Tag: chairman granados

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents special programs for families during the Presidents’ Day Holiday on Saturday, February 17 and Monday, February 19. 

“February Festivities at Trailside offers educational and imaginative programs to delight people of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This year we are excited to welcome Mad Science of New Jersey with their entertaining, engaging and hands-on workshops.”   

Highlighting Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 19 is Mad Science of New Jersey.  Children ages 8-12 are invited to join a professional teacher from the Mad Science team to discover how much fun science can be.

Through hands-on demonstrations, unique equipment and animated instructors, children will enjoy investigating chemical reactions in Chem in a Flash offered at 1:00 & 2:00 p.m. Chem in a Flash permits young scientists to perform instantaneous experiments and witness split second reactions.

Children can also explore the farthest reaches of the solar system, create a lunar eclipse and build and take home Kepler’s Cube, a fun and educational 3-D Solar System puzzle during Planets and Moons also offered at 1:00 & 2:00 p.m. on February 19. You can enroll your child in back to back sessions for an exciting, super science filled afternoon.

Longer days and patterns of freezing and thawing signal the beginning of another maple sugaring season. Each year for a period of only four to six weeks the sap of the sugar maple tree is collected and turned into syrup. This year, Trailside celebrates The Journey of Sap to Syrup on Saturday, February 17 and Monday, February 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree.  Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take a walk to see a tapped sugar maple tree.  Take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. 

Outrageous Owls, offered on Saturday, February 17 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., investigates the habits and habitat of these secretive, nocturnal animals. Listen to calls of the screech, great horned and barred owls.  Learn about the special adaptations these birds have that make them successful hunters.

Families are invited to work together and challenge their natural history skills on a winter walk in search of animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other signs that tell us our animal neighbors have visited.  Conclude your outdoor investigation around a warm campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Animal Clue Winter Walk and Campfire is offered 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 17. 

Trailside is offering a special arts and crafts workshop Winter Art Extravaganza for all ages on Monday, February 19 any time between 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Parents and their children are invited to drop in and use their artistic abilities to celebrate the season.  Winter and snow will be the inspiration for this afternoon’s craft session. 

Pre-registration is required for programs as space is limited.  Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.  The fee for Chem in a Flash and Planets and Moons is $10/ child for residents of Union County and $12/child for out-of-county residents. The fee for The Journey of Sap to Syrup, Animal Clue Winter Walk & Campfire and Outrageous Owls is $5/person for residents of Union County and $6/person for out-of-county residents.  The fee for the Winter Art & Crafts Extravaganza is $5/child for residents of Union County and $6/child for out-of-county residents

For additional information about programs offered during February Festivities, winter workshops and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and 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 all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados thanks Crystal Orr and Keyonah Orr of the Urban League of Union County Young Professionals for a donation of business clothing for men & women to the Union County One Stop Center. They were joined by Nathalie Hernandez, Coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity.

The donations were coordinated through the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, which was announced by Chairman Granados during the recent County reorganization as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for County government in 2018. The office promotes volunteerism and outreach, and works with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities. For more information on the office, please email Ms. Hernandez at Nahernandez@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholders Linda Carter and Alexander Mirabella presented resolutions to members of Color Group Orange from the Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC STEP) congratulating them on winning the Civic Engagement Challenge of 2018 UC STEP. Eight of the members received their resolutions in person during the Regular Freeholder Board Meeting on Thursday, January 25. They were joined by Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner and Deana Mesaros of the Department of Economic Development.

UC STEP was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership and personal growth skills and responsibility within their communities.

More than 200 sophomores and junior students from high schools throughout Union County participated in the annual program, which took place in December 2017 at Kean University in Union.

Color Group Orange’s campaign, Branches Against Bullying will be a “compliment drive” of positive and uplifting messages written on leaves of the Branches Against Bullying tree.  The trees will be placed in all participating schools for students to take a compliment leaf whenever one is needed.

All together the members of Color Group Orange are: Nick Sofianakos, Arthur L. Johnson High School; Erin Butterfield, Governor Livingston High School; David Martinez, Governor Livingston High School; Michael Guzman, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy; George McReynolds, John E. Dwyer Technology Academy; Meital Oshri, Jonathon Dayton High School; Derrick-Charles Cosby-Hurling, Linden High School; Pierette Foy, Linden High School; Marissa Policarpio, New Providence High School; Nina Suske, New Providence High School; Rashanna Fowler, Plainfield High School; Kyle Isolda, Scotch Plains- Fanwood High School, Sarai G. Romero, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School; Kendra Melendez, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy; and Sydnee Alava, Union High School.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/ County of Union)

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders appointed Edward Oatman to be the new County Manager effective March 1st.

Oatman will succeed Alfred Faella, who announced his retirement effective March 1st after more than six years as County Manager.

Oatman, 42,  has more than 16 years of governmental experience. He is the 12th top executive under the County Manager form of government. Oatman assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations and budget of a 21-municipality government with approximately 2,800 full-time employees.  He will be responsible for the implementation of the policy of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“I would like to thank the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for this opportunity as well as the residents of Union County,” said Oatman. “I look forward to continuing the vision and course of action the Freeholder Board has set, and to deliver the best possible services to our residents. It is an honor to serve the public in this position.”

Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados congratulated and welcomed Oatman.

“Ed has more than 16 years of governmental experience at the state and in working with officials at the local and county levels of government, as well as experience in running a business,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, who added that Oatman had reached out to every Freeholder on the Board prior to his confirmation. “We are excited to work with him in moving Union County forward.”

Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski added that the Board has confidence in Oatman’s abilities having worked through him over the years on state issues involving Senator Scutari and former Assemblywoman Linda Stender.

“Ed has great experience in developing solutions to complex issues,” said Kowalski. “He brings the added dimension of his statewide contacts and experience, and his ability to build a consensus in getting things done.”

Over the years, Oatman has worked to assist Senator Scutari and former Assemblywoman Stender in developing landmark environmental, public safety, health and infrastructure legislation. He has served as Chief of Staff for Senator Scutari for the past six years and for Assemblyman Jim Kennedy for the past two years. Oatman was the Union County Campaign Coordinator for Governor Phil Murphy. Oatman previously served as Chief of Staff for former Assemblywoman Linda Stender from 2002-16.  He is a partner in Parktowne Associates, a small business focusing on political consulting and community and governmental affairs.

Oatman has worked on bills that would prohibit individuals on the terror watch list from being able to purchase a gun in New Jersey; the Global Warming Response Act signed by then Governor Corzine; a measure reducing the use of pesticides in schools; the Pedestrian safety legislation which provides pedestrians with a clear right to safely navigate New Jersey’s roadways; and a bill that consolidated the NJ Turnpike and the Parkway, resulting in millions in savings to taxpayers.

Oatman also worked with various levels of government in efforts that resulted in funding for the Tremley Point Connector road in Linden, a long-sought infrastructure project that is vital to improving roadway safety and fueling economic development in the region.

Working on behalf of Stender and Scutari, Oatman worked to aid a local Scotch Plains family as Scutari amended a law to change the form of Marijuana that could be distributed for medicinal purposes. Christie ultimately vetoed the measure and the case made national news as  it involved a two-year-old Scotch Plains resident who suffered from a catastrophic, drug-resistant form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.

As County Manager, Oatman added he would continue to follow the Board’s vision of realizing economic efficiencies, maintaining the County’s high bond rating, while continuing the trend of delivering solid services that touch all residents and working families at every stage in life.

“These are all areas this Freeholder Board has excelled in governing, and I will continue to move the needle forward,” said Oatman.

Oatman also emphasized the importance of continuing to jumpstart economic development, especially infrastructure improvements including roadway projects, while providing new job opportunities to residents.

“We certainly look forward to working with our new Governor, who shares many of the same priorities as the Freeholder Board does,” said Oatman.

Oatman has a Bachelor’s of Science in Political from Kean University. Oatman currently serves on the Kean University Board of Trustees; and has been active in his hometown of  Woodbridge, having served on the Boards of the Woodbridge Little League; and the Woodbridge Township Youth Soccer Association. He is a member of the Mawbey Street School & Woodbridge Middle School PTO.

Oatman is married and has three children, and lives in Woodbridge with the family dog, Buddy the Beagle.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards. The awardees will be honored at the 26^th annual Women of Excellence dinner on Friday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Westwood, 438 North Avenue in Garwood.

