MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Middlesex County Clerk Elaine M. Flynn encouraged homeowners who were part of a home foreclosure between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010 to take advantage of a new review program being offered by the federal government.

The Independent Foreclosure Review program is being offered through the Federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Homeowners who were part of a foreclosure during that time period are eligible to request an independent review of their foreclosure process.

If the review finds that financial injury occurred to the homeowner as a result of errors, misrepresentations or other deficiencies in the servicer’s foreclosure process, the homeowner may be eligible for compensation. Where a borrower suffered financial injury as a result of such practices, the consent orders require remediation to be provided.

“If you underwent a foreclosure in 2009 or 2010, I urge you to take advantage of this process,” Flynn said. “This review will help determine if you suffered undue financial injury due to errors or other problems during your home foreclosure process.”

Under enforcement actions taken by the OCC, the Federal Reserve and the Office of Thrift Supervision in April 2011, 14 large mortgage services were required to correct deficiencies in their servicing and foreclosure processes and to engage independent firms to conduct a multi-faceted independent review of foreclosure actions that occurred in 2009 and 2010.

“I would like to thank the County Clerk for bringing attention to this program and for looking out for the best interests of our residents,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti chair of the County’s Community Services Committee.

“This program will help determine instances where our residents may have been mislead or faced undue costs during an already difficult time,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Christopher D. Rafano. “Helping to spread the word about programs such as this, is another way we can serve our citizens.”

Nationally, more than 4 million letters were mailed to potentially eligible borrowers with request-for-review forms and instructions on how to complete and return them. If you did not receive a form in the mail, you can request a form by calling 1-888-952-9105, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The form needs to be returned by April 30, 2012.

Flynn added: “You can begin the process today by completing a form and making sure to submit it by the April 30, 2012 deadline.”

For additional information and answers to basic questions about the review process, visit www.IndependentForeclosureReview.com.

Theatre • Feb. 10-26 – Playhouse 22, located at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, will present a production of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Info: 1-732-254-3939.

Guitar Night • Feb. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m. – Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy train station, 233 Smith St., will host a guitar night with music by Alejandro Ataucusi and Paul Kosar. Info: 1-732-343-1717.

Live Music • Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. – The New Standard Jazz Quintet will play at the Salem Roadhouse Café, at Townley Presbyterian Church, 829 Salem Rd., Union. Admission is $15 ($10 students) and includes hot and cold snacks, beverages and desserts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Info: 1-908-686-1028.

Night of Dance • Feb. 11 from 7-11 p.m. – Enjoy an evening of dining and dancing featuring New Jersey competitive ballroom dancers Terry & Leilani Viney at the Berkeley Plaza, 735 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. Tickets are $75 per person and $150 per couple. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Greater Union County’s Summit Area Special Response Fund. Info: 1-908-353-7171 ext. 129

Art Exhibit • Feb. 12-March 15 – Arts Guild New Jersey, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present a new exhibit “Road Trip: My America.” Opening reception on Feb. 12 from 1-4 p.m. Free admission. For info & gallery hours, call 1-732-381-7511.

Sports Card Show • Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – The Rahway Senior Citizens Center, 1306 Esterbrook Ave., will host a sports card and collectibles show. Suggested donation: $1. (Children under 10 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.) Info: 1-732-827-2094.

Valentine’s Tea • Feb. 12 from 11-3 p.m. – The Proprietary House, 149 Kearny Ave., Perth Amboy, will host a Valentine’s Tea. Suggested donation: $7. Includes tour of the former Royal Governor’s Mansion. Info 1-732-826-5527.

Preschool Open House • Feb. 12 from noon-2 p.m. – Bright Beginnings Preschool at the JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will hold an open house for parents of prospective students, ages 2 ½ to 5. Info: Joan Green, 1-732-494-3232 x625

Thanksgiving in February • Feb. 12 from 2- 6 p.m. – Woodbridge Elks Lodge #2116, 665 Rahway Ave. will host a Thanksgiving in February “All You Can Eat” turkey buffet dinner. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10.

Chicken Casserole Contest & Dinner • Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. – First Presbyterian Church of Iselin, 1295 Oak Tree Rd., Iselin, will host a Chicken Casserole Contest and Dinner. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and kids ages 5-12. Judging will be held at 4:45 p.m. Info: 1-732-283-1188.

ESL Classes • Feb. 13 – The JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will offer English as a Second Language classes in February and March. Testing for new students will take place during the week of Feb. 13; classes begin on Feb. 28. The cost is $100 ($10 per class) Info: Sharon Katz, 1-732-494-3232 x. 619.

Cholesterol Screening • Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct cholesterol screenings at Overlook Downtown, 357 Springfield Ave., Summit. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register. There is a $10 fee.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 15 from 5-7 p.m. – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at the Westfield YMCA, 220 Clark St. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at Whole Foods Market, 2245 Springfield Ave., Vauxhall. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Medicare/Medicaid Seminar • Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on navigating the “Medicare-Medicaid Maze” at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Flower & Garden Show • Feb. 16 from 1-8 p.m., Feb 17 &18 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – The New Jersey Flower & Garden Show, offering garden displays, a flower show and a garden marketplace, will be held at New Jersey Convention Center, Edison. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for kids 12-17. Info:1-732-449-4004

Book Discussion • Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. – The Carteret Public Library, 100 Cooke Ave., will host a meeting of its Reading Club. They will discuss “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Info: 1-732-541-3830.

Estate & Income Tax Seminar • Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on Estate and Federal Income Tax at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Open Mic Night • Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m. – The Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy Train Station at 233 Smith St., will host an open mic night for music, song and spoken word. There will also be an art reception for local artist Juan Valdez. Info: 1-732-343-1717.

Fish & Chips • Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. – The Rahway High School Band Boosters will sponsor a fish and chips dinner by Argyle Restaurant at the American Legion Hall, 581 Maple Ave., Rahway. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 10 years old. Call 1-732-882-8745 or 1-732-208-4633. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Blood Drive • Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Lafayette Lodge #27, 1550 Irving St., Rahway, will host a blood drive. All donors will receive a complimentary cholesterol screening. Info: 1-732-388-0309

Great Backyard Bird Count • Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. –2 p.m. –Rutgers Master Gardners of Middlesex County invite you to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park. Bring your binoculars and field guides. RSVP to evans@AESOP.Rutgers.edu

Chug Ivrit • Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. – Raritan Valley Chapter’s Chug Ivrit (Hebrew Club) will meet at the home of Rachel Weintraub, 120 Highland Ave., Edison. Info: 1-732-819-9298.

Concert • Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. – The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts Concert Band will play selections ranging from Renaissance to Ragtime favorites at Temple Emanu-El, 756 East Broad St., Westfield. Admission is $10 per person. Info: 1-908-789-9696.

Missionary Sunday • Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. – Calvary Assembly of God, 953 West Chestnut St., Union, has invited David and Cheryl Greco to the church’s monthly “Missionary Sunday” service to discuss their work in Mexico. Info: 1-908-694-1133.

Dance • Feb. 19 from 7 – 11 p.m. – Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers will hold an open dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Morrisey Ave., Avenel. Refreshments, all welcome. Admission: $10 members, $12 guests. Info: 1-732-381-3255 or 1-908-757-0515.

Singles • Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. – Steppin’ Out Singles will hold an upscale dance party at the Woodbridge Hilton Grand Ballroom, 20 Wood Ave. South, Iselin. Ages 40+; no jeans/t-shirts/sneakers. Admission: $17. Info: 1-732-656-1801. Directions: 1-732-494-6200.

Open Auditions • Feb. 20 & 21 at 7 p.m. – Playhouse 22, East Brunswick’s Community Theater, will hold open auditions for its spring production of “Gypsy” at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd. Info: 1-732-254-3939 or www.Playhouse22.org.

Shrove Tuesday Potato Pancake Supper • Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. – The Reformed Church of Linden, 600 N. Wood Ave., will host a Shrove Tuesday Potato Pancake Supper. Tickets (advance only – Feb. 17 cutoff) are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Info: 1-908-486-3714.

Heart Health • Feb. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. – A Trinitas Regional Medical Center cardiologist will speak at a “Joyful Heart” tea, which will include a light, heart-healthy dinner, at Echo Executive Plaza, Suite 1A, 899 Mountain Ave., Springfield. To register, call 1-908-994-8939.

Dining To Donate • Feb. 23 from 2-8 p.m. – Broadway Bistro, 26 North Broadway, South Amboy, will hold a Dining To Donate fundraiser for the Dowdelll Library Foundations. If patrons present a flier for the event, 10% of their check will be donated. Fliers are available from the bistro and the library. Info: 1-732-316-1078.

Book Signing • Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. – Author Cristina Guarneri will sign copies of her novel “See No Evil” at Rock N Joe, 339 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell. Info: 1-888-361-9473

History Lecture • Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. – Stephen Schoeman, Ph.D., will lecture on the history of the U.S. Presidency from colonial times to the present at the Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Ave. Info: 1-908-851-5450 ext. 5452.

Elizabeth AARP • Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. – Elizabeth AARP Chapter 5439 will hold their monthly meeting at the Stephen Sampson Senior Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth. New members welcome. Info: 1-908-342-6920.

Black History Month • Feb. 24 from 6:30-9 p.m. – United Way’s African-American Leadership Initiative’s “Making A Mark” event will celebrate A Journey of Black Dance, with a performance by the Plainfield High School Dance Ensemble with special guests, The New Jersey Orators Group. Tickets for the event, which will be held at Kean University’s University Center Little Theater, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, are $25. Info: 1-908-353-7171 ext. 136.

Art Workshop • Feb. 25 – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present an Encaustic Painting Workshop. Fee: $70 + $25 materials fee. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Spaghetti Dinner • Feb. 26 from 4-8 p.m. – Middlesex County 4-H will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the County 4-H Center, 645 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick. Tickets are $8 per person, and proceeds will help pay for needed repairs at the Middlesex County 4-H Center. The Hub Kings will play soul/jazz music during part of the evening. To reserve your seat, call 1-732-398-5261.

Green Living Group Meeting • Feb. 27 from 7-9 p.m. – Rutgers professor Dr. Joseph Heckman will present “Anonymous Commodity Producer or Artisan Farmer with a Face: Who is Your Farmer and Why? At the East Brunswick Public Library, 2 Jean Walling Civic Center, in meeting room 1. Info: www.friendsebec.com.

Women’s History Month Film Festival • March 1-3 – Women in Media-Newark will present “FootPrints in the City” with a kickoff event at the Newark Public Library and films at the Paul Robeson Student Center, Rutgers-Newark, on March 2 & 3. Info: www.wim-n.com

Gift Auction • March 2 at 7:30 p.m. – The Parents Guild of Mother Seton Regional High School. Valley Road, Clark (GSP Exit 135) will sponsor a “Bon Voyage” Gift Auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission: $15. No tickets sold at the door. For tickets and info, call 1-732-382-1952.

Craft & Vendor Fair • March 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Middlesex County 4-H will hold a craft fair fundraiser at the 4-H Center on Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick. Info: 1-732-723-9968.

Art Workshop • March 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present an Alla Prima Painting Technique Workshop. Fee: $70. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Book Signing • March 4 from 1-4 p.m. – Author Dominick Mazzagetti will sign copies of his book, “True Jersey Blues” at the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown. Museum admission required. Info: 1-973-538-2404.

Gift Auction • March 4 at 2 p.m. (snow date: March 11) – Divine Mercy Parish, 213 Pershing Ave., Carteret, will host its annual gift auction. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission: $8 (no one under 18 admitted.) For info or tickets, call Lori at 1-732-541-5616 or Debbie at 1-732-541-5736.

Widows Or Widowers • March 5 at 7 p.m. – Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers will hold a business meeting at the Carteret Community Center, Pershing & Cooke Aves. All widows or widowers are invited to attend. Info: 1-732-969-2228 or 1-908-757-0515.

Business Seminar • March 7 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will hold a free public seminar, “Starting and Succeeding with a New Business” at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Singles • March 9 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. – The Professional and Business Singles Network will hold a casual singles social at Snuffy’s Famous Steak House, 250 Park Ave. at Rte. 22 in Scotch Plains. $18 admission, cash bar. Sharp casual business attire. 40+ age group. Info: 1-610-348-5544.

Gift Auction • March 9 at 8 p.m. – The St. John the Apostle Parent Faculty Guild is sponsoring a gift auction at the school’s auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance. The school is located on Valley Road, Clark. Info: 1-908-276-0498.

Art Workshop • March 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present a Dynamic Figure Drawing and Anatomy Workshop. Fee: $95. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Farmers Market • March 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – The first East Brunswick Winter Farmers Market will be held a the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd.

ONE VOICE Coalition Breakfast • March 10 at 10 a.m. – The Italian-American ONE VOICE Coaltion will hold a special breakfast for new members at Brix Tapas Bar & Grill, 371 Franklin Ave., Belleville. Breakfast is $25; ONE VOICE membership is $60. Info: 1-973-759-9259.

CD & Record Show • March 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Greater NJ Record Show returns to Hotel 304 West on Route 22 West in Springfield. Dozens of music dealers will sell records, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for kids. Info: GNJRecordShows@yahoo.com

Purim Carnival • March 11 from noon-3 p.m. – The Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will hold a Purim Carnival Extravaganza. Free admission and games. Come in costume & receive two prize tickets. Info: 1-732-494-3232 ext. 621.

Blood Drive • March 13 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. – The Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry St., will host a blood drive in the Columbia Bank Room. Info: 1-908-298-3830 ext. 11 or 1-800-NJBLOOD.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon • March 14 – St. Genevieve’s Leisure Group will hold their St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Kenilworth Inn, at a cost of $32. Reservations may be made by calling 1-908-352-6942.

Landlord/Tenant Issues Seminar • March 15 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on Landlord-Tenant Issues at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

St. Patrick Happy Hour • March 16 from 5-7 p.m. – Ken Vercammen is inviting Central Jersey business owners and professionals to a St. Patrick Happy Hour at Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave., Lake Como / Belmar. RSVP to VercammenLaw@Njlaws.com and bring a canned food donation.

Fishing Flea Market • March 17 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – The Rahway Fishing Flea Market, now in its 16th year, returns to St. Thomas Church Hall, 1400 St. Georges Ave. Saltwater & freshwater fishing items and boating items will be for sale. Admission: $4 (Children under 12 free) Info: 1-732-381-2165.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance • March 17 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. – Knights of Columbus #4815, 61 Pine St., Old Bridge, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. Tickets are $25 (advance only) and include a traditional dinner, wine/beer/soda, and desserts. Cash bar. DJ music by Tony V. Info: 1-732-251-0970.

Cancer Presentation • March 21 at 7 p.m. – The Northern NJ Affiliate of the Young Survival Coalition will sponsor an event, “Reinventing Your Life After Cancer,” with guest speaker Gail Tyrrell, executive director of the Ruby Heals Foundation, at Morristown Memorial Hospital’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. To register, call 1-201-843-6695.

Nonviolent Communication Workshop • March 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, will host “Moving Beyond Enemy Images in Peace & Justice Work” presented by Eliane Geren, CNVC Trainer. Registration is $60 and participants should bring a bagged lunch. Info: 1-973-838-8576.

Disabilities Awareness Day • April 15 from noon-4 p.m. – The North Brunswick Abilities Council will host its 4th annual Disabilities Awareness Day at North Brunswick Township High School, 98 Raider Rd. Free admission; refreshments. Info: 1-732-247-0922 ext. 619.

CD & Record Show • June 10 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Greater NJ Record Show returns to Hotel 304 West on Route 22 West in Springfield. Dozens of music dealers will sell records, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for kids. Info: GNJRecordShows@yahoo.com

Gov. Chris Christie

WESTFIELD – During a visit to Westfield on Wednesday for a town hall meeting, Gov. Chris Christie called for a New Jersey Education Association executive to resign following a controversial comment made on a television program Monday.

Vince Giordano, the NJEA’s executive director, appeared on NJTV’s “N.J. Capitol Report” program on Feb. 6. In response to a question about the Opportunity Scholarship Act, which is intended to help students from poor families attend better schools, Giordano told the program’s host, “Life’s not always fair and I’m sorry about that.”

“I cannot express how disgusted I am by that statement by the head of the largest teachers union in our state,” Christie said Wednesday, “but I also have to tell you I’m not the least bit surprised because I think it so succinctly captures what their real position is.”

“As Vince drives out of the palace on State Street in his big luxury car and his $500,000 salary, I’m sure life’s really fair for him and if Vince’s kids were in a failing school district he could afford to send them to any school in New Jersey that could help them succeed,” Christie added.

“I have no intention of resigning,” Giordano said in a statement Wednesday. “If [Gov. Christie] thinks he’s going to bully me like he bullies everyone else, he doesn’t understand who I am, or how deeply I care about the work I do. I have too much important work to do protecting New Jersey’s public schools from the disastrous education policies of this governor. In just two years he has done more damage to education than I have seen in nearly 50 years of service as a teacher and advocate for public schools.”

Since the governor took office, Christie and the state’s public school teachers’ union have been at odds.

Giordano acknowledged that his comment on the television program Monday could be misinterpreted, but re-articulated the NJEA’s position on the bill in a statement Tuesday.

“We oppose vouchers and other privatization programs because they will take resources from disadvantaged public schools and only exacerbate the challenges faced by students in those communities,” he said. “That will create a world that is even less fair, and we will not stand for that.”

Christie also had pointed words for three state Senators, Loretta Weinberg, (D-Teaneck), Ray Lesniak, (D-Elizabeth) and Paul Sarlo (D- Wood-Ridge), for comments they have made to the press about information in supposedly confidential questionnaires filled out by the governor’s Supreme Court nominees. The questionnaires themselves were obtained by the Newark Star-Ledger, and Christie also said that whoever leaked the documents may have committed a crime.

Wednesday’s town hall forum at the Westfield National Guard Armory was attended by approximately 600 people.

Gov. Chris Christie

WESTFIELD – Gov. Chris Christie will hold a town hall meeting at the Westfield National Guard Armory located at 500 Rahway Avenue, on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. and seating is on a first come, first served basis.

New Jerseyans are encouraged to bring family, friends and neighbors for this public forum with the governor. For more information, call the Governor’s Office at 1-609-777-2500.

EDISON — Local students from The Wardlaw-Hartridge School performed in a Lower School Cabaret on Feb. 2. Briella Payami of Scotch Plains danced a ballet routine to “Berceuse”; Kelly Lawrence of Scotch Plains provided a Taekwondo lesson; and Lily Helander of Westfield did a hip hop dance to “Shake it Up.” (Photos courtesy of Wardlaw-Hartridge)

Vic Richel, Richard Malcolm, Gerald Glasser, Daniel Connolly and Union County College President Margaret McMenamin. (Photo courtesy of Union County College)

UNION COUNTY — Union County College has named three new members to its Board of Governors. Board of Trustees Chair Vic Richel and Board of Governors Chair Elizabeth Garcia presided over the swearing-in ceremony during the public meeting on the college’s Elizabeth campus.

Daniel J. Connolly, CPA, of Clark is Managing Partner of Connolly & Connolly Co., P.C. Warren, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Union County College and received his B.S. in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison. Connolly is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accounts, Past President and Treasurer of the Watchung-Warren Rotary and Treasurer of the Warren Business and Professional Association.

Gerald J. Glasser, is a life-long resident of Westfield. He earned a B.S. in Economics and Statistics, an M.B.A. in Statistics and a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Statistics from New York University. He was a member of the New York University faculty for 39 years, attaining the rank of full Professor, in the field of business statistics. He retired in 1992 and holds the rank of Professor Emeritus of Business Statistics. In addition to his career at NYU, he was a co-founder and principal in a media-marketing research company, Statistical Research, Inc. which had its offices in Westfield. He is President of a family charitable foundation, The Thomas Glasser Foundation.

Richard J. Malcolm, of Garwood is a member of Ironworkers, Local #480 – serving as Business Agent, President, Vice-President, Trustee, Executive Board member and a member of the Examining Committee. He is a graduate of Union County College. He has served as Foreman and/or Superintendent of various construction projects throughout Union County including the construction of the Elizabeth I. Kellogg building on the Elizabeth campus of Union County College. Other projects include Merck, Linden Powerhouse, Conoco Phillips and the Linden Cogeneration Facility.

Board of Trustees Chair Richel is pleased with these new appointments. “In Dan, Jerry, and Richard, we have three citizen leaders who will bring fresh perspectives to the Governors in their service as an advisory body to the Board of Trustees.”

The Board of Governors elected all three members for three-year terms. The membership of the Board of Governors of Union County College currently consists of 27 members, including the President of the College and three Alumni Governors nominated by the Alumni Association.

Gov. Chris Christie

WESTFIELD – Gov. Chris Christie will hold a town hall meeting in Westfield on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The doors of the Westfield National Guard Armory, located at 500 Rahway Avenue, will open at 9:45 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. event.

The event is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online with the Governor’s Office.

Atlantic City Boat Show • Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – The Atlantic City Convention Center, One Miss America Way, will host the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show. See all varieties of boats and accessories and enjoy a variety of demonstrations, clinics, and other activities. Admission: $14. Info: 1-718-707-0716 or www.ACBoatShow.com

Flight School Open House • Feb. 3 at noon – American Flyers Flight School, 50 Airport Rd., Suite 120, at Morristown Airport will host an open house and barbecue. Tour classrooms, see flight aircraft and hear a presentation by a certified flight instructor. Guests are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Info: 1-973-267-3223.

Singles • Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. – Steppin’ Out Singles will hold an upscale dance party at the Woodbridge Hilton Grand Ballroom, 20 Wood Ave. South, Iselin. Ages 40+; no jeans/t-shirts/sneakers. Admission: $17. Info: 1-732-656-1801. Directions: 1-732-494-6200.

FairTax Presentation • Feb. 6 from 6:30-8:45 p.m. – Americans for Liberty and the Morris Patriots will co-host an event at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave., Whippany, where former Congressional candidate Dave Corsi will conduct a FairTax presentation. Info: 1-973-285-6930.

Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers • Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. – Middlesex East Widows Or Widowers will conduct a business meeting at the Carteret Community Center, at Pershing and Cooke aves. All widows & widowers welcome. Info: 1-732-969-2228 or 1-908-757-0515.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at the Scotch Plains YMCA, 1340 Martine Ave. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Diabetes Screening • Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct Type 2 diabetes screenings at the Jewish Community Center, 1391 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Women’s Heart Health • Feb. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. – A cardiologist from Trinitas Regional Medical Center will present “Recognizing Cardiac Signs and Symptoms: When Should You See Your Doctor?” at The Westwood, 483 North Ave., Garwood. To register, call 1-908-994-8939.

Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers • Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. – Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers will conduct a business meeting in the Children’s Room of the Main Library, George Frederick Plaza, Rte. 35, Woodbridge. All widows and widowers welcome. Info: 1-732-381-3255 or 1-908-757-0515.

Meditation Lecture • Feb. 9 – Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy train station at 233 Smith St., will host two interactive lecture sessions with Jim Rose, M Ed. On “Meditation, A Spiritual Solution To Stress, Anger and Conflict” from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Info: 1-848-203-3432.

Living With Alzheimer’s (For Caregivers) • Feb. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, will present the first of a two-part program, “Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers – Moderate Stage” a the NJIT Campus Center, 150 Bleeker St., Ballroom B, 2nd Flooer, University Heights, Newark. Part two will be held at the same time and place on Feb. 16. To register, call 1-973-586-4300.

Art Show Opening Reception • Feb. 9 from 7-9 p.m. – The Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, will host an opening reception for “CompleXity: Art Outside the Limits of Imagination.” The exhibition, which runs until Feb. 26, features work by Gary Bulwicz, Dawn Arena, Paul Borkowski and Andrew Edwards. The gallery is open weekdays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and weekends from 2-4 p.m.

Theatre • Feb. 10-26 – Playhouse 22, located at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, will present a production of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Info: 1-732-254-3939.

ELC Breakfast • Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. – The Middlesex County Employer Legislative Committee will host a breakfast with Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-18) at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, 515 US Highway 1, Iselin. Cost is $20 per person. Register with jsteiner@organizationresources.org.

Cholesterol Screening • Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct cholesterol screenings at the Home Depot, Springfield Ave., Vauxhall. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register. There is a $10 fee.

Guitar Night • Feb. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m. – Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy train station, 233 Smith St., will host a guitar night with music by Alejandro Ataucusi and Paul Kosar. Info: 1-732-343-1717.

Live Music • Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. – The New Standard Jazz Quintet will play at the Salem Roadhouse Café, at Townley Presbyterian Church, 829 Salem Rd., Union. Admission is $15 ($10 students) and includes hot and cold snacks, beverages and desserts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Info: 1-908-686-1028.

Night of Dance • Feb. 11 from 7-11 p.m. – Enjoy an evening of dining and dancing featuring New Jersey competitive ballroom dancers Terry & Leilani Viney at the Berkeley Plaza, 735 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. Tickets are $75 per person and $150 per couple. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Greater Union County’s Summit Area Special Response Fund. Info: 1-908-353-7171 ext. 129

Art Exhibit • Feb. 12-March 15 – Arts Guild New Jersey, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present a new exhibit “Road Trip: My America.” Opening reception on Feb. 12 from 1-4 p.m. Free admission. For info & gallery hours, call 1-732-381-7511.

Sports Card Show • Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – The Rahway Senior Citizens Center, 1306 Esterbrook Ave., will host a sports card and collectibles show. Suggested donation: $1. (Children under 10 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.) Info: 1-732-827-2094.

Preschool Open House • Feb. 12 from noon-2 p.m. – Bright Beginnings Preschool at the JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will hold an open house for parents of prospective students, ages 2 ½ to 5. Info: Joan Green, 1-732-494-3232 x625

Thanksgiving in February • Feb. 12 from 2- 6 p.m. – Woodbridge Elks Lodge #2116, 665 Rahway Ave. will host a Thanksgiving in February “All You Can Eat” turkey buffet dinner. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-10.

Chicken Casserole Contest & Dinner • Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. – First Presbyterian Church of Iselin, 1295 Oak Tree Rd., Iselin, will host a Chicken Casserole Contest and Dinner. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and kids ages 5-12. Judging will be held at 4:45 p.m. Info: 1-732-283-1188.

ESL Classes • Feb. 13 – The JCC of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, will offer English as a Second Language classes in February and March. Testing for new students will take place during the week of Feb. 13; classes begin on Feb. 28. The cost is $100 ($10 per class) Info: Sharon Katz, 1-732-494-3232 x. 619.

Cholesterol Screening • Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Overlook Medical Center professionals will conduct cholesterol screenings at Overlook Downtown, 357 Springfield Ave., Summit. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register. There is a $10 fee.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 15 from 5-7 p.m. – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at the Westfield YMCA, 220 Clark St. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Blood Pressure Screening • Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. – noon – Overlook Medical Center health care professionals will conduct blood pressure screenings at Whole Foods Market, 2245 Springfield Ave., Vauxhall. Call 1-800-247-9580 to register.

Medicare/Medicaid Seminar • Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on navigating the “Medicare-Medicaid Maze” at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Flower & Garden Show • Feb. 16 from 1-8 p.m., Feb 17 &18 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – The New Jersey Flower & Garden Show, offering garden displays, a flower show and a garden marketplace, will be held at New Jersey Convention Center, Edison. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for kids 12-17. Info:1-732-449-4004

Book Discussion • Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. – The Carteret Public Library, 100 Cooke Ave., will host a meeting of its Reading Club. They will discuss “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Info: 1-732-541-3830.

Estate & Income Tax Seminar • Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on Estate and Federal Income Tax at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Open Mic Night • Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m. – The Raritan Bay Coffee Company, located inside the Perth Amboy Train Station at 233 Smith St., will host an open mic night for music, song and spoken word. There will also be an art reception for local artist Juan Valdez. Info: 1-732-343-1717.

Fish & Chips • Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. – The Rahway High School Band Boosters will sponsor a fish and chips dinner by Argyle Restaurant at the American Legion Hall, 581 Maple Ave., Rahway. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 10 years old. Call 1-732-882-8745 or 1-732-208-4633. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Blood Drive • Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Lafayette Lodge #27, 1550 Irving St., Rahway, will host a blood drive. All donors will receive a complimentary cholesterol screening. Info: 1-732-388-0309

Concert • Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. – The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts Concert Band will play selections ranging from Renaissance to Ragtime favorites at Temple Emanu-El, 756 East Broad St., Westfield. Admission is $10 per person. Info: 1-908-789-9696.

Missionary Sunday • Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. – Calvary Assembly of God, 953 West Chestnut St., Union, has invited David and Cheryl Greco to the church’s monthly “Missionary Sunday” service to discuss their work in Mexico. Info: 1-908-694-1133.

Dance • Feb. 19 from 7 – 11 p.m. – Woodbridge Widows Or Widowers will hold an open dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Morrisey Ave., Avenel. Refreshments, all welcome. Admission: $10 members, $12 guests. Info: 1-732-381-3255 or 1-908-757-0515.

Singles • Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. – Steppin’ Out Singles will hold an upscale dance party at the Woodbridge Hilton Grand Ballroom, 20 Wood Ave. South, Iselin. Ages 40+; no jeans/t-shirts/sneakers. Admission: $17. Info: 1-732-656-1801. Directions: 1-732-494-6200.

Heart Health • Feb. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. – A Trinitas Regional Medical Center cardiologist will speak at a “Joyful Heart” tea, which will include a light, heart-healthy dinner, at Echo Executive Plaza, Suite 1A, 899 Mountain Ave., Springfield. To register, call 1-908-994-8939.

History Lecture • Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. – Stephen Schoeman, Ph.D., will lecture on the history of the U.S. Presidency from colonial times to the present at the Union Public Library, 1980 Morris Ave. Info: 1-908-851-5450 ext. 5452.

Black History Month • Feb. 24 from 6:30-9 p.m. – United Way’s African-American Leadership Initiative’s “Making A Mark” event will celebrate A Journey of Black Dance, with a performance by the Plainfield High School Dance Ensemble with special guests, The New Jersey Orators Group. Tickets for the event, which will be held at Kean University’s University Center Little Theater, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, are $25. Info: 1-908-353-7171 ext. 136.

Art Workshop • Feb. 25 – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present an Encaustic Painting Workshop. Fee: $70 + $25 materials fee. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Spaghetti Dinner • Feb. 26 from 4-8 p.m. – Middlesex County 4-H will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the County 4-H Center, 645 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick. Tickets are $8 per person, and proceeds will help pay for needed repairs at the Middlesex County 4-H Center. The Hub Kings will play soul/jazz music during part of the evening. To reserve your seat, call 1-732-398-5261.

Women’s History Month Film Festival • March 1-3 – Women in Media-Newark will present “FootPrints in the City” with a kickoff event at the Newark Public Library and films at the Paul Robeson Student Center, Rutgers-Newark, on March 2 & 3. Info: www.wim-n.com

Gift Auction • March 2 at 7:30 p.m. – The Parents Guild of Mother Seton Regional High School. Valley Road, Clark (GSP Exit 135) will sponsor a “Bon Voyage” Gift Auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission: $15. No tickets sold at the door. For tickets and info, call 1-732-382-1952.

Art Workshop • March 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present an Alla Prima Painting Technique Workshop. Fee: $70. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

Gift Auction • March 4 at 2 p.m. (snow date: March 11) – Divine Mercy Parish, 213 Pershing Ave., Carteret, will host its annual gift auction. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission: $8 (no one under 18 admitted.) For info or tickets, call Lori at 1-732-541-5616 or Debbie at 1-732-541-5736.

Business Seminar • March 7 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will hold a free public seminar, “Starting and Succeeding with a New Business” at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Art Workshop • March 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Arts Guild NJ, 1670 Irving St., Rahway, will present a Dynamic Figure Drawing and Anatomy Workshop. Fee: $95. Registration required; call 1-732-381-7511.

CD & Record Show • March 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Greater NJ Record Show returns to Hotel 304 West on Route 22 West in Springfield. Dozens of music dealers will sell records, CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for kids. Info: GNJRecordShows@yahoo.com

Blood Drive • March 13 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. – The Linden Public Library, 31 East Henry St., will host a blood drive in the Columbia Bank Room. Info: 1-908-298-3830 ext. 11 or 1-800-NJBLOOD.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon • March 14 – St. Genevieve’s Leisure Group will hold their St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Kenilworth Inn, at a cost of $32. Reservations may be made by calling 1-908-352-6942.

Landlord/Tenant Issues Seminar • March 15 from 7-9 p.m. – The state Bar Foundation will sponsor a free public seminar on Landlord-Tenant Issues at the New Jersey Law Center off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. To register, call 1-800-FREE-LAW.

Cancer Presentation • March 21 at 7 p.m. – The Northern NJ Affiliate of the Young Survival Coalition will sponsor an event, “Reinventing Your Life After Cancer,” with guest speaker Gail Tyrrell, executive director of the Ruby Heals Foundation, at Morristown Memorial Hospital’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. To register, call 1-201-843-6695.

WESTFIELD – Elected officials, transportation professionals and the public are invited to the first Raritan Valley Rail Coalition meeting of 2012 on Monday, Feb. 6, at 8:30 a.m.

The featured speaker will be NJ Transit Capital Planning Assistant Executive Director Steven Santoro. He will provide an update on the status of the engineering and funding for the Portal Bridge Replacement Project.

The meeting will be held in the Town of Westfield Council Chambers, located in the Westfield Municipal Building at 425 E. Broad Street. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the municipal building.

NJ Transit rail and bus service is a short walk from NJ Transit’s Westfield Train Station and various NJ Transit bus routes. For NJ Transit bus and rail schedule and fare information, call 1-973- 275-5555 or visit www.njtransit.com

For questions, directions or more information about the meeting, contact the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition at 1-908-231-7021, by fax at 1-908-707-1749 or by e-mail at rvrc@co.somerset.nj.us

If inclement weather is predicted for the day of the meeting, call 1-908-281-9569 the day before to find out if it has been postponed.

PLAYGROUND MAKEOVER UNDERWAY…Union County work crews clear the old Loop playground in the heart of Union County’s Watchung Reservation. The new playground is expected to be completed in the Spring, depending on the weather.

UNION COUNTY — It may not look like much now, but when it’s done it may just become the destination playground for kids across Union County.

Nestled in the heart of the 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation, sitting in the center of the Loop, is one of the most popular playgrounds in the tri-county area—and it’s about to get a makeover.

The Reservation is Union County’s largest park and home to two of its most popular facilities, the Watchung Stable, and Trailside Nature and Science Center. The Loop, which is in between the two facilities, has always been a gathering place for picnics and recreation since the Reservation opened to the public in the 1920s.

“When my kids were younger, they loved playing at the Loop playground,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “But the old playground, for as popular as it was, was showing signs of age. And when wood starts to splinter, you know it’s time.”

The new playground, which will include features that are wheelchair accessible, is expected to be completed in the Spring, according to Union County Manager Al Faella, who oversaw parks operations before assuming the county’s top post late last year.

“Parks projects are always weather dependent,” Faella said. “The new playground includes a rubberized surface to protect the children if and when they fall. But installing that surface requires warmer weather.”

Faella said that it was possible that if the playground equipment was in early, the ground may be filled with wood chips so that youngsters can play until it is finally warm enough to install the permanent rubber matting.

The makeover includes all new climbing equipment and slides, along with the addition of flower-like misting devices. There will also be a hollowed-out “tree” to explore.

Over the years, the playground has become one of the most popular recreation areas, not just because of the playground, but its close proximity to the Trailside Nature and Science Center, on the western side of the Loop, the Watchung Stable, a short hike to the east, and Lake Surprise, just north of the open area, which also includes picnic tables and permanent barbeque grills.

The freeholders approved the purchase and installation of the new playground. The $685,235 price tag is coming largely from the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, which will provide $425,235. The remaining $260,000 was drawn from the County’s capital budget.

The Trust Fund was established in 2000 by popular referendum to preserve open space and improve public recreation in Union County. So far, the fund has saved more than 300 acres of open space from development, including the Clark reservoir and some of the last remaining farmsteads in the area.

Trust Fund monies have also gone to improve playgrounds and other facilities in both County and municipal parks, and to fund recreation scholarships for income-eligible children.