Author: Web Site Administrator

ELIZABETH, NJ – “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, takes place over the Columbus Day Weekend, October 6 – 8, 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 Saturday 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 it is 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 talented local musicians and dancers and present them to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

• Saturday, October 6th:
• 11:30 a.m. – Noon: Oxygen Box Band;
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble;
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: SIOS of Elizabeth;
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter;
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: COMPAS of Elizabeth;
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield, chorus and instrumental performances.

 

Sunday, October 7th:

• 11:00 a.m. – Noon: Blanca Rosas of Elizabeth, singer/songwriter;
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Elizabeth High School Dance Dynamics;
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Chorus;
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers;
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Shubanjali School of Performing Arts of Scotch Plains, Indian classical and folk dances.

 

Monday, October 8th:

• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter;
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Jennifer Lynn School of Irish Dance of Union;
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Framework Acoustic Jazz Quartet.

 

“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,” Ms. Stell added. “Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent.”

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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer adults, ages 18 and older, a series of landscaping classes this fall at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The Trailside Museum Association is sponsoring these classes from 11:00 a.m. to noon on three Saturdays: October 13 (Planting Bulbs); 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 landscaping classes 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 these landscaping classes, as well as their ongoing support and commitment to Trailside.”

Bryan Lowe, horticulture consultant for HortSeminarsNJ, and a certified rain garden installer, will present an informative series of landscaping lectures. On Saturday, Oct. 13, learn which bulbs are available in the season; which do well in our area and are deer resistant; and find out how to plant, care for and maintain your bulbs.

The topic of discussion on Saturday, Oct. 27 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 this landscaping series of programs, is 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.

For information about the landscaping classes or information 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.

County Clerk’s Offices in Westfield & Elizabeth Have Convenient Hours

 

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds county residents to apply for their passports as soon as possible to avoid any complications that may disrupt their winter travel plans. Holiday travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and countries in the Caribbean must have a valid passport to enter or depart from the United States.

“Because of the approaching holidays, there’s an increased demand for new documents from the federal passport agency. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport,” Rajoppi said. “Additionally, if your passport expires within six months of your planned visit, many countries will not permit you to enter. You will need to renew your passport.”

It can take four to six weeks for a regular passport application to be processed and returned to the customer. Even the more expensive expedited delivery option can take three weeks for delivery.

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/Passports.

“Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office has convenient evening and Saturday hours and also is fully staffed.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number at the Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number in Elizabeth is 908-527-4966. Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call (908) 527-4966.

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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- Tickets are still available for the Pushcart Player’s performance of “Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories,” at Union County Performing Arts Center on October 7.

The next installment in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theater series, “Little Red Riding Hood” is one of several performances specially designed for children with autism and related disabilities.

“Blending innovative settings and sing-a-long songs, this performance provides the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to take advantage of the Sensory Friendly series, even if it’s their first theater-going experience,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

As part of Mirabella’s “Putting People First” initiatives, the series is designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

Union County worked with Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC to design the series and Paper Mill Playhouse and the Children’s Specialized Hospital assisted in making the program possible.

“Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories” is an enchanting collection of classic tales which, in addition to “Little Red Riding Hood,” also includes “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and Hans Christian Anderson’s “All’s Well That Ends Well.”  All seats are $8 per person and performances begin promptly at 2 p.m.

For further information on ticketing or the performance itself contact the Union County Performing Arts Center at 732-499-8226 or visit them online at www.ucpac.org

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theater is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and managed by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

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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.

Photo Caption: Award-winning writer Valerie Sudol will present “Garden Secrets” at the Trailside Nature and Science Museum in Mountainside on Wednesday, October 17.

Secrets of Gardening Revealed at Trailside Nature and Science Center

Union County, NJ – In a presentation titled “Garden Secrets,” award-winning gardening columnist Valerie Sudol will share the myths and facts behind a successful garden at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Wednesday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. The event includes a question-and-answer session and is open to the public.  An admission fee of $5 per person will be collected at the door.

Garden Secrets is sponsored by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County and The Reeves Reed Arboretum.

“This is a unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of a fellow Garden State resident whose passion in life is to make things grow,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you are bound to discover something new.”

Valerie Sudol is a career journalist who is well known for her work with The Star-Ledger, for which she helped launch the award-winning Home & Garden section. Along with feature stories, her weekly Garden Diarycolumn covered gardening, nature, land stewardship and related topics and was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Ms. Sudol has been recognized for her involvement in horticultural activities throughout New Jersey and she continues to contribute to the Ledger and its lifestyle magazine, Inside Jersey, as well as other websites and publications including The Asbury Park Press.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer group affiliated with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  One of many Master Gardeners community service projects is cultivation of the Demonstration Gardens, located behind the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Garden-grown vegetables, fruit and herbs are donated to food pantries and flowers are donated to local cancer centers and hospitals.

For more information about the Garden Secrets event or to find out how to become a certified Master Gardener, call the Extension offices at 908-654-9854.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is Union County’s state of the art nature museum and education resource, serving thousands of Union County residents and visitors each year. Located in the County’s Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, it is open seven days a week except for holidays.

For information on all events and programs at Trailside call 908-789-3670 or visit the Union County website,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.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is the only public garden and one of the largest green spaces in the City of Summit. It is the only arboretum in Union County. The Arboretum seeks to engage, educate and enrich its visitors so they may become better stewards of nature and the environment. This mission is achieved through the care and utilization of an historic estate, gardens, and hiking trails, and in the presentation of workshops and classes in horticulture, sustainability and environmental education. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on both the National and New Jersey Historic Registers. For more information, please visit the website at www.reeves-reedarboretum.org.

Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh speaks at the Union County Recovery Network Kickoff Event and Celebration at the Morning Star Community Christian Center in Linden. He is joined by Freeholder Christopher Hudak and Prevention Links Executive Director Pam Capaci. The Union County Recovery Network partners with those in recovery and supports their commitment to prevent substance abuse in their communities. The event was sponsored by the Health and Wellness Coalition of Union County. (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 a http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) listen as Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh speaks to parents and prospective students during an information session about Union County Vocational Technical Schools (UCVTS) on the campus in Scotch Plains. For more information about UCTVS please visitwww.ucvts.tec.nj.us. (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 addresses the audience during Union County’s annual remembrance ceremony honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action (POW/MIA) outside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September. (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

Program to save governmental entities $5 million over 15 years and generate renewable energy

 

UNION COUNTY, NJ—The Union County Renewable Energy Program is now 90% complete, with 28 of 31 facilities already installed and generating renewable energy savings for 15 governmental agencies, Union County Improvement Authority Director Charlotte DeFilippo announced today.  The final installed systems size will total 3.37 megawatts (MW).

The last 3 facilities, scheduled to be opened in Roselle and Berkeley Heights, will be operational by mid-October, DeFilippo added.

“Our local governments and public entities who are participating are at the vanguard of the green energy revolution,” said Charlotte DeFilippo, Executive Director of the Union County Improvement Authority.“This is a generational accomplishment for Union County.”

Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella agreed.

“Our solar installations are saving taxpayer money on energy costs, creating a renewable energy source, and reducing pollution,” said Mirabella. “These are accomplishments all Union County residents can take pride in.”

Tioga Energy owns, operates, and maintains over 13,800 solar panel modules providing Union County facilities with renewable energy generated from their systems through a Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA.  Through the use of  PPA’s, Union County facilities are able to reduce their cost of energy by approximately $5M over 15 years. Tioga’s installation partner, a joint venture between Pro-Tech Energy Solutions and Huen Electric, Inc., is engineering and constructing the systems.

The Renewable Energy Program was started in 2011 by the Union County Improvement Authority through PPA’s, which are common throughout the solar industry. In power purchase agreements, the property owners do not own the solar equipment. They simply pay for the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels, at a rate lower than the price of conventional electricity.

The participating governments and public entities are Morris-Union Jointure (Berkeley Heights), Berkeley Heights Board of Education (2 pending) , Cranford, Garwood Board of Education, Hillside Board of Education, Linden, New Providence Board of Education, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle (1 pending), Roselle Board of Education, Roselle Park Board of Education, Union County Vocational Technical Schools (Scotch Plains), Union County College (Cranford), and Winfield Board of Education.

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by Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders

 

September 2012

 

We in Union County are fortunate to enjoy a relatively moderate climate. However, within the past couple of years we have experienced a series of extremes from destructive storms to heat waves, and that calls for a new level of awareness about preparing your household for weather-related emergencies.

The basics of planning ahead haven’t changed much over the years, such as keeping a supply of bottled water and nonperishable food in a handy spot along with a first aid kit.

There are also some useful new gadgets on the market, including portable radios and flashlights you can power by hand if the batteries run down.

One of the most effective things you can do is to keep informed about conditions before, during and after an extreme weather event, and this is where some significant changes have taken place.

Staying tuned in to your local television and radio broadcasts has always been important, and for many people that now means access to news on the go through laptop computers, netbooks and other portable devices.

For those of you who use a conventional telephone at home, Union County’s reverse 9-11 system automatically dials your home number to provide alerts about weather emergencies.

Mobile phone users can sign up to receive those alerts by text message from Union County’s First Alert system, by visiting ucfirstalert.org. There is no charge for this service if you are on your phone company’s free text plan.

You can also sign up at ucfirstalert.org to receive free alerts by email to your computer, smart phone and other electronic devices.

Checking the Union County home page at ucnj.org is another way to stay informed about local resources. For example, during the heat wave last summer we posted alerts at ucnj.org to keep residents up to date about high temperatures, and to provide information on places to cool off including local community centers, County swimming pools and spray parks.

The Union County Department of Public Safety also posts guidance on preparing for emergencies at ucnj.org.

For the many Union County residents with smart phones, the new Hurricane App from the Red Cross could prove useful for navigating a wide variety of weather events. Launched just last month, the Hurricane App provides up-to-the-minute information about local conditions and it enables users to stay in touch with family and friends through online social networks.

Among other features, the Hurricane App lets you broadcast an “I’m safe” message to your social network with the touch of a button.

The Hurricane App also provides information on Red Cross shelters along with guidance on creating a family emergency plan. More information is available at redcross.org.

One especially important thing to keep in mind is that by staying informed and planning ahead, you are performing a valuable community service. Your ability to help yourself can enable our first responders to focus more of their efforts on the elderly, the infirm and others who need may need an extra hand, helping us all to have a better chance of making it safely through, together.