Author: Web Site Administrator

ROSELLE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are happy to announce that a special “Fiesta De Mayo!” party for people with disabilities will be held on Sunday, May 22, at the Warinanco Ice Skating Center in Roselle from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

“Join in the fun with music, games and refreshments at the Warinanco Skating Center in Warinanco Park,” said Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, liaison to the Union County Advisory Board on the Disabled. “The ice skating center will be transformed into a ‘South of the Border’ recreation party where people living with disabilities can meet friends while enjoying music and dance floor games.”

No skates are needed. This is not an ice skating event. A live DJ will provide music and lead dance floor games. Participants can create a party keepsake and chill out with a frozen (non-alcoholic) margarita and other refreshments.

Pre-registration is required before May 13 for this special celebration. Please call 908-527-4806 to register. Admission is $10 per person; no payments will be accepted at the door. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal has a number of recreational programs available for people with disabilities. For further information about these activities and to be placed on the mailing list for recreation programs for people with disabilities, please call 908-527-4806.

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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 to join 17 Union County municipalities in nationwide collection of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications

Union County – Union County residents who want to rid their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs in a safe and non-hazardous manner will be able to do so on Saturday, April 30th, 2011. From 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., the Union County Police Department will be hosting “Operation Take Back New Jersey” at their Union County Police Headquarters, located at 300 North Avenue in Westfield, NJ.

Prescription drug abuse is rapidly becoming one of our nation’s greatest emerging drug problems and it is widely recognized that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from home medicine cabinets.

According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs. Additionally, the survey reported for the 3rd year in a row that prescription drugs are the 2nd most abused drug category behind only marijuana.

The goal of “Operation Take Back New Jersey” is to allow the citizens of New Jersey to deliver all of their unused, unwanted, or expired medications to law enforcement officials who can in turn dispose of these controlled substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner, preventing these pills from falling into the hands of juveniles or into the illicit market in our communities.

“The County of Union is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer,” stated Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “Medicines that are stored in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. I encourage all Union County residents to look through home medicine cabinets and dispose of any expired or unused prescription drugs at a participating collection center.”

In addition to this growing drug problem, unused and expired prescription medications also represent a severe environmental hazard. Most individuals are not aware of methods to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away; both potential safety and health hazards.

In 2010, Operation Take Back New Jersey was a tremendous success collecting over 14,400 pounds of potentially dangerous medications.

Nationwide the program collected 245,500 pounds of unwanted, unused or expired medication.

In addition to the UCPD collection site, 17 municipal sites have been established in the following Union County municipalities: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit and Westfield. The public can find the locations for all collection sites by visiting www.dea.gov.

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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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are happy to offer a unique opportunity for adults to experience Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

On Thursday, May 5, adults ages 18 and older can participate in a guided tour of Trailside from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. The fee for this tour is $8 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is required.

“This program is a great opportunity for adults to experience Trailside and gain insight into the unique and informative exhibits from a Parks Department naturalist,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Our hope is that this night at the museum will encourage people to bring their friends and families in the future for their own guided tour.”

As the first nature center in New Jersey, Trailside has evolved from an old equipment garage into the modern facility that it is today. Visitors will join a Park naturalist to see the environment of the Watchung Reservation interpreted through innovative and educational displays. Highlights of the tour are the 35-foot Beech Tree Exhibit which fills the spacious atrium; the Native American walk-in wigwam; and the Night Theater, an audio-visual presentation of the sights and sounds of nocturnal forest animals.

To register or receive additional information about this Adult Tour: Night at the Museum, or any other programs or 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 Avenue) 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 .

Four-day exercise evaluates first responders’ ability to coordinate resources in the case of a major homeland security threat

Union County –Union County is set to join 5 other Northern New Jersey Counties in a Homeland Security exercise designed to test the Metro USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Strike Team’s ability to respond to terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and/or natural disasters.

The Metro USAR Strike Team is a conglomerate of ten fire departments from seven northern New Jersey Counties; Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic and Union Counties. Members also include New Jersey Transit and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officers along with fire departments from New Jersey’s two largest metro-area cities; Newark and Jersey City.

The Metro USAR Strike Team is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and is specifically designed to help prepare the country’s urban areas for large-scale rescues in the densely populated northeast portion of New Jersey.

The area incorporates many core elements of New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure, including the George Washington Bridge, the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels, the Ports of Elizabeth and Newark, the New Jersey Turnpike/Interstate 95 and Garden State Parkway, Amtrak’s northeast rail corridor, Newark Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport.

“It is widely known that terrorism experts have dubbed the stretch from Newark Airport to Port Elizabeth as the most dangerous two miles in America,” Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon stated. “The County of Union is steadfast in ensuring our police officers, firefighters and emergency responders have not only the equipment, but the training necessary to keep our residents safe from such heinous acts of violence.”

Members of the ten participating fire departments and the participating police officers all train together and are provided with equipment that is uniform and interchangeable. This allows all agencies to share resources under a defined mutual aid agreement and to provide assistance to each other in the event of a large incident.

Last year’s exercise, hosted by the Newark Fire Department at their training area, involved a simulated bomb threat in a mock “metropolitan tunnel” during rush hour; damaging the tunnel, leaving civilians trapped in cars and trucks, requiring rescue. The exercise assessed the METRO Strike Team’s ability to clear debris and drill through various obstructions to perform search and rescue operations.

This year’s exercise will take place Monday, April 25, 2011 through Sunday, April 28, 2011 at the Newark Firefighter’s Orange Street Training Facility, located at 191 Orange Street, Newark, NJ. Media inquiries, please contact B/C Mauriello at MaurielloA@ci.Newark.NJ.US.

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Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich joined the Easter Buddy during a surprise visit with the students at First Children School in Fanwood before the Easter holiday. (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

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak (2nd L) and Mohamed Jalloh speak with Kean University ecology professor Dr. Daniela Shebitz (2nd R) as Kean students Amanda Lionti (L) and Julie Lafferty sort through trash they collected in the Elizabeth River Parkway in Union during an Earth Day event. (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

Attention caregivers, do you feel tired? Are you overwhelmed and stressed? Caring for a loved one can bring on those feelings. You are not alone. Become a part of the Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights. Get together with others who share your difficulties and receive the reassurance as well as the knowledge that is found in a support group.

The group’s meetings, which are open to the public, are held in Room C318 on the third floor at RUNNELLS on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. The meetings, facilitated by Liz Carabuena, L.S.W., a RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital licensed social worker, are free of charge for all attendees.

“If you are a caregiver, meet with others in similar situations,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital. The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS shares information on dementia related diseases and available resources, researches updates, discusses practical care techniques and presents new ways to cope on a day-to-day basis. An especially important part of the meeting is the time set aside for participants to discuss the frustrations they feel in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County sponsors the meetings in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater New Jersey Chapter, an organization whose mission is to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS’ schedule for 2011 follows:

May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15.

RUNNELLS, Central New Jersey’s premier provider of care for individuals with dementia, also provides long-term, short-term, post acute, palliative and respite care in their nursing care center.

The facility is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Anyone who would like further information on this wheelchair accessible program or if you would like to attend, call 908-771-5828.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Enjoy Mother’s Day in a special way! Union County’s Watchung Stable offers two special Mother’s Day guided trail rides in the Watchung Reservation on Sunday, May 8, at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for everyone nine years of age or older.

“The Watchung Reservation is a 2,000-acre park that offers everyone a chance to experience the natural beauty of a forest,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat. You see so much of the park as well as get some exercise!”

Riders must register in advance and in person for these rides and payment is required at the time of registration, beginning April 26 at 9 a.m. The cost for a Union County resident is $28 per person. The Mother’s Day ride is $39 per person for out-of-county participants.

No experience is necessary; these rides are held at a walking pace only. After each ride, the Watchung Stables Auxiliary will provide light refreshments in the Stable’s assembly room.

Watchung Stable also offers guided trail rides that are held on Sundays at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and on Thursday nights at 6:45 p.m., weather permitting. Visitors are accommodated on a first come, first served basis on Sundays; reservations are required for Thursday nights. Experience is not required. The cost of a trail ride is the rental fee: in county, $28; out-of-county, $39.

Private trail rides are also available for individuals or parties up to 10 people. The cost is the rental fee plus an additional $30 for a private instructor. These rides are scheduled at mutually convenient times on weekends, weekdays or evenings. Please call to schedule your ride today!

The trail rides and Mother’s Day rides are held at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily.

For further information, call (908) 789-3665 during normal office hours or email questions to:stablequestions@ucnj.org. Watchung Stable 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 https://ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

In honor of “National Nutrition Month® 2011,” the registered dietitians of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County emphasized the month’s theme “Eat Right with Color.”

National Nutrition Month® is the American Dietetic Association’s annual nutrition education and information campaign, promoted by RUNNELLS Department of Food & Nutrition Services.

“This year’s theme reminds us that a rainbow of foods provide a variety of nutrients, with a wide array of potential benefits,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Remember to choose an assortment of colors when you buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Frozen or dried fruits and vegetables add to your choices year round,” Jalloh added.

RUNNELLS employs registered dietitians who have a college degree and some have also completed graduate level courses. Additionally they passed a national exam and received professional credentials, the RD (registered dietitian). Those who use the title of nutritionist often lack credentials from the American Dietetic Association.

“The registered dietitians of RUNNELLS monitor and tailor the diets of residents and patients,” added Freeholder Jalloh. “This ensures that everyone receives the needed nutrition and hydration. The well-balanced meals Food and Nutrition Services provides daily plays a vital role in overall health. Due to the excellence and importance of the registered dietitians’ work, the Union County Freeholders designated March as ‘National Nutrition Month®, in Union County.”

Anyone concerned about special dietary needs being met if they or their loved ones are cared for at RUNNELLS whether in long term, sub-acute or respite care may contact their assigned dietitian.

In Photo: Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital (seated, right) presents a resolution from the Freeholder Board to Rosemarie Fenchel, RD (registered dietitian), Chief Clinical Dietitian, Livingston. Looking on are: Laura, RD, Clinical Dietitian (left); Jessica Aspras, RD, Clinical Dietitian, North Bergen (second from left); Darlene Morrison, MS, RD, Clinical Dietitian, Somerville (third from left); Joan Wheeler, Administrator of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital (seated, left) and Garry Feuerberg, (DHCFA) Distinguished Health Care Foodservice Administrator, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Not in Photo: Chyiru Lee, MA, RD, Clinical Dietitian, Livingston.

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce 2011 funding for the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The application process for a HEART grant will be explained at a workshop for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. The workshop will be held on Thursday, May 12, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Annex, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield. Although the workshop is free of charge, pre-registration is suggested.

“The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been exciting,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups.”

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to the county’s quality of life and economy, this innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and non-profit organizations of Union County.

“The services provided by these artists, scholars and organizations directly benefit the residents of our county and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “These cultural assets are a vital part of community life, well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism in Union County.”

For additional information or to register for the HEART Grant workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.