Author: Web Site Administrator

CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 52nd summer of music on Wednesday evening, August 8, with a performance by American Rapture. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Alexander Mirabella, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

American Rapture is a specialty show band that plays a wide range of American popular music from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Formed in 1999, the group started as an annual musical theatre production for Mystic Vision Players in Linden. After a successful ten-year run, the group was transformed by band leader Tony Greco into a touring concert band. Nowadays, American Rapture features nine vocalists backed by eight musicians and they play all your favorites. They’re the perfect way to enjoy an evening under the stars on a walk down memory lane.

“Bring the entire family for a fun-filled musical evening in Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “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 knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue in August on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. The remaining concerts will be held 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:

Aug. 15 – JoBonanno & The Godsons; at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 22 – The B Street Band (The Original Springsteen 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

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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 .

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Department of Parks & Community Renewal and our partners in law enforcement and emergency management are happy to announce that Union County’s “National Night Out” on August 7 at Meisel Park in Springfield will include “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer entertainment and film series.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with National Night Out activities, featuring local first responders and their emergency vehicles, plus live demonstrations by Union County Police, S.W.A.T., Bomb Squad officers and other public safety personnel. There also will be free refreshments and other activities, including children’s fingerprinting; live music at 8 p.m. by a young local band, The Grickenz; and a showing of the concert film, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.”

“Come early to the park as Union County hosts its 5th annual National Night Out program from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and learn about the public safety services that our county and municipalities offer to keep our neighborhoods safe for residents and visitors,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn and stay for the music and movie under the stars.”

At dusk, sit back and enjoy the movie as teen singing sensation Justin Bieber prepares for the biggest concert of his life: his 2010 appearance at Madison Square Garden. “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” is an underdog story that includes footage of the pop star’s childhood in Canada and his close family ties to his mother and grandfather.

The finale for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix series will be Tuesday, August 14 at Conant Park in Hillside. Trailside Nature & Science Center’s Ecovan will feature a program about reptiles, before the animated action comedy spy film, “Cars 2.”

For more information about Family Fun & Flix, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

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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, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the First Place two dimensional artworks from the 2012 Union County Senior Art Show are now on display at the Freeholders Gallery located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at Elizabethtown Plaza in historic midtown Elizabeth. The gallery hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The exhibit will run through Tuesday, August 21st.

“The Union County Senior Art Show is open to artists 60 years of age and older who are currently living in Union County and are either non-professional or professional in status in various mediums of artwork,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “In September, all the winning pieces will represent Union County and compete further at the New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show.”

The following are the non-professional artists included in the Freeholders exhibit:
Williams Daniels of Springfield (Acrylic);
Andrew E. Sivick of Scotch Plains (Craft);
Carol Iverson of Cranford (Drawing);
Carol Norman of Union (Mixed Media & Best in Show Non-Pro);
Eileen Bonacci of Berkeley Heights (Oil);
Marjorie Picard of Scotch Plains (Pastel);
Greg Cummings of Fanwood (Photography);
Peter Brogan of Union (Print);
Nicholas Florio of Roselle Park (Watercolor).

The following are the professional artists included in the Freeholders exhibit:
Rosalia Verdun of Roselle Park (Oil);
Diane A. Gallo of Summit (Pastel);
Anthony Riccio, Jr. of Westfield (Photography &Best in Show Pro);
Linda Howe of New Providence (Print);
John Curch of Scotch Plains (Watercolor).

The first place winners of the 3D artworks are not on display at the Freeholders Gallery, but will go on to compete at the New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show.

The 3D winners are:
Harriet Leff of Scotch Plains (Sculpture, Non-Professional);
Rafael Alexander Illanes of Linden (Sculpture, Professional).

For further information and to learn more about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, please contact Teya David, Curator, at the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

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Union County Freeholders Vernell Wright (L) and Bette Jane Kowalski (R) congratulate Carol Norman of Union on winning non-professional Best in Show and first place in the non-professional mixed media category at the 2012 Union County Senior Art Show during the opening reception in June at the Elizabethtown Gas Company’s Liberty Hall Center in Union. (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, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is looking for artisans and crafts people to demonstrate Early American work and craft skills and to sell their hand-crafted wares at Union County’s 31st Annual Harvest Festival. The event is a celebration of Early American life featuring music, children’s crafts, games, demonstrations and displays, a petting zoo and much more. The Harvest Festival will take place, rain or shine, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, Sept. 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Union County Harvest Festival is a popular event that attracts nearly 4,000 visitors each year. By participating, demonstrators and venders of hand-crafted goods will receive excellent exposure and have the opportunity to educate others about their craft or work skill and the Early American period in general. Examples of the handicrafts and work skills being sought are: blacksmithing, candle making, paper making, broom making, shoe making, hat making, jewelry making, quilting and other colonial or Native American crafts or skills.

For details about how to participate, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 527-4806.

