Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – All five of Union County’s vocational-technical high schools have placed among the top public high schools in the latest nationwide survey. The five schools include the new Academy for Performing Arts, which graduated its third class in June, and UC Vo-Tech, Union County’s traditional high-demand career skills training school.

The survey, available online from The Daily Beast (an affiliate of the leading global media company IAC), consists of a selected national pool of 700 top-performing high schools.

“The Union County Vocational-Technical School District shares a mission of preparing our students to embrace life-long learning, engage with their peers, meet the demands of challenging careers, and emerge as civic leaders,” said UCVTS Superintendent Peter A. Capodice. “This latest recognition is a testament to the dedication of our students and the administrators, staff, and parents who all contribute to this mission.”

“The Freeholder Board is committed to supporting opportunities that provide our students with a firm foundation in today’s competitive workforce, and it is gratifying to see the well-earned reputation of UCVTS echoed in a national survey,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

In the Daily Beast survey, Magnet High School ranked 24^th. Magnet also ranked #4 out of 25 schools included in the survey’s highly competitive Northeast region.

The Academy for Allied Health Sciences ranked 43^rd nationwide and #10 in the Northeast.

UC-Tech ranked 70 nationwide and #21 in the Northeast.

The Academy for Performing Arts ranked 89^th nationwide, and the Academy for Information Technology ranked 175^th nationwide.

Among other recent recognitions, all five schools were also included in the US News & World Report2014 survey which compared more than 31,200 public high schools nationwide. Magnet and Allied Health were awarded Gold rankings, Information Technology was awarded Silver, and Performing Arts and UC Vo-Tech both won Bronze.

Magnet High school and Academy of Information Technology also each received a National Blue Ribbon for excellence in 2013 from the U.S. Department of Education.

The UCVTS campus is located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Expanded and updated considerably within recent years, the campus now includes five high schools that engage students in challenging college-level academics and high demand workforce skills within a supportive environment:

The Academy for Allied Health Sciences – AHS offers a comprehensive program that prepares the doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and health care managers of tomorrow.

The Academy for Information Technology – Students enrolled in the Academy pursue a college-level technical training program in computer science and a full regimen of honors level academic classes.

Magnet High School – The Magnet is one of the most competitive and successful specialized programs in the region. Students follow a comprehensive course of study in engineering as well as mathematics, science and technology.

The Academy for Performing Arts – APA combines intensive study in theatre arts, dance, and rigorous academics culminating with a senior year at Kean University. Vo-Tech’s newest school, APA graduated its first class in June 2014.

Union County Vocational-Technical High School – UC Vo-Tech combines high-end academics with access to career or technical training program in high demand fields including automotive technology, building trades, communication, public safety, culinary arts and cosmetology.

Highlights from the 2013-2014 school year include a first-place finish for the Robotics Club at the Regional FRC FIRST Robotics competition, six medals in the statewide Science Olympiad competition, three top winners in the State Aviation Art Competition, and national placement for six members of the Future Business Leaders of America Club at the FBLA conference in Tennessee.

UCVTS students are also encouraged to engage in community service projects, including the annual campus-wide Relay for Life fund raiser for cancer research which raised $138,000 last spring.

“UCVTS is an invaluable public asset that helps to grow the next generation of our entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and successful professionals,” Hudak said. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support our students and the entire school community.”

Development of the UCVTS campus continues this year, with construction starting on a major expansion of UC Vo-Tech. The addition will include 10 new classrooms and two new computer labs for biology, chemistry, and physics.

The application process for UCVTS begins when prospective 8^th-grade students attend a required information session at the campus in Scotch Plains. The first session will be on Saturday, September 20. Students who are interested in applying to enter as freshmen in fall 2015 can visit ucvts.tec.nj.us for the schedule of available sessions and all details about applying.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of paper sculptures by Elizabeth artist Barbara Wallace in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located in the historic St. John’s Parsonage at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “Barbara Wallace: Round Relief” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery through October 24. The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit during gallery hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists assure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display an exhibit of Ms. Wallace’s impressive figurative sculptures.”

Barbara Wallace began her artistic training at the Art Students’ League of New York. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Pratt Institute and her Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Pennsylvania. Wallace is an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and Passaic County Community College. In 2013, Emerge 11 at the Aljira Gallery in Newark honored her as a participant. For 2014, her group exhibitions include CommUnity, Arts Guild New Jersey; Lifting as We Climb – A Celebration of Women Artists, Newark School of the Arts; and Sun Salutation, Passaic County Community College. She will be in a group exhibition at Aljira Gallery in September. Please visit her website: http://blw105.wix.com/barbarawallace.

“My training is in traditional sculptural materials of clay, metal, stone, and wood. I have adapted techniques ordinarily reserved for clay and sheet metal for recycled paper and tin can lids,” Ms. Wallace said. “The process for creating the works usually begins with a recycled metal clothes hanger. Layers of newspaper, magazine pages and cardboard are applied to this minimal armature with an adhesive of boiled wheat paste glue. Other sculptures combine the paper core technique with a layer of wax. Creating long-lasting sculpture from unlikely and somewhat ephemeral materials of yesterday’s news and this afternoon’s lunch is the crux of my artwork.”

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Free on-site parking is available. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. Send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Tickets go on sale beginning September 2 for autumn hay rides and fun around the campfire at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation, these fun-filled autumn activities include hay rides, folk songs around the campfire, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire.

Hayrides are scheduled for Fridays, beginning September 26 and including October 3, 10, and 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sunday, October 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hay ride tickets are available at three locations: every day from noon to 5 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, in Mountainside; weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks and Recreation, 2^nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth; or at the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield, from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.

No tickets will be sold at the hay rides. Tickets for these popular outings must be purchased in advance – so don’t wait until it’s too late! Seating for the hay rides is limited, and group sales are limited to 15 tickets. The cost is $6 for Union County residents and $12 for out-of-county participants.

For further information, call Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900; or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is looking for artisans and crafts people to demonstrate Early American work and craft skills and to sell their hand-crafted wares at Union County’s 33^rd Annual Harvest Festival.  The event is a celebration of Early American life featuring music, children’s crafts, games, demonstrations and displays, a petting zoo and much more. The Harvest Festival will take place, rain or shine, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, September 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Walking through the festival grounds in the picturesque Watchung Reservation will give everyone a chance to see early American culture and history come to life,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.  “It is a fascinating, fun-filled event for visitors of all ages.”

The Union County Harvest Festival is a popular event that attracts nearly 4,000 visitors each year. By participating, demonstrators and venders of hand-crafted goods will receive excellent exposure and have the opportunity to educate others about their craft or work skill and the Early American period in general. Examples of the handicrafts and work skills being sought are: blacksmithing, candle making, paper making, broom making, shoe making, hat making, jewelry making, quilting and other colonial or native American crafts or skills.

For details about how to participate, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527- 4096.

For more information on Trailside Nature and Science Center please visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

Union County Surrogate James LaCorte and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (R) present a donation to Pam Myers of the Friends of Linden Animal Shelter on behalf of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey in memory of former Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich who recently passed away. The Sheriff was a supporter of the shelter and former President of the Association. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Vernell Wright and Bruce Bergen congratulate newly sworn-in Undersheriff Michael Frank of the Union County Sheriff’s Office during a ceremony in Elizabeth. Undersheriff Frank is a 27-year veteran of the UCSO who most recently served as a captain in the Administrative Division. As Undersheriff, he will oversee the Courts Division, the Complex Division, UCSO Security Guards and the Identification Bureau/Crime Scene Unit. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

More than 100 teens recently graduated from the Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy, a program designed to familiarize young people with the role of a police officer. Also, it operates similar to an actual police academy for teens interested in law enforcement.

“The Youth Academy aims to teach our kids about law enforcement and it is a great first step for those interested in the field,” Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan said. “And from what I heard from these fine young women and men, we succeeded in all of our goals in this program.”

Acting Sheriff Cryan also thanked the officers from the various law enforcement agencies that participated in the program including, but not limited to, the Elizabeth Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, the Union County Police Department and the Union County Corrections.

“Along with all the effort from our Sheriff’s Officers, I’m grateful to all in law enforcement who supported this effort,” said Acting Sheriff Cryan.

Participants in the Youth Academy received hands-on experience in a wide variety of emergency services and law enforcement functions and training.  In addition, youths have the opportunity to learn respect for law enforcement through positive interaction during their time in the program.

“Showing them the human element of law enforcement helps our young people connect with officers in a way they never thought they could,” the Acting Sheriff added.

The Sheriff’s Youth Academy is not a ‘boot camp’ for troubled youth. In order to enroll in the program, the youngsters must have a minimum GPA of 2.70 (B- average), letters of reference and write an essay explaining why the student would like to attend the Youth Academy.

During the two-week program, the teens engaged in a physical training regime twice a day while attending lectures on subjects such as crime scene investigations, K-9 and motor vehicle stops. They also received visits from representatives from the U.S. Army, New Jersey State Police and the F.B.I, the Kenilworth Police Department and the Kean University Police Department.

The Youth Academy also involved class trips to the Union County SWAT Range, the Union County Jail, the Elizabeth Police Department and the Union County Police Department.

As summer vacations come to an end and students return to school throughout the county, Acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan would like to remind residents to take extra care when driving as the roads become busier.

Drivers will again be sharing the streets with school buses and children walking and bicycling to and from school.

“Driving safely requires a person’s constant attention to the road and to everyone and everything outside of the car,” Acting Sheriff Cryan said. “A lack of attention or a distraction could be deadly.”

School buses will again be part of the morning commute and on the streets each afternoon. It is important to obey the law for the safety of children when buses are picking up or dropping off students.

School buses use yellow flashing lights to alert motorists that they are preparing to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign arm are signals to motorists that the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off the bus. Traffic in both directions is required to stop when the red lights are flashing on the bus.

Also, drivers should never pass a school bus. It is illegal and could have tragic consequences.

Children are unpredictable and often take risks, ignore hazards or fail to look both ways when crossing the street.

“Drivers need to be alert at all times. Don’t talk on a cell phone while driving and, more importantly, never text while behind the wheel,” the Acting Sheriff said. “Red lights are not a time to check emails or texts. A distracted driver can lead to accidents at any time, even coming out of a stop.”

Parents of teenagers who drive to school need to reinforce the rules of the road with the young drivers, especially about never texting while driving. They should set a good example with their own good driving habits. Teens learn to drive by watching their parents.

Texting while driving is not the only hazard when it comes to digital devices. Distracted walking can also be dangerous. Students should not text and walk, especially when crossing or walking in the street. Parents with children who walk to school need to remind their kids about the basics of pedestrian safety.

“If everyone, drivers and students, keep aware of their surroundings and pay attention, the new school year can be a safer one,” Acting Sheriff Cryan added.

For more back-to-school safety information, visit the National Safety Council website atwww.nsc.org/safety_home/SafetyObservances/Pages/BackToSchoolSafety.

Union County, NJ – At a press conference yesterday, representatives from the interfaith organization Faith in New Jersey joined with other civil rights advocates to recognize the Freeholder Board for supporting a recent change to Union County Department of Corrections procedures relating to detainer requests from the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The new procedures promote a more effective use of public safety resources while ensuring that constitutional protections are observed. Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (4^th R), Vice Chairman Mohamed Jalloh (5^th L), and Freeholders Sergio Granados (4^th L), Vernell Wright (2^nd R) and Bruce Bergen (R) are pictured here with (from left) Hoover Rodriguez, a Union County resident who was detained under the former procedures, Carlos Rojas of Faith in New Jersey, Pastor Ramon Collazo of St. Elizabeth Lutheran Church, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and Brian Riordan, Director of the Union County Department of Corrections.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Union County, NJ – Did you know that one tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year? Trees also trap dust particles and other pollutants, and they help keep our neighborhoods cool in the summer. These are just some of the many environmental benefits of planting and caring for trees in our community.

If you’re interested in learning more about trees and you enjoy teaching children, the Union County Master Tree Stewards program is seeking volunteers now.

“Trees make significant contributions to the quality of life in our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Each year, through the Master Tree Steward volunteer program, Union County residents teach hundreds of school children about trees and their benefits to our neighborhoods and environment.”

The Master Tree Steward program is a free educational program that trains adult volunteers to teach children about trees. Tree Stewards learn how trees grow and reproduce, how to plant trees, why trees are important to our environment, and fun ways to share this knowledge with children.

Homework consists of light reading and a simple project. There are no exams or quizzes. After completing the training program, graduates are provided with a teaching kit and supplies, and are scheduled to teach several one-hour programs for grade school students this winter and spring.

This program is one of the many adult volunteer opportunities offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Volunteers are essential to the successful implementation of the Master Tree Steward program.

The 2014 Master Tree Steward training sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for 12 weeks starting on September 3. Your commitment is short term, but importance and impact are long term.

The classroom training sessions will be located at the Extension offices in the County Services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.

For an application or more information, contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension offices, 908-654-9854, or email nichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It offers a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages. For more information visit the Extension online at ucnj.org/rce.

Photo (cropped): by Nicholas A. Tonelli via flickr.com creative commons license.

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