County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Freeholders Linda Carter, Vernell Wright, Alexander Mirabella and Bette Jane Kowalski were on hand to assist Lt. Luke and Sara Barney of the Salvation Army and Donna and Rich Albanese-DeMair, owners of the Dairy Queen in Plainfield, at the annual “Christmas in July” donated bicycle give-away event hosted by the Salvation Army in Plainfield.

They were joined by Union County Traffic Safety Program Coordinator Christine Marcantonio and safety specialist Ron Esposito of AAA Northeast, NJ Division. Mr. Albanese-DeMair refurbished all the bikes making them as-good-as-new. He has refurbished hundreds bikes for local children over several years.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

This week, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring the two more free performances of the Shakespeare in the Park tour of Twelfth Night to the outdoor amphitheater in Linden on Wednesday evening July 27 at 7 p.m. and Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Sunday afternoon July 31 at 1 p.m.

Pack a picnic (and bring a blanket or lawn chairs for the performance at Echo Lake Park) and head out to enjoy Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged 75-minute performance of this time-honored story of mistaken identities, bewildering desires, practical jokes, and bawdy merriment – all in the name of love.  

“This summer’s tour of Twelfth Night in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the most remarkable storyteller the world has ever known,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Set in the land of Illyria, Twelfth Night is one of William Shakespeare’s most riotous comedies. Disguises, mistaken identities, and the chaos of love take center stage as Viola washes ashore after her ship wrecks off the coast and, disguising herself as a boy for safety, is immediately embroiled in the clever and romantic schemes of the Duke and Olivia. At the same time, Olivia’s servants convince one of their own—Malvolio—that Olivia is in love with him. Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian, adds to the mix and confusion until a happy ending for most is attained.

The final two performances in Union County’s Shakespeare in the Park tour of Twelfth Night are:
Friday, August 5 at Rahway River Park in Rahway at 7 p.m.
Monday, August 8 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark at 7 p.m.
Admission is free to each of the six performances.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org/summer.

Union County Freeholder Linda Carter visited Grace’s Community Garden in Plainfield on Thursday to celebrate the construction of new garden beds funded by Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen’s Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program. The new beds will expand the garden and enable Grace Episcopal Church to serve local residents with fresh produce for those in need, and to provide new education, outreach and community service opportunities. The grant program is administered by the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth. Pictured here (l.-r.): Steve Berkowitz of Groundwork, Grace Deacon Ted Moore, Tom Mulligan of Groundwork, Freeholder Linda Carter, Grace Garden Committee Co-Chair Barbara Nichols, and Jackie Park-Albaum and Adrienne Kubicz of Groundwork.  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.

 

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ–The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues this coming Wednesday evening July 27, with Pat Dinizio of the Smithereens taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. The free concert series, presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholder, and sponsored at Echo Lake Park by ConnectOne Bank will take place at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside during the month of July and move to Oak Ridge Park in Clark during the month of August.

“This will be the final opportunity to enjoy the Summer Arts Festival at Echo Lake Park” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen. “And be sure to arrive early to participate in UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a great way for families to stay healthy together.”

Hailing from Scotch Plains, Pat Dinizio is the founder, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist for The Smithereens. Inspired by his musical idols Buddy Holly, The Beatles, and The Beau Brummels, he soon began crafting his own hook-laden masterpieces such as “Behind the Wall of Sleep”, “Only a Memory” and “A Girl Like You.”

While enjoying the wonderful music, concertgoers can visit Tony’s Traveling Trattoria which will treat your palate to excellent Italian comfort food. Also the Good Humor Truck will be on site hosted by TG and Sons serving ice cream and snacks. Attendees can also pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Once again UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with House Yoga of Kenilworth presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.

Throughout the summer at each concert one Union County Department will be featured, distributing handouts and highlighting their own unique services. On this evening the Union County Bureau of Recycling will be on hand.

Next month the Summer Arts Festival will move to Oak Ridge Park in Clark with the following schedule:

Oak Ridge Park, Clark

• August 3rd Black Dog – Tribute to Led Zeppelin
• August 10th Dead On Live – Grateful Dead Tribute Band (With special guest appearance by Sam Cutler, tour manager for the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead)
• August 17th Hey Bulldog – Music of The Beatles (Sponsored by Union Co. Education Association)
• August 24th N.Y. State of Mind – Billy Joel Tribute

Please visit www.ucnj.org/summer for more summertime fun activities.

Family Fun & Flix, a free summer entertainment and film series presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, continues Tuesday, July 25 with the presentation of “The Good Dinosaur” at Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle.  This year’s Family Fun & Flix series is being sponsored by Investors Bank.

“The Good Dinosaur” asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In this epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

As part of the evening’s events, UC Get Fit, a health initiative of the Union County Freeholder Board, will offer fitness fun for kids before the movie, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Kid’s Zumba with Jessica Wojcik will kick off the pre-movie activities.

“As we continue our Family Fun & Flix series, we invite everyone to come out and enjoy a fun evening in the park and our entertaining movies, along with activities that promote healthy habits for our children,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

All movies will begin at dusk, with everyone encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn. There will also be bleacher seats available. Also the Good Humor Truck will be on site hosted by TG and Sons serving ice cream and snacks.

On Tuesday, August 2, Family Fun & Flix will move to Meisel Park in Springfield as part of Union County’s National Night Out program. The featured film will be “Zootopia.” The movies will return to Warinanco Park on Tuesday, August 9 to wrap up the series with the showing of “Inside out.”