“Throughout the years, the Women of Excellence Awards have sparked conversations about opportunities, challenges and achievements in today’s society,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Now more than ever, it is vital to affirm the powerful impact of women’s leadership, and affirm our support for women in all aspects of life in Union County.”

The Women of Excellence Awards honor women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of arts and humanities, business/entrepreneurial, community service, education, government, law, law enforcement, medicine/health care, and women’s advocacy. The program is run by the Commission on the Status of Women and sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Union County Office on Women.

“Our Women of Excellence awardees provide us with inspiring models for success in a wide range of endeavors. The whole community is strengthened and invigorated when each one of us can follow our passion and exercise our full potential,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, who is the Board’s liaison to the Commission on the Status of Women.

Residents of Union County and out-of-county residents who are active in Union County affairs are eligible for the award.

The 2018 Women of Excellence awardees are:

Malathi Narayan Ananthakrishnan, New Providence  (Arts in Education)

Dr. Ludovina Archeval , Holy Redemer Home Care of Elizabeth (Health/Medicine)

Brooke Campbell, Cranford (Children’s Advocacy)

Maria Carvalho, Elizabeth (Youth Advocacy)

Councilwoman Rose Checchio, Scotch Plains (Government)

Candyce Mayers, Linden (Women’s Advocacy)

Marguerite Modero, Roselle Park (Special Needs Advocacy)

Donna Puzella , Summit (Business Leadership)

Patricia Roman, Clark (Volunteerism)

Margaret Salisbury, Union (Lifetime Achievement)

Nominations are open to women 21 years or older who live, volunteer, or work in Union County.

All awardees are guests of honor at the annual Women of Excellence gala awards dinner each spring. Awardees receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution recognizing their contributions to the Union County community.

The 2018 Women of Excellence Award Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Friday March 16, at The Westwood in Garwood.

Tickets are required for attendance and must be purchased by March 2, 2018. The cost is $50.00 per person. Payment may be made by check to the UCCSW and mailed to Ms. Carol Lombardo, 275 Fourth Avenue, Garwood NJ 07207. For more information email bkwrm148@hotmail.com.

The Union County Office on Women was established to help ensure that women connect with services and programs that enable them to reach their full potential at every stage of their lives. More information is available online at ucnj.org/women.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Retailer abruptly closes doors at numerous stores across nation, including Linden location

LINDEN, NJ—The Union County Freeholder Board through its social service and re-employment agencies is offering assistance to any Union County resident who was laid off by today’s Sam’s Club Store closings. Sam’s Club maintained a store in Linden, which abruptly closed,  laying off as many as an estimated 200 full-time and part-time employees.

“We offer our sympathies to our residents who were laid off by this abrupt and unexpected closing,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Christopher Hudak, a resident of Linden, in a joint statement. “We would like these former employees to know that the County stands prepared to immediately assist with employment services through our various agencies, and we urge all to take advantage of them.”

Freeholder Granados, a liaison to the Workforce Development Board, and Freeholder Hudak have already ensured these County offices have been notified of the closing and are available to assist (more information is available at https://ucnj.org/sams-club-closures/):

Union County Workforce Development Center

Union County One-Stop Career Centers

The American Job Center Operator manages the Union County American Job Centers, including the management and coordination of all workforce services with Union County workforce partners and the Freeholder Board, as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).  Services include career counseling, training, and career advancement for residents and employers. 

Elizabeth
921 Elizabeth Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
908-558-8000

Plainfield
200 West Second Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060
908-757-9090

Weekly Updated Local Job Opportunities

Done in partnership between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County College.

https://ucnj.org/wdb/job-fairs-and-opportunities/

Sheriff Corvelli sworn into first term, Freeholder Garretson sworn into first term; Freeholders Estrada and Hudak Begin New Terms

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH, NJ-–Freeholder Sergio Granados has been selected as Chairman of the Board and announced a series of initiatives for 2018, entitled “Moving Union County Forward,” assisting families, youth, seniors, Veterans, those with special needs, and embracing progressive and inclusive ideals.

Included in these initiatives are the state’s first-ever Office of LGTBQ, Office for People with Special Needs, and the Level the Playing Field grant program—yet another example of a “first”—as Union County will become the first County in the state, and perhaps nation—to have every municipality create an inclusive playground.

Granados, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth who is the youngest Democratic Freeholder ever elected in the State of New Jersey, announced his initiatives at the 162nd annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Sunday.

Sheriff Peter Corvelli, of Kenilworth, was sworn into his first term, and Freeholder Angela Garretson, of Hillside, was sworn into her first term. Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Angel Estrada were sworn into new terms. Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was appointed as Freeholder Vice Chairwoman. Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the Board’s 2018 schedule and procedural rules.

As his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018, Granados announced a new series of programs—including a number of first-time programs never done before throughout the state—championing advocacy and equality,  outreach and volunteerism, public safety, the environment and education.    (See www.ucnj.org/freeholders)

Most of these initiatives are at little or no additional cost, or use existing funding.

“We will be setting many ‘firsts’ this year, with innovative programs that will put Union County at forefront of the progressive movement in the State of New Jersey,” Granados said in his announcement. “Growing up I learned: You must empower yourself through hard work and effort; you must work on ways to help others empower themselves; and always give back to your community. Success is meaningless without helping others.”

The following is a summary below of “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives:

• UNION COUNTY HEART–stands for Helping, Empowering, Advocating for, Reaching and Teaching others.
  • At the core of the UC HEART initiative, is the creation of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. The goal of the office will be to promote volunteerism and outreach. The office’s coordinator will work with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities. 
  • Partnering with the Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) to reinvest and create more jobs in Union County’s diverse communities. The UCEDC will receive a $250,000 grant to conduct outreach efforts in these areas and will provide at least half a million dollars in low interest loan capital to small businesses. 
  • The creation of the state’s first-ever LGBTQ Office. This office will advocate for our LGBTQ residents in working to provide the services they need and deserve. “This Freeholder Board has a proud record of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Granados.
  • The creation of the state’s first-ever, Office for People with Special Needs. This Office will provide recreational and social opportunities for those with special needs, “as all residents deserve an equal chance,” Granados said. As part of this effort, the Sheriff’s Office will also revitalize and expand the Project Lifesaver program which provides tracking bracelets for those with special needs and those with Alzheimer’s. The County will also open a new Sensory-Friendly Trail at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside—the County’s first such facility. And as the final part of this effort, the County will administer the Level the Playing Field grant program—yet another example of a “first”—as Union County will become the first County in the state, and perhaps nation—to have every municipality create an inclusive playground. This effort, which is funded through Union County’s Open Space program, will assist our towns in creating, enhancing, or replacing recreational facilities to make them inclusive for all wishing to use them.
  • The continuation of UC HERO, which has helped so many Veterans. This year will bring new job fairs, and the exploration of ways to diminish the PTSD epidemic. As a whole, the County Freeholder Board will continue to expand on the successful job fairs and employment training it has sponsored for all residents through the Union County Workforce Development Board.
  • Creation of the Union County Science, Technology, Engineering and Math grant program (known as UC STEM).  Under this program, funding will be available for STEM-related enrichment in our elementary and middle schools.  
• UNION COUNTY PLANT A SEED, which involves educational and environmental components:
  • The continuation and expansion of the UC Kids Dig In! Garden grants program, which offers grants to schools that engage young students in community gardening and donating produce to local shelters and pantries.
  • Continuing on Freeholder Bruce Bergen’s idea, the County will continue to investigate the feasibility of constructing a Countywide Animal Shelter.
  • New state funded Union County recycling initiatives with programs that encourage recycling amongst our municipal partners and will provide recycling supplies for schools and seniors. The recycling programs will be funded through state recycling grants.
• PARKS INITIATIVES:
  • The building of numerous turf fields in Plainfield, Summit, Scotch Plains and Rahway;
  • A skate park at Mattano Park in Elizabeth;
  • A spray park at Wheeler Park in Linden;
  • A new golf clubhouse at the Ashbrook Golf Course in Scotch Plains;
  • Tutoring and mentoring programs at the Warinanco Park Sports Center in Roselle;
• PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
  • The County will partner with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in NJ, and offer a gun buyback program through the County Police, Prosecutor’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office.
  • The County Police will partner with local police departments to provide additional public safety services for our school districts.
  • The expansion of prisoner re-entry programs that give a second chance for those who seek it: The Department of Corrections will be providing special assistance easing their re-entry into society; and the Department of Human Services will be providing support services after their release, aimed at reducing recidivism.

Granados closed off his initiatives with a call for continued fiscal responsibility, announcing the Freeholder Board will work with the County Manager to examine cost savings through the creation of a Fiscal Efficiency Taskforce.

Granados concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving all goals:

“We have announced many ‘firsts’ today. This all speaks to the vision of this Freeholder Board moving Union County forward in a progressive manner. We are connected…we are inclusive…we are united. And we will work to support one another. I look forward to ‘Moving Union County Forward’ with all of you. Thank you.”

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados is sworn as the 2018 Chairman of the Freeholder Board by the Honorable Judge Carl Marshall, J.M.C. during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Chairman Granados is his nephew Amir Abuhamoud. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski is sworn in as the 2018 Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Vice Chairman Kowalski is her husband, Andy Lanset and County Manager Alfred J. Faella. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli is sworn into office by Senator-Elect Joseph P. Cryan during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Sheriff Corvelli are his daughters Alyssa and Rylee, and his wife Kelly. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada is sworn into office by Jorge A. Estrada, Esq during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Estrada are his two grandchildren, Keith and Alexandra. They are joined by his wife Teresa Estrada, his daughter Lilian Duryee and son-in-law Christopher Duryee, his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Magda Noga Estrada. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Angela Garretson is sworn into office by New Jersey Governor-Elect Philip Murphy during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Garretson is her mother, Lorraine Garretson. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak is sworn into office by the Honorable Judge John Hudak, J.S.C., during Union County Government’s 162^nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Hudak are his wife Terri, their daughter Catherine Riley and son Jackson, and his mother-in-law Kathleen Riley. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Contact: Sara Cullinane sara.cullinane@maketheroadnj.org 908-768-4991

(Elizabeth, NJ) Today the Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans. Effective Sept. 9, 2019, nearly 200,000 people who have been living and working legally in the U.S. for almost two decades, who have American families, homes and businesses, will be subject to deportation. 10,000 Salvadoran TPS holders currently reside in New Jersey.

Make the Road New Jersey, the grassroots immigrant rights organization based in Elizabeth, NJ strongly condemns this decision.

“Once again the Trump administration has made a cruel and inhumane decision by ending TPS for Salvadorans living in the United States. Families who have been living here for decades, who have families, jobs and form an integral part of the fabric of our communities will now face deportation to one of the most violent countries in the world,” said Make the Road New Jersey leader Douglas Martinez, who immigrated from El Salvador more than a decade ago. “Racism and xenophobia are the only explanation for this horrific decision that will gut our communities and put our families’ lives at risk.”

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados issued the following statement: “Our nation has long stood as a beacon of liberty against oppression, but the TPS decision is yet another example of President Trump’s utter disregard for the devastating impact of his immigration policies on hardworking families and communities here in Union County and across the United States. As a person of Salvadoran heritage, I find this latest humanitarian outrage an especially egregious affront to the dignity of all Americans who stand for fairness and justice, and I intend to work alongside my fellow Salvadorans and Make the Road New Jersey in the fight against this decision.”

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in tackling the environmental issues of today can join the Environmental Stewards program. Conveniently based in Westfield, the program is designed to help local residents design and execute environmental projects in their communities.

“The Environmental Stewards program brings the insights of scientists and researchers to Union County’s doorstep, and helps our citizens take effective action,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you working on environmental issues in your community, this program will help you gather the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals and make a real difference.”

Environmental Stewards is an award-winning program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a division of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

Any Union County resident is welcome to join the program as an individual, or on behalf of their municipality, employer or group such as a non-profit organization, academic institution, civic association, religious institution, Scout troop or local environmental commission.

“Union County is fortunate to host some outstanding environmental citizens in the corporate world, so we would also like to see our business community get involved in the program,” said Granados.

Experts from Rutgers University, non-profit organizations and Union County government will guide the participants through topics including energy conservation, climate change, invasive species, open space management, soil health, water resource pollution, environmental policy, protecting pollinators, and habitat conservation.

Rutgers has previously offered the program in other counties. This is the first year it has been offered in Union County.

The Environmental Stewards program will hold classroom training sessions beginning Friday, January 26 at the Extension offices in Westfield, at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East.

Classes are held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for 20 weeks. Applications are available online at envirostewards.rutgers.edu. A fee of $250.00 applies.

For more information, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

For information on all Extension programs offered in Union County, including 4-H, Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection for all Union County environmental programs and activities.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.