Category: Public Info

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal announce an interesting lecture for adults at Trailside Nature & Science Center: “Lighthouses of New Jersey.”

On Thursday, May 19, from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., adults 18 and older will be whisked away to coastal New Jersey by author Trish Chambers as she shares information on the 11 New Jersey lighthouses featured in her book, “The New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge.”

“This intriguing lecture on the lighthouses of New Jersey, part of the Adult Workshop Series, demonstrates Trailside’s commitment to provide interesting topics for adults,” said Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “It also is an opportunity for adults to better understand New Jersey history and some of the Garden State’s most iconic symbols: its lighthouses.”

The audience will be treated to stories and folklore surrounding each lighthouse, along with the family histories of the keepers of the lights. Through Trish’s engaging presentation, the audience will hear about a unique annual event, when lighthouse enthusiasts visit all of the lighthouses accessible to the public in one weekend.

Pre- registration is required for this lecture and the fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 per person for out-of-county participants. To register for this lecture, or for information about any other programs or upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit us at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – The One-Stop Career Centers of Union and Middlesex Counties have joined forces to staff a Job Fair on Friday, May 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Atrium of Union County College, 1000 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ.

Fed Ex, NJ Transit and Wakefern Corporation will be among the more than 20 employers stationed in the Campus Center Atrium ready to receive resumes and speak with job seekers. There is no charge for any part of the Job Fair, courtesy of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“This Job Fair was set in motion following the layoff of more than 1,000 workers from Woodbridge Logistics/C&S Grocery Haulers, including employees from A&P and Pathmark stores” said Deborah P. Scanlon, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “Many of those laid off live in Union County; however, this Job Fair is open to anyone seeking employment in the Union and Middlesex County areas.”

In addition to the Middlesex County One-Stop, other Job Fair partners include the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJLWD); Middlesex County College; Union County College; Union and Middlesex County Workforce Investment Boards (WIB); and, many other community resource agencies such as United Way of Greater Union County; the Middlesex County Division of Social Services; the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services; and NJHELPS.

One-Stop and NJLWD staff will conduct workshops in both English and Spanish in job search strategies and resume writing. Computers and separate classroom space will also be available for one-on-one help and employment centered workshops.

The One-Stop Center is a free service open to all Union County residents that need assistance with every aspect of career enhancement. If you need a job or are looking to improve your skills, the One Stop is the place to get a great start.

The One-Stop’s free services include help with resume preparation, job search and interview skills. Among the Center’s free training programs are basic computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, cooking and food preparation, retail and customer service, teacher’s assistant training, CDL licensing for bus drivers, truck driving, and forklift operator certification.

The One-Stop also provides free programs for learning English, and for obtaining a high school graduate equivalency diploma (GED).

In addition, One-Stop works closely with employers to match them with job seekers. This includes training and education programs in partnership with local businesses and Union County College. One-Stop assists employers with recruitment, customized training, job fairs, and business seminars, and provides technical assistance including site location, demographic and transportation information.

For Union County residents who dream of starting their own business, One-Stop offers Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) and entrepreneurial training programs. Special programs are also available to assist youth, military veterans, the disabled, and workers age 55 and older.

The Elizabeth One-Stop Center serves Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield, Union (including Vauxhall), and Winfield. For more information on the Elizabeth One-Stop Center, please call 908-558-8000. Another Union County One-Stop Center at 200 West Second Street in Plainfield serves residents of Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Mountainside, New Providence, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, and Westfield . For more information on the Plainfield One-Stop Center, please call 908-757-9090. For information on the Job Fair please call MaryAnn Anderson, Director, Union County One-Stop at 908.757.9090.

The Union County One-Stop Career Centers are operated by the Union County Department of Human Services, Workforce Development Operations, serving Union County job seekers and employers for 30 years.

Job Fair at Union County College Set for May 20th

33-year-old Newark man was father of two young children

UNION, NJ—A 33-year-old Newark man and father of two was killed around 8 a.m. this morning in a work accident at Lenape Park in Union when a six-ton roller he was operating toppled down a shallow embankment.

The man was identified as Segundo Padilla, an employee of J.A. Alexander Inc. , a Bloomfield, NJ construction company. He was smoothing part of a 1.45 mile path of the East Coast Greenway link in Union County on the border between Union and Kenilworth. Padilla leaves behind a wife and two young children.

“On behalf of the County of Union, I extend our deepest sorrow and sympathy to the Padilla family,” Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon said. “This is a horrible tragedy and our prayers are with his family in this time of loss.”

The accident occurred along a stretch of trail to be constructed eventually through Lenape and Black Brook Parks that will pass through sections of Cranford, Kenilworth, Springfield and Union. Padilla had smoothed over approximately500 feet of trail off Springfield Road and into Lenape Park when the Ingersoll Rand roller he was operating apparently toppled off an edge. His body was discovered by fellow employees who notified Union County Police and the Kenilworth Fire Department, which assisted in the extrication.

Union County Police and the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident to determine whether he was wearing a seat belt. An autopsy will be conducted sometime later today by the Union County Medical Examiner to confirm the cause of death.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer two unique evening programs for families with children at the Trailside Nature and Science Center this spring.

“The Dusk to Dark Evening Family Programs are a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the beautiful Watchung Reservation while learning interesting facts about nature and wildlife,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

At the Dusk Hike on Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., families with children ages 5 and up can join a Trailside Naturalist to explore fields and forests as the sun sets behind the Watchung Mountains, using their “owl eyes” and spot tree houses, burrows, nests and other homes and hideouts of local wildlife. The fee is $6.00 per person for Union County residents and $7.00 per person for out-of-county residents, and pre-registration is required.

In Fun with Frogs on Wednesday, June 8, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, families with children ages 6 and up (sorry, no younger siblings permitted) will learn how to identify these amazing amphibians which breathe through their skin and sing at night, including spring peepers, frogs and toads. The evening starts with a presentation at the Trailside Center and culminates with a carpool trip to a nearby wetland to search for frogs, tadpoles and toads using special dip nets. The fee is $7.00 per person for Union County residents and $8.00 per person for out-of-county residents. This program is rain or shine and participants should wear shoes that can get wet. Pre-registration is required.

To pre-register or get more information call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside, in the Watchung Reservation.

Union County, NJ – Families with children can get closer to wildlife during Dusk to Dark Evening Family programs offered by Trailside Nature and Science Center. A Dusk Hike will take place on May 18 to spot the homes and hideaways of local wildlife, and Fun with Frogs on June 8 includes a search for frogs, tadpoles and toads at a nearby wetland. To register or to get information on other upcoming programs and events call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside, in the Watchung Reservation. (both photos: Union County/Trailside Nature and Science Center)

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 – The Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County recently visited the Berkeley Heights Public Library with leaf rubbings, tree artifacts, guessing games, and more for children and parents. Supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Master Tree Stewards are trained volunteers who help thousands of Union County children learn about trees and tree care each year. To become a Master Tree Steward, contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 ornichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

More information is available at the Union County website, www.ucnj.org. Pictured (l-r): Stewards Dolores Batz- Culp, Ken Ilgaviziz, and Ann Cusack, helper Lucia Pizarro, Steward Mary Lou Mayfield, Children’s Librarian Laura Fuhro, Steward Linda Howe, Library Director Stephanie Bakos, and Steward Tina Helmstetter (not pictured: Steward Peggy Dendinger).

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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.

President Obama and Vice President Biden Welcome
and Address Group About Importance of Counties

WASHINGTON DC—Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada was invited among a select group of County officials nationwide for a briefing on Tuesday with President Obama, Vice President Biden and various high ranking officials and heads of state.

The National Association of Counties/ White House event, which lasted nearly five hours, included presentations and question and answer sessions on issues such as “Breaking the cycle of jails and poverty: a County perspective,” “Infrastructure and Sustainable communities,” “Health Reform implementation and Medicaid,” workforce development programs, Social Services Block grants, and Community Services Block Grant programs.

“Many County officials were on the same page on most issues,” Estrada said. “White House officials were very informative on each issue, answered a lot of questions and listened to what we had to say. There was an excellent exchange of ideas and opinions.”

Estrada noted that President Obama received a standing ovation in light of the successful efforts to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden, and briefly spoke about the efforts.

Both Obama and Biden spoke about County budget challenges, and about County Government’s role in improving economic growth and innovation and “winning the future.”

Estrada added that while all topics were of great interest to County policy makers, two in particular—discussion on the Ryan Budget for Medicaid (which would shift costs to states and Counties), and funding for a wide range of programs that assist the mentally ill, indigent and minor drug offenders—were timely concerns for Union County.

White House Cabinet members at the meeting included Janet Napolitano, secretary of Homeland Security, Shaun Donovan, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services, and Ray LaHood, secretary of the Department of Transportation, and Lisa P. Jackson, administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency.

LaHood told officials about the possibility of Tiger 3, a nationwide infrastructure program, high speed rail and green jobs, while Jeanne Lambrew, a Deputy Assistant to the President for Health policy, gave a thorough presentation on health reform, Estrada said.

Estrada was one of three County officials from the state of New Jersey who attended Tuesday’s event. The others were Freeholder Louis N. Magazzu of Cumberland County and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

In 1971, a small group of people concerned for the welfare of homebound seniors set out to make a difference and formed what would become Meals on Wheels, Inc. (MOW). They arranged for volunteers to deliver five meals weekly to homebound seniors in Union County. The meals were prepared in the kitchen of St. Elizabeth Hospital. This was the modest beginning of a wonderful organization that continues to positively impact the lives of vulnerable Union County residents.

Meals on Wheels, Inc., headquartered in Linden, is a private non-profit agency which prepares and delivers meals to homebound seniors (60 or older) who are unable to provide for themselves because of illness or physical disability. This program aids individuals in maintaining a degree of independence. It can also promote an earlier discharge from a hospital stay for those who may be convalescing but are unable to cook or continue their diet. A thorough home assessment is completed on each prospective client to determine nutritional needs and eligibility for the program.

Today Meals on Wheels, Inc., prepares and delivers more than 400,000 nutritious meals annually to both private homes and congregate dining sites in Union County. The hot, midday meal consists of an entrée, vegetables, starch, bread, dessert and milk. The meals are low in sodium and contain at least 1/3 of the minimum daily nutritional requirements for adults.

The County of Union provides MOW with a fleet of 20 vehicles, including 4 Hotshots designed to keep the food hot and cold, and a facility fitted with a modern kitchen and office.

The program is primarily supported by a generous grant from the Union County Division on Aging, as well as donations from private sources and public organizations. Clients are asked to contribute voluntary donations. However, no participant is denied service due to inability to donate.

Meals on Wheels’ Executive Director, Donna Sullivan of Cranford, has been with the organization for 26 years. MOW has a dedicated staff of 44 and a volunteer Board of Directors. Two directors, John Surmay of Elizabeth, and Rosemary Cuccaro of Westfield, have served on the Board continuously from the very beginning. Current Board President Martine Cohen, Esq., said: “MOW is a remarkable organization. It touches many lives and fulfills an essential function, especially in these trying times. MOW provides a critical safety net when there is nowhere else to turn to. Congratulations to Donna and her staff!”

As 2011 marks 40 years of service to Union County, Meals on Wheels, Inc., plans to honor the occasion with celebrations throughout the year. If you would like to know more about the organization or might be interested in volunteering or making a donation, call 908-486–5100.

CRANFORD, NJ – The County of Union will sponsor a recycling event for electronic equipment on Saturday, May 21, so Union County residents can get rid of unwanted computers, televisions and other electronic equipment in an environmentally proper manner.

The special recycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the campus of Union County College at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, opposite Nomahegan Park.

All residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. There is a limit of six electronic items per car.

“Computer monitors, old televisions and other electronic devices are the source of a considerable amount of dangerous material, including lead, mercury, cadmium and PCBs – and it is unlawful to dispose of them with the regular garbage,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Board. “Up to 95 percent of most electronic appliances can be recycled. This is a responsible way to keep hazardous heavy metals out of our environment.”

Electronic equipment that will be accepted on May 21 includes computer monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, CPU’s, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, televisions, VCR’s, fax machines, telephones, and circuit boards.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and air conditioners will not be accepted.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on May 21 is available at the Union County Bureau of Environmental Conservation website: www.ucnj.org/recycle.

The electronics collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. There is a limit of six electronic items per vehicle. Proof of Union County residency is required.

In addition to the special May 21 recycling event sponsored by the County of Union, there are other local opportunities for residents to recycle electronic equipment. Visit www.ucnj.org/recycle or call your municipal recycling coordinator for more computer and electronics recycling options.

Goodwill and Dell have teamed up to recycle computers. Goodwill in Union County is located at 126 Route 22 West, Springfield 07081, next to Macy’s Furniture. Call Goodwill at 973-912-0156 for more details or visit their web site: www.reconnectpartnership.com.

Best Buy stores now offer electronics recycling, including TVs, computer monitors, DVD players and other consumer electronics. Visit their website (www.bestbuy.com) for store locations, or call toll-free for information about electronics recycling: 1-888-237-8289.

Staples also offers a computer recycling program seven days a week. For more information, visit the Staples web site for store locations: www.staples.com.

Waste Management accepts “covered electronics” (televisions, monitors, computers, etc.) at 629-647 Amboy Ave., Elizabeth 07201, Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; (908) 629-9270.

An alternative drop-off program for recycling electronics equipment is available Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Newtech Recycling, located at 600-A Apgar Drive, Somerset NJ 08873; (732) 564-3110. www.newtechrecycling.com.

For more information about recycling events, please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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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 .

The Sierra Leone Parade and ensuing festival, which was held on Saturday, April 23rd at Naaman Williams Park in Somerset, N.J drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters. The event was sponsored by the Sierra Leonean Community of New Jersey (SLCNJ) in partnership with Hamilton Street Business & Community Corporation (HSBCC). Jalloh is a native of Union County whose father Ben is a native of Kabala in the Northern region of Sierra Leone. Jalloh served with Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula as Grand Marshalls. Jalloh made history by being the first African-American with Sierra Leonean roots to hold the position of Freeholder in Union County.

The festival featured Sierra Leonean artistic exhibits, various ethnic group performances, children’s activities and ethnic foods, showcasing various aspects of African culture to the public. Several thousand attended, including government officials, business executives, community leaders, foreign dignitaries, and cultural groups participating in this event.

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present artworks by the members of the Scotch Plains and Fanwood Art Association (SPFAA). The exhibit is on display through June 1 at the Freeholders Gallery located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“These talented artists based in Scotch Plains and Fanwood work in various media including photography, watercolor, pastel, and sculpture,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We’re happy to share their images with a larger audience by exhibiting their work at the Freeholders Gallery.”

The SPFAA members featured are Bill Connolly, Marion Derrett, Tracy Farrell, Sylvie MacDonald, Mike McKenna, Paula Pearl, Connie Pinkowski, Donna Stein, and Steve Willis.

Bill Connolly studied drawing at the duCret School of Art, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, and the Montclair Art Museum. He is a native of Scranton, PA and a resident of Garwood. Connolly is a trustee of the Millburn-Short Hills Arts Center and a member of the Livingston and Westfield Art Associations.

Marion Derrett is a native of England who studied to be a teacher. She has won various awards for her paintings of landscapes, still life, and portraits. Her inspiration comes from traveling to many countries. Derrett is a juried associate member of the Pastel Society of America and the American Artists Professional League.

Tracy Farrell is a resident of Union County. She began seriously taking digital photographs in 2010. Her photos have been shown at local and international juried shows in New Jersey and New York as member of both SPFAA and the Milburn-Short Hills Art Center.

Sylvie MacDonald was born in France. Her witty and whimsical artwork is influenced by her heritage and culture. She has developed a love for folktales from her travels around the world. Also a Spanish and French instructor, she loves to combine learning with humorous visual materials.

Mike McKenna is a self-taught photographer who has honed his art by reading, trial and error, and by studying the masters of landscape photography: Ed and Brett Weston, Ansel Adams, and Art Wolf. He has won awards with his own style based on natural lighting and heavy contrast.

Paula Pearl has a background in photography which she feels has a strong influence on the lighting and composition of her paintings. She is drawn to scenes with water. Many of her paintings show quiet, serene, ethereal places that come from her love of nature and the beauty around us.

Connie Pinkowski earned a BFA in photography at Rochester Institute of Technology. She also studied photography and silkscreen printing at duCret School of Art in Plainfield and at LBI Foundation of Arts and Sciences in Long Beach Island. She taught photography at the Scotch Plains Library and has conducted art workshops for teens and adults.

Donna Stein, after a 40-year teaching career, has become a pastel painter, drawn to pastels because of the immediacy of the medium. She holds a BS from Southern Connecticut University plus a BS and an MA from Seton Hall University.

Steven Willis is the owner/operator of a bicycle shop in Scotch Plains and has been interested in art as far back as he can remember. His wife helped re-inspire him to pursue art. He started with graphite and progressed to other media, now focusing on portraits.

For further information about the Scotch Plains & Fanwood Art Association, please visit www.spfaa.org or contact Paula Pearl at (908) 322-2590. To learn about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, please contact the curator, Teya David, at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Telephone (908) 558- 2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users dial 711.