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Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh reads to children at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Springfield  on March 2 during the Union County Education Association’s annual Read Across America event. Read Across America is an reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, in collaboration with the Master Gardeners of Union County, are pleased to offer a Horticulture Program for children with developmental disabilities, 8-14 years of age, on Saturday mornings at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“This horticulture program is a great opportunity for children with developmental disabilities to gain a basic understanding of plants and trees and to treat their senses to the springtime blooms of the Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program will be held on six consecutive Saturday mornings, March 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28 and May 5, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Trailside. Pre-registration is required and the fee for all six classes is $12. Participants are asked to register by March 23.

Members of the Master Gardeners of Union County from Rutgers Cooperative Extension will instruct this six-week program, which is designed to teach horticulture to children with developmental disabilities through hands-on projects using plants and planting activities.

Children will have a chance to see, touch and smell budding spring flowers, shrubs and trees that have been cultivated in the garden. Some of the activities the children can look forward to include creating a terrarium; making a flower press and pressing flowers; tours and activities in the Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden, and planting an herb pot. Participants are asked to dress accordingly since they will have their hands and feet in dirt.

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 information on the Horticulture Program or any other programs for people with disabilities, visit the web site: https://ucnj.org/recreation-for-people-with-disabilities; call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, Programs for the Disabled at 908-527-4806; or e-mail mheisey@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.

Union County – All Union County business owners and managers are invited to the second installment of the Union County Means Business networking breakfast series. The free series is designed to connect businesses with resources to help them grow. Persons interested in starting a business in Union County are also invited.

The first session was filled to capacity and seats are filling quickly for the second session, scheduled for Wednesday morning, March 7 at Merck in Summit.  It will feature economic experts from Rutgers University, and Assemblymen Joseph Cryan and Jon Bramnick are special guests.

For complete information and pre-registration instructions visit the Union County website athttps://ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or call 908-527-4200 (please note: registrations will not be taken at the door. Pre-registration is required for admittance).

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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.

Since 2002, employees of the County of Union and family members have participated in a unique program that gives them the opportunity to display their artistic creations. In its ongoing effort to recognize and encourage creative and artistic accomplishment, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with The National Arts Program®, is pleased to announce the eleventh annual exhibition of artwork by County of Union workers and their families.

“What a pleasure it is to see the outstanding artwork done by Union County employees and family members,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “Whether they are new artists or people who have exhibited before, the participants display a wide variety of work that always impresses with its quality.”

Entries will be accepted in the categories of painting, photography, artworks on paper, sculpture and crafts. Recognized artists and art professionals will serve as judges, selecting entrants for cash awards and honorable mention in the exhibition’s five artistic classifications: amateur (little or no experience); intermediate (some experience, art students); professional (serious art training or employed in an art related job); teens 13 to 18 years old; and youth age 12 and younger.

“We are happy to extend the invitation to enter the program to Union County College employees and their relatives again this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We share the goal of The National Arts Program® to reach as many people as possible of all ages, offering them a chance to display their artistic talents in a public exhibition.”

In the adult classifications, each first-place winner will receive $300; second place will receive $200 each; and third place; $100 each. There is one $300 prize for Best in Show. In each youth classification, $75 will go to first-place winners; $50 to second place; and $25 to third place. The prizes are provided by The National Arts Program®.

The National Arts Program® runs 89 annual programs reaching 450 cities in 42 states. The program was conceived in 1983 by Leonard E.B. Andrews (1925-2009), an art collector, publisher, business executive and journalist, “for the encouragement and development of artistic expression.” The National Arts Program® allows artists to upload their artwork, free of charge, to their online Interactive Gallery. To learn more about The National Arts Program® and see photos from past exhibits, or for Union County employees to register online, please visit http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/venues/union-county-nj . Early registration is encouraged.

Registration for the art exhibit is required by April 19. To request a registration form and further information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550 or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org . NJ relay users call 711. For more information about programs and activities of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit their web site:https://ucnj.org/cultural .

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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, NJ –  Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella announced the launch tomorrow of his initiative to honor Union County’s active duty military personnel. The new Complimentary Parks Program provides service members and their immediate family members with the opportunity to register for a card providing a number of complimentary passes to the County’s recreation programs and facilities.

All those eligible for the program can begin signing up on March 1st at County facilities in Elizabeth and Westfield. See note at end for times, addresses, or go to https://ucnj.org/military-discount/

“This is a way of offering our heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices that these Union County residents have made, and continue to make, in order to protect and defend us all,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program is part of the Chairman Mirabella’s initiatives for 2012, entitled “Putting People First.” Additionally for veterans, Mirabella announced the County would do a summer concert appreciation night.

“While we continue to mark national holidays set aside for remembrance, we also felt that it was important to show our appreciation in ways that weave into the fabric of life in Union County, and the popularity of our recreation programs gives us the opportunity to do that,” said Mirabella.

The Complimentary Parks Program provides active duty service members and their families with a limited number of complimentary passes to eight recreation programs: admission to Wheeler Pool or Ulrich swimming pool, ice skating at Warinanco Skating Center, horseback riding at the Watchung Stables, Pitch & Putt at the Ash Brook Golf Course, Hay Ride & Campfire event at Trailside Nature & Science Center, Wednesday matinee at Trailside Nature & Science Center, a large bucket of balls at the driving range at Galloping Hill, and a safety class at the archery range at Oak Ridge Park.

Participants are provided with a punch card that enables them to keep track of their use of the program. A DOD card or CAC card is required for registration.

To register for the program and obtain a punchcard, active duty military personnel or a family member can visit Union County offices at the following two locations:

Elizabeth:

Westfield:

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Summer science students get a lesson in physics by building a bridge from straws (photo credit: Union County)

Union County – Science and Agricultural Education Majors are being sought by the Rutger’s Cooperative Extension of Union County as volunteers to lead summer science day camps in Plainfield, Rahway and Elizabeth. The day camps run through the months of June, July and August, and provide science activities that are both educational and entertaining.

“By making science fun and engaging, the summer enrichment program gets kids excited about learning through unique hands-on experiences,” said Freeholder Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Recent Union County 4-H Summer Science activities have included the physics of toys, earthquake-proof buildings made of toothpicks, and constructing boats to learn about flotation.   The program is intended for children in first grade and older.

Training will be provided for volunteers, and those donating at least 300 hours from June 1 to September 1 will be compensated with a $2000 stipend and a $1175 education credit. To apply, or for additional information 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 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 Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (R) and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd L) present a resolution to Cranford First Aid Squad President Barbara Ragone and Captain Daniel Gomez congratulating the Cranford Frist Aid Squad on their remarkable recovery from damages inflicted on their squad house by hurricane Irene in August 2011. The presentation was made during the rededication ceremony on Sunday, February 26 at the renovated squad headquarters on Centennial Avenue in Cranford.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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

Union County, NJ – Union County is set to realize a savings of at least $330,000 in costs for natural gas over the next three years as the result of a newly introduced “reverse auction” bidding process. The new procedures were introduced for the first time earlier this year.

“I would like to thank all involved for making this inaugural process go smoothly and successfully for Union County and our partners,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is a great demonstration of the savings potential when local governments pool their resources and their buying power.”

In the new process, Union County served as the lead agency for the Mid Jersey Energy Cooperative Pricing System, a buying cooperative that also includes the counties of Ocean, Middlesex, Warren and Somerset, the City of Elizabeth, the Kenilworth Library and the Borough of Winfield Park.

“Union County has a long and successful history in cooperative purchasing and I’m proud that we are able to lend our in-house experience to help other localities reduce their costs,” said Mirabella.

Union County uses natural gas primarily for heating it facilities, including the Union County Courthouse and Administration Building in Elizabeth, the Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building and the County Services Building in Westfield, and the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, along with other recreation and maintenance facilities. Last year’s usage totaled almost 151,000 dekatherms (one dekatherm equals ten therms or one million British thermal units).

The new contract saves money by pegging the price that the County pays to just $1.03 per dekatherm above the commodity price. Under the previous contract the difference was almost double, at $2.03.

Union County and other members of the cooperative also have the option to lock into a commodity price for one to three years. That would provide a buffer from upward spikes in gas prices during that time, resulting in additional savings.

In a reverse auction, the bidder with the lowest price wins the contract. The auction was arranged by Birdsall Services Group as authorized by the State of New Jersey. The winning bid went to the Hess Corporation.

Later this spring a similar reverse auction for electricity will be conducted by Union County on behalf of the buying cooperative, which could result in additional energy savings.

Mirabella noted that Union County’s energy budget will also benefit over the long run from federally funded energy upgrades to its buildings.

“Getting a lower price for the energy you consume is important, but to build more stability and predictability into our energy budget Union County is also focusing on conservation, and we are taking advantage of new opportunities for generating clean, renewable energy,” said Mirabella.

The federally funded upgrades include efficiency retrofits at various County buildings and the installation of solar panels at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, the Juvenile Detention Center in Linden, Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights and the Ruotolo Justice Center building in Elizabeth.

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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 Adult Program Series continues at Trailside Nature & Science Center with a lecture and woodland walk on Saturday, March 10, that will help participants identify five animal tracks and five trees. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer this educational program for adults and encourage them to enjoy the beautiful Watchung Reservation.

“Trailside Nature & Science Center offers a variety of programs and classes for children and families but also has interesting programs for adults as well; programs and lectures that encourage us to learn about wildlife and our environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This program will introduce adults to the winter landscape so they can better enjoy the beauty of the 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation, a natural gem right in our own backyard.”

The “Identifying Five Tracks and Five Trees” program, for adults 18 and older, runs from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The fee is $8 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

A Trailside naturalist will lead the participants and give them the clues they need to identify five tracks and five trees. This is a great opportunity to enhance your appreciation of a seasonal walk in the woods; awaken your senses to the natural surroundings and learn how to identify animal tracks and trees in winter.

For information on the Identifying Five Tracks and Five Trees program, or any other adult programs or 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.

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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 .

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield is hosting a Passport Fair on Saturday, March 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications.

“My office in Westfield is joining with the U.S. Department of State to celebrate ‘Passport Day in the USA’ – a national passport acceptance and outreach event,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Are you ready for that summer trip you dreamed about all winter? Now is the time to make sure your passport is up-to-date.”

As a special incentive for residents to apply for a passport on Saturday, March 10, the cost of each passport photograph that day will be reduced to $5.00. This half-price photo offer applies only to applicants for a new passport or a passport renewal during the Passport Fair.

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean islands and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.

“Some countries require passports to be valid for an additional three, six or nine months after your visit,” Rajoppi added. “If your passport is due to expire within nine months of your international travel, you should renew your passport to ensure a smoother journey.”

To help make “Passport Day in the USA” fun for travelers, special give-away packets of travel tips will be available. County, state and federal elected officials have been invited to attend “Passport Day in the USA” to meet their constituents.

Information about the cost and how to apply for a passport book and/or passport card is available athttp://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online athttps://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/Passports. The phone number at the Union County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

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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 .