Category: Public Info

Major highway rehabilitation forges on in Essex and Union counties

Trenton – NJDOT officials today announced that beginning on Friday night, August 10, NJDOT’s contractor, a joint-venture of Ferreira Construction and Crisdel Group, is scheduled to begin reconstructing the left and center travel-lanes on I-78 westbound Local lanes through the ongoing project limits in Essex and Union counties.   Overnight lane closures will be necessary to implement the new construction zone on I-78 westbound by the end of the weekend.

During this phase of construction, I-78 westbound will be permanently reduced from five travel lanes to four travel lanes – with two lanes maintained in the Local lanes (reduced from four lanes currently) and two in the Express lanes (increased from one lane currently), respectively.  Access from the Peddie Street/Elizabeth Street ramp to I-78 westbound Local will be closed and the I-78 westbound Express shoulder will be closed from Exit 57 to just east of the Garden State Parkway.  The entrance ramp from Route 1&9 northbound and Newark Airport onto I-78 westbound will be narrowed to one lane.

NJDOT implemented a similar work zone on the I-78 eastbound Local lanes in July.

The $72 million project is constructing a new asphalt roadway along both directions of I-78 from west of Ramsey Avenue (milepost 53.8) in Union Township to the Route 21 interchange (milepost 56.9) in Newark.  This is one of the busiest stretches of highway in New Jersey with an average of 145,000 vehicles traveling it daily. The new pavement is designed to last up to 20 years and the project is scheduled to be completed in early 2014.

The highway is being reconstructed in stages to minimize impacts to motorists.  A total of four of the five I-78 travel lanes will remain open in each direction during peak period hours throughout construction.  Single and double-lane closures will be allowed during overnight and off-peak hours. 

Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) will be utilized on Route 78 as well as the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, to provide real-time work zone traffic information to motorists.  The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors.  Motorists are encouraged to check www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) presents John Viglianti of Westfield with a life time golf card for the Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains. Viglianti, 97, recently received the Bronze Star the Bronze Star with the “V” for valor device for his service in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 during World War II. An administrative error delayed the honor for almost seven decades. He plays golf with friends weekly.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org

On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series concludes its 52nd summer of music on Wednesday evening, August 22, “Veterans Appreciation Night,” with a free performance by The B Street Band (The Original Springsteen Tribute) at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Alexander Mirabella, invites the public to the grand finale of the 2012 summer concerts at 7:00 p.m. as we salute our veterans who served in the military. At the conclusion of the presentation for our veterans, The B Street Band will take the stage for a concert under the stars.

“Bring the entire family for a Jersey-style rocking evening in Oak Ridge Park and a salute to the men and women of our military services,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “Veterans’ groups from throughout Central Jersey are especially welcome as we show our appreciation for their dedication and service in defense of our country.”

The B Street Band, originally known as Backstreets, was formed in Asbury Park in 1980. Over the years, they’ve rocked the stage with Clarence Clemons, Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez, Steven Van Zandt, and Max Weinberg. Now in their 32nd year together, the B Street Band is considered the longest-running tribute to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band. They perform a vast repertoire of Springsteen favorites ranging from early “Greetings from Asbury Park” to the latest “Wrecking Ball.” This is a tribute to The Boss that you won’t want to miss.

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with staff from the Union County Office of Veterans’ Affairs and other knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about special programs and recreational activities available to Union County residents.

Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – Archery enthusiasts in Union County have something that few other archers in the central New Jersey region have: year-round access to a public Olympic-scale archery range. The range opened three years ago at Union County’s Oak Ridge Park in Clark and was an immediate hit with County residents.

“We’ve heard that viewership for the Olympic archery events has skyrocketed, and the Freeholder Board is very pleased that Union County can offer an affordable, accessible way for everyone to enjoy this popular sport, from beginner on up,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Last week, The New York Times reported that archery has been the most watched sport in NBC’s televised Olympics coverage, possibly sparked by fans of the hit movie “The Hunger Games.”

The Union County Archery Range is fully accessible by wheelchair and open to archers at all skill levels ages 9 and older.

The only requirement for use of the range is a Union County permit from the Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

Archers without experience can qualify for a permit by completing a safety training lesson offered by Union County at the archery range. The lesson includes use of the County’s archery equipment.

“If you’ve never tried your hand at archery before, our safety lesson provides a great introduction at a minimal cost,” said Mirabella.

Archers with experience can obtain a permit by providing a certificate or other documentation of their training.

Out-of-county residents are also welcome to enroll in a safety training course and obtain a permit.

Currently the fee for a one-year permit for Union County adult residents is $20.00, and $30.00 for non-residents. Youth and senior permits are slightly less.

The current fee for a safety training lesson is $20.00 per person. The lessons are taught in open groups of 8 to 24 persons.

Lessons can also be specially scheduled for families and other groups at the rate of $25.00 per person (these groups can be less than 8 persons).

The Union County Archery Range is open seven days a week all year, from dawn to dusk.

For all archery information, including scheduling a safety lesson and obtaining a permit, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-527-4900 or visit the Archery page online atucnj.org/archery.

Elizabeth, NJ – From band saws to birds, several new videos are now available on the Union County Video Channel, The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce.

The County’s Video Channel can be accessed on the web at ucnj.org. The new videos include a “History of the Union County Vocational-Technical School,” a vignette which chronicles the evolution of the vo-tech program from an underutilized facility to the nationally recognized, award winning program it is today.

Viewers can also get a glimpse of the flora and fauna that was surveyed at Rahway River Park during the 2012 Bio-Blitz.  The recently dedicated Ponderosa Farm Park video documents the partnership between the county and Scotch Plains that enabled this beautiful park to become a reality.

Produced by the Office of Public Information, UC Connected features videos that promote, highlight or introduce events, programs and services offered by the Board of Freeholders.

“The video channel is a great way for the county to keep our residents informed of all the county has to offer,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “We encourage our residents to visit the video channel often to view the numerous stories there.”

Direct access to the video page is at https://ucnj.org/videochannel/.

The Office of Public Information has produced 48 UC Connected videos, ranging from highlights of the Union County Means Business series to the dedication of the Mastodon Exhibit at the Trailside Nature and Science Center. The County’s immensely popular Mobile Shredding service was also captured on film for one segment.

Additional Video Channel programming includes current and archived editions of Freeholder Forum and Vintage Views, as well as, county relevant news stories, courtesy of News 12.

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County – Six youths from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County’s 4-H Program attended the Rutgers 4-H Summer Science Program from July 9th to the 13th where they were given the opportunity to explore the world of science and discover what Rutgers has to offer post high school graduation.

“A program like this is a great motivator for our youth,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Linda Carter. “It exposes teenagers to the limitless possibilities that await them beyond their high school years. I’m happy that the Freeholder Board can help support engaging educational opportunities like this one.”

This year’s participants were Andrew Hall of Scotch Plains, as well as Niah Simmons, Ashley Zarrelli, Zayna Allen, Melanie Williams, and Kaiya Tweedy, all of whom are from Plainfield.  As part of the program, students had the opportunity to meet with Rutgers researchers, learn more about the application of science in daily life, and explore the varied areas of ongoing research throughout the Rutgers campus.

At the university’s Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences students had the opportunity to see Rutgers’ famed undersea glider and learn about the chemistry and biology of the sea; while at the Exercise Physiology Department those with an interest sports medicine were able to get an inside look at how Rutgers is researching how to treat and prevent injuries related to sports and exercise.

Participants in the summer program have completed their freshman year in high school and are selected based on teacher recommendations and participation in an extensive application process that includes writing an essay and interviews by their local 4-H staff.

As a condition for participating in the program, each of the selected youths has to provide a minimum of 45 hours of service to their local 4-H program. This commitment includes working with 4-H staff in their community to provide science-focused after-school and summer programming to younger children.

For more information about the Union County 4-H Program please contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854, email Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

The annual Rutgers 4-H Summer Science Program began in 2009, with 45 students drawn from similar urban communities around New Jersey, with the objective of encouraging youth to participate in science and research in a series of interactive activities, and gain a better understanding of opportunities available in science, engineering, and technology. The program is sponsored by the Tyco Corporation.

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Caption: Melanie Williams of Plainfield at Rutgers Science Week measuring chemicals that will be used to extract DNA from Strawberry cells. (Photo by Rutgers Cooperative Extension)

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

“Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.”

Photo Caption: (from left) Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada, City of Elizabeth Councilman-at-Large, Frank J. Cuesta, Consul General of Peru in NJ & Pennsylvania Jose Benzaquen, and President of Peruvians For Progress, Inc., Ezzio A. Bustamante at the Toast of Honor for the 2012 Peruvian Independence Day commemoration celebration on July 20, 2012. (Photo courtesy of the County of Union)

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org; on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook; on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 52ndsummer of music on Wednesday evening, August 15, with a performance by Jobonanno & The Godsons. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Alexander Mirabella, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Jobonanno and The Godsons have electrified audiences in the tri-state area since 1992 with their infectious style of Jersey Shore get-up-and-dance rock and soul music. Considered one of the Top Ten bands in New Jersey, they have opened shows for James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, The B-52s, Joan Jett, The Stylistics, Gary U.S. Bonds, Mitch Ryder, and Eddie Money. They’ve been joined on stage by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. In 2003 and 2007, they appeared at Giants Stadium before Bruce and the E Street Band took the stage.

“Bring the entire family for a rocking-good musical evening in Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities available to Union County residents.

The grand finale of the 2012 Summer Arts Festival concerts will be “Veterans Appreciation Night” on Wednesday, August 22, in Oak Ridge Park. Please join us at 7:00 p.m. as we salute the men and women who have served in the military. At the conclusion of the presentation for our veterans, The B Street Band (The Original Springsteen Tribute) will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Photo Caption: Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (L), Elizabeth Councilman Manny Grova (2nd L) and Mayor of Elizabeth J. Christian Bollwage ( R) joined Sylvia Jauregui, general editor and producer ofElizabeth Inside Out TV for a ribbon cutting for the business on Morris Avenue in Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Inside Out is a bilingual local-news web site and hyperlocal news source focused on the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The news agency specializes in breaking news and publishing stories about the City of Elizabeth.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org; on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook; on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds eligible senior citizens that there are still five dates left in August to pick up their free vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables at local Farmers’ Markets.

“If you are an eligible senior, I encourage you to take advantage of this program,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Linda Carter. “It enables you to sample fresh, nutritious produce, while supporting local New Jersey farmers, too.”

To be eligible for the program, participants must be a resident of Union County age 60 years or older, and meet the income criteria. For an individual the annual income cannot exceed $20,665. The annual income for a married couple cannot exceed $27,991 and both spouses can receive vouchers.

Seniors who registered for the program earlier this summer can pick up their vouchers at any of the locations listed below. New participants will need to register in advance, by picking up an application form at any Senior Nutrition site or Senior Center.

The vouchers can be used at any participating Farmers Market. Participating farmers will also be on hand selling produce at the Golden Age Towers, First Baptist Church and Pinewood Hall pickup locations.

August Voucher Pickup Schedule:

Wednesday, August 1
Golden Age Towers
200 E. Milton Street, Rahway
10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Friday, August 3
First Baptist Church
Prince St. & Union Avenue, Elizabeth
9:00 am – 11:00 noon

Monday, August 6
Pinewood Hall
250 West 2nd Avenue, Roselle
9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Friday, August 10
Elizabeth Towers
315 West Grand Street, Elizabeth
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Thursday, August 16
E-Port Commons
205 1st Street, Elizabeth
Vouchers 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

For more information about the Farmers Market Program, call the Union County Division on Aging toll free, 888-280-8226.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.