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Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski congratulate (from 2nd left) Jennifer Villafuerte of Rahway, Renard Tumboken of Cranford, Danielle Hurtado of Fanwood and Ashly Ortega of Linden on being selected as the student speakers at the Union County Freeholders College for Teens commencement at Union County College in Cranford. This summer more than 50 students from throughout Union County completed the three-week program which offers teens in grades 8 through 12 opportunities to explore a variety of career choices while experiencing life on a college campus. (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 COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH, NJ—-Three chicks, that were hatched by a pair of Peregrine falcons nesting atop the Union County Courthouse Tower in May, are preparing to take flight. In this photo,  one of the three fledglings prepares to take his first flight off the roof of the courthouse. (photo credit: Natalie Gregorio)

Peregrine falcons have been nesting on the courthouse tower for at least six years. They had originally attempted to build nests around the tower, but failed, prompting the county and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to erect a nestbox in 2006.

Peregrine falcons are crow-sized predatory birds and are an endangered species, according to state wildlife officials. They are often stated to be the fastest animal on the planet in its hunting dive, the stoop, which involves soaring to a great height and then diving steeply at speeds commonly said to be over 200mph.

The falcons traditionally have nested on cliff faces and rocky outcrops, but as these habitats vanished, the birds turned to high buildings and bridges to build their homes. In the 1960s and 70s there was a steep decline in numbers, some believe from the widespread use of DDT, officials said.

Since the pesticide was banned, there seems to have been a slow increase in their numbers. State officials estimate that there are only 25 known pairs in New Jersey.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Fair featuring MusicFest is Union County’s premier public entertainment event, and it has also become a leader in raising funds to fight cancer. This September, for the fifth year in a row, the County Fair will host the Rock On! Walkathon and 5K Rock ‘n’ Run. The proceeds will benefit two cancer organizations, the Love Hope Strength Foundation and The Valerie Fund.

“These two fundraisers form the ‘heart and soul’ of the Union County Fair,” said Union County Freeholder Deborah Scanlon. “Every year we have great participation from hundreds of caring individuals and music fans who love to join with friends, family and neighbors to reach out and make a difference.”

The Union County Fair, located at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, takes place over five days from Wednesday September 14 to Sunday September 18. MusicFest is a series of free outdoor concerts presented by Overlook Medical Center, which runs on each day of the fair.

The Rock On! Walkathon and 5K Rock ‘n’ Run will take place at the Union County Fair on Saturday morning, September 17. To sign up and get complete details visituclovehopestrength.com<http://www.uclovehopestrength.com/>, theucfair.org<http://www.theucfair.org/> orucmusicfest.org<http://www.ucmusicfest.com/>.

Love Hope Strength will also once again host a bone marrow registry at The Union County Fair. More than 1,000 fair-goers have joined the registry so far in previous years, resulting in fourteen potentially lifesaving matches.

Love Hope Strength was co-founded by Mike Peters of the Welsh rock band The Alarm, to help ensure that people in every community have access to quality cancer treatment and the best medication available.

Peters will perform at MusicFest on Saturday, September 17.

The Valerie Fund was established in 1976 in memory of Valerie Goldstein, by her parents. It supports a network of seven centers for children with cancer and blood disorders in New Jersey. In addition to benefitting Love Hope Strength, the Union County Fair fundraisers will benefit the Valerie facility in Union County, located at Overlook Medical Center in Summit.

For all Union County Fair updates including the Rock On! Walkathon, 5K Rock ‘n’ Run, and MusicFest, visittheucfair.org<http://www.theucfair.org/>, ucmusicfest.org<http://www.ucmusicfest.com/>, orfacebook.com/musicfest<http://www.facebook.com/musicfest>, or follow ucnjmusicfest<http://twitter.com/#!/ucnjmusicfest/> on Twitter.

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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.

Photo Caption (photo attached):Virginia Pendergast of Clark (center), shown here with Union County Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan and Madeline Dinardo of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, displays her winning entry in the Heaviest Tomato category at the Union County Fair Harvest Contest last year. For information on entering this year’s contest in September call the Extension at 908-654-9854, or follow the Events link at theucfair.org. (Photo: Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – New Jersey tomatoes can reach epic proportions and the Union County Freeholder Board is inviting home gardening enthusiasts to show off their best efforts in the second annual Harvest Contest at the Union County Fair this fall. The biggest tomato will be just one of the prizewinners in several Harvest Contest categories, including a new Quick Bread category.

The Union County Fair features a full scale carnival, free MusicFest concerts, food and craft vendors, and much more. It takes place from Wednesday September 14 through Sunday September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

“Our Union County gardeners – and bakers – help to remind us that good nutrition begins with fresh foods and home cooked meals,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The Harvest Contest is our way of recognizing and appreciating their contributions to a healthy community.”

 

The Harvest Contest is sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

The vegetable categories are heaviest tomato, heaviest zucchini, funniest looking undecorated vegetable, best character made from vegetables, and best pumpkin. All vegetables must be grown by the contestant.

On Saturday, visitors to the County Fair are invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Awards” for the funniest looking vegetable and the best vegetable character.

Harvest Contest entrants and all visitors to the County Fair are also invited to enter for a chance to win a free rain barrel valued at $100, sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Quick Bread entries will be judged on seven points including looks, texture, and flavor.

All gardening and baking contestants receive a participation ribbon. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place entries.

For complete Harvest Contest details including drop-off, judging, and pickup times, call RCE of Union County at 908-654-9854 for a free Harvest Contest brochure. To view the brochure online visit www.theucfair.org and follow the Events link to the Harvest Contest.

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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

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.

Tina Casey
Deputy Director
Union County Office of Public Information
908-527-4346
tcasey@ucnj.org

Union County, NJ – Each year, the Union County Department of Human Services places dozens of teenagers in summer jobs through the Youth Employment and Training Program. The program combines a summer work experience with year-round career and life skills training. This summer, 143 youths have enrolled.

“The young people in this program are going the extra mile to enter the workforce with good skills, references, and an employment history,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “This is a key program that helps young adults grow into responsible members of our communities.”

Almost all of the participants are entering their junior or senior year of high school. The program also accommodates teenagers that are recent high school graduates, drop-outs, and college students pursuing a degree. Participants must meet income eligibility criteria established under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

Each participant earns $7.25 per hour for their summer job. During the school year they take part in a program called Career Exposure Activities, which focuses on occupational skills, leadership, study skills, mentoring, and financial literacy.

This year’s Youth Employment and Training Program service providers are the Clark Board of Education, the Plainfield Board of Education, Rahway Community Action Organization, Inc., and the Urban League of Union County, Inc. The service providers have worksite agreements with various Union County community organizations. The youths are employed in fields such as clerical support, landscapers, child care assistants, and junior counselors. Clark is a unique component of the program which serves youths with special needs.

The Youth Employment and Training Program is funded under the federal Workforce Investment Act.

Parents interested learning more about the Youth Employment and Training Program can call Jeffrey Jackson, Youth Coordinator, Union County Department of Human Services at 908- 527-4864, or visit the County’s One Stop Career Center located at 921 Elizabeth Avenue, 4th Floor, Elizabeth, NJ.

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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.

CLARK, NJ – The sport of archery is alive and well in Union County and there’s no time like the present to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that archery safety classes are available for people who would like to learn the basics of archery.
“Archery is a popular recreational activity that has been underserved in our area,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The Freeholder Board is thrilled to see the public interest in the archery range and happy to offer beginners ages nine years and older an affordable lesson that includes archery safety, basic skills, proper equipment use and technique.”

Each archery course is two hours long and consists of a safety training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range. The fee is $20 per person. There will be a minimum of eight and a maximum of 24 participants per class.

Archery equipment is provided by the County of Union. The lessons are taught by a trained and certified USA Archery Instructor and/or a trained and certified 4-H National Archery Instructor.

Group archery lessons are scheduled at the following times:

• Wednesday, August 10, at 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 25, at 2:00 p.m.

 

After successful completion of the lesson and a safety questionnaire, participants are qualified to purchase a Union County Archery Range ID card that permits them to use Union County’s Archery Range. The range is open daily, dawn to dusk.

Anyone who has already completed an accredited archery safety course can call 908-527-4900 for information about purchasing a Union County Archery Range ID Card.

The fee for the ID card is $20 for adult Union County residents and $10 for youths and seniors. The Union County fee also applies to residents of Edison. The ID card fee for all other out-of-county residents is $30 for adults and $15 for youths and seniors.

Archery safety class space