Category: Public Info

By Alexander Mirabella
Chairman, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders
February, 2012

The national economy is gradually starting to improve, and now is the time for Union County to act swiftly in order to keep those gains and build a better future. The 2012 Chairman’s Initiatives, called “Putting People First,” does just that, by helping Union County residents and business owners connect with the resources they need to do their best.

One key factor is the development of a trained workforce that enables our local businesses to grow. Over the past few years we’ve made great progress in this area with the expansion of Union County College, Kean University, and the Vo-Tech high schools.

This year we will continue to expand our partnership with Kean University, which has just reached an agreement to establish a campus in Wenzhou, China. We expect this relationship to result in new business and career opportunities for Union County.

A new academy for digital media and computer aided design will be added to our Vo-Tech campus, called the Union County Tech School of Design. Vo-Tech has partnered with Kean University to help ensure that the program leads directly to college level career development.

Another area that has shown progress over the years is the work we’ve done with major employers like Wakefern, Whole Foods and Elizabethtown Gas. We’re going to build that out with the “Union County Means Business” initiative. The program is designed to connect businesses of all sizes with the resources offered by local and state agencies, such as loans, grants, and workforce training.

We are also going to keep working to make Union County a great destination for visitors and businesses. Last week I had the pleasure of announcing that in 2016 our own Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth will be the first public golf course in the 91-year history of the New Jersey State Golf Association to host the prestigious New Jersey State Open Golf Championship. We expect that the run-up to that event will generate a whole new level of interest in Union County.

In that vein, we are going to continue to ensure that Union County is in the vanguard of the global transition to clean, renewable energy and new energy-efficient technology. This is a growth sector and businesses are seeking out communities that are leading the way.

A good workforce is a healthy workforce, and Union County has a stellar tradition of promoting public health through recreation. This year in particular we are focusing on innovative new programs, sports and social activities for children and adults with disabilities.

We are also reaching out to Union County veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq with a small token of appreciation consisting of a complimentary use of our fee-based recreation offerings such as golf or swimming, and we are going to use our free outdoor concert series as a platform for recognizing all Union County veterans.

The month of February began with a good jobs report from the federal government, pointing the way to an optimistic outlook. However, we will take nothing for granted and we are more determined than ever to chart a course for long term economic stability by focusing on the people who live, work and do business in Union County.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce a special program at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside to celebrate Presidents’ Day weekend. “The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln,” a dramatization and lecture, will be presented on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. for adults, 18 and older. This hour-long program is made possible in part by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.   Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

“We are pleased to offer such premier talent for this dramatic portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, as part of the 2012 Winter Adult Program Series at Trailside,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope that many people will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy an engaging and enlightening historical presentation.”

Christian Johnson, a dramatist with the American Historical Theater since 1989, portrays Lincoln with impressive resonance, giving insight into his strength of character. Mr. Johnson is a natural showman who trained as an actor with the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse of New York. In 2008, he was chosen to portray Abraham Lincoln in Paris for the United Nations (UNESCO).  Mr. Johnson is in great demand for events that combine entertainment and education. He is a favorite performer at venues that include the White House Visitors Center, Independence Hall, National Archives, Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, was a revered leader and team builder, who created a cabinet of rivals and then tested them. Christian Johnson will bring the depth of Lincoln’s character to light during this fascinating program.

For additional information about the lecture/dramatization: The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, or other adult programs or upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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 .

Nicole DiRado of Union is sworn in as Deputy Clerk of Union County by Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy on February 1 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible is her husband Matthew and their son Matty. (Photo by Jim Lowney/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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Children in the 1stthrough 5th grades are welcome to join magician Joe Fischer for a behind-the-scenes look at how professionals perform their magic at a six-week “Secrets of Magic” After School Workshop at Trailside Nature & Science Center. The workshop will run on six consecutive Wednesdays from 3:45-4:45 p.m. from Feb. 22 – March 28. Pre-registration is required. For information about this Magic Workshop, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Joe Fischer, Magician Extraordinaire, will conduct an after school workshop series, “The Secrets of Magic,” at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Wednesday afternoons, beginning February 22. The after school “Secrets of Magic” Workshop Series is for students in grades 1 through 5. It will run on six consecutive Wednesdays, beginning on Feb. 22 and ending on March 28. Each class will run from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. and the cost for the six classes is $108 per child. Pre-registration is required.

“We are pleased to offer this unique opportunity for children to get a behind-the-scenes look at how professionals perform their magic tricks,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“It’s especially interesting to have such a talented and highly regarded performer as Joe Fischer to teach these classes.”

This exciting workshop will give students a rare glimpse at how magicians perform their magic and offer participants an opportunity to learn from a professional magician. Students will be taught various magic tricks each week that they can take home and practice on their friends and family. Participants can expect to learn how to make things appear and disappear, read a friend’s mind, perform rope tricks, card tricks and much more.

Joe Fischer has been fascinated by magic since the age of 10. Upon finishing college, he decided to make it his full-time career. He has created various educational programs that use magic to teach lessons on topics such as substance abuse, reading, cultural diversity and the environment.  Joe is in great demand as a performer and teacher throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He created the “Secrets of Magic” program to teach children the basics of magic; hoping to instill in his students the same love of the art that he has.

For information about this after school “Secrets of Magic” workshop series, or about any other programs or upcoming events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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

WESTFIELD, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds any veteran living in Union County that they can receive their free military honorable discharge card at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth. The wallet-size card is honored as proof of service in the United States Armed Forces.

“Beginning Wednesday, February 1, veterans will be able to bring their Certificate of Honorable Discharge and DD 214 forms to either one of my offices in Westfield or Elizabeth to have their information recorded in the Union County Veterans Index so they can receive their discharge card,” Rajoppi said. “This honorable discharge card service is just one way to say thank you and make veterans’ lives a little easier.”

The honorable discharge cards are available to veterans whose Certificate of Honorable Discharge and DD 214 forms are recorded at the Union County Clerk’s office. It can assist veterans in receiving educational benefits, death benefits, licenses, local property tax rebates and discounts at big retailer box stores when presented with other identification.

“The distinctive red, white and blue cards have a raised seal certifying proof of recording from the Clerk’s office,” Rajoppi added.

If a veteran’s discharge papers have never been recorded, the original documents must be presented at either one the Union County Clerk’s offices. Documents will be recorded in the Union County Veterans’ Index and the original documents will be returned to the veteran. Photocopies of Honorable Discharge or DD 214 documents cannot be accepted for recording.

If the original discharge documents are lost, veterans can write to the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63138. Those who have already recorded their documents with the Union County Clerk can call her office at 908-659-7403 for additional information.

“All veterans can be assured that access to their discharge papers is available only to the veteran, his/her mother, father, wife/husband, brother, sister, child, heir or personal representative,” Rajoppi said. “Veterans’ documents are archived in a secure area and they are not accessible to the public.”

The County Clerk’s Office in Westfield, located at 300 North Avenue East, is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday. The County Clerk’s Office in Elizabeth, located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, is open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If additional information is needed, please call 908-659-7403.

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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 .

Guest Speaker: Tommy John of the New York Yankees

The Union County Baseball Association will honor local student athletes for their accomplishments during 2011 and will induct four new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame during award ceremonies on Sunday, February 12. The 76thAnnual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner begins at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, located at 1099 Route 22 East in Mountainside. The dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association, in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

Among the student athletes who will receive major honors are Westfield High School teammates Dan Kerr and A.J. Murray, who will share honors as Union County Baseball Players of the Year, and Jackie Lima of Linden High School, who will be honored as Union County Softball Player of the Year.

A special award will be presented to Ray Korn, former baseball coach at Elizabeth High, for his overall coaching record of 653-236, the most wins in Union County history.

The four new inductees into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame – Dennis McCaffery of Cranford, Ed Murzinski of Linden, Bob Riesener of Linden, and Jamie Shriner of Roselle Park – will be honored for their outstanding contributions to our national pastime on the baseball diamonds of Union County, New Jersey.

Former Major League pitching ace Tommy John, who played for the Yankees, Dodgers, White Sox and other teams throughout his 26-year career, will be the special guest speaker.

“We’re delighted to have former Yankees left-hander Tommy John as the guest speaker at this year’s Hot Stove League Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope that family members and friends of all the award recipients will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies in support of youth baseball and the new inductees into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame.”

In addition to the new Hall of Fame inductees and student athletes, the Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor local youth league baseball players and American Legion teams for their achievements in 2011.

Tickets for the dinner are $40, with proceeds going to help fund the Union County Summer Youth Baseball League for youngsters 8 to 15 years, and the Fall Teen League.

Since 1937, the annual Hot Stove League Dinner has been the primary fund-raising effort for the Union County Baseball Association’s summer and fall programs. Over the years, the awards dinner has honored many local and national baseball luminaries – including Phil Rizzuto of Hillside, Don Newcombe of Elizabeth, Joe Collins of Union, Jeff Torborg of Mountainside, Willie Wilson of Summit, Jake Wood of Elizabeth, and Elliott Maddox of Union.

Tickets for the 76th Annual Union County Baseball Association Hot Stove League Dinner on Feb. 12th are available by mail for $40 from the Union County Baseball Association, PO Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023.

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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 Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (2nd R) and Vice Chairman Linda Carter (R) present a resolution to William Tomko (C) of Mountainside congratulating him on receiving the French Legion of Honor Medal for his service in World War II. This prestigious distinction underlines the deep appreciation and gratitude of the French people who were liberated during World War II. Tomko served onboard the USS Barnett, an amphibious transport ship, which took part in the invasions of Sicily, Italy, Marseilles in the south of France and the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He also saw action in the Pacific Theater at Okinawa. They are joined by Tomko’s wife, Maria, and Richard Thompson of the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Mountainside, NJ – Families enjoy a Scavenger Hunt at Trailside Nature & Science Center during last year’s February Festivities. An exciting line-up of programs is planned for this Presidents’ Day weekend at the 2012 February Festivities, Feb. 17 – 20. For information on February Festivities or any other programs or events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce an exciting line-up of programs for families and adults at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside during the Presidents’ Day Holiday weekend, from Friday, Feb. 17 through Monday, Feb. 20.

“February Festivities” will include numerous types of family programs recommended for families with children ages 5 and older. Pre-registration is required for all programs, unless otherwise noted. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

“The weekend February Festivities will entertain and educate while offering families a chance to experience the beauty and wonder of the Watchung Reservation during the winter,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Whether you want to learn how real maple syrup is made, enjoy an action-packed matinee, use your creativity during the EcoArt Extravaganza, or walk in the woods to see wildlife, there is something for everyone.”

A special Monday magic matinee – “Hocus Pocus: It’s Joe Fischer!” – on Feb. 20 is recommended for children ages 4 and older.

Kicking off “February Festivities” on Friday, Feb. 17 from 7-8 p.m. is “The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln,” a dramatization/lecture for adults, ages 18 and older. Christian Johnson, a dramatist with the American Theatre Organization, portrays President Lincoln and gives insight into his strength of character. This program is sponsored in part by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and is free to attend. Donations are appreciated.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. – noon, families with children ages 5 and older can use their creativity during Trailside’s “EcoArt Extravaganza.” Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon to use your artistic abilities to make crafts from recycled objects. Participants will be amazed to see paper rolls become snakes, cereal boxes and magazine pictures become colorful bookmarks and egg cartons are transformed into beautiful flower arrangements. The fee for the EcoArt Extravaganza is $5 per person for in-county residents and $6 per person for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration is not required for this program.

Later on Saturday, Feb. 18, join a Trailside staff member at 3 p.m. for Story Time and listen to entertaining stories of the season. Families should meet on the lower level of the Visitor Center by the bird viewing area. There is no fee for Story Time but donations are appreciated.

Also on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 3:30-4:45 p.m., families can see how 100 percent real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree in “The Journey of Sap to Syrup.” Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. This program will be repeated on Monday, Feb. 20, from 10 – 11:15 a.m. The fee for this fun and educational program is $5 per person for Union County residents and $6 per person for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration is required.

Another highlight of this weekend is the matinee, “Hocus Pocus: It’s Joe Fischer!” on Monday, Feb. 20, from 1:30 -2:15 p.m. This fast-paced show is a perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement. Joe Fischer, Magician Extraordinaire, puts on a show that is sure to astound, baffle and thrill the audience. He has a great rapport with children and his ability to engage audiences of all ages is “pure magic.” This matinee is recommended for children ages 4 and up and the fee is $4 per person. Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20 at the Visitor Center Service Desk. Strollers are not permitted in the auditorium.

The February Festivities are designed to encourage families to enjoy the outdoors and gain a heightened awareness of the natural world during the winter months. On Monday, Feb. 20, from 3-4 p.m., families can join a Trailside guide for a walk outside in search of buck rubs, animal tracks and nibbled twigs during “Animal Clue Scavenger Hunt.” We will look for signs that tell us that our animal neighbors are in the area. The Scavenger Hunt will conclude with hot chocolate and marshmallows around a campfire. The fee is $5 per person for Union County residents and $6 per person for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration is required.

For more information on the programs offered during February Festivities or any other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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 .

Elizabeth – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders have appointed James Pellettiere, a resident of the City of Rahway and the former Deputy Director of Public Information for Union County, as Clerk of the Board.

Pellettiere will begin his duties as Clerk of the Board effective Wednesday, February1st. The Freeholder Board approved Pellettiere’s appointment on Thursday night.

“I am truly grateful to the Freeholder Board for their vote of confidence,” Pellettiere said. “I hold a great deal of respect for the Office of the Clerk of the Board and I look forward to providing a high level of service to the public and the Freeholder Board.”

As Clerk of the Board, Pellettiere will be responsible for preparing and coordinating the activities of the Freeholder meetings, acting as the depository of vital County documents, acting as the custodian of the official County seal; and providing administrative services for the Board. He will succeed Nicole DiRado, who becomes the Deputy Clerk of Union County on February 1st.

Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella said he was confident the appointment of Pellettiere would represent a seamless transition given his 12 years of experience within the Union County Government; six of which were performed as the Director of Constituent Services within the office of the Clerk of the Board.

“We are looking forward to working with Jim and have the highest confidence in his ability to perform the duties required as Clerk of the Board,” Mirabella said. “During his time as Director of Constituent Services he developed an excellent knowledge of the day-to-day operations of this office, and has gained the respect of his peers and County Administrators.”

County Manager Al Faella agreed, adding Pellettiere should be able to “hit the ground running” in his new position.

“I had the pleasure of working early on with Jim during my days as Director of Community Development,” Faella said. “He has proven himself to have a tireless work ethic and dedication to public service.”

Pellettiere’s tenure with the County began with the Division of Community Development, where he assisted in the monitoring and administration of nearly $2.6 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from 1999 through 2002.  In this capacity, Pellettiere assisted in the monitoring of over Facility projects funded through CDBG; including projects such as the Rahway JFK Center Renovation project and the Boys and Girls Club of Union County Facility Renovation project.

Following that, Pellettiere worked within the newly established Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historical Preservation Trust Fund, where he was eventually promoted as Deputy Trust Fund Administrator.  He worked with each of the 21 municipalities in administering over $3 million of Trust Fund grant programs such as “Green the Streets,” “Preserve Union County,” “Greening Union County” and the “Kids Recreation Trust Fund.”

Pellettiere worked for approximately six years for the Freeholder Board as Director of Constituent Services where he supervised the day-to-day activities of the Freeholder legislative staff, drafted resolutions and correspondences on behalf of the board, assisted in the implementation of meetings, and coordinated responses to constituent concerns.

Later as the Deputy Director of the Office of Public Information, where he helped organize press events, write releases and speeches, and supervised the production of all County print material; identifying numerous procedural measures resulting in a cost savings of over $25,000 in 2011.  Pellettiere also served as a primary County Spokesperson during Hurricane Irene in August 2011; coordinating the dissemination of information to the general public, Union County municipal governments and media outlets.

Pellettiere obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Montclair State University. He graduated with a major in Political Science while minoring in Pre-Law and Public Administration. In May of 2011, he completed his certificate for the Masters of Public Administration from Kean University.

He serves on the Union County Transportation Advisory Board, is a member of the City of Rahway’s Board of Appeals and has served as President of his Condominium Association since 2007.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Means Business networking breakfast series will hold its first session next week with more than 160 local business representatives in attendance, along with State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak (D-20) and State Senator Thomas Kean (D-21), and officials from local and state agencies and business organizations.

The series, an initiative of Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, is designed to bring local business owners, prospective owners and managers in contact with information about grants, loans, social media, employee recruitment, and other resources.

“We are very gratified by the enthusiasm with which the business community has responded to Union County Means Business, and with Senator Lesniak and Senator Kean we hope to underscore just how committed we are to making this a very productive and successful series,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The kickoff session features Caren S. Franzini, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. It will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the Kean University STEM Building, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

All sessions are free but pre-registration is required by visiting the Union County website athttps://ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or call 908-527-4200.

The Union County Means Business partnership also includes the Union County Alliance, Union County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chambers of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, and Union County College.

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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.