnet High School earned the award (2004).
Union County, NJ – One of the largest model train displays in New Jersey has a permanent home in the Union County Parks system, and every year it pulls out all the stops for the Holiday Sound and Light Show featuring dozens of trains and non-stop activity.
“The Holiday Sound and Light Show gives us all an affordable way to kick off the holiday season with a unique, family friendly activity that everyone can enjoy,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “It’s a great family tradition and I guarantee you will be astonished by this hidden gem in our County Parks system.”
The action is all thanks to an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, The Model Railroad Club, Inc. Over the past 40 years The Model Railroad Club has constructed the enormous HO scale layout at its headquarters, the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center. The Mallery Center is located in Lenape Park in Union Township, through an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Photo by Ben Martin.
“It is always wonderful to see guests of all ages at our show,” said Bob Nalbone, President of The Model RailRoad Club. “I can’t tell you how many people come up to me and tell me that they’ve been coming for, literally, decades. It spans generations.”
With The Mallery Center’s multi-level design, visitors can stroll above and within the 40’ x 40’ layout while rushing passenger trains and slow freights pass over deep canyons on soaring bridges and through bustling cities, disappear into dark tunnels, and reappear in meticulously crafted landscapes of a central New Jersey – Pennsylvania railway, bringing the region’s agricultural, commercial and industrial past to life.
Visitors can also explore the “bones” of an expansion under way, that will more than double the size of the layout when fully built out. The new section will be 50’ x 80’.
After the show, visitors can explore N scale and G scale layouts at the Mallery Center, refresh themselves at the snack bar, and stock up on train-themed presents for the holidays at the gift shop.
All proceeds from the Holiday Sound and Light Show go to help fund the Railroad Club’s activities, which include hosting public observation days throughout the year.
“Union County is truly fortunate to host this dedicated group of volunteers, and the Freeholder Board is proud to support their efforts,” said Jalloh.
Order tickets in advance and take advantage of the discounted price: $7.00 per adult ages 16-59, $4.00 per child age 3-15, $5.00 for seniors age 60 and up.
Opening Day is Friday November 27, offering special extended hours for the day after Thanksgiving from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.
Shows continue every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 13.
For a complete schedule and advance ticket information, including convenient online ordering, visit The Model Railroad Club online at tmrci.org.
To purchase tickets in advance in person, come to the ticket window at the Mallery Center from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Information by phone is also available on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 908-964-9724, or email info@tmrci.org.
For more photos and videos, visit The Model RailRoad Club on Facebook.
The Model Railroad Club always welcomes new members. It was originally founded in 1949 in the basement of the late Paul Mallery, a pioneer of the hobby of model railroading who established the educational mission of the organization.
Directions: The Mallery Center is conveniently located in Lenape Park behind the Home Depot, 954 Route 22 East, by Springfield Road in Union Township. Enter the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 or from Springfield Road, and go to the far end where the garden center is. Turn left and a small sign will direct you to a road behind the Home Depot. The Mallery Center will be at the end of the road.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Angel G. Estrada presented a resolution to Prevention Links Executive Director Pam Capaci congratulating the organization on a successful Drug Prevention Walk during the 17th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day on October 17 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. They were joined by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. The event kicked off Red Ribbon Week which is aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drugs and encourages them to live a drug free lifestyle. For more information, visit www.preventionlinks.org.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Alexander Mirabella and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi joined Springfield Mayor David Barnett and Deputy Mayor Margaret Bandrowski in visiting improvement projects in the township that are funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant authorized by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The township is using the grant to make repairs/renovations to a bus shelter and some local streetscape improvements.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright and Christopher Hudak speak with Union Township Committeemen Joseph Florio and Clifton People about the Springfield Avenue Re-Development Project in the Vauxhall section of Union. The project is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh speaks with Roselle Park Councilwoman Charlene Komar Storey and Councilmen Joe Petrosky and Rich Templeton about the Charles Street Rehabilitation Project in the borough. The project, which will pave the Borough road and make other improvements, is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. The matching grant initiative makes available a total of $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2015. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union) — with Mohamed Sellu Jalloh.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright and Christopher Hudak speak with Union Township Committeemen Joseph Florio and Clifton People about the Commerce Avenue Re-Development Project in Union. The project, which included the repaving of six roads totaling two miles, is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh, Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright and Christopher Hudak speak with Union Township Committeemen Joseph Florio and Clifton People about the Springfield Avenue Re-Development Project in the Vauxhall section of Union. The project is funded in part by a Union County Infrastructure Grant. (Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union) — with Bruce Bergen, Sergio Granados, Mohamed Sellu Jalloh and Chris Hudak.
Members of the Union County Freeholder recently toured some of the locations that were funded by the County’s Infrastructure Grant program, and met with municipal officials. The initiative, which awarded $1.5 million to the County’s 21 municipalities, is designed to stimulate the development of local projects of economic, social, transport and governmental importance,
During the early morning hours of Friday, October 15, members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division-Family Violence Unit conducted a child support sweep in Union, Linden, Rahway, Roselle and Hillside, Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan announced today.
The Sheriff’s officers arrested 15 people for failure to pay child support for arrears totaling $419,890.42. As a result of their investigation, an additional 7 people surrendered to the Sheriff’s Office for arrears totaling $171,792.98.
“Time and time again we are seeing parents struggle because someone has shirked their responsibility,” Sheriff Cryan said.
“We want to send a message that if you are not paying your obligation for child support, we will pursue you and we will catch you,” the Sheriff added. “If this type of enforcement coerces other parents to pay what they owe, it is worth it.”
The round-up was led by Family Violence Unit Commander Lt. Jeffery Coon and Unit Supervisor Sgt. Clifford Meros. All the arrests were made without incident.
Those who were arrested were committed to the Union County Jail pending a Superior Court appearance. The people who surrendered were processed and brought for a Superior Court appearance.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that sample ballots for all 21 municipalities are now available for view and download on the County Clerk’s website, ucnj.org/county-clerk and through the Union County Votes App, a free download for your mobile device.
“Sample ballots are mailed out to every registered voter, as always. The online service offers another convenient way to familiarize yourself with the ballot before Election Day,” said Rajoppi. “Also, the availability of the sample ballot on our Union County Votes App allows voters the opportunity to access the sample ballot from the voting booth if necessary.”
This year the design of the sample ballot has been altered slightly to include a blue heading denoting the School Board section of the ballot. The General Election section is still delineated by a red heading.
“The blue bar is intended to alert voters that the School Board Election is placed below the General Election, so voters don’t miss an important opportunity to make their voice heard throughout the ballot,” said Rajoppi.
Similarly, the blue bar and red bar are used to distinguish the School Board Election and General Election parts of the Official Machine ballot and the new Vote-By-Mail Ballot.
Voters with questions about the election process can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996.
For all County Clerk programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
This month’s Vintage Views program features interviews with Ron Esposito, AAA Traffic Safety Specialist, and Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator for Union County. The program centers around important traffic safety and driver assistance programs for seniors, as well Union County’s popular Child Safety Seat program, which inspects and assists with the installation of child safety seats for residents.