All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org. In case of weather related matters, you can call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a free outdoor screening of the animated feature Zootopia will take place on Tuesday, August 2 at Meisel Park in Springfield, as part of the County’s annual National Night Out celebrations.

The main sponsor of the event is Investors Bank. Free hotdogs will be on tap, and Performance Food Group will provide free popcorn for children. TG & Sons Ice Cream and Snacks will also have treats available for sale.

“National Night Out gets families together, to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air while getting to know their local police officers and first responders,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It’s one of the highlights of our summer schedule of free outdoor activities in County parks, and I thank Investors Bank for helping to bring this event to the Union County community.”

The National Night Out activities will begin at 6:00 p.m. with free activities including inflatable rides, games, and live music.

Emergency vehicles and equipment will be staged on site for children to explore up close. Among the many demonstrations and displays, the Union County Sheriff’s Office will offer parents an opportunity to have their children’s fingerprints recorded.

At 8:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy Zootopia, the popular Disney film about a young rabbit who joins a police force.

In addition to the Zootopia screening, Union County’s regular Family Fun and Flix series of free movies and fitness activities continues on Tuesday nights at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. The series concludes on Tuesday, August 9 at Warinanco Park with a showing of Inside Out.

Family Fun and Flix movies begin at dusk. For more information about all events in County parks, and to get maps and directions, visit the Special Event Calendar at ucnj.org or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

In case of inclement weather, call the Events Hotline at 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the date of the show for recorded updates.

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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, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support the Anti-Fraud Toolkit, a new online information hub created by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to help consumers protect themselves against fraud and scams. The Toolkit includes an email alert network for sharing up-to-date news about the latest fraud incidents in New Jersey, especially those affecting seniors.

“The new Anti-Fraud Toolkit helps seniors and their families stop scammers before they get started,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Professionals, volunteers and caregivers who work with seniors in Union County can also share the Toolkit with their clients and help spread the word about emerging scams.” 

The Anti-Fraud Toolkit includes downloadable tip sheets in English and Spanish on avoiding consumer fraud, with a focus on scams that target seniors.

The guidance includes how to avoid computer scams, phone scams, and common door-to-door scams involving handyman work, home security systems, package deliveries, cable hookups and charitable solicitations.

“Fraud is a crime that preys upon lack of knowledge and unfamiliarity with the law,” said Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, who chairs the Freeholder Board’s Public Safety Committee. “The new Toolkit will help to level the playing field and enable consumers to protect themselves.”

The Toolkit also includes the new Real-Time Fraud Alerts email network. Union County residents can sign up to receive emails from the network. It is designed to ensure that seniors, their families, and those who work with seniors get quick, accurate information about new scams.

“The Union County Office of Consumer Affairs will be using the Real-Time Fraud Alert network to help keep our seniors aware and informed, and I encourage municipal agencies to sign up as well,” said Bergen.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs is currently reporting three scams on the Real-Time Fraud Alerts network:

• Phony charity scams are asking for donations for the victims of the Orlando shooting. Before donating, Union County residents can verify the legal status of a charity by calling the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Charities Hotline at 973-504-6215.
• Fraudulent out-of-state home improvement contractors have been targeting residents in Ocean County. To ensure that a contractor has the necessary New Jersey permits, call the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Division at 800- 242-5846.
• Wendy’s Restaurants has reported a possible credit card breach nationwide and in New Jersey. To see the locations of affected restaurants and guidance on protecting your information visit com.

To find out more about the Anti-Fraud Toolkit and to sign up for the Real-Time Fraud Alerts email network visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at FightingFraud.nj.gov.

Union County residents are also encouraged to report possible frauds and scams to the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs. To file a complaint online visit ucnj.org/public-safety or call 908-654-9840.

Another protective measure is to ensure that sensitive personal documents are shredded and securely disposed. Union County sponsors a regular series of free, secure mobile paper events in various municipalities throughout the spring, summer and fall. For a complete schedule visit ucnj.org/recycling.

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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 Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella present a resolution to Madison McBride of Fanwood congratulating her on winning the Trooper of the Year Award at the 83rd annual Spring Troop Horse Show at the Watchung Stable in Mountainside. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County’s Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Shakespeare Garden at Cedar Brook Park this weekend Sunday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m. with a free performance of the romantic comedy Twelfth Night.

This weekend, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring the second performance in the free Shakespeare in the Park tour of Twelfth Night to the Shakespeare Garden at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chairs and head out to Cedar Brook Park this Sunday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m. to enjoy Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s abridged 75-minute performance of this time-honored story of mistaken identities, bewildering desires, practical jokes, and bawdy merriment – all in the name of love.  

“This summer’s tour of Twelfth Night in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the most remarkable storyteller the world has ever known,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Set in the land of Illyria, Twelfth Night is one of William Shakespeare’s most riotous comedies. Disguises, mistaken identities, and the chaos of love take center stage as Viola washes ashore after her ship wrecks off the coast and, disguising herself as a boy for safety, is immediately embroiled in the clever and romantic schemes of the Duke and Olivia. At the same time, Olivia’s servants convince one of their own—Malvolio—that Olivia is in love with him. Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian, adds to the mix and confusion until a happy ending for most is attained.

Additional performances in Union County parks include:
Wednesday, July 27 at Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade (amphitheater) in Linden at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 31 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside at 1 p.m.
Friday, August 5 at Rahway River Park in Rahway at 7 p.m.
Monday, August 8 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark at 7 p.m.
Admission is free to each of the six performances.

For more information or for a complete listing of summer events visit ucnj.org/summer.