Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes residents to attend the free Fall Speaker Series addressing alcohol and drug addiction, prevention and treatment. The series is funded by the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the Municipal Alliance, and coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services.

The next three evening presentations in the series are scheduled for October 3 in Scotch Plains, October 17 in Cranford, and November 14 in Union.

The October presentations will be made by John Kriger, a professional alcohol and drug counselor and trainer who addresses individual and family issues in school, at work and at home.  He is the author of The Pond: A Small Book About Big Changes.

Mr. Kriger will present “Family Dynamics of Addiction” on Wednesday, October 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, 667 Westfield Road, Scotch Plains.

On Wednesday, October 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Kriger will present “Adolescent Trends: For Adults Only” at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue, Cranford.

The fourth and final presentation will be made by Michael Litterer of Prevention Links. Titled “Prescription 101: Prescription Medication and Heroin Abuse & Addiction,” it will be held on Wednesday, November 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kean University’s STEM Auditorium, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union.

Prevention Links is a not-for-profit organization based in Roselle that provides substance abuse information and resources for individuals, families, schools and businesses throughout Union County.

All events in the Fall Speakers Series are free and open to the public.  For more information call Deborah LaNier, Union County Department of Human Services, 908-527-4852.

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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.

Elizabeth—Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella today announced the County’s fourth Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event set for Friday, October 5th, at 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse.

Speakers include Former Governor James J. Florio, Cesarina Earl, publisher of the Italian Voice,  UNICO Past National President Renato Biribin, Italian American One Voice Founder Manny Alfano, and Mike Giunta, President and founder of Bayway Catering

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 great contributions to modern society,” said Mirabella, whose father, Gene, was the first Italian-American Police Chief of Elizabeth, NJ.

UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO works 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 the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck #6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street.

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Union County- Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella encourages Union County residents to rid their homes of unwanted and expired medication at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take Back Initiative this Saturday, September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. at Union County Police Department, 300 North Avenue East  Westfield, NJ 07090.

“The National Take Back Initiative coordinates safe and reliable drop-off points that are properly staffed to ensure no medication ends up in the wrong hands,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Take Back events are a tool for reducing the abuse of prescription and non-prescription medications. The goal of the program is to allow citizens to turn unused, unwanted or expired medications in to law enforcement officials who will dispose of the substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner.

During October 2011, Operation Take Back New Jersey collected 9831 pounds of medication state-wide.

Union County Police Department will be staffed for collection in addition to various municipal police departments throughout the County. For a full listing of participating locations visit https://ucnj.org/medication-disposal.

For additional information on the National Take Back Initiative contact Union County Police Department at 908-654-9800.

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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 — Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella congratulates National Merit semifinalists from the Union County Magnet High School in Scotch Plains. The semifinalists  are (from left) Daniel Liang of Scotch Plains, Linda Liu  of Westfield, Ivy Malao of Scotch Plains, Matthew Stone of Springfield, Patrick Terry of Westfield and Jessica Zhang of Fanwood. They are joined by Magnet High School Principal Gwen Ryan.  (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, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal encourage adults, ages 18 and older, who are interested in learning intermediate digital photography to attend a special workshop led by Joan Pamboukes on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

This workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The fee for Union County residents is $45 per person; $55 per person for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is required, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

“Trailside is surrounded by forests, fields, wetlands and a diversity of plant and animal life,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This part of the beautiful Watchung Reservation is a perfect setting to practice your digital camera skills.”

The Sept. 22 workshop is ideal for the photography student who has a digital (or traditional) 35mm SLR camera. During the session, students will briefly review shutter speeds, aperture values, IXO, white balance, and focal length. Emphasis will be placed on using shooting modes such as shutter or aperture priority, and creating beautiful compositions.

Much of the class time will be spent shooting, discussing available light and ways to add light in order to get the right exposure. Bring your camera. It will be helpful to have your manual and tripod with you.

Joan Pamboukes has experience as an art and photography instructor in Boston, New York and New Jersey. She currently teaches Photography and Digital Media at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit. With her knowledge and skill as a teacher and professional photographer, Joan guides her students to gain the confidence they need to truly enjoy their camera and the art of digital photography.

For additional information about the Adult Intermediate Digital Photography Workshop or other 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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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Intermediate Digital Photography, a workshop for adults, ages 18 and older will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Professional photographer Joan Pamboukes will briefly review shutter speeds, aperture values, IXO, white balance, and focal length. Emphasis will be on using shooting modes and creating beautiful compositions. The fee is $45 for Union County residents; $55 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred; walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. For information on this or other lectures for adults, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside 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 — Members of the public are invited to join with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s prisoners of war and military personnel missing in action, by attending the Union County POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony on Friday, September 21 at 11:15 a.m., in front of the Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors in the first floor Rotunda of the Courthouse.

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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 —- Union Country Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella(2ndR), Vice Chairwoman Freeholder Linda Carter (C) and Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh (2nd L) join the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority Executive Director (L) Daniel A. Williamson, Esq. and Sales Manager Darius V. Griffin (R) along with Cindy Randazzo of NJ DEP at the opening ceremony of the PMUA Environmental Fair on September 8, 2012. The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control was in attendance to keep residents informed during the last weeks of warmer weather. (Photo by Barry Geller /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

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer a lecture about “Hawks of New Jersey” for adults, 18 years and older, at Trailside Nature and Science Center In Mountainside on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

“Hawks are among nature’s greatest creatures,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is the perfect season to learn about them, as they soar above the Watchung Reservation.”

The program offers an opportunity to meet a live raptor and learn about the lives of these fascinating birds. Lauren Butcher, education director at the Raptor Trust in Millington, will introduce you to some of the 16 species of diurnal (daytime) birds of prey that fly through the skies of New Jersey. Find out how expert hawk watchers identify them as they make their seasonal journey along the “migration highway” overhead. The speaker will share a few success stories in the ongoing effort to conserve these birds of prey.

The fee for the program is $8 per person for residents of Union County and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the event.

For additional information about this event or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and 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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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – “Hawks of New Jersey” is the subject of a talk on Thursday evening, Sept. 20, at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Adults, ages 18 and older, are invited to hear Lauren Butcher, from the Raptor Trust, talk about the raptors that fly the NJ skies. Lauren will be accompanied by a live bird of prey. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits. The fee is $8 for Union County residents; $10 for out-of-county participants. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. For information, please call 908-789-3670 or visit online at 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 .

Enjoy a sing-along as marshmallows are toasted by the fire

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Tickets are available for autumn hay rides and fun around the campfire at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, these fun-filled autumn activities include hay rides, folk songs around a campfire, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire.

Tickets for these popular outings must be purchased in advance – so don’t wait until it’s too late! Seating for the hay rides is limited. Rides begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Friday evenings of Sept. 21; Oct. 5, 12, 19; and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Tickets can be purchased every day from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside; weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks & Community Renewal, 2nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth; or at the Union County Services Building, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

No tickets will be sold at the hay rides, so please register early. The cost is $5 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants.

For further information, call Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal at 908-527-4900; or visit the Union County website atwww.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 Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Angel G. Estrada (2nd L) join Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (R) in congratulating newly promoted Sheriff’s Sergeant Orlando Hidalgo (C) of Clark and Lieutenant Thomas Lapolla of Union during a ceremony at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on September 7.  (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