Author: Web Site Administrator

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – On Sunday, September 30, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal will host the 31st annual Union County Harvest Festival, rain or shine at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“The 31st annual Union County Harvest Festival promises to be a fascinating, fun-filled event for visitors of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Walking through the festival grounds in the picturesque Watchung Reservation will give everyone a chance to see early American culture and history come to life.”

There is no shortage of things to do at Trailside on Sept. 30th. Visitors to the Harvest Festival have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of displays, demonstrations and activities, including music and entertainment, children’s toys and games, Native American cooking and Early American crafts. An always popular feature will be the “Build a Scarecrow” contest, which requires a nominal fee for participation.

Entertainment will be provided by the Family Traditions country-rock band; the Danny Weiss Trio playing Bluegrass, Americana and Swing music; the Rahway Valley Jerseyaires barbershop singers; and the Native American singers and dancers of the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe.

The festival will include Early American artifact displays, storytelling and performances; colonial and Native American crafts and work skills, including a potter, a canoe builder, a flintknapper, a paper maker, a loom weaver, and a fur trader; a petting zoo; pony rides; the New Jersey Frontier Guard re-enactment group demonstrating the loading and firing of muskets; and so much more.

Vendors will be on site selling a variety of food and beverages.

The 31st annual Harvest Festival will be held rain or shine. So mark your calendar, harvest your family and friends and come on down. Admission is $4 per person, with children ages seven and younger admitted free of charge. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside. Additional information can be obtained by calling 908-789-3670 or by visiting the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

– end –

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Early American life will be celebrated during the 31stannual Union County Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept. 30, at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Visitors will enjoy a variety of displays and demonstrations of colonial and Native American crafts and work skills, a “Build a Scarecrow” contest, and musical performances from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $4 per person; children ages seven and younger are admitted free of charge. Trailside is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal and is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside. For more information, call 908-789-3670 or visit the website: www.ucnj.org.

###

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 (C) and Freeholder Daniel Sullivan (R) speak with Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gordon Haas during the fifth session of the Union County Means Business networking breakfast series. The series, an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Mirabella, is designed to bring local business owners, prospective owners and managers in contact with information about grants, loans, employee recruitment and other resources. The last session of the series for this year will be held on Tuesday, October 16th at the Sharing Network in New Providence and the topic will be Expanding Business in the 21st Century: Navigating Technology and Social Media. All sessions are free but pre-registration is required by visiting the Union County website at   https://ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or call 908-527-4200.  (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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County-The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Program will hold an open house for new members on Friday, Sept. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Union County Services Building located at 300 North Ave East in Westfield.

“In addition to providing fantastic recreational opportunities for the members of our community, the 4-H program fosters positive youth development through hands on, interactive learning,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Those attending the Open House event will be able to gather information and speak with volunteers from the following 4-H clubs:

• 1st and 2nd Grade Pet Club
• 3rd and 4th Grade Pet Club
• 5th Grade Variety Club – learn about animals and also do crafts
• 7th and 8th Grade Club  – topics determined by members
• Cooking Club – 5th to 8th graders
• Dog Training Club – 4th grade and older
• Archery Club for Beginners – 4th grade and older
• Living History Club – 5th grade and older
• Horse Lovers Club – 5th grade and older
• Horticulture Club – 6th through 12th grades
• Lego Robotics Club – 5th grade and older
• Fashion Design Club – 6th grade through 12th grade
• 4-H Teen Council – 8th through 12th graders.

Sponsored in part by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, 4-H serves as the youth development program of the Union County Rutgers Cooperative Extension. They encourage a “learn by doing” approach that fosters recreational and leadership skills.

4-H Clubs are run by adult volunteers that have been screened and trained. They meet once a month, from October to June on the 2nd floor of the County Services building. To sign up for a club you must register in person on or after the open house on September 21st; minimal fees for supplies and materials will be charged.

For additional information about the open house event or any 4-H program please contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or via email at Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

###

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.

“Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.”

In a grueling two-day contest between tactical police units from across the Northeast, members of the Union County Emergency Response Team (UCERT) proved themselves worthy competitors.

In late August, the 8th annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge (CSC) brought together 27 teams from every level of law enforcement to test all aspects of a SWAT team’s abilities.

UCERT, which is comprised of officers from police agencies throughout Union County, placed fourth overall, behind the only fulltime SWAT teams in the contest. It was the fifth straight year UCERT placed in the top 10 during the competition in West Hartford, CT.

“The team performed tremendously and should be incredibly proud of their achievement,” said Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich. “It is also an excellent complement to their regular training which makes them an outstanding professional unit.”

Organizers created events to challenge overall physical fitness, shooting skills, proficiency with multiple weapons system including sniper rifles, expertise with various tactical tools such as breaching equipment and decision making skills under duress.

Tactical events included a hostage rescue challenge and a sniper challenge plus mystery challenges to keep teams off balance. Team members were required to perform varied skills such as scaling obstacles like a 9’ wall in tactical gear and rescuing a wounded officer (a realistic mannequin) by treating a bleeding gunshot wound with available field medicine and carrying the officer to safety while engaging combatants.

“These challenges push these officers to do their best,” Sheriff Froehlich added. “It builds upon their training should we need them in such situations.”

Physical stressors designed to tax the cardiovascular and the muscular systems and motor skills added to the difficulty of the events.

The final challenge was a 5.5 mile team physical training event on a mountain ridge in Simsbury CT.  The course had 33 testing stations along the way that included pressing and carrying a 1000 lb. telephone pole, low crawling under barbed wire, solving puzzles while physically taxed and carrying 800 lb. tractor tires. A 400 meter swim in a reservoir followed after completing 5 miles and 31 testing stations.

To make challenge more difficult, each team was required to carrying a 20 lb. watermelon throughout the course without breaking it.  This was to simulate having to keep “precious cargo” safe during a mission.

Unlike other teams, one UCERT member carried the watermelon through the entire course. Detective Mark Stallone of the Berkeley Heights Police Department delivered the fruit intact.

In the five years UCERT has participated in the event, only two other teams have averaged a higher finish during that time period. The team has continually strived to keep its focus on the CSC as one part of an overall training and operational development plan as opposed to having a “competition” team. Since their first Connecticut SWAT Challenge 22 different UCERT members have participated in the contest.

The UCERT members who participated in this year’s challenge are: Lt. John DiPasquale, Sgt. Ernie Schmidt and Det. Mark Stallone of the Berkeley Heights Police Department; Det. George Marmarou of the Clark Police Department; Lt. Jeff Plum of the Plainfield Police Department; Cpl. Sean Dougherty of the Union County Police Department; Det. Dan Fay and Det. Brendan Sullivan of the Union County Prosecutors Office; and Lt. Dennis Burke and Sheriff’s Officer James Guerrant of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

–30–

RAHWAY, NJ – Tennis is a game for all, including people living with disabilities. If you or a family member would like to learn the basics of wheelchair tennis, here’s your opportunity to attend a free clinic on Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Rahway River Park on the border of Rahway and Clark.

Sponsored by the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal in collaboration with the Paralympic Sport Club, the Children’s Lightning Wheels, the Wheelchair Sports Federation and USTA Eastern New Jersey, the three-hour tennis clinic is intended for  athletes, ages 10 years and older, with a physical disability. Participants will learn the basics of wheelchair tennis from Dylan Levine, a Paralympic wheelchair tennis player.

The clinic also is open to coaches, physical education teachers, and anyone who has an interest in learning more about wheelchair tennis and how wheelchair players can be integrated onto an able-bodied team. Parents will have the opportunity to talk to experienced coaches about other sports and learn the value of sports for their children.

There is no fee to attend this clinic, but registration is recommended. For registration information, please contact Trisha Yurochko at Children’s Specialized Hospital, 908-301-5424, email: tyurochko@childrens-specialized.org.

-end-

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 .

LINDEN, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Thursday, September 13, at the Linden Recycling Center.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder 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 September 13th shredding event will take place at the Linden Recycling Center located at 2 Donaldson Place in Linden. 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, Sept. 29th at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

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 Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

– end –

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 – On August 25th members of the Union County 4H Dog Obedience Club visited the Hunterdon County 4H Dog Contest to cheer on fellow 4H-er Hanarae Force (4th L) of Roselle Park in the Pre-novice Dog Obedience contest. Hanarae and her dog Max won first place. Also pictured are: Assistant Club Leader Carol Fricke (L), of Cranford; Christina Beviano (2nd L), Ashley Fine (3rd L), Club Leader Bryan Johnson (2ndR), and Jaclyn Beviano (R ) all of whom are from Linden.(Photo Courtesy of the Rutgers Extension of Union County)

###

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.

“Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.”

Union County – In preparation for the upcoming holiday weekend, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in connection with the Bureau of Mosquito Control, are reminding residents to take precautions against the West Nile Virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some of the most effective methods to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Use an  EPA-registered insect repellent while enjoying the outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when weather permits.
• Avoid the outdoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening which are peak mosquito biting times.
• Install or repair window and door screens.

In an effort to curb the insects’ activity for the upcoming long weekend, the Bureau of Mosquito Control will continue its ongoing program of monitoring and control this evening with adulticide sprayings at Oak Ridge and Esposito parks in Clark.

Operations will also be conducted in the residential areas of the following towns: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union, Westfield.

For a listing of streets included in this evening’s scheduled operations visit www.ucnj.org/mc or call the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834/654-9873.

For additional information on the West Nile virus visit the CDC’s website, www.cdc.gov.

###

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 – Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (L), presents a resolution to Jeri Beaumont R.D. (R ) at her retirement party on August 29 at Mario’s Tutto Bene in Union. The resolution acknowledged Beaumont’s many years of service to the residents of Union County where she served as Nutrition Director with the Department of Human Services since October, 2001.

###

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 – 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 four evening presentations are scheduled for September 19 in Rahway, October 3 in Scotch Plains, October 17 in Cranford, and November 14 in Union.

“The Freeholder Board strongly supports the Municipal Alliance’s citizen volunteers who work at the grassroots level to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles among children, teens and adults,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Fall Speaker Series will provide valuable knowledge about health and safety issues in an informative yet entertaining way.”

The first three presentations will be made by John Kriger, a popular speaker at national and international conferences who has worked with local, state  and federal agencies, colleges, school districts, corporations, and, non-profits throughout the United States. Mr. Kriger is 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, September 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rahway Public Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway.
• 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 private, not-for-profit organization based in Roselle, which has taken a leadership role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. The agency’s goal is to provide substance abuse information and resources for individuals, families, schools and businesses throughout Union County.

Prevention Links has also received a state grant through the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), to lead the Health and Wellness Coalition of Union County (HAWC). The HAWC works to promote alcohol and other drug education and addiction prevention within Union County and is comprised of members of the prevention network throughout Union County.

All presentations are free and open to the public.  For more information, call Union County Alliance Coordinator Deborah LaNier, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, 908-527-4852.

#  #

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.