Categories
Public Info

Union County’s Mobile Document-Shredding Program Will Visit New Providence, March 25

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Sunday, March 25, at Alcatel-Lucent Technologies in New Providence.

“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 March 25th shredding event will take place at the Alcatel-Lucent facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. 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, April 14, at Union County Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains.

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 .

___

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 .

Categories
Public Info

Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (C), Vice Chairman Linda Carter (3rd R) and (from 3rd L) Freeholders Angel G. Estrada, Christopher Hudak, Deborah Scanlon, Vernell Wright and Mohamed Jalloh join Union County employees at the 16th annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Union on March 10.  (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.

Categories
Public Info

Union County Musicfest and Rhythm and Blues by the Brook Canceled for 2012

Freeholder Board announces cancelation of two concerts for 2012 due to budgetary constraints

 

 

UNION COUNTY—Union County MusicFest and Union County Rhythm and Blues by the Brook have been canceled for 2012 due to budgetary constraints, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced today.

A consensus was reached by the Freeholder Board (Thursday) following numerous fiscal committee meetings, union negotiations, and departmental meetings. The cuts will save approximately $1.2 million.

“As we’ve continued to put our budget together for 2012, it has become apparent that we need to make programmatic cuts without sacrificing essential services,” Mirabella said. “We are at a crossroads and must make tough decisions to achieve fiscal stability.”

Mirabella noted while MusicFest and Union County Rhythm and Blues by the Brook have been canceled for 2012, these events and many other programs will be evaluated on a year by year basis.  The Freeholder Chairman noted the County would continue its exhaustive review of all line items and programs to achieve continued efficiencies throughout the upcoming weeks before adopting a budget.

 

–30–

Categories
Public Info

Barbara Jude Brady Named Outstanding Dance Teacher of the Year

Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak (L) and Mohamed Jalloh present a resolution to Barbara Jude Brady, a teacher at Linden High School, congratulating her on being recognized as the Outstanding Dance Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. (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.orghttps://ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Categories
Public Info

2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

(From left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Deborah Scanlon and Daniel Sullivan present resolutions to the 2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Bill Dugan, General Chairman Michael J. Panella and Adjutant Kerry Ricci congratulating them on the 16th annual parade. The 2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.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.orghttps://ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Categories
Public Info

Trailside Is Looking for Environmental Heroes; Nominations Are Due by April 13

Members of Mountainside Junior Girl Scout Troop 40851 were congratulated by Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Deborah Scanlon with an Environmental Hero Award at the Wild Earth Fest at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside last year. The Troop, devoted to learning about the environment and our impact on the planet, participated in Adopt-A-Park projects to plant gardens and remove invasive plants. They also cleared more than 90 lbs. of debris from a stream at Camp Letico and cleared litter and debris at Mountainside’s Clean Community Day. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association are looking to again recognize environmental heroes in our community. People can nominate individuals or groups in their community who have taken action for environmental change. Nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 13. Awards will be announced at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6. For information on the Environmental Hero Award or to get an application form, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit 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.

 

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association would like to honor the environmental heroes in our communities. From recycling and litter pick-ups to planting trees and living greener, people are taking strides and inspiring others to help the planet. These people deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to helping the environment.

“Small steps can lead to big changes for our county and our planet. We are pleased to announce this opportunity for our residents to be commended for their efforts to protect the environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to nominate people in their community who have taken action to help the environment so they can be recognized for their efforts.”

Participants may nominate individuals or groups who have taken action for environmental change in their community. Each entry must include an essay of 750 words or less describing why the nominee is qualified to receive the award, along with contact information for the nominee and the person submitting the nomination. Photographs may accompany the essay. All nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 13, 2012.

Nominations for the Environmental Hero Award can be emailed to bnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092. Trailside Museum Association board members will award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Award at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6.

For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at 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.

___

 

 

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.

Categories
Public Info

Tree Planting Party at Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield

Union County residents are invited to come take part in a tree planting party to celebrate the coming of Spring on Tuesday, April 10 from 10 am to 12 pm at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

“This is a great way to do something positive for the environment while coming together with family to enjoy a day outdoors,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the event will bring together County residents and professionals from groups including NJDEP AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, the 4-H Master Tree Stewards, and the Union County Shade Tree Department to plant 20 flowering crabapple trees in the park.

The program is free and open to adults and children 3rd grade and older. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Program at 908-654-9854 or via email at Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu. Space is limited so please register early. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring a shovel and gloves. Orientation will begin promptly at 10 am.

___

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.”

Categories
Public Info

“The Raptor Trust Story” Will Be Presented for Adults at Trailside, March 22

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – “The Raptor Trust Story,” a program for adults, 18 and older, will be held at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday, March 22 from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. The fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county adults. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Lauren Butcher, the Raptor Trust’s Education Director, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what the Trust does to care for the thousands of injured and orphaned birds that are brought to the facility each year and she will introduce one of the Trust’s “avian ambassador’s.” To register for the program or for information on other 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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce that “The Raptor Trust Story” will be presented at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday evening, March 22. This program for adults, 18 and older, will run from 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. The admission fee is $8 per person for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

The Raptor Trust, located in Millington on the edge of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the premier wild bird rehabilitation centers in the United States. The facility includes a hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment, an education center, and outdoor aviaries that can house several hundred birds. The Trust’s staff and volunteers care for more than 3,600 injured and orphaned birds each year, with the primary goal of releasing as many as possible back into the wild.

“The Raptor Trust Story gives adults a fascinating glimpse into the world of hawks and other birds of prey while providing insight into the tremendous amount of time and effort the dedicated staff and volunteers put into their work at this unique facility,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It also is exciting that the audience will be introduced to one of the Trust’s ‘avian ambassadors’ – a hawk or an owl.”

Lauren Butcher, the Trust’s Education Director since 2005, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what the Trust does to care for the thousands of injured and orphaned birds that are brought to the facility each year. Ms. Butcher began volunteering at the Raptor Trust in 1999.  She has a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University, where she studied the history of amateur ornithology in the United States.

The presentation will focus on the raptors, for which the center is named, but it also will include a discussion on common injuries, medical procedures and the seasonal care of baby birds. The program will touch on a wide variety of bird species that come through the Trust’s doors and Ms. Butcher will share some of their fascinating stories.

To register for “The Raptor Trust Story” or for information on other upcoming programs and 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.

___

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 .

Categories
Public Info

Exhibit Features Women’s Historic Sites in Union County

ELIZABETH, NJ – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Freeholders Gallery features an exhibit that describes historic Union County sites mentioned in the book, “New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail,” published by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office. The exhibit will be on display through April 13th at the Freeholders Gallery on the sixth floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. Viewing hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“Although some women in the book are well-known, others were private citizens,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.  “The book uses historic places to tell the story of how local women contributed to the agricultural, industrial, labor and domestic history of New Jersey prior to 1960.”

“New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail” is available for download at www.state.nj.us/dep.hpo. While most of the buildings are not open to the public, the book is well worth reading and will bring life to the vital role women played in New Jersey’s history.

The Freeholders Gallery exhibit features the following sites in Union County:

The Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield, an 18th century farmhouse, demonstrates “Women and Domestic Life.”

All Souls Unitarian Church in Elizabeth, the Shakespeare Garden in Plainfield and Wallace Chapel AME Church in Summit relate to “Women’s Volunteer Organizations and Reform.”

The Shady Rest Golf and Country Club in Scotch Plains and the Summit Playhouse tell the story about “Women in the Arts, Culture and Sports.” Shady Rest, which opened in 1920, was the first Black-owned country club in the United States.

For more information about the exhibit or the programs and services of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs visit the web site: www.ucnj.org/cultural; contact the Office at 908-558-2550; or email:culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay Users dial 711.

___

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 .

Categories
Public Info

Seminar to Teach the Importance of Healthy Food for the Family

Union County, NJ – Union County residents are invited to take part in a seminar on the importance of healthy food for the family. Sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, this program aims to educate participants on how healthy eating habits can reduce the risk of disease.

“We’ve learned that the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, certain forms of cancer, osteoporosis and other serious health problems can be reduced by making small changes in your diet,” said Alexander Mirabella, Union County Freeholder Chairman.

The two-hour seminar will be held Wednesday, March 28th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the county services building, 2nd floor located at 300 North Ave East in Westfield. A $5.00 fee will be collected at the door and pre-registration is required.

To register, please contact Digna Torres at the extension offices at 908-654-9854 or via email atdtorres@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.

 

“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.