Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal announces the opening of the county’s two public swimming pools. The Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park, St. George’s Avenue in Rahway, will be open for the season from Saturday, June 23, through Labor Day, September 3. The John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool located in Wheeler Park, West Stimpson Avenue and Route 1 in Linden, will be open from Monday, June 25, through Friday, August 24.

Swimming lessons will be held at Ulrich Pool beginning Monday, July 2. Applications are available at either pool office for all ages, beginners through adults. Pre-registration is required. Register early; classes are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open Swim Sessions for Seniors (62 and older) and for People with Disabilities are held at Ulrich Pool on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and at Wheeler Pool on Wednesdays from 12 noon-1:00 p.m. Admission to these special sessions is free.

Regular pool hours are as follows:

Walter E Ulrich Pool:
Monday & Wednesday                  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday         11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays       11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

John Russell Wheeler Pool:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday      1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday                      1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & July 4           11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Daily Admission (proof of residency required for Union County resident fee):

County Resident                      Non-County Resident
Youth (17 & under)                 $ 4.00                                               $  8.00
Adult (18 & over)                     $ 5.00                                               $10.00
Seniors (62 & over)                $ 4.00                                               $  8.00

The Ulrich and Wheeler pools are a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about special programs, discount cards, group swim lessons, directions or other questions, visit the website: www.ucnj.org/pools or www.ucnj.org/swimming or call the Ulrich Pool (732-382-9457) or the Wheeler Pool (908-862-0977) for recorded information.

-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 Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (2nd L) congratulates Park Middle School students (from 3rd L) Micayla Mirabella, Bella Bernardo, Allie Gara and Cameron Heisey on being honored at the school’s “Caught Doing Good Program” ceremony in Scotch Plains. More than 150 students were recognized for random acts of kindness and good deeds throughout the year. They are joined by Assistant Principal Michael Kneller, Superintendent Dr. Margaret Hayes (2nd R) and Principal Lisa Rebimbas.  (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Photo Caption: Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Tom Chapin and Freeholder Vice Chairman Linda Carter at the premiere performance of the Union County Sensory Friendly Theater Series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. As part of Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella’s “Putting People First” initiative, the series is designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

The next performance in the Series, Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories, is scheduled for October 7 presented by Pushcart Players; followed by Pinocchio, presented by the New Jersey Ballet on November 4.  All seats are $8 per person and performances begin promptly at 2 p.m.

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.

Left to right: Hudson County Freeholder and NJAC First Vice President Jeffrey Dublin, Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, Warren County Freeholder and President of NJAC Rick Gardner and Executive Director of NJAC John Donnadio

UNION COUNTY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) presented Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada with the “Maurice Fitzgibbons Freeholder of the Year Award” at the Association’s 62nd annual celebration of county government last week in Atlantic City.  The award is named after the long-time Hudson County Freeholder who passed away in December of last year and served as NJAC President in 2001.

“Freeholder Estrada is a tremendous asset to NJAC serving as chair of the Association’s finance committee and member of the personnel committee.  His insightful, thoughtful, and solution driven analysis on issues that impact county governments throughout the state is invaluable and this award is well deserved,” said NJAC President and Warren County Freeholder Rick Gardner.

Estrada a five-term Freeholder first elected in 1999, was appointed in January this year as Chairman of NJAC’s Finance Committee.

“It’s a great honor to be the first recipient of this award named in honor of Maurice Fitzgibbons, a fellow Freeholder who I held in high regard,” Estrada said. “I would like to thank NJAC for this selection, and look forward to continuing my work with this fine organization.”

NJAC is committed to advocating for legislation, regulations, and policy directives that empower county governments to operate more effectively and efficiently.  As a non-partisan organization that represents the only true regional form of government in the State with a unified and proactive voice, NJAC is dedicated to advancing innovative programs and initiatives for the sole purpose of saving valuable taxpayer dollars.

For more information about NJAC visit www.njac.org for additional details.  For all Union County information visit www.ucnj.org or call the Public Info Line toll free, (877) 424-1324.

###

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 – Summer is almost here and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering guided trail rides on Sundays in the Watchung Reservation for riding enthusiasts nine years of age and older.

Trail rides are held on Sundays during the summer at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting. Groups of 15 or more people ride along the bridle trails in part of the 2,065-acre Reservation in Mountainside. The rides are on a first come, first served basis and are available to people nine years of age and older, with or without experience.

Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals and groups up to 15 people. These rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time. The cost of the private rides includes the rental fee ($28 in-county; $39 for out-of-county riders) and an additional $30 for the instructor.

For those younger riders under nine, Watchung Stable offers leadline rides on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. Leadlines are available weather permitting and are held on a first come, first served basis. The cost for a leadline is $15 for Union County residents and $23 for non-Union County residents. Leadlines are half-hour rides only.

The trail rides and leadlines are held at Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily.

For further information, call (908) 789-3665 during the normal office hours, visit the Union County website:www.ucnj.org/stable, or email questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.

– end –

HORSEBACK RIDES ON SUNDAYS – Watchung Stable in Mountainside offers trail rides on Sundays during the summer at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting, for riders who are nine years of age or older.  For younger riders under nine, there are half-hour leadline rides on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and it is administered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily. For more information about trail rides, fees and other programs, call Watchung Stable at (908) 789-3665 during the normal office hours, visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/stable, or email questions tostablequestions@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 (2nd L), KemperSports CEO Steven Skinner (2nd R) and TaylorMade Golf Executive Vice President David Abeles (R) watch as golf professional Hank Haney cuts the ribbon officially opening the TaylorMade Performance Lab at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. TaylorMade Performance Labs utilize motion analysis technology to provide golfers with a 3 dimensional clubfitting experience.  (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (C) speaks with Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli (R) and Christopher Minks about the upcoming Mountainside Car and Motorcycle Show. This Father’s Day event takes place on Sunday, June 17 on Mountain Avenue from 12 noon until 6 p.m. and will feature a live performance by the band The Nerds. For more information, send emails to cminks@mac.com. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2012 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit has opened this year’s tour at the Springfield Public Library, located at 66 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. The art exhibit will be on display through June 28th during regular library hours.

The exhibit consists of 74 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual art works shown at the 2012 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College. The annual event is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“The artwork in this exhibit is exceptional,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “The fact that the artists are teenagers makes the show even more outstanding. I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”

For information about the Teen Arts program contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

2012 TEEN ARTS EXHIBIT –  The exhibiting students are:

Berkeley Heights
Columbia Middle School
Allison Yang

Governor Livingston HS
Lillian Barreto
Amanda Berlinski
Laura Young

Clark
AL Johnson HS
Samantha Ring
Jimmy Douglas
Angelo Fagan

Mother Seton Regional HS
Catherine Bialkowski
Bridget Duffy

Cranford
Cranford HS
Lya Finston
Emily Schindler
Aaron Black
Jackie Trelles

Cranford Achievement Center
Di-Jon Hodges

Hillside Avenue School
Sabrina Landsman

Orange Avenue School
Mackenzie Moonan

St. Michael School
Kianu Montenegro

Elizabeth
Abraham Lincoln School
Aldaberto Martinez

Charles Hudson School
Jayson Araaujo

Dr. Orlando Edreira School
Christian Heredia
Tamika Bien-Hime

Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Leydy Ramirez

Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Andre Acevedo

Elizabeth HS – Hamilton Academy
Alondra Guzman

Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Stephanie Rodriguez
Joel Zamora
Melanie Espinal

Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Beatriz Carvalho

Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Christian Marin

Madison-Monroe School
Lizcary Amarante

Nicholas M. Butler School
Tatiana Herr
Nakiyiah McClain

Nicholas S. LaCorte School
Zafiro Lopez

St. Mary of the Assumption
Elmi Ventura

T.C. Reilly School
Nelson Rodriguez

William F. Halloran School
Stephanie Liscano

Woodrow Wilson School
Noelia Aqudela

Hillside
Hillside HS
Rushana Boswell

Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Chisom Nwosu

Kenilworth
David Brearley HS
Daniel Lezcano
Eric Soriano
Monica Pellino

Linden
Linden HS
Jose Ferero

McManus MS
Anthony Munoz

Soehl MS
Deanna Sheehy

Mountainside
Deerfield MS
Rory McQuillan

New Providence
New Providence HS
Nelene VanDerMerne
Coleen Preston

New Providence MS
Kristen Potter

Plainfield
Central Jersey Arts School
Corainna Frias

Cook School
Kiantau Darrell

Hubbard MS
Ely Sandoval

Maxon MS
Kevin Jimenez

Plainfield Academy of Arts
Jason Palan
Jasmine Medina

Roselle
Abraham Clark HS
Bryan Williams
Giavanni Shim

Grace Wilday Jr. HS
Bryce Moore

Scotch Plains
Union County Vo-Tech HS
Antonio Bejarano
Gabrielle McCavey

Springfield
FM Gaudineer MS
Ahmed Zaky

Jonathan Dayton HS
Rachel Zolotarsky
Tanya Vernik
Danielle DiFiore
Sandy Casas

Summit
Oratory Preparatory School
Alex McDonald
Kegan O’Brien

Union
Union HS
Steven Trujillo
Kevanique Bennett
Chris Dorvius

Westfield
Edison Intermediate School
Hailey Reilly
Nova Qi

Lamberts Mill Academy
Liz Marie Soto

Winfield
Winfield School
Lindsey Caverly

###

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 (R) congratulates David Spranger (3rd L) of the Kenilworth Fire Department and Ken Gorman (2nd R) from the Fanwood Fire Department on earning the Ben Laganga Leadership Award upon graduating from the Union County Fire Training Academy. The honor is named for Union County’s long-time Director of Emergency Management who died earlier this year. They are joined by Laganga family members Judi, Anthony (2nd L) and Michael. Twenty-five firefighter recruits from the Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains and Summit Fire Departments graduated in the Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Classes. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (R) congratulates Michael Santoro (C) of the Kenilworth Fire Department on earning the Chief Anthony Schepis Award for Excellence in Firefighter 1, Spring Semester upon graduating from the Union County Fire Training Academy. They are joined by Kenilworth Deputy Fire Chief William Krueger. Twenty-five firefighter recruits from the Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Kenilworth, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains and Summit Fire Departments graduated in the Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Classes. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj