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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that Magnet High School and The Academy for Information Technology (AIT) have gained national recognition for academic excellence in a new “Best High Schools for Math and Science” survey from US News & World Report. Both schools are part of the Union County Vo-Tech school district.

The schools were two out of only five county vo-tech schools in New Jersey that made the Best High Schools for Math and Science list.

“Given that Magnet and AIT are relatively new schools, this achievement is all the more exceptional, and it demonstrates the deep level of commitment by students, faculty and staff from all of our Vo-Tech schools,” said Deborah Scanlon, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “This is a very proud day Union County.”

“Throughout our campus, we strive to create an atmosphere of community endeavor that supports and encourages each student to do their best,” said Dr. Thomas Bistocchi, Superintendent of Union County Vo-Tech Schools. “This is an outstanding recognition for Magnet and AIT, and it reflects well on the entire Vo-Tech student body.”

The survey analyzed only the top 208 schools in the country, which had been culled from a previously compiled list of 598 outstanding schools.

Rankings for the 208 finalists were based on student participation and achievement in Advanced Placement courses that prepare students for advanced degrees and careers in the demanding “STEM” fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“The Vo-Tech mission is to help Union County residents prepare for productive careers, and these technology-related skills are highly valued now more than ever,” said Chairman Scanlon. “The county vo-tech schools system here in New Jersey is truly a community endeavor, in which we all contribute to help the next generation build a stronger economy.”

Earlier this year, Magnet and AIT along with a third new relatively new school on the Vo-Tech campus, the Academy for Allied Health Sciences, were all included in Newsweek’s list of top 500 public high schools in the nation.

Another new school on the Vo-Tech Campus, the Academy for Performing Arts, prepares students for performance and technical careers in the metro region’s important entertainment industry. It opened after the cutoff date for inclusion in the Newsweek list.

Vo-Tech’s fifth school, Vo-Tech High School, helps students to advance their skills in traditional careers as well as emerging high-demand fields such as electric vehicles.

Two Union County Vo-Tech high schools, Magnet High School and the Academy for Information Technology, were named among the best in the nation for math and science in a recent US News & World Report survey.  (photo: Union County Vo-Tech Schools)

More information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools is available atwww.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

 

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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 atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

The Union County annual public history event, “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” will take place Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. Free events will take place over the weekend at 24 locations throughout Union County.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend began in 1994 when 16 historic sites and the County of Union organized a weekend event to tell the story of how Elizabethtown of 1664 evolved into the 21 municipalities of today’s Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Whether you’re a curious first-time visitor or a long-time neighbor, we hope you enjoy your journey through our history.”

Five of the 24 historic sites open for free tours during Four Centuries in a Weekend will feature special activities developed in observance of the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War. For eye-opening outdoor history tours visit Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside and the Rahway Cemetery at Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, the final resting places for hundreds of New Jersey Civil War soldiers and sailors. Visitors are reminded to look for the letters “USCT,” for United States Colored Troops, on the grave markers of many forgotten African American soldiers and sailors.

In honor of Cranford’s Civil War veterans, the Crane-Phillips House Museum will present an encampment of re-enactors of Company D, 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers. Visit the Roselle Park Museum and experience the lives and loves of local Civil War veterans through an exhibit featuring portraits of Union and Confederate military leaders, pictures of battle scenes, copies of photos by renowned 19th century photographer Matthew Brady, documents and memorabilia pertaining to the war. Travel to the Cannon Ball House in Springfield and view an exhibit of Civil War artifacts and a collection of letters between a Civil War soldier, Sergeant Wellington Briant, and his family.

There is plenty more history to discover at the remaining Four Centuries in a Weekend historic sites, including:

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth and burial ground, the first English-speaking congregation in New Jersey; 

 

Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth, residence of Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress (1782-83), and Jonathan Dayton, one of four New Jersey signers of the United States Constitution in 1787;

Liberty Hall Museum in Union, home to William Livingston, the first Governor of New Jersey;

The beautifully restored Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway;

Five authentic farmhouses: Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum in Clark, Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum in Hillside, Salt Box Museum in New Providence, the Carter House in Summit, and Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield;

 

Four American Revolutionary Front Line sites: Drake House Museum in Plainfield, Abraham Clark House in Roselle, Osborn Cannonball House in Scotch Plains, and Caldwell Parsonage in Union;

Pre- and post-Civil War early commerce and industry related sites: Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights, Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum in Hillside, and the Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth;

 

Historic countryside sites including Twin Maples and Reeves Reed Arboretum in Summit; Summit Playhouse; Deacon Andrew Hetfield House in Mountainside; the Drake House Museum in Plainfield; and the Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights.

 

“Four Centuries in a Weekend” is made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

For this self-guided journey, free copies of the Historic Sites Tour booklets containing brief descriptions of the sites and illustrated maps can be obtained by contacting the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the historic sites. Telephone: 908-558-2550 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. NJ Relay Users can call 711. Or E-mail: Culturalinfo@ucnj.org. The contact information is the same for schools and other groups requesting lesson plans and activity kits.

 

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For more information about 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 .

Speakers include Elizabeth Bettina, author of “It Happened in Italy,” Italian American ONE VOICE President Andre’ DiMino, Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella, County Surrogate James LaCorte, County Manager Al Faella, and UNICO District X Governor Robert Bengivenga

 

Elizabeth, NJ—Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella today announced the County’s third Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event is set for Friday, October 7th, at 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse.

David Toma, a resident of Clark, dubbed by the Daily News as the “greatest policeman alive” will deliver the keynote address. Toma has received 2,000 awards and numerous honorary PH Ds throughout his career that has resulted in two popular TV series about him — “Toma” starring Tony Musante and “Baretta” with Robert Blake. He’s also written seven books and numerous others have been written about him, some in places as far as Japan.

Elizabeth Bettina, author of the book, “It happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust,” will speak about the lesser known story of Italians and the Catholic Church which worked to save the lives of many Jewish refugees during World War II.

Other speakers include Andre’ DiMino, President of the Italian American One Voice Coalition, which has led the fight against “Jersey Shore,” Union County Surrogate James LaCorte–who was nominated as man of the year by the Elizabeth Chapter of UNICO, Union County Manager Al Faella, and UNICO District X Governor Robert Bengivenga.

Freeholder Mirabella will host and emcee the event. The Courthouse is located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth at the corner of Rahway Avenue. In the event of rain, the program will be moved in doors to the County Courthouse Rotunda.

“Italian Americans continue to make amazing contributions to America, and we celebrate those contributions as well as a culture that has made the greatest contributions to modern society,” said Mirabella, whose father, Gene, was the first Italian American Police Chief of Elizabeth, NJ. The Union County Sheriff’s Firearm Training Facility is named in his honor.

UNICO District X and the County of Union works with Plainfields’ UNICO to organize and co-sponsor the event.

Italian-style refreshments will be served after the event in the historic Union County Courthouse.

Parking (pay) is available in the Midtown area at Elizabeth’s Parking Deck #6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street. A second deck is also close at the Midtown Train Station entrance on W. Grand Street.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, takes place Columbus Day Weekend October 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Friday and continuing through Monday.  This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal and made possible by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

Friday, October 7th:

5:00 – 6:00 pm.:  Jefferson Arts Academy Dance Dynamics of Elizabeth

 

Saturday, October 8th:

11:30 a.m. – Noon:  Jennifer Lynn School of Irish Dance

12:30-1:30 p.m.: Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains, Belly Dance Inspirations

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.:   Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.:    COMPAS of Elizabeth

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.:  University of Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.:  Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield, chorus and individual instrumental performances

 

Sunday, October 9th:

11 a.m. – Noon:  Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains, Belly Dance Inspirations

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.:  Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.:  Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Chorus

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.:  Lauren Shub & Hal Hirsch Jazz

 

Monday, October 11th:

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.:  Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.:  A’daila of Elizabeth, piano performance

 

“Since opening its doors in October 1999, Jersey Gardens has become the center of the community; therefore, it is a natural fit for us to host the celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for Jersey Gardens. “We have been overwhelmed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements. Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent,” Ms. Stell added.

Jersey Gardens, New Jersey’s largest outlet shopping mall is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.

For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550.  New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. e-mail  culturalinfo@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, NJ – Making cheap, tasty, healthy meals at home is a snap when you know a few simple tricks, which you can learn at an upcoming “Celebrate Food Day” workshop taught by a nutrition expert from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Recipe tastings are included in the two-hour session, scheduled for Monday, October 24, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Union County Extension, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. There is a $5.00 fee and pre-registration is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@ucnj.org.

The workshop is scheduled to coordinate with the Food Day program, which seeks to encourage responsible stewardship of the nation’s food supply while promoting healthy nutrition that helps to prevent illness.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is sponsored in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information on all Union County programs and activities, visit www.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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal in conjunction with the Trailside Museum Association (TMA) are pleased to announce an exciting Matinee Program for Monday, Oct. 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

The program, “Phenomenal Physics,” is recommended for children ages 4 and older. Admission is $5 per person. TMA members will be admitted free of charge. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before the show.

“Phenomenal Physics is an action-packed matinee program being offered when schools are closed for the Columbus Day holiday,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “It gives families an opportunity to enjoy an exciting and educational show while they visit our fabulous nature center in the Watchung Reservation.”

Join Mr. Fish, a renowned circus performer, as he presents astounding tricks that actually have scientific explanations. Using boomerangs, bubbles, bull whips, balloons and eggs, the program will demonstrate velocity, friction, inertia, sonic booms, aerodynamics, arches and much more.

The Trailside Museum Association, a sponsor of this program, is an organization dedicated to assisting Trailside staff in their ongoing efforts to educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy. The group’s generous financial support has provided many amenities for Trailside.

“The Trailside Museum Association is a dedicated group of people who put a tremendous amount of time and effort into providing support to Trailside,” Freeholder Sullivan added. “We encourage volunteerism and organizational support for all of our facilities and we appreciate help from individuals and groups such as the TMA.”

In 2006, the TMA provided $56,000 to fund the American Beech Tree exhibit in the two-story atrium of the recently renovated Visitor Center. TMA also co-sponsored the Backyard Habitat and provided funding for the Mosaic Column. Most recently, the TMA sponsored the Environmental Hero Awards at Wild Earth Fest in 2010. These awards were given to youth and youth-oriented community groups who demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment. A representative from the TMA will be available on Oct. 10 to assist anyone interested in becoming a member.

For information about the Trailside Museum Association, the matinee program or other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Ave.) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Join Mr. Fish at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Monday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. for a special matinee presentation of “Phenomenal Physics.” Using boomerangs, bubbles, balloons and other objects, Mr. Fish performs astounding tricks that have scientific explanations.  Recommended for children ages 4 and up. Admission is $5 per person. For more information about the matinee or other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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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 .

(From back left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon and Freeholders Linda Carter and Christopher Hudak congratulate (from front left) Marleni Chavana, Pablo Chavana, Ali Brabo, Adrian Brabo and Marazlu Chavana, all of Hillside, on winning a “Build a Scarecrow” contest at the 30th Annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The event was hosted by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a special science program that will visit grammar schools, high schools and community groups to discuss watershed ecology. This free, 30-45-minute, in-house science presentation relates watershed and environmental concepts in a fun and meaningful way.

A watershed is a specific land area that drains into a river system or other body of water. Since 1999, these interactive, “hands-on” earth science presentations incorporating a three-dimensional land use model have been receiving positive reviews from students and teachers alike.

“This is a full period of interesting material for students, scouts and ecology clubs,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Kids love coming to the watershed model and participating.”

Teachers, students and community members will discover how human behavior can impact the land and water around them. Most importantly, the program offers easy, practical solutions that everyone can implement to reduce pollution and improve water quality, such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding waterfowl such as ducks and geese.

The presentations are offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program. Additionally, the Watershed Ambassador Program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups. To schedule a free presentation or training, call Shahira Morell, the Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area #7 at 908-789-3209.

Shahira Morell, watershed ambassador from Union County’s Department of Parks and Community Renewal and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, prepares for upcoming watershed presentations using the Enviroscape, a 3-D model. To schedule a free watershed presentation in your community, please call 908-789-3209.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced the start of construction for a new state-of-the-art clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, at a groundbreaking ceremony held on the site today, Tuesday September 27. The new clubhouse will include a full slate of amenities for golfers along with a conference center, restaurant and banquet facilities. It will also serve as the new headquarters for the New Jersey State Golf Association.

The facility will be run by the internationally renowned company KemperSports, which manages Union County’s golf operations.

“The completion of the new state of the art Galloping Hill Clubhouse will be the final phase of a fiscal turnaround plan for golf operations,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The improvements we have made including our partnerships with Kemper, TaylorMade, the First Tee program, and the New Jersey State Golf Association have exceeded our expectations and will ensure the Galloping Hill golf experience will be phenomenal.”

The 43,000 square foot, LEED Silver Certified clubhouse will include a conference center, pro shop, 300 person banquet facility, bar and grill, private dining room, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the golf course. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2012 golf season.

“We are excited to relocate the NJSGA to the clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course. We look forward to welcoming golfers from throughout the State to share in the superb golf experience at this course,” said John B. Murray, president, New Jersey State Golf Association. “The NJSGA is proud to be a part of this project and looks forward to occupying the new clubhouse upon completion next year.”

In 2008 Union County golf operations incurred a loss of $650,000. The fiscal turnaround plan included hiring a professional management company and opening a new driving range and learning center. The total cost of the upgrades is $17 million which includes the construction of the TaylorMade Performance Lab, the new driving range and the Clubhouse.

In the two years since the implementation of the fiscal turnaround plan, golf operations experienced a $300,000 increase in revenue in 2010.

Construction has already begun on the new TaylorMade Performance Lab at Galloping Hill. Performance Lab represents the latest and most cutting edge swing analysis and club fitting technologies TaylorMade has to offer. The building is expected to be open to the public in late 2011.

On completion of both the TaylorMade Performance Lab and new clubhouse, Galloping Hill will be the premier municipal golf facility in the state of New Jersey, capable of handling 800 guests at a time.

“This state-of-the-art clubhouse will be a tremendous addition to the overall golf experience at Galloping Hill,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We are excited to welcome the NJSGA to the new home for golf in New Jersey.”

About New Jersey State Golf Association
The New Jersey State Golf Association is a non-profit organization of member clubs and courses dedicated to the service of golf in New Jersey. Founded in 1900, the Association was formed for the purpose of promoting and conserving the true spirit of the game throughout New Jersey. Now in its 108th year, the NJSGA has continued to grow and serves over 275 clubs, courses and organizations representing over 100,000 golfers throughout the State.

About KemperSports
Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs, lodging venues and major sporting events, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Dorado Beach Resort & Club, The Glen Club, Desert Willow Golf Resort and Chambers Bay, host of the 2015 U.S. Open. For more information, visit www.kempersports.com.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite local crafters and artisans to market their wares at Union County’s 28th Annual Holiday Nature Craft Show on Sunday, December 4. The show will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The craft show usually features more than 40 vendors selling handcrafted items,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “A number of openings are still available for crafters who make natural wreaths, ornaments, handmade gift baskets, hand-painted or stenciled home décor and maple syrup.”

Also sought are vendors who create garden art, live green arrangements, basketry, unique children’s toys, stained glass and gift items with wildlife, gardening or nature themes. Interested crafters should contact Karen Pedersen at Trailside by calling 908-789-3670, ext. 7913, or e-mail: kpedersen@ucnj.org.

The Holiday Nature Craft Show, which is being held in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration, will offer numerous other activities, including caroling and a visit from Santa. A Charity Drive for the collection of canned or dry food items and new toys for distribution through local charities will also be held.

For additional information about this event please call Trailside Nature & Science Center at 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 .