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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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – Healthful, light and easy to prepare, seafood makes a perfect summertime meal. If you are looking for new ways to include more seafood in your diet this summer, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County will be offering its popular “Seafood at its Best” cooking class once again, complete with food tastings.

The two-session class will be held on Wednesday August 1 and 8 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Extension offices in the County Services Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

“After hearing great things about the “Seafood at its Best” program I am happy to see it being offered again,” said Union County Freeholder Linda Carter. “The class is taught by a Rutgers nutrition expert, so this is a good opportunity to learn new recipes while getting reliable information about the benefits of seafood.”

As part of a healthy diet, seafood is linked to improved heart health, brain function and overall well being.

The class, led by Dr. Karen Ensle of Rutgers University, will include information on selecting and preparing different types of seafood, along with food safety tips.

Pre-registration is required by mail to Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield NJ 07090 (attn. Judi Laganga), with a check for $25.00 made out to “NJ Cooperative Extension-Cook.”

For more information on Seafood at Its Best and all other Extension programs, call 908-654-9854.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by 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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact the Union County 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 Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (left) swore in new Sheriff’s Officers during a recent ceremony in Elizabeth. The new officers are (from left) Alexander Gonzalez of Elizabeth, Nelson Agurto of Roselle Park, Sergey Zonn of Fanwood, Bryan Frew of Scotch Plains, Andrew Horan of Kenilworth, Raul Ramos of Plainfield, Rigoberto Gonzalez of Elizabeth and Mazhar Elwardany of Plainfield. The new officers, all U.S. military veterans, will be filling current vacancies in the Sheriff’s Office. (Photo by Union County Sheriff’s Office)

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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

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 52nd summer of music on Wednesday evening, August 1, with a Classic Rock Revue performance featuring two popular local bands: The Rick Cantor Band and The Broadcasters. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Alexander Mirabella, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

The Rick Cantor Band members (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 plus some of their original songs.

The Broadcasters (Mike Novello, Ed Gardella, Nino DiFabio and John Haussmann) started in a Scotch Plains basement in 2004. They perform main stream rock from classic to current tunes regularly at the Stage House, the Tap Room, The Crossroads, and the annual St. Bartholomew’s Italian Festival.

“Bring the entire family for a fun-filled musical evening in Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “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 knowledgeable staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. The August concerts will be held 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:

Aug. 8 – American Rapture; at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 15 – JoBonanno & The Godsons; at Oak Ridge Park.
Aug. 22 – The B Street Band (The Original Springsteen 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

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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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Fireworks & Ammunition Also Will Be Collected

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 4, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will be on hand to accept unwanted ammunition and fireworks for disposal. It is particularly important to dispose of old ammunition and fireworks safely because they can be unstable and dangerous.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, fireworks, ammunition, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

Union County, in partnership with Covanta Energy, also includes mercury thermostats in its household waste recycling initiative. The mercury thermostat program complements the County’s efforts to collect household pollutants and divert mercury from the regional waste stream in order to help safeguard our water and air quality. What’s more, residents will receive a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot for turning in a mercury thermostat at the August 4 recycling event.

“Our partnership with Covanta allows us to extend our efforts to pursue environmentally sound methods of waste disposal,” Freeholder Hudak added.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 4 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

For more information about the August 4 collection of old fireworks and ammunition, please call the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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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 popular Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside continues on July 25 with special visitors: “Rizzo’s Reptiles.” Blending nature, environment and conservation, this program features live snakes, turtles and an alligator.

This family-oriented series explores a new subject each Wednesday through Aug. 15, beginning at 1:30 p.m., and runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and older. Admission is $4 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. The Visitor Center opens at noon. Strollers are not permitted.

“Kids in Motion” takes the stage on August 1. It’s a high energy show that leads you on a non-stop musical journey. Jo Jo Russell, a talented DJ who encourages the audience to participate, will have everyone clapping and stomping from start to finish.

On August 8, the natural excitement continues with “The Science of Magic.” Lisa Lou will reveal the secrets of magnetism, light, air, condensation, optical illusion, and plenty of other magical tricks up her sleeve.

“Hocus Pocus” on August 15 with Joe Fischer, Magician Extraordinaire, will be the final show in the 2012 Wednesday Matinee Series. Joe is sure to astound, baffle and thrill the audience with his blend of magic, comedy and excitement. He has an outstanding rapport with children and his ability to engage audience members of all ages makes this show “pure magic.”

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee Series or other upcoming programs and special events, please 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 facility of 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 .

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite the public to attend a free Open House at Watchung Stable in Mountainside on Sunday, July 22, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Visitors to the Watchung Stable Open House will enjoy hayrides, lead-line rides, riding demonstrations and other free activities for families of all ages as they learn all that Watchung Stable has to offer.

Admission to the Open House is free of charge.

Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside, in the Watchung Reservation, the largest park in the Union County Park System. For further information about the Open House on July 22 or other programs and activities at Watchung Stable, please call 908-789-3665; email: stablequestions@ucnj.org; or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/stable.

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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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .