County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Friends of Lenape Park “Nighthawks” birding team surveyed their namesake park on Saturday, May 14 as part of the 33^rd Annual New Jersey Audubon World Series of Birding. The event was a success and the team recorded a total of 83 different species within the designated 24-hour period.

“Congratulations to the Nighthawks team and many thanks for their work on behalf of habitat conservation in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Due to their efforts we now have an updated catalog of the many different species that make their home in and around Lenape Park.”

During the World Series “Big Day” event on May 14, the Nighthawks covered approximately 400 acres in Lenape Park to arrive at the official count of 83 species. They recorded their findings by sight or sound, as called for in the event guidelines.

Among the notable highlights, the team identified all of woodpeckers that are known to inhabit the park: red-bellied, hairy, downy, flicker, and the “big guy,” a pileated woodpecker. Pileated woodpeckers, known for their dashing red crests, are the largest woodpeckers known to inhabit North America.

New Jersey Audubon introduced the first World Series of Birding in 1984, and since then teams have recorded a total of 330 different species throughout New Jersey.

“The Nighthawks figure of 83 species represents a full 25 percent of the historic statewide total, demonstrating the importance of Lenape Park for conservation in our area,” said Bergen.

Lenape Park’s diverse habitat includes wetlands, forests and open fields. It is located near the center of Union County, bordered by Springfield, Kenilworth, Cranford and Westfield.

For maps and directions to all County parks visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/parks-activities.

The World Series of Birding helps to raise funds for conservation projects and environmental causes. Donations to the Nighthawks are still being accepted at the team’s web page, at worldseriesofbirding.org.

To volunteer on conservation projects in County parks as an individual, civic organization or employer group, visit Union County Adopt-a-Park/Adopt-a-Trail at ucnj.org.

Photo credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

#  #

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.

 

Star-studded lineup includes  Sister Sledge, C&C Music Factory, Blackstreet, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announce that the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival will kick off the Summer season at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 4th with an exciting lineup of entertainment, featuring Sister Sledge, whose hit song “We Are Family,” became a worldwide anthem at the end of the ‘70s.

The event runs from noon to 6 p.m., and also features the high-energy dance music of C&C Music Factory (“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”, “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)”, “Things That Make You Go Hmmm”), the Grammy Award-winning R&B act, Blackstreet (“No Diggity”), and guitar-inspired blues act, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.

“This is going to be a tremendous musical event with such well-known acts,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We hope our residents will be able to meet up with friends and family, listen to some great music and enjoy a day at the park.”

“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is a signature event for Union County and a great showcase for the City of Plainfield as well,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of Plainfield. “This show is packed with extraordinary entertainment, and is a great way to kick off the Summer season in our parks.”

Rhythm and Blues by the Brook features free activities for young children, including inflatable rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. The children’s area will open at 12:00 noon and close at 4:30 p.m., when the main act takes the stage.

Returning to Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is the G-Wiz Classic & Exotic Automotive SuperShow, located near the basketball court across from the concert area.

Food vendors will be on site, and a number of picnic tables will be conveniently located under a tent in the concert “outfield.” Concert-goers are also welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Tips For Those Attending:

• Persons with disabilities: Designated parking is available inside the park.
• Walking and biking: Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike. Cyclists, please wear a helmet and bring a bike lock.
• Mass transit: The concert area at Cedar Brook Park is approximately 1.5 miles from the NJ Transit train station in downtown Plainfield. For more transit information, visit: ucnj.org/connect.
• Driving: To find Cedar Brook Park on Google Maps, search under “Park Avenue and Cedar Brook Park Drive, Plainfield NJ.”
• Parking: Please be prepared to park several blocks away and walk to the park.
• Seating: Visitors may bring blankets and folding chairs. Small tents and canopies are permitted in an area marked with a white line outside of the central viewing area.
• Sun Safety: Bring plenty of sun block and wear a sun hat. Visitors may bring umbrellas. A limited number of shaded picnic tables are available. Bug spray is also recommended.
• Food and Water: A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Visitors may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks (County policy prohibits alcoholic beverages in the park).
• Grilling is permitted outside of the central viewing area.
• Pets: A large crowd is expected, so with the exception of service animals, please leave pets at home.
• Recycling: Please make use of the recycling containers placed around and inside the concert area.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in County parks.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella and Vernell Wright present a resolution in honor of Police Week to Union County Police Captain Martin Mogensen, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Captain James Russo, Union County Sheriff’s Captain Dennis Burke and members of the Union County SWAT team after a special weapons and tactics demonstration at the SWAT Range in Springfield. They were joined by Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park. Mayors, police chiefs and officials from municipalities throughout Union County attended the informative SWAT demonstration. National Police Week takes place from Sunday, May 15 through Saturday, May 21, 2016. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is looking for artisans and crafts people to demonstrate Early American work and craft skills and to sell their hand-crafted wares at Union County’s 35th Annual Harvest Festival.  The event is a celebration of Early American life featuring music, children’s crafts, games, demonstrations and displays, a petting zoo and much more. The Harvest Festival will take place, rain or shine, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, September 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“The Watchung Reservation is the perfect venue for visitors of all ages to come and experience early American Culture and history,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Each year this event has proven to be fascinating and fun-filled for all who attend”.

The Union County Harvest Festival is a popular event that attracts over 3,500 visitors each year. By participating, demonstrators and vendors of hand-crafted goods will receive excellent exposure and have the opportunity to educate others about their craft or work skill and the Early American period in general. Examples of the handicrafts and work skills being sought are: blacksmithing, candle making, broom making, shoe making, hat making, jewelry making, and quilting and other colonial or Native American crafts or skills.

For details about how to participate, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527- 4106.

For more information on Trailside Nature and Science Center please visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

Union County, NJ – What’s in your backyard? Aside from ordinary denizens like deer, rabbits and raccoons, Union County is home to hundreds of fascinating plant and animal species. Union County residents and visitors are invited to encounter some of these unique and unusual neighbors at Bio-Blitz 2016, the 12^th annual ‘round-the-clock, 24-hour snapshot survey of flora and fauna in County parks.

Bio-Blitz 2016 will begin Friday June 10 at 5:00 p.m. and continue through the night and the following day for 24 hours, concluding at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11.

“Bio-Blitz is packed with activities for all ages, and it provides you with a chance to meet the naturalists and science professionals who work to catalog and conserve our natural environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “I encourage you to come and visit Bio-Blitz 2016, especially if there is an aspiring scientist in your family.”

For Bio-Blitz 2016, survey teams of professional scientists and naturalists will spread out among three County parks: Kawameeh Park in Union Township, Black Brook Park in Kenilworth, and the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

The public is invited to watch the survey teams in action and participate in many other activities and programs. Kawameeh Park in Union Township will serve as the “Bio-Blitz Central” headquarters. Members of the public can visit Bio-Blitz Central for walk-in activities, exhibits and ongoing programs any time starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday June 10.

Among the ongoing activities for all ages at Bio-Blitz Central are live exhibits, an “insect lab,” hands-on displays, and many opportunities to interact with survey teams as they examine and catalog their samples.

Visitors to Bio-Blitz Central can also sign up for scheduled nature tours and activities. All of the activities are free and no other pre-registration is required. Free shuttles are also available for most of the activities taking place at Black Brook Park and Galloping Hill.

Bird walks, mammal surveys, foraging for wild edibles, a geocaching demonstration, nature photography, night-time insect trapping and the popular “Frog Slog” are among the many scheduled activities.

Bio-Blitz is sponsored by the Freeholder Board with the generous support of many partners and sponsors.

For complete information about Bio-Blitz 2016 including a schedule of programs and activities visit ucnj.org/bio-blitz.

Professional scientists and other knowledgeable experts who are interested in joining a survey team can join online at ucnj.org/bio-blitz until June 1. For more information about joining a team or volunteering in another capacity, please contact Betty Ann Kelly, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at bkelly@ucnj.org.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

Photo credit: Hadel Go.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in becoming certified Home Health Aides can enroll in a training program offered through the Union County Department of Human Services this summer. Upon completing the program, students will have the knowledge and skills required for certification by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing.    

“This program was developed to provide home care professionals in Union County with reliable, accurate guidance,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “By training and supporting our workforce, we can help ensure that our elderly and disabled residents live independently at home and stay connected with their communities.”

Union County established the training program in 1986 to address the growing need for in-home care. 

To be considered for acceptance into the program, applicants must be 18 years of age, U.S. citizens or qualified aliens, and have the ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.

They must also be physically capable of participating in class work such as lifting, getting patients out of bed, giving bed baths, aiding transfers for those with limited mobility, and other related patient care.

The $75.00 registration fee includes the cost of the textbook and workbook. There also is an $80.00 application fee payable to the New Jersey State Board of Nursing. A passport size photo is required to be attached to the application.

Persons interested in registering must first arrange for a pre-program interview by calling Donna Farrell, Union County Division on Aging, at 908-527-4858. 

Space in the class is limited and applicants are advised to call now for an interview appointment. Interviews will be conducted in June.

The program will begin on July 11 and continue to August 4, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday each week. All sessions will be held at Jewish Family Services, 655 Westfield Avenue in Elizabeth.

##

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.