Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen (2nd L) joined U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (4th L), Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (L), Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman (3rd L), YMCA Board of Directors President Joseph R. Venezia (4th R) and other officials at the ribbon cutting officially opening the Gateway Family YMCA Rahway Branch on Irving Street. The $3.4 million, 16,938 square foot renovation provides expanded opportunities for The Gateway Family YMCA to further the YMCA’s mission and address the unique needs of the Rahway community. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Sergio Granados present Portugal Day Committee President Carla Rodrigues with a check on behalf of the Freeholder Board at Friday’s flag raising.
CRANFORD, NJ–La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union patrocinará un proyecto de reciclaje el sábado 6 de junio para que los residentes del condado puedan deshacerse de despercios domésticos de una manera segura a la vez que de gomas de automóviles . La recojida tendrá lugar en Union County College, en el 1033 Springfield Avenue en Cranford, al cruzar del Parque Nomahegan, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 2:00 p.m.
Todos los residentes del Condado de Union podrán participar sin costo alguno. Lo único que deben mostrar es prueba de que residen en el condado.
“Este programa de reciclaje es muy importante para los residentes del Condado de Union ya que de esta forma todos los materiales y productos domésticos dañinos a la salud y al medio ambiente se pueden botar si peligro alguno,” dice el Legislador Presidente Mohamed S. Jalloh. “El resultado es hogares sanos y un medio ambiente limpio de contaminación, para nuestras familias y vecinos.”
No hay necesidad de inscribirse para este evento. Todo lo que tienen que hacer los residentes es llevar en sus vehículos los artículos que desean reciclar, y los trabajadores del lugar se encargarán de descargarlo.
Los materiales reciclables incluyen pinturas de aceite, varnises, anticogelantes, latas de aerosol, químicos de piscinas, solventes, pesticidas, aceite de motor, filtros de aceite, gasolina, baterias, termóstatos de mercurio, extinguidores de fuego, aparatos de tomar la presión arterial y bombillos (enteros). Solamente se aceptarán aquellos artículos que se encuentren en su empaque original. No se aceptarán contenedores que pesen más de cinco galones.
“Esta es una gran oportunidad de reciclar hasta ocho gomas de automóviles y botar contenedores que están ocupando espacio debajo del fregadero de la cocina, en el sótano, o en el garaje,” dice el Presidente Jalloh. “Nuestros hogares están más seguros cuando nos deshacemos de materiales dañinos al medio ambiente.”
Una lista de todos los desperdicios que serán aceptados el 6 de junio está disponible en la página del internet www.ucnj.org/recycle
Para más información pueden llamar al Departamento de Servicios del Medio Ambiente del Condado de Union al (908) 654-9889.
Niños y Niñas, de 8 a 15 años, a jugar en Warinanco Park
La Asociación de Baseball del Condado de Union invita a todos los jugadores—niños, niñas y jóvenes – entre las edades de 8 a 15, a que se inscriban para la Liga del Equipo de Verano 2015. Esta Liga es patrocinada por la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union, el Departamento de Parques y Recreación del Condado de Union y la Asociación de Baseball del Condado de Union.
“Desde el 1945, el Condado de Union ha ofrecido oportunidades para los jugadores jóvenes para que mejoren sus abilidades deportivas y a la vez se diviertan durante el verano,” dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Legisladores Mohamed S. Jalloh. “La Liga de Verano continua con esta tradición con entrenadores, arbitros, camisetas y gorras para niños y niñas que se inscriban en la liga para jugar en Parque Warinanco”
Se pueden inscribir en www.UCBA-NJ.ORG. Los participantes también pueden inscribirse en persona en el Parque Warinanco el sábado 20 de Junio de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 del mediodía. Cada jugador debe traer $25.00 y un certificado de nacimiento.
Los jugadores deben tener 8 años antes del 21 de junio y no pueden cumplir 16 años antes del 1ero de agosto.
La Liga de Verano está dividida en tres partes: Liga de Adolecentes 13, 14 y 15 años, Liga Mayor 11 y 12 años, y la Liga de Menores 8 , 9 y 10 años. Se les notificará a los jugadores a que equipo serán asignados el primer dia de juego. No habrá devolución del monto de la incripción después que el equipo sea asignado. Los juegos serán de lunes a viernes entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m.
Se presentarán los premios durante el picnic que marca el final de la Liga de Verano el viernes 5, de agosto.
Todos los juegos serán en Warinanco Park. Para más información pueden llamar al (908) 789-3686 o visitar la página de la Asociación de Baseball del Conddo de Union www.UCBA-NJ.ORG.
This work by Vanessa Herrera of Elizabeth is among those featured in the touring exhibit.
UNION, NJ- La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que la Exposición de Arte Juvenil 2015 estará expuesta hasta el 29 de junio en la Galería Les Malamut en la Biblioteca Pública de la ciudad de Union.
La exposición consiste de 60 piezas de arte seleccionadas de entre más de 650 obras de arte visual, que fueron expuestas en el Festival de Arte Juvenil 2015 en el Union County College, en Cranford. Este evento anual es coordinado por la Oficina de Asuntos de Cultura y Herencia del Condado de Union que es parte del Departamento de Parques y Recreación..
“El trabajo de arte de esta exposición es exepcional,” dijo Mohamed Jalloh Presidente de la Junta de Legisladores. “El hecho de que los artistas sean jóvenes hace que la exposición sea más sobresaliente. Yo les pido a todos los residentes que vayan a ver esta impresionante exposición durante su estancia en el Condado de Union.”
La Galería Les Malamut está localizada en la planta baja de la Biblioteca.
Para obtener información sobre el programa, pueden ponerse en contacto con la Oficina
de Asuntos de Cultura y Herencia del Condado de Union, teléfono 908-558-2550 o por correo electrónico: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
A continuación está el listado de los estudiantes que forman parte de la exposición:
This work by Vanessa Herrera of Elizabeth is among those featured in the touring exhibit.
UNION, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2015 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is on display through June 29th at the Les Malamut Gallery in the Union Public Library, located at 1980 Morris Avenue in Union.
The exhibit consists of 60 pieces of art selected from more than 650 visual art works shown at the 2015 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
“The artwork in this exhibit is exceptional. The fact that the artists are teenagers makes the show even more outstanding,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”
The Les Malamut Gallery is located on the lower level of the Union Public Library. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. It is handicapped accessible and adjacent parking is available.
For further information about the Gallery, visit: lesmalamutartgallery.wordpress.com/ or call 908-851-5450. Artists wishing to be considered for an exhibit in the Gallery can contact the curator Barbara Wirkus at dmbbw33@yahoo.com or 908-276-6656.
For information about the Teen Arts program contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ – On Saturday morning June 6, Union County residents and visitors can enjoy a “Reservation Ramble” through the Watchung Reservation with an expert naturalist, and then stay to help spruce up a section of trail. It’s all in celebration of National Trails Day. Pictured here are volunteers celebrating National Trails Day in Union County last year. To sign up in advance today, call 908-789-3683 or email bkelly@ucnj.org. Drop-in participants are welcome, just meet up at the Deserted Village at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday June 6 (use the parking lot off Cataract Hollow Road and walk down to the general store).
Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen joined Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Christopher Hudak and County Manager Alfred Faella in honoring several individuals for the Boy Scout Lifetime Achievement Award including Union County employees Daniel J. Bernier, Merritt M. Duffy, Bruce D. Linger, Jonathan Phillips and Karen E. Positan. Photos by John Roman/County of Union.
Union County, NJ – Extreme weather events like Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy have brought renewed calls to resolve chronic flooding issues in the Rahway River Basin, particularly in Cranford and Rahway as well as Springfield and Union. Members of the public are urged to lend their voices to this effort by attending an information meeting conducted by state and federal officials, hosted by the Union County Freeholder Board and the Mayors’ Council on Rahway River Watershed Flood Control.
The meeting will take place in the Roy E. Smith Theatre at Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford on Monday, June 15, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“The science shows that extreme storms are becoming more frequent and intense, and our experience here in Union County confirms it,” said Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The time is now to take meaningful action that protects our neighborhoods while enabling Union County to keep growing.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have been working to develop solutions for flooding in Union and Essex counties with a particular focus centered on Cranford and Rahway, in the form of the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study.
At the June 15 meeting, representatives from both agencies will present their findings and discuss their progress toward preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed solutions. Representatives from the Mayors’ Council on Rahway River Watershed Flood Control will also attend.
The meeting is designed to enable members of the public to comment on flooding issues and the impacts of proposed solutions, to be included in the final Environmental Impact Statement.
At the meeting, information will also be solicited on natural resources in the Rahway River Basin, including wildlife, plant life and wetland habitats.
“I want to emphasize that during this preliminary phase, several different options are being explored,” said Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “Especially if you live in flood areas, please come to the meeting and get your ideas and concerns on record.”
The meeting agenda will be:
7:00 – 7:30, Informational Poster Board Session and Information Exchange.
7:30 – 8:00, Formal Informational Presentation
8:00 – 9:00, Informational Poster Board Session and Information Exchange
Details on the alternatives are available on the Army Corps of Engineers website, usace.mil.
For more information on the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study, contact Ms. Rifat Salim, Project Manager, Rifat.Salim@usace.army.mil or 917-790-8215.
Come to the 11th annual Bio-Blitz in the Watchung Reservation, June 12-13, and meet your friendly neighborhood turtle…and hundreds of other denizens that crawl, walk, fly, swim and grow in Union County parks. For more information visit ucnj.org/bio-blitz Photo credit: Debbie Partesi.
Union County, NJ – The public will have a unique chance to experience the hidden side of Union County parks as the 11th annual Bio-Blitz unfolds from 5:00 p.m. on Friday June 12 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday June 13, in the Watchung Reservation. Bio-Blitz is a 24-hour, ‘round the clock nature survey that tallies up hundreds of plant and animal species each year, most of which are hidden away from the public eye.
“This year we are introducing some new activities to make Bio-Blitz more exciting – and informative – than ever before,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “If you are curious about the many different plants, animals and insects that populate our parks, come to Bio-Blitz and get acquainted with some neighbors you may have never seen before.”
While the survey teams are at work, visitors can observe them in action and participate in unique nature activities, including four Bio-Blitz “firsts:”
Catch a demonstration of the exiting outdoor treasure-hunting game of geocaching, conducted by the Northern NJ Cachers
Join a meditative labyrinth walk and get a free introduction to the gentle art of yoga (and receive a free gift, too), from SKY Yoga of Fanwood.
Enjoy a free instructional session on nature photography by professional nature photographer David DesRochers.
Enter for a chance to win a guided tour of the Pine Barrens, conducted by noted ecologist Emile DeVito of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (visit the Rahway Watershed Association exhibit for details).
Many longtime Bio-Blitz favorite activities are also returning this year. During the day, drop in on a live hawk and owl exhibit, forage for edibles, tour the Deserted Village of Feltville and observe survey teams in the field, among other activities.
As the sun goes down, join a guided “sitting circle” to watch for wildlife and listen to nature’s twilight concert. Stay after dark for the famous “Owl Prowl,” night-time insect trapping, and a star watching session.
The staging area for all the Bio-Blitz action is “Bio-Blitz Central,” located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
Bio-Blitz Central features exhibits, displays, prizes, giveaways and free nonstop fun for all ages including “Bio-Blitz Bingo,” hands on activities at the Junior Naturalist Tent, and native plants for sale from the Toadshade Wildflower Farm, which will also give away one free plant to a lucky prizewinner.
At Bio-Blitz Central visitors can also watch – and sometimes assist – scientists as they examine and catalogue their findings.
Free parking is available on site and at the nearby Loop field and playground area.
Individuals, families, and groups such as Scouts can sign up for scheduled activities when they arrive at Bio-Blitz Central (no other pre-registration is required).
In addition to the donated prizes and activities listed above, Bio-Blitz is generously supported by Shoprite of Clark, Starbucks of Westfield, Whole Foods of Union, Jenkinson’s Aquarium of Point Pleasant, Staten Island Zoo, Rahway River Watershed Association, Wild Birds Unlimited of Scotch Plains, BR Environmental, and XAdmins.
For more information about Bio-Blitz and a complete schedule of 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 6, or in person after June 6.
