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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Greg Cummings of Fanwood in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of his photographs entitled “The Shore and More” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until December 3.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Cummings’ intriguing photographs on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit features images of the Jersey Shore and other local areas that highlight the beauty and uniqueness of New Jersey.”

A long-time Fanwood resident and avid photographer, Cummings has earned numerousawards for his photographs from juried shows in New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. His photo “Blue Beach Cruisers” was recently published in the Asbury Park Press book titled “The Real Jersey Shore.” It was one of only 200 photographs that were accepted out of more than 31,000 photos that were entered in the contest. Cummings won first place in non-pro photography in the 2012 Union County Senior Art Show and his winning picture is on exhibit in the 46th Annual New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show at Meadow Lakes in East Windsor.

Greg’s photographic images have been in solo exhibits at Les Malamut Gallery in Union; the Barnegat Public Library; and the Charlestown, Rhode Island Public Library. Visit his photography online atwww.gregcummingsphotography.com.

Cummings has been an active volunteer in Fanwood for many years, serving on the Holiday Celebration, Clean Communities, and Historic Preservation committees. He recently stepped down as Chairman of the Fanwood Planning Board after more than 20 years of service.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs please 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.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (R) and Freeholders Mohamed Jalloh (L) and Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd L) present a resolution to Prevention Links Executive Director Pam Capaci and Prevention Links Community Events Coordinator Michael Capko congratulating them on a successful 14th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day on October 20 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark The event kicked off Red Ribbon Week which is aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drugs and encourages them to live a drug free lifestyle. For more information, visit www.preventionlinks.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite adults, ages 18 and older, to attend a one-man dramatization of  Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” on Tuesday, October 30, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

“This engaging program sets the mood for the season of trick-or-treating which is right around the corner,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “And the Trailside Center in the woods of the Watchung Reservation is the ideal location for the classic early American drama.”

Seasoned actor, director and educator Neill Hartley brings you into the world of famed short story writer Washington Irving and his best known work, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Hartley plays the literary lion as Irving narrates the tale of the Headless Horseman and then enters his own story, becoming Ichabod Crane, creating an eerie and entertaining evening.

Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. This program is made possible in part by funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. There is no fee for this event, but donations are welcomed.

For additional information about the Legend of Sleepy Hollow or other adult programs and 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.

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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 – Fourteen municipalities in Union County will plant a total of 1000 trees this year with the help of funding from the “Greening Union County” grant program.

The program helps local governments offset the cost of planting trees, through matching grants from the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund.

“The benefits of planting trees in our towns go far beyond aesthetics. They have an intrinsic environmental and economic value,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is committed to the on-going support of our municipalities’ greening efforts.”

Freeholder Angel G. Estrada initiated the program while serving as Freeholder Board Chairman in 2004, and since its inception 6281 trees have been planted throughout Union County.

Depending on the applicants’ needs, “Greening Union County” provides grants for new trees at public parks, historic sites and other public facilities, as well as on streets.

“It has long been known that trees in urban areas have a positive impact on air quality and storm water management,” said Deborah P. Scanlon, Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund. “But what many people fail to realize is that well placed trees can also reduce cooling and heating costs, and even increase property values of homes throughout the area.”

The program includes installation by forestry professionals with a one-year maintenance guarantee.

This year’s grants, totaling $93,003.00 will go to Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, and Union.

For additional information on the “Greening Union County” grant program contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Union County Office of Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278, or visit online at www.ucnj.org/community/parks-recreation/open-space-trust-fund.

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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 Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) and Freeholders Deborah Scanlon and Mohamed Jalloh (R) present a $150,000 Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund check to Roselle Mayor Jamel Holley (C) and Roselle Recreation Director Donald Shaw. More than $1.15 million in matching grants from the Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund will be distributed to municipalities across Union County that are looking to upgrade or build playing fields, including hockey rinks, soccer fields, baseball fields, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities for children and families. (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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (2nd R) and Freeholder Deborah Scanlon (R) present a $50,000 Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund check to New Providence Administrator Douglas Marvin and grants writer Maureen Parker. More than $1.15 million in matching grants from the Kids’ Recreation Trust Fund will be distributed to municipalities across Union County that are looking to upgrade or build playing fields, including hockey rinks, soccer fields, baseball fields, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities for children and families. (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 offer adults, 18 and older, more landscaping classes this fall at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The Trailside Museum Association is sponsoring these classes from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, October 27 (Deer Resistant Plants); and November 3 (Creating a Natural Wildlife Garden). Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed as space permits. There is no fee for these classes but donations are appreciated.

“These programs will provide residents with knowledge and skills to grow and maintain beautiful gardens,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders appreciates the Trailside Museum Association’s sponsorship of landscaping classes, as well as their ongoing support and commitment to Trailside.”

Bryan Lowe, consultant for HortSeminarsNJ, and a certified rain garden installer, will present these landscaping lectures. On Saturday, Oct. 27, the topic of discussion is deer-resistant plants. You’ll learn what plants are not attractive to deer, and what techniques work to deter deer.

On Saturday, Nov. 3, the class will examine the proper design for creating a backyard corner for attracting birds, as well as a landscape dedicated to providing food and shelter for our animal friends. The class will offer a chance to explore Trailside’s wildlife habitat.

The Trailside Museum Association, sponsor of these landscaping programs, is dedicated to assisting Trailside staff in their efforts to educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy.

For information about the landscaping classes or about any other programs or upcoming events, call Trailside 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 .

ROSELLE, NJ – The Warinanco Ice Skating Center, a facility owned and operated by the County of Union, will open for the 2012-13 skating season on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m.

“This season will mark the 51st Anniversary of the Ice Skating Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our staff in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal has been working very hard to get the center ready. I’m sure the public will be pleased.”

Skating sessions will be: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, plus 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (a family session during which children ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult), and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., plus 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., plus 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. This schedule may be subject to change on holidays. Please call the Skating Center to find out if changes will be made, or visit www.ucnj.org/skating.

Admission to the general sessions is $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 17 and younger. Skate rental is an additional $3. Discount Cards are available for Union County residents who plan to skate on a regular basis.

Warinanco Ice Skating Center has much more to offer in addition to the general skating sessions. The skating center also offers group and private skating lessons and hockey clinics, as well as skating lessons for individuals with disabilities. Other features include a Pro Shop and refreshment stand.

Registration for the first session of Hockey Clinic and the Group Ice Skating Lessons will begin Thursday, Oct. 25, at 7:00 p.m. and will continue through Sunday, Oct. 28, or when the classes reach capacity. Registration must be made in person. Session One begins Friday, Nov. 2, and runs through Friday, Dec. 9.

Skating lessons meet once a week for 30 minutes. The first session is six weeks long. The fee for youths (17 and younger) is $89. The fee for adults (18 and older) is $100. Skate rentals are available at $3 at time of lesson.

Hockey Clinic meets once a week for one hour. The first session is six weeks. The fee for First Start (ages 4-6) and Youth (ages 7-12) is $95. Hockey equipment is required.

The Warinanco Ice Skating Center is located in Warinanco Park off Thompson Ave. at Seventh Ave. in Roselle. Park entrances also are located off St. Georges Ave. and Third Ave. For further information, call (908) 298-7850 for a recorded message or (908) 527-4900 for the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

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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 Freeholder Christopher Hudak (R) and Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (L) met with Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Howarth and his K-9 Jaeger during recertification training at the K-9 Search and Rescue unit headquarters in Summit. More than 20 K-9 teams from federal, county and local law enforcement agencies from throughout the state were recertified at the Union County site which is considered a regional police K-9 training center. Biannual recertification for K-9 teams is mandated by the NJ Attorney General.  (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

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer people living with disabilities an afternoon hoe-down on Saturday, November 3, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Masker’s Barn. The party will include music, dancing, refreshments and hayrides in the woods and fields of the Watchung Reservation.

“This is an event you won’t want to miss,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the renovated Masker’s Barn, play games, dance and meet some new friends.”

Put on your cowboy boots and hat and get ready for fun as a square dance caller and country musicians get your feet moving as you learn basic square dance steps. Adding to the energy will be a line dance instructor who will teach us some new dance routines.

Take a break from the dancing and hop on the hay wagon to enjoy a beautiful autumn afternoon in the reservation. Then grab a plate and enjoy snacks and refreshments back at the barn, a prominent structure in the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park.

The deadline to register for the barn dance is Monday, October 29. The fee is $10 per person. To register for the Nov. 3 barn dance and for additional information about this event or other upcoming programs and special activities, please call 908-527-4096 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org.

Masker’s Barn and the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park are located on Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Avenue in Berkeley Heights. These facilities are services 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 .