Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County – 4-H Club members Moenika Chowdhury of Fanwood, Leann Manna of Linden, and Neeraj Shekhar and Joseph Stokes of Westfield, represented the Union County 4-H Program at the 4-H State Presentation Contest at Rutgers University on June 9th.

“Over 160 4-H members from throughout the state participated in the competition,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is extremely proud of the Union County members for their hard work and dedication.”

Each of the participants advanced to the State Presentation Contest after having scored “excellent” at the Union County 4-H Presentation Contest in March.

For her presentation, Chowdhury performed Mozart’s Concerto No.1 on her flute, while Manna gave a demonstration of how to make colonial era cookies and Stokes presented a talk on the benefits of running. Shekhar, who won Best in Room, gave a talk entitled “Are We Too Thirsty,” about world water use.

Each of the talks was eight minutes in length and the presenters were evaluated on voice projection, eye contact, appearance and attitude.

The quality of their material was judged based on accuracy, timeliness and organization, as well as the use of visual aids.

The 4-H youth development program is part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, and provides informal, educational programs for youth in grades K-13 while encouraging responsibility, community awareness and character development.

For more information about the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program please contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or via email at Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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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.

“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, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the county’s Communications Center has begun providing emergency dispatch services for more municipalities, under a shared services initiative. The new arrangement is designed to help first responders in the Union County area continue to operate efficiently and effectively within the context of tight local budgets.

“This shared services program brings Union County’s state of the art technology and experienced personnel to municipalities that would find it difficult if not impossible to marshal these resources on their own,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very pleased that more residents will be served by the Communications Center.”

The initiative began in 2010, when Fanwood entered into a shared services agreement with Union County to have its police, fire and emergency medical service (EMS) calls routed through the Union County Communications Center.

Earlier this year, Roselle, Springfield, and Hillside entered similar agreements to have their fire and EMS calls routed to the Communications Center, and the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad contracted with the County for emergency medical dispatch services.

Recently, the County Communication’s Center assumed dispatch responsibilities for two paramedic units operated by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, along with Roselle Park’s Fire Department and EMS. In addition, the County will be providing emergency medical dispatch to the Township of South Orange.

Some of these new clients previously had their emergency calls routed through the CENCOM dispatch center at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. CENCOM is in the process of transferring its services to a dispatch center located in southern New Jersey.

“We offered an alternative and we found that, aside from any bottom line savings, our local officials appreciate the peace of mind that comes from having a dispatch facility located right here in Union County,” said Mirabella.

“The Union County area is a very complex, challenging environment for emergency response, and we believe that dispatchers who are focused primarily on our local conditions will achieve the best possible outcomes,” said Andrew Moran, Director of the Union County Department of Public Safety.

The Union County Communications Center is located in the Ralph J. Froehlich Public Safety Building, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

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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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Watchung Stable and Mosaico Restaurant are cooperating again to offer “Date Night at Watchung Stable” on two Sundays, July 1 and August 12, at 2:45 p.m. in Mountainside.

“Couples, ages 18 and older, are invited to go out on a date in a new and exciting way – on horseback,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “You’ll visit Lake Surprise and meander through the woods and fields to discover the wealth of wildlife active in the picturesque Watchung Reservation.”

Participants must arrive at Watchung Stable by 2:45 p.m. to sign in. The rides, which last approximately one hour, will leave at 3:00 p.m. After the ride, couples may want to head over to Mosaico Restaurant for a Northern Italian dinner since each couple will receive a $20 gift certificate, courtesy of Mosaico.

No riding experience is necessary; the rides will involve a leisurely walk only.

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required, as space is limited (there are no refunds for these rides). The fee for the Date Night Trail Ride only is $56 per couple for Union County residents and $78 per couple for out-of-county participants. Those wishing to participate should stop by Watchung Stable, 1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside, and sign up,

Mosaico Restaurant is located at 1072 Route 22 West in Mountainside (www.mosaico22.com).

Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Any couples wishing to find out about space availability for the “Date Night” trail ride, directions to Watchung Stable, or information about other riding programs, please call 908-789-3665 during normal office hours; visit the web site www.ucnj.org/stable or email questions to stablequestions@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 .

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal are happy to announce the schedule of “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer entertainment and film series on Tuesday evenings that gives families a chance to enjoy an outdoor activity and catch a movie under the stars in a Union County park.

“Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but come early to the park to enjoy interesting preview activities at 7:30 p.m. that are fun for the whole family,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn or save a seat in the bleachers – either way, the early birds are sure to like the preview activity before each movie.”

Come to Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle, on Tuesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. when naturalists from Trailside Nature & Science Center will display some of the natural wonders found in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. Then sit back at dusk and watch as a clumsy panda and his friends learn how to protect the Valley of Peace, in the 2011 animated action comedy film, “Kung Fu Panda 2,” featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Michelle Yeoh and Gary Oldman.

The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:

• Tuesday, July 17 at Warinanco Park: The Trailside Ecovan will display natural artifacts before the showing of the animated musical adventure, “Happy Feet Two.”
• Tuesday, July 24 at Warinanco Park: The Trailside Ecovan will display pelts, gemstones and other natural wonders before the animated action comedy, “Puss in Boots.”
• Tuesday, August 7 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Take part in National Night Out, starting at 6 p.m., before viewing the concert film, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.”
• Tuesday, August 14 at Conant Park in Hillside: The Trailside Ecovan will feature a program about reptiles, before the animated action comedy spy film, “Cars 2.”

All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, 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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – As the summer boating season gets under way, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has joined with the U.S. Coast Guard to remind Union County residents of the increased risk of fatal accidents from alcohol and substance abuse.

Starting on Friday June 22, Union County’s Police Marine Unit will be participating in the Coast Guard’s seasonal stepped-up enforcement of BUI (boating under the influence) laws, known as “Operation Dry Water.”

“Boaters are at even greater risk than drivers for fatalities, since water adds a significant risk element for the operators, their passengers, and other boaters,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “Union County is proud to support the U.S. Coast Guard in its efforts to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer.”

Operation Dry Water is an initiative launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the United States Coast Guard, in order to help prevent fatalities from recreational boating.

U.S. Coast Guard data from last year showed that alcohol was the main factor in 16 percent of recreational boating accident fatalities.

Along with raising the potential for a collision or other accident, alcohol and drugs can impede a person’s ability to swim, or to survive long periods in cold water.

In particular, alcohol’s effect on balance raises the risk of falling off a boat, and it can also prevent a person immersed in water from distinguishing between up and down.

The boating environment also includes stress factors that can intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs, including sun, heat, vibrations, noise, and motion.

“We’d also like to remind persons on prescription medication to check with their doctor before going on the water,” said Mirabella.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, BUI can result in severe penalties including impoundment of the boat and arrest of the operator.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has announced that the Walter E. Ulrich Pool, located in Rahway River Park off St. Georges Avenue in Rahway, will be opening early this year in response to the excessive heat. The pool will be open today June 21, and tomorrow June 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will resume its normal operating schedule on Saturday, June 23rd.

In addition to the Ulrich Pool, Union County residents are urged to keep cool by visiting any of the following spray parks which are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.:

• Mattano Park in Elizabeth
• Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth
• Ponderosa Farm Park in Scotch Plains
• Snyder Field Park in Berkeley Heights
• Warinanco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle

For more information on the public pools or the various spray parks in Union County visit www.ucnj.org/parks or contact the Union County Department of Parks at 908-527-4900.

Up to date information on cooling stations throughout the County can also be found online at https://ucnj.org/newsevents/cooling-stations/.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the county is once again participating in the 2012 New Jersey Farmers’ Market Program, which provides eligible senior citizens with $20.00 in vouchers to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs.

“The Farmers’ Market Program enables eligible seniors to sample fresh and nutritious produce, while helping to support local agriculture,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you are eligible, I encourage you to stop by and pick up your free voucher.”

To be eligible for the program, a participant must be a resident of Union County age 60 years or older, and meet the income criteria. For an individual, the annual income cannot exceed $20,665.

For married couples, the annual income cannot exceed $27,991 and both spouses are eligible to receive a voucher.

The vouchers are divided into four checks of $5.00 each, so participants do not need to spend the entire voucher at once.

To obtain a voucher, advance registration applications can be picked up at all Senior Nutrition sites and Senior Centers throughout Union County after June 18. Proof of income is required, in the form of a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp verification, or annual pension and Social Security statement.

Registered participants can pick up their vouchers at the following locations:

Tuesday June 26, 11:00 am – 1:00pm
Elizabeth Avenue Farmers’ Market, Elizabeth Avenue & High Street, Elizabeth. Farmers will be at this location Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday July 9, 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
O’Donnell Dempsey Center, 622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth – Farmer will be present.

Wednesday, July 11, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park.

Monday July 16, 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Avenue, Linden – Farmer will be present

Wednesday July 25, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon.
Plainfield Senior Center, 400 E. Front Street, Plainfield – Farmer will be present.

The Farmers’ Market Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

In Union County, the program is administered by the Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, Aging and Disability Connection.

For more information about the Farmers’ Market, Union County’s senior nutrition programs or any other senior services, call the Union County Division on Aging toll-free at 1-888-280-8226 or visit 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.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (C) cuts the ribbon officially opening Ponderosa Farm Park at 1600 Cooper Road in Scotch Plains. He is joined by (from left) Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, Freeholder Vernell Wright, Freeholder Christopher Hudak, former Scotch Plains Mayor Nancy Malool, Scotch Plains Councilman Kevin Glover, Bruce Bechtloff of NJDEP, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, Scotch Plains Mayor Mary DePaola, Scotch Plains Councilman Mickey Marcus and former Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks.

The new park includes walking trails, two multipurpose athletic fields and farm-themed playgrounds with spray fountains. The park also has restroom facilities, a picnic area and ample parking. It will be maintained by the township of Scotch Plains but will remain part of the Union County Park System.

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 want to make parents aware that limited space remains in Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular summer camp program for students entering the 5th and 6th grades. The fee for each weekly half-day camp is $135 per child for residents of Union County and $165 for non-county residents.

“Trailside’s summer camp program is a great opportunity for students to gain a greater awareness of our local environment and wildlife while participating in fun, educational activities in the beautiful Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Backwoods Lore,” offered the week of July 9-13 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., introduces students to the history and life of the American pioneer; what it was like to live when each day brought new challenges for survival. Campers learn to identify wild edible plants, make an emergency shelter, build a campfire, follow a course with a map and compass, and track local mammals.

During the weeks of July 30-August 3 and August 6-10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., students can take an in-depth look into the animal kingdom in “All about Animals.” Campers will learn about mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and insects. They will have the opportunity to meet live animals in the care of the Trailside facility, including snakes, turtles, frogs and fish. During the week-long camp, participants also will hike various areas of the Reservation and use binoculars, sweep nets, dip nets and field guides to identify varieties of wildlife inhabiting the Watchung Reservation.

“Kids for Conservation,” offered July 23-27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and August 6-10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, explores ways we depend on nature each day and discover benefits of renewable energy sources. Campers will experiment with solutions to clean our waterways and will hike to Lake Surprise to take part in water sampling activities. They will make a solar cooker, tie-dye a t-shirt and engage in fun-filled activities that demonstrate the importance of energy conservation. This camp also will teach ways of living a greener lifestyle that will keep the Earth healthy.

For information about any of these summer camp programs or any other upcoming programs and events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit 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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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 .

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a selection of prize-winning art work by Union County employees and their relatives is on display now through July 16 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The art display presents a select sampling of pieces from among the 97 creations judged at the recent 11thannual National Arts Program Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families. The exhibit and contest is a result of a partnership with the National Arts Program Foundation which provides prize money and valuable support to display the work of talented artists.

“The artistic talent of our Union County employees and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We have artists who excel in painting, photography, and other visual arts, and we are proud to put their work on display. We thank the National Arts Program Foundation and Elizabethtown Gas Company for hosting the May 9th awards reception and providing gallery space for Union County employees and their families to display their talent in the original exhibit.”

Listed alphabetically by town are all the award-winning employee artists (or their relatives) and the awards they won at the original exhibit and contest. Not all of the award-winning pieces are able to be displayed at the Freeholders Gallery exhibit.

Berkeley Heights: Christopher Wagner (Third Place, Amateur). Clark: Ryan Frees (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Colonia: Ara Herrera (First Place, Teen 13-18) and Andrea Moore, (Second Place, Amateur).Cranford: Angelina Spricigo (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under); and Dianna Strom (First Place, Intermediate). Edison: Ruth Brown, (First Place, Professional), Richa Wadhawan (Best in Show, Youth 12 and Under) and Sanjeev Wadhawan (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Elizabeth: Aniyyah Boone (Second Place, Teen 13-18); and Joseph Leonard (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Fanwood: Giselle Valdes (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Hillsborough: James Caratozzolo (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Jackson: Grace Hagemann (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Kenilworth: Jim Lowney (Honorable Mention, Professional). Linden: Angelito David (Honorable Mention, Professional); Donna Farrell (Honorable Mention, Amateur); Christine Marti-Millward (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Adrianna Rendon (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); John Rhodes (Third Pace, Intermediate) and Charlene Rieger-Velli (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Martinsville: Kayla Stasil (First Place, Youth 12 and Under) and Thomas Stasil (Honorable Mention, Professional). Old Bridge: Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Port Redding: Jeffrey Kubu, (Second Place, Intermediate). Roselle: Erin Macri (Honorable Mention, Intermediate) Roselle Park: Renee Froehlich Garcia (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under). Scotch Plains: Joy Lytch (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Somerset: Tamara Brown (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18) and Tiina Nummela (First Place, Amateur). Springfield: Amy McLaughlin (Third Place, Teen 13-18). Teaneck: Deborah Singer Pires (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Union: Jim Kakaletris (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Wall: Carolyn Soltys-Herbert (Second Place, Professional). West Orange:Emma Svetvilas (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Westfield: Richard Earl (Honorable Mention, Professional); Jimmy McCutcheon (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under) and Mary Paynter (Third Place, Professional).

Additional support for this event was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. Or send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Dianna Strom of Cranford is congratulated by Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L), Vernell Wright (2nd R) and Angel G. Estrada on winning first place in the intermediate category at the 11th Annual Union County Employee Art Show during the opening reception at the Elizabethtown Gas Company’s Liberty Hall Center in Union. The contest, co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The National Arts Program Foundation, was open to Union County employees and their relatives. The exhibit is on display at the Freeholders Gallery in the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth through July 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call (908) 558-2550 or send email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.  (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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .