County of Union
Union County Freeholders Alexander Mirabella (L) and Bette Jane Kowalski congratulate the Cranford High School Baseball Team on winning the 2013 New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association State Group 3 Championship. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the 12th year renewal of its successful innovative program to bring the arts to the homes of full-time unpaid family caregivers of care recipients over 60 years old.
“Recent studies have shown that the stress of long-term care-giving responsibilities can have detrimental effects on the health and emotional well being of the caregiver,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “This program is intended to relieve that stress while it exercises the caregiver’s creativity.”
The free program will provide artists who come to the caregiver’s home in a series of visits, bringing art personalized to suit their individual needs and interests. Some examples of visits include: writers to help document family stories or teach how to keep a journal; live musical performances, to share with friends or each other; portraits done from life or favorite photographs; art projects for caregivers and care recipients to do together; lessons in drawing, watercolor, keyboard playing, and drama.
“The time and energy-consuming responsibilities of full-time family caregivers often prevent them from participating in the arts they love,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Our participating artists provide a fulfilling creative experience for the caregivers.”
In addition to caring for a family member, the caregiver may also work a full-time job outside the home. As long as the care recipient is older than 60 and both live in Union County, they are eligible. While focused on the caregiver, the program can benefit everyone in the family.
The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is coordinating this unique program, which is made possible by grants from the Union County Division on Aging and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The program is free to caregivers; however, voluntary donations are gratefully accepted and used to expand the program.
For more information about arts in the home, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send E-mail to:culturalinfo@ucnj.org
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The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal announces that Wheeler Pool will open tomorrow, June 27, following the completion of mechanical repairs at the facility.
The John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool, located in Wheeler Park, West Stimpson Avenue and Route 1 in Linden, will be open for the season from June 27 through Friday, August 23.
Union County’s other public swimming pool, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park, off St. Georges Avenue in Rahway, opened for swimming on June 22nd.
Swimming lessons will be held at Ulrich Pool beginning Monday, July 1. Applications are available at either pool office for all ages, beginners through adults. Pre-registration is required.
Open Swim Sessions for Seniors (62 and older) and for People with Disabilities are held at Ulrich Pool on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and at Wheeler Pool on Wednesdays from 12 noon-1:00 p.m. Admission to these special sessions is free.
Regular pool hours are as follows:
Walter E Ulrich Pool:
Monday & Wednesday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
John Russell Wheeler Pool:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & July 4 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Daily Admission (proof of residency required for Union County resident fee):
County Resident Non-County Resident
Youth (17 & under) $ 4.00 $ 8.00
Adult (18 & over) $ 5.00 $10.00
Seniors (62 & over) $ 4.00 $ 8.00
The Ulrich and Wheeler pools are a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about special programs, discount cards, group swim lessons, directions or other questions, visit the website:www.ucnj.org/pools or call the Ulrich Pool (732-382-9457) or the Wheeler Pool (908-862-0977) for recorded information.
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RAHWAY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Thursday, July 11, at Rahway River Park in Rahway.
“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Solid Waste Advisory Council. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”
The July 11th shredding event will take place in the Rahway River Park service yard, off St. Georges Avenue in Rahway. NEXCUT Shredding of Teaneck will be shredding documents at the site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.
All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.
Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place Saturday, August 10th at Kean University in Union.
The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .
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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photography/montage by Darlene Foster of Plainfield in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “Listen with Your Eyes” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until August 15.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
“We are pleased to have Ms. Foster’s beautiful works on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit demonstrates her mastery of both photography and pictorial story telling.”
Darlene Foster was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and studied drawing and painting at the Sarah Brown School of Art in Atlanta. She participated in shows and exhibits before moving to Plainfield in 1977, where she began incorporating photography into her artwork. This led to a 17-year employment as a retouching artist with The Image Maker Photography Studio in Berkeley Heights and other freelance clients.
Pencils, brushes and dyes gave way to digital in the mid ‘90s when the computer was introduced to her as an art tool. Ms Foster has been exploring the digital medium ever since. She currently works doing photographic painting, retouching, restoration and collage for photographers and the general public as well as her personal artwork.
Her recent awards in New Jersey exhibits include: Romancing the Past, 2012, Edison Municipal Gallery, Edison (Second Place); Annual Photography Exhibit, 2012, JB Kline Gallery, Lambertville (Second Place);Gardens of the Garden State, 2010, The Edison Arts Society (Second Place) and Arts on Amboy, 2009, Edison (Best in Show). She had a 2012 solo exhibit, Selected Works, at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield.
To see a variety of images from Darlene Foster’s work, visit www.darlenefoster.com.
Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Mark your calendars – the popular Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside Nature & Science Center begins on July 10 and continues every Wednesday through August 14. This family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs about 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and older. Admission is $5.00 per person; $4.00 for senior citizens (62 & older) and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. on the day of the show. No strollers will be permitted in the auditorium.
“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside offers our families an assortment of fun, creative and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight children of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Union County is committed to providing our residents with affordable, fun, family programs at our facilities and Trailside’s Wednesday Matinee Series certainly fits the bill.”
On Wednesday, July 10, the Turtle Singer will kick-off the summer series and make sure you have fun and sing some songs while learning interesting facts about turtles. This interactive show with lots of audience participation features live turtles and music. Find out why turtles are endangered throughout the world.
On July 17, “Kids in Motion” will take the audience on a non-stop musical journey on the Trailside stage. JoJo Russell, a talented DJ entertainer, will have everyone clapping, stomping and swaying from start to finish. This high energy presentation encourages the audience to be the stars.
On July 24, join Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo for “Eyes Wild,” an afternoon of animals, education and fun. In this amazing show featuring live animals, the audience will enjoy learning about behaviors, habitats, adaptations and survival strategies of some very interesting mammals.
The excitement continues on July 31 with “Hocus Pocus,” a show that is sure to astound, baffle and thrill the audience. Joe Fischer, magician extraordinaire, does a fast paced show with the perfect blend of magic, comedy, audience participation and excitement. He has an outstanding rapport with children and his ability to communicate and engage audience members of all ages makes this show “pure magic.”
August 7th brings “Bubble Trouble” to the Trailside stage with bubble master Jeff Boyer. Mixing comedy, music and bubble magic, this presentation will delight all ages.
On August 14, the 2013 Wednesday Matinee Series concludes with “The Brain Show.” Test your nature knowledge as the audience participates in this lively presentation that is fun for all ages. It is as close as you can get to a real, live TV game show!
For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee Series or other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us 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.
Union County, NJ – Nationally renowned recording artist Ralph Covert brings the rock ‘n’ roll fun of his popular musical creationRalph’s World to the Union County Performing Arts Center for a special performance on Sunday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m., at 1601 Irving Street in the heart of the Rahway Arts District.
The show is part of the Union County Sensory Friendly Theater series, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.
Sensory Friendly Theater is especially designed for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities, enabling them to enjoy the enriching experience of the performing arts with their families and care givers in a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere.
To get more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office, 732-499-8226, or visit ucpac.org.
The non-profit Union County Performing Arts Center is housed in a historic former vaudeville palace. Originally saved by local preservationists, the building was purchased by Union County, fully restored to its original splendor, and updated with modern equipment including central air conditioning.
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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.
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal are happy to announce the schedule of “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer entertainment and film series on Tuesday evenings that gives families a chance to enjoy an outdoor activity and catch a movie under the stars in a Union County park.
“Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but come early to the park to enjoy interesting preview activities at 7:30 p.m. that are fun for the whole family,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn or save a seat in the bleachers – either way, the early birds are sure to like the preview activity before each movie.”
Come to Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle, Tuesday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. when naturalists from Trailside Nature & Science Center will be on hand with the Ecovan to explain what makes a mammal a mammal. Get a close-up look at skulls, pelts and animal tracks to identify some local species. Then sit back at dusk and enjoy the story of a boy who tries to win the heart of his dream girl while learning about trees from a charming grump known as the Lorax in the 2012 animated musical comedy, “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax,” featuring the voices of Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, and Danny DeVito.
The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:
All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.
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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Summer is here and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering a “Summer Saving Special” for all Union County residents from July 6 through July 28.
For every public trail ride purchased by a Union County resident during the month of July, a second rider will receive a discounted rate on that same day. The cost for the first participant will be $32 and the second participant will receive the discount rate of $20.
“Trail rides in the wooded Watchung Reservation are a great way to enjoy warm summer days,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “Now families and friends who like to ride can share the fun at a discount during the month of July.”
The public trail rides are held every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m., weather permitting. All participants must be nine years of age or older and trail rides are on a first-come first-served basis. A valid form of ID is required to receive a discount.
For those younger riders under nine, Watchung Stable offers lead-lines on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Lead-line rides are available weather permitting and are held on a first-come first-served basis. The cost for a lead-line ride is $18 for Union County residents and $26 for out-of-county participants. Lead-lines are 30-minute rides only.
Special private group rides also are available at Watchung Stable for individuals or groups up to 15 people. These rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time. The cost of a private ride is the rental fee (in-county $32; out-of-county $45) plus an additional $32 for the instructor. The summer discount rate does not apply for private trail rides.
The trail rides and lead-line 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.
Watchung Stable is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information, call 908-789-3665 during the normal office hours or email questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.
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The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series begins its 53rd season of music on Wednesday evening, July 10, with a Classic Rock Revue featuring performances by popular Jersey bands Lot B and the Rick Cantor Band. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Linda Carter, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Lot B is one of the hottest bands in North Jersey. With unique arrangements and harmonies (featuring lead vocals by Brooke Hern, Mayor of New Providence), their blend of classic rock, blues, R&B, funk and Top 40 hits generates energy and excitement wherever they perform.
The Rick Cantor Band (Mike “Bubba” Bange, Rick Cantor, Travis Hudelson and Jim Sampson) hail from Westfield, Cranford and Short Hills. They’ve played classic rock in New Jersey and New York for more than 50 years collectively, specializing in hits from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.
“Bring the entire family for a rocking good evening in Echo Lake Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Carter. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”
The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning and other knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities that are available to Union County residents.
The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concerts in July will be at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border and in August at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.
The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:
July 17 – American Rapture; at Echo Lake Park.
July 24 – EagleMania; at Echo Lake Park.
July 31 – Ed Palermo Big Band; at Echo Lake Park.
Aug. 7 – Tusk (tribute to Fleetwood Mac); at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 14 – Sensational Soul Cruisers; at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 21 – Verdict (Reggae); at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 28 – The British Invasion Tribute; at Oak Ridge Park.
For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org