Category: Public Info

CRANFORD – Union County officials today held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Student Services Center building here on the campus of Union County College.

The two-story, 40,000-square-foot facility, an extensive renovation of the historic Nomahegan building, will become the hub of the College’s Cranford campus where a wide range of student services will be housed.

The $14 million project was financed by the Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA).  The anticipated completion date is August 2015.

“We are pleased to be opening a new state-of-the-art facility that will educate a generation of our residents, raise their living standards and improve their quality of life,” Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak said.

“The UCIA has worked closely with Union County College to help make this project a reality,” said Daniel P. Sullivan, Executive Director of the UCIA. “We’re very pleased to provide the financing and project management for this worthwhile project that will serve so many Union County residents.”

The new Student Services Building will provide students with a “One-Stop Enrollment Center” on the first floor that will include:

• Registration Services
• Bursar and Payment Services
• Financial Aid Services
• Disability Services
• Educational Opportunity Fund Services
• Counseling Services
• Meeting Rooms

The second floor will house an array of computer and multi-use classrooms, math faculty and departmental offices, and support facilities.

“By virtue of the commitment of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to this College and to County residents, we are able to provide our students with a new building that will consolidate all of the College’s student services, including admissions and registration, financial aid, student accounts, testing and advertisement.  The second floor will feature faculty offices and classrooms that evince the first-class learning environment that our students expect and desire.  As the first new building on the Cranford Campus in more than 20 years, the Student Services Building will become the centerpiece for the College’s renewal and revitalization,” said Union County College President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

On October 18 and 19, Union County celebrates Four Centuries In A Weekend, when 27 historic sites and museums across the county open their doors to the public, free of charge.

But this year, there is a totally new way to visit many sites.

A number of communities along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line are offering shuttle bus service from their train stations to nearby historic sites. The service will be available in Plainfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Roselle and Union. The sites in Cranford and Roselle Park are within walking distance of the stations.

“Four Centuries is such a great event,” said Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “Giving families a chance to visit these sites and adding in the fun of a train ride, it’s just a win-win.”

Kowalski said the other advantage is that for visitors from out of the area, or for those who rely on mass transit, it will be possible for the first time to visit so many sites over the Four Centuries weekend.

“The train ride adds to the fun of learning about our area’s incredibly rich history. There was a lot going on here long before America even declared independence,” she said.

For families, there will also be some savings because NJ Transit allows children to ride free on weekends. Monthly commuter passes are also valid. Fair details are available at njtransit.com.

Perhaps the busiest stop along the Raritan Valley Line will be the Westfield station, where Mountainside, Westfield and Union County will provide shuttle vans that will stop at the historic sites in the two communities and then head up into the Watchung Reservation to the Deserted Village, where there will be a host of activities, tours, and speakers over the two day celebration. For details, go to ucnj.org/4C.

Vans will stop at the Miller-Cory Museum, and the Reeve house, Mountainside’s Deacon Hetfield House, and the Deserted Village, where Union County Parks sponsors a host of activities and tours for young and old alike.

For those who would like to visit the Littell-Lord Farmhouse in neighboring Berkeley Heights, the township will be running a shuttle between the historic farm and the Deserted Village.

While Fanwood’s historic train station is right on the rail line, the borough will operate a shuttle so that visitors may visit a special exhibit at the Ash Brook Reservation to learn more about the Battle of the Short Hills. There, local historians will be on hand to explain the Revolutionary War battle.

Visitors will also be able to follow a nature trail into the Ash Brook Reservation to see why Washington’s troops wanted the British to chase them there so their heavy cannons will bog down.

In Cranford, the Crane Phillips Museum is in walking distance from the train station, which is also the case in Roselle Park, where the borough’s museum is also in walking distance.

However, Roselle will provide shuttle service to the Abraham Clark House. Clark was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

At the Raritan Valley line station in Union, Kean University trolleys will transport visitors to liberty Hall, where Elizabethtown 350^th is planning a host of events.  At the other end of the county, Plainfield will provide shuttle service to the Drank House Museum, where General Washington met to coordinate troop movements in the Battle of the Short Hills.

For more details on the Train thru Time, go to: ucnj.org/TTT.

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Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit have apprehended a man wanted for allegedly stabbing a Union resident, acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan announced today.

A few days before Christmas last year the suspect, Todgie Smith, was reportedly playing cards with the victim in his Ohio Street residence when the men began fighting over the game. During the altercation Smith grabbed a 6-inch kitchen knife and stabbed the victim several times before fleeing, according the police report made at the time.

The victim survived the wounds.

Smith, 34, who was allegedly homeless before living with the victim for several months, had been on the run ever since. He was wanted on charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of weapons and possession of weapons for unlawful purpose.

Officers from the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit recently tracked Smith to an address in Irvington where he was located and taken in custody without incident yesterday. He was transported to the Union County Jail.

“These officers did an outstanding job of finding and capturing a dangerous man and getting him off the street,” acting Sheriff Cryan said.

Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit have apprehended a man wanted for allegedly stabbing a Union resident, acting Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan announced today.

A few days before Christmas last year the suspect, Todgie Smith, was reportedly playing cards with the victim in his Ohio Street residence when the men began fighting over the game. During the altercation Smith grabbed a 6-inch kitchen knife and stabbed the victim several times before fleeing, according the police report made at the time.

The victim survived the wounds.

Smith, 34, who was allegedly homeless before living with the victim for several months, had been on the run ever since. He was wanted on charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of weapons and possession of weapons for unlawful purpose.

Officers from the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit recently tracked Smith to an address in Irvington where he was located and taken in custody without incident yesterday. He was transported to the Union County Jail.

“These officers did an outstanding job of finding and capturing a dangerous man and getting him off the street,” acting Sheriff Cryan said.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (left) presents a resolution to Director Josephine Walsh of Mobile Meals of Westfield congratulating the nonprofit community service organization on delivering its one millionth meal. The group has been providing home delivered nutritious meals to elderly and homebound residents of Westfield, Cranford, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Clark, Garwood and Mountainside since 1968. For information about receiving services, volunteering, or donating a tax-deductible contribution visit westfieldtoday.com/mobilemeals or contact Mobile Meals of Westfield at 908-233-6146. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, Union County Manager Al Faella and representatives from the County’s Economic Development Department and Workforce Investment Board toured the massive Atalanta Corporation food import warehouse facility in Elizabethport, this morning to discuss business incentives and to become familiar with the corporation’s worldwide operations.

Atalanta is a major food importer in the region, employs more than 100 people and does well over $250 million in sales each year. It is also part of the Gellert Global Group of companies which does world-wide sales in excess of $500 million.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi launched Union County Votes, a free new mobile app designed to help Union County residents connect quickly and easily with accurate information about voting and elections, during a demonstration at Kean University in Union. She was joined by Kean University President Dawood Farahi. For more information about Union County Votes, including a downloadableFact Sheet with QR codes, and for all other services of the Union County Clerk, visitucnj.org/ctyclerk or call 908-527-4787. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Free download a first for any County in eastern states, second in entire U.S.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce the launch of Union County Votes, a free new mobile app designed to help Union County residents connect quickly and easily with accurate information about voting and elections.

Of the more than 3,000 counties in the U.S., Union County is one of only two that offer mobile voter information. Sonoma County in California has introduced a similar service.

“Union County Votes leverages the mobile communications platform of the 21^st century to engage more citizens in the democratic process, to exercise their right to vote and to run for public office,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Our goal is for every resident to have Union County Votes on their cell phone or tablet.”

The Union County Votes app enables voters to find their polling place, request voter registration forms and vote-by-mail ballots, view sample ballots, follow unofficial election results in real time, and much more.

The app also provides information for persons interested in becoming a poll worker or running for office, including election filing dates and district maps.

“Once we had the mobile platform set up, we knew that it could provide a wide range of useful services spanning the entire elections process,” said Rajoppi. “If you are a voter, a candidate for office, or if you simply enjoy following election returns after the polls close, I encourage you to download Union County Votes.”

Union County Votes also enables users to receive automatic notifications in case of unplanned changes to the election schedule, including changes in polling places.

“The mobile app is a powerful tool for keeping the elections process running smoothly during emergencies or other unforeseen events,” said Rajoppi. “Hurricane Sandy demonstrated just how important it is to ensure that each voter can receive up-to-date information quickly and accurately.”

Out of county residents will also benefit by having access to their County Clerks’ and Boards of Election contact information through the app.

Along with 15 distinct functions, Union County Votes features easy-to-customize tabs that enable each user to flag their favorites for quick access. A version in Spanish is available, and countdowns to Election Day and poll closing time are also featured.

The searchable features of Union County Votes do not capture user information, ensuring privacy.

List of Features of the Union County Votes App

1. Am I Registered?
2. Register to Vote
3. Request a Vote By Mail Ballot Application
4. Important Dates
5. Where do I vote? View Your Sample Ballot
6. How to Vote
7. Campaign Finance
8. District Maps
9. Apply to Work at a Polling Place
10. Election Results
11. Accessibility Information
12. Obtain a Candidate’s Petition
13. Military and Federal Overseas Voter
14. 14.  Contact Us
15. Find your County

Union County Votes is available now for free download at both the Apple and Android app stores, or by QR code. A free QR reader is also available in your App Store.

For more information about Union County Votes including a downloadable Fact Sheet with QR codes, and for all other services of the Union County Clerk, visit ucnj.org/ctyclerk or call 908-527-4787.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, will take place over the Columbus Day weekend, October 11^ththrough October 13^th at The Outlet Collection – Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

“Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Saturday and continuing through Monday. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation.

“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

Saturday, October 11^th:

11 a.m. – Noon:  Blanca Rosas of Elizabeth, singer/songwriter;
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Moshi Moshi Band – Anime/Video Game Music;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.:  Oxygen Box Band, Soul, Rock Reggae Band;
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: United Youth of New Jersey – Elite Drill Team of Superior Drummers, Rap Performance and Theatrical Dancers of Elizabeth.

Sunday, October 12^th:

11:00 a.m. – Noon:  Jefferson Arts Liberty Dancers of Elizabeth;
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Ritmos de Mi Tierra – Traditional Colombian Dancing;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.:  Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers;
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Shubanjali School Performing Arts of Scotch Plains – Indian Classical Dance;
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter.

Monday, October 13^th:

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains – Belly Dancing;
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.:  Jazz Vocalist Lauren Shub with Pianist Ilya Maslov;
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:  Framework Acoustic Jazz Quartet.

The Outlet Collection – Jersey Gardens will host Art in the Gardens in its brand new Center Court, which was recently renovated as part of a $30 million remodel of the mall.

“We are excited to continue this fabulous celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for The Outlet Collection. “We are continually impressed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements,” Ms. Stell added. “Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent.”

The Outlet Collection – Jersey Gardens is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.

For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550.  New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Ginger Case of Roselle puts the finishing touches on her table centerpiece at a craft workshop for adults at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. On Thursday, October 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., adults ages 18 and older are invited to Trailside to learn how to weave dried grasses, stems, flowers and other natural materials into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to adorn their home. A Trailside naturalist and an artist will be on hand to help create unique and beautiful centerpieces that are sure to be a focal point for your mantle, picture frame or table top. Pre-registration is required as materials are limited; walk-ins will be accommodated if supplies and space permit. The fee for this adult workshop is $15 per person for Union County residents and $20 for out-of-county participants. Trailside is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.