Author: Web Site Administrator

(From left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Deborah Scanlon and Daniel Sullivan present resolutions to the 2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Bill Dugan, General Chairman Michael J. Panella and Adjutant Kerry Ricci congratulating them on the 16th annual parade. The 2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.orghttps://ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Members of Mountainside Junior Girl Scout Troop 40851 were congratulated by Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Deborah Scanlon with an Environmental Hero Award at the Wild Earth Fest at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside last year. The Troop, devoted to learning about the environment and our impact on the planet, participated in Adopt-A-Park projects to plant gardens and remove invasive plants. They also cleared more than 90 lbs. of debris from a stream at Camp Letico and cleared litter and debris at Mountainside’s Clean Community Day. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association are looking to again recognize environmental heroes in our community. People can nominate individuals or groups in their community who have taken action for environmental change. Nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 13. Awards will be announced at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6. For information on the Environmental Hero Award or to get an application form, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association would like to honor the environmental heroes in our communities. From recycling and litter pick-ups to planting trees and living greener, people are taking strides and inspiring others to help the planet. These people deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to helping the environment.

“Small steps can lead to big changes for our county and our planet. We are pleased to announce this opportunity for our residents to be commended for their efforts to protect the environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to nominate people in their community who have taken action to help the environment so they can be recognized for their efforts.”

Participants may nominate individuals or groups who have taken action for environmental change in their community. Each entry must include an essay of 750 words or less describing why the nominee is qualified to receive the award, along with contact information for the nominee and the person submitting the nomination. Photographs may accompany the essay. All nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 13, 2012.

Nominations for the Environmental Hero Award can be emailed to bnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092. Trailside Museum Association board members will award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Award at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6.

For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & 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 more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County residents are invited to come take part in a tree planting party to celebrate the coming of Spring on Tuesday, April 10 from 10 am to 12 pm at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

“This is a great way to do something positive for the environment while coming together with family to enjoy a day outdoors,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the event will bring together County residents and professionals from groups including NJDEP AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, the 4-H Master Tree Stewards, and the Union County Shade Tree Department to plant 20 flowering crabapple trees in the park.

The program is free and open to adults and children 3rd grade and older. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Program at 908-654-9854 or via email at Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu. Space is limited so please register early. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring a shovel and gloves. Orientation will begin promptly at 10 am.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

“Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.
Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination,
732-932-5000, ext. 584.”

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – “The Raptor Trust Story,” a program for adults, 18 and older, will be held at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday, March 22 from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. The fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county adults. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Lauren Butcher, the Raptor Trust’s Education Director, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what the Trust does to care for the thousands of injured and orphaned birds that are brought to the facility each year and she will introduce one of the Trust’s “avian ambassador’s.” To register for the program or for information on other upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce that “The Raptor Trust Story” will be presented at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday evening, March 22. This program for adults, 18 and older, will run from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. The admission fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

The Raptor Trust, located in Millington on the edge of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the premier wild bird rehabilitation centers in the United States. The facility includes a hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment, an education center, and outdoor aviaries that can house several hundred birds. The Trust’s staff and volunteers care for more than 3,600 injured and orphaned birds each year, with the primary goal of releasing as many as possible back into the wild.

“The Raptor Trust Story gives adults a fascinating glimpse into the world of hawks and other birds of prey while providing insight into the tremendous amount of time and effort the dedicated staff and volunteers put into their work at this unique facility,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It also is exciting that the audience will be introduced to one of the Trust’s ‘avian ambassadors’ – a hawk or an owl.”

Lauren Butcher, the Trust’s Education Director since 2005, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what the Trust does to care for the thousands of injured and orphaned birds that are brought to the facility each year. Ms. Butcher began volunteering at the Raptor Trust in 1999.  She has a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University, where she studied the history of amateur ornithology in the United States.

The presentation will focus on the raptors, for which the center is named, but it also will include a discussion on common injuries, medical procedures and the seasonal care of baby birds. The program will touch on a wide variety of bird species that come through the Trust’s doors and Ms. Butcher will share some of their fascinating stories.

To register for “The Raptor Trust Story” or for information on other upcoming programs and events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & 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 more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

ELIZABETH, NJ – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Freeholders Gallery features an exhibit that describes historic Union County sites mentioned in the book, “New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail,” published by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office. The exhibit will be on display through April 13th at the Freeholders Gallery on the sixth floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. Viewing hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“Although some women in the book are well-known, others were private citizens,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.  “The book uses historic places to tell the story of how local women contributed to the agricultural, industrial, labor and domestic history of New Jersey prior to 1960.”

“New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail” is available for download at www.state.nj.us/dep.hpo. While most of the buildings are not open to the public, the book is well worth reading and will bring life to the vital role women played in New Jersey’s history.

The Freeholders Gallery exhibit features the following sites in Union County:

The Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield, an 18th century farmhouse, demonstrates “Women and Domestic Life.”

All Souls Unitarian Church in Elizabeth, the Shakespeare Garden in Plainfield and Wallace Chapel AME Church in Summit relate to “Women’s Volunteer Organizations and Reform.”

The Shady Rest Golf and Country Club in Scotch Plains and the Summit Playhouse tell the story about “Women in the Arts, Culture and Sports.” Shady Rest, which opened in 1920, was the first Black-owned country club in the United States.

For more information about the exhibit or the programs and services of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs visit the web site: www.ucnj.org/cultural; contact the Office at 908-558-2550; or email:culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay Users dial 711.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – Union County residents are invited to take part in a seminar on the importance of healthy food for the family. Sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, this program aims to educate participants on how healthy eating habits can reduce the risk of disease.

“We’ve learned that the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, certain forms of cancer, osteoporosis and other serious health problems can be reduced by making small changes in your diet,” said Alexander Mirabella, Union County Freeholder Chairman.

The two-hour seminar will be held Wednesday, March 28th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the county services building, 2nd floor located at 300 North Ave East in Westfield. A $5.00 fee will be collected at the door and pre-registration is required.

To register, please contact Digna Torres at the extension offices at 908-654-9854 or via email atdtorres@ucnj.org

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

“Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.
Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination,
732-932-5000, ext. 584.

Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh reads to children at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Springfield  on March 2 during the Union County Education Association’s annual Read Across America event. Read Across America is an reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, in collaboration with the Master Gardeners of Union County, are pleased to offer a Horticulture Program for children with developmental disabilities, 8-14 years of age, on Saturday mornings at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“This horticulture program is a great opportunity for children with developmental disabilities to gain a basic understanding of plants and trees and to treat their senses to the springtime blooms of the Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program will be held on six consecutive Saturday mornings, March 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28 and May 5, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Trailside. Pre-registration is required and the fee for all six classes is $12. Participants are asked to register by March 23.

Members of the Master Gardeners of Union County from Rutgers Cooperative Extension will instruct this six-week program, which is designed to teach horticulture to children with developmental disabilities through hands-on projects using plants and planting activities.

Children will have a chance to see, touch and smell budding spring flowers, shrubs and trees that have been cultivated in the garden. Some of the activities the children can look forward to include creating a terrarium; making a flower press and pressing flowers; tours and activities in the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden, and planting an herb pot. Participants are asked to dress accordingly since they will have their hands and feet in dirt.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For information on the Horticulture Program or any other programs for people with disabilities, visit the web site: https://ucnj.org/recreation-for-people-with-disabilities; call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, Programs for the Disabled at 908-527-4806; or e-mail mheisey@ucnj.org.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County – All Union County business owners and managers are invited to the second installment of the Union County Means Business networking breakfast series. The free series is designed to connect businesses with resources to help them grow. Persons interested in starting a business in Union County are also invited.

The first session was filled to capacity and seats are filling quickly for the second session, scheduled for Wednesday morning, March 7 at Merck in Summit.  It will feature economic experts from Rutgers University, and Assemblymen Joseph Cryan and Jon Bramnick are special guests.

For complete information and pre-registration instructions visit the Union County website athttps://ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or call 908-527-4200 (please note: registrations will not be taken at the door. Pre-registration is required for admittance).

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Since 2002, employees of the County of Union and family members have participated in a unique program that gives them the opportunity to display their artistic creations. In its ongoing effort to recognize and encourage creative and artistic accomplishment, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with The National Arts Program®, is pleased to announce the eleventh annual exhibition of artwork by County of Union workers and their families.

“What a pleasure it is to see the outstanding artwork done by Union County employees and family members,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Whether they are new artists or people who have exhibited before, the participants display a wide variety of work that always impresses with its quality.”

Entries will be accepted in the categories of painting, photography, artworks on paper, sculpture and crafts. Recognized artists and art professionals will serve as judges, selecting entrants for cash awards and honorable mention in the exhibition’s five artistic classifications: amateur (little or no experience); intermediate (some experience, art students); professional (serious art training or employed in an art related job); teens 13 to 18 years old; and youth age 12 and younger.

“We are happy to extend the invitation to enter the program to Union County College employees and their relatives again this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We share the goal of The National Arts Program® to reach as many people as possible of all ages, offering them a chance to display their artistic talents in a public exhibition.”

In the adult classifications, each first-place winner will receive $300; second place will receive $200 each; and third place; $100 each. There is one $300 prize for Best in Show. In each youth classification, $75 will go to first-place winners; $50 to second place; and $25 to third place. The prizes are provided by The National Arts Program®.

The National Arts Program® runs 89 annual programs reaching 450 cities in 42 states. The program was conceived in 1983 by Leonard E.B. Andrews (1925-2009), an art collector, publisher, business executive and journalist, “for the encouragement and development of artistic expression.” The National Arts Program® allows artists to upload their artwork, free of charge, to their online Interactive Gallery. To learn more about The National Arts Program® and see photos from past exhibits, or for Union County employees to register online, please visit http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/venues/union-county-nj . Early registration is encouraged.

Registration for the art exhibit is required by April 19. To request a registration form and further information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550 or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org . NJ relay users call 711. For more information about programs and activities of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit their web site:https://ucnj.org/cultural .

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj