Category: Public Info

Union County – Despite a Federal government shutdown, it was business as a usual in Union County as over 100 individuals gathered Tuesday morning for the next session of the Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast Series at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. The program’s topic- the Affordable Care Act and its Impact on Business.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was present for the event and commented on the importance of the program by saying, “In the spirit of keeping up the growing momentum in Union County’s economy, I’m proud that we are able to connect current and prospective business owners, along with their employees, with professionals and resources to address hot topics like these.”

One of the central issues surrounding yesterday’s government shutdown, and also falling on the same day as the opening of new healthcare exchanges, the Affordable Care Act session was particularly timely featuring a panel discussion and a lengthy question and answer period on the Act and its implications.

“It’s true that many people have heard about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” said Alan Lieber, Vice President, Atlantic Health System and President, Overlook Medical Center, “but the reality is that many people really don’t know the details involved and have misconceptions about who will be affected and how.”

Lieber headed the panel discussion which also featured Christine Stearns, Vice President of Health Affairs of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, and Lisa Narcise of Brown & Brown Metro.

“This event provided local businesses with a current update on the status of their obligations and opportunities under the new health care law,” said Joe Steiner of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce- a sponsor of the UCMB series. “This was an excellent opportunity and we were pleased to be a partner with Overlook, the County and the other organizations in making it possible.”

The panel opened with Lieber, who gave an overview of the Affordable Care Act from the perspective of the healthcare provider, while Stearns and Narcise gave participants a more in depth look at healthcare exchanges, coverage options and a run-down of what will be required from business owners and individuals alike in order to comply with the law.

The Union County Mean Business series is designed to bring local business owners, prospective owners and managers in contact with government representatives who can help them obtain information about grants, loans, social media, employee recruitment, and other resources.

The next Union County Means Business Session, titled “Maximizing your Business with the Internet,” will be held on October 30th at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, and will feature consultant, analyst and former Apprentice contestant, Tara Dowdell.

To register, or for more information on the Networking Breakfast Series, please visitwww.ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness.

UCMB Programs are sponsored by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in partnership with the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corp., Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, and Union County College. The Affordable Care Act and its Impact on Business was co-sponsored by Overlook Medical Center.

###

Photo Caption: Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (3rd right), Freeholder Sergio Granados (2nd right) and Union County Manager Alfred Faella (right) with Sister Judith Mertz, Director of Josephine’s Place (4th right), Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the organization- a storefront women’s center, which was established by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, to serve the needs of women of Elizabeth, NJ

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 19, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

The Oct. 19 event will be the final county-sponsored household hazardous waste collection for this year. Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will NOT be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on October 19 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

– end –

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advises residents that County services will not be affected by the federal government shutdown over the short term.

“We have put considerable effort into ensuring that Union County continues to deliver the county-based services that the public depends on,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

Union County officials have been advised that federal Homeland Security officials will continue to provide information and resources relevant to public safety and security, and that federal human services programs administered by Union County will continue to be provided. These include veterans’ services, welfare (including nutrition assistance), Section 8, and housing for people with AIDS.

“If you have any questions about County services, please visit our website at ucnj.org, or call our toll free public info line, 877-424-1234,” said Carter.

##

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

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 22nd annual Women of Excellence Awards, sponsored with the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

The Women of Excellence Awards program was established to raise awareness about the significant contributions made to Union County by women from all walks of life.

“For more than 20 years, the Women of Excellence Awards have celebrated and supported the difference that women make to the quality of life in Union County, all throughout our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “If there is an outstanding woman in your sphere of activity, whether professional or volunteer, I encourage you to submit her name for consideration.”

Women of Excellence nominations are open to all women 21 years or older, who reside in or are employed in Union County, and who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business/Entrepreneurial, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Law Enforcement, Medicine/Health Care, or Women’s Advocacy.

Nominators are asked to provide several examples of how the nominee has demonstrated outstanding achievements in these fields, and to indicate how the nominee has made a difference in the lives of Union County residents or employees.

The awardees are guests of honor at the annual Women of Excellence Award Dinner. They receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and are presented with a Resolution by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Additional information and nomination forms are available at the Women of Excellence website, ucnj2.org, or contact Jane O’Hara at johara1217@gmail.com.

The nomination form and supporting documents must be submitted no later than December 1, 2013 to:

Ms. Jane O’Hara
708 Newark Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090

The 2014 Women of Excellence Award Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at Galloping Hill Caterers in Union.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a new class called “Preserve the Harvest,” conducted by experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

“With New Jersey’s rich tradition of home gardening, Preserve the Harvest is a great opportunity for Union County residents to learn the basics of safely canning and freezing, so home grown fruits and vegetables can be enjoyed all year,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

The class is scheduled for Friday October 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Extension offices in the Union County Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, 300 North Avenue East.

Pre-registration is required by October 9. To pre-register or get more information, call Judi Laganga at the Extension, 908-654-9854 (press option “2”). A $5.00 materials fee will be collected at the door.

For information about all Union County Extension programs for children and adults, visit ucnj.org/rce.

##

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

Photo Credit: Canned cherries by jeffreyw via flickr.com.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you need special accommodations, have questions about physical access, or require alternate means for program information, please contact your local Extension Office. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents that Tuesday, October 15, is the deadline to register to vote and to make address changes within your town or Union County to vote in the upcoming Gubernatorial Election in New Jersey.

“This year’s election for Governor also offers residents an opportunity to vote for local members of the New Jersey Legislature as well as Union County, municipal and school board officials (except in Summit) and public questions. But first you must register to vote by October 15,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “I urge all eligible residents to be part of the process and vote on Tuesday, November 5. Your vote does count.”

To register to vote or to register an address change, forms are available in every municipality at the office of the municipal clerk. Forms also may be obtained by calling the office of the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996, by visiting the County Clerk’s office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, or by visiting the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/voter-registration.

Voter registration forms and change of address forms must be mailed to the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07208 no later than Friday, October 11, in order to be eligible to vote in the General Election on Tuesday, November 5.

To qualify to vote, you also must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old, not serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction, and a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

Voters are encouraged to Vote-By-Mail, an easy process that has replaced Absentee Voting. To apply to Vote-By-Mail, voters can pick up an application from their municipal clerk, download the form at the Union County website, https://ucnj.org/vote-by-mail, visit the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield, or contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. Applications to Vote-By-Mail must be received by the County Clerk no later than Oct. 29. The deadline for in-person applications at the Clerk’s offices is Nov. 4 before 3 p.m.

For more information about voter registration, please call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

– end –

Granados will fill unexpired vacancy left by former
Freeholder Daniel Sullivan until end of year

UNION COUNTY, NJ— Sergio Granados, an Elizabeth resident, has become the newest Union County Freeholder, filling a vacancy on the Board.

Granados assumes Sullivan’s vacant Freeholder spot, which expires at the end of December this year. Sullivan resigned last month, creating the vacancy. Granados was sworn in Thursday night (tonight) after being selected on Tuesday by the Democratic Committee to succeed Sullivan.

“I thank the members of the Committee for their support and confidence in me,” Granados said. “I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm and energy to County Government and am honored to be working with a team of Freeholders who continue to work hard to provide high quality services to our residents.”

As per his philosophy and work ethic, Granados quipped he “would not be the one who crams to learn but understands to learn.”

“I do not intend to rush through issues and seek quick fixes,” Granados said. “My goal is to take a holistic, fair and reasoned approach to solutions.”

Chairman Linda Carter welcomed Granados to the Board.

“Sergio, as someone who has governmental experience, will be able to hit the ground running,” Carter said. “My colleagues and I look forward to working with him in moving Union County forward.”

County Manager Alfred J. Faella also welcomed Granados.

“Sergio is a hard working official who will be able to sit down and immediately begin helping with ideas and solutions,” Faella said. “I welcome him to County Government and look forward to his leadership and participation.”

Granados said he would emphasize communication and outreach, saying he looks forward to their input and that of the public’s, adding he will be someone who will “always listen to your concerns.”

Granados, a resident of Elizabethport who is of Portuguese and Salvadorian descent, is a graduate of Kean University and Elizabeth High School. He works as a Supervisor in the City of Elizabeth’s Health Division where, among his responsibilities, he conducts budget analysis, policy implementation and training.

“I look forward to working with County administrative officials in seeking out efficiencies and shared services,” he said.

As Freeholder, Granados said he would focus on economic development, job training and job creation initiatives, shared services, fiscal issues–and education.

“I believe everyone should have the means to further their education,” he said. “It’s a ladder—often the only ladder available to low and middle education families – that will hopefully lead the young generation to real job opportunities in the 21st century. These are the people I am here to represent—working class residents and our families.”

Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter and Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (L) and Alexander Mirabella (R) present a resolution to former Freeholder Daniel Sullivan thanking him for his 19 years of service on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Bette Jane Kowalski (R) present a resolution to Principal Virginia Gilcrest (2nd R) and faculty member Mary Lou Gugger of the Ernest J. Finizio-Aldene Elementary School in Roselle Park recognizing and commending their exemplary role and participation in the 2012-2013 “Adopt A Food Pantry” food drive. Each month during the school year food was collected for the Casano Community Center in Roselle Park. The school consistently followed through on their commitment to serve the residents of the community. “Adopt A Food Pantry” is a Union County Freeholder initiative to assist in the replenishment of community food pantries throughout Union County.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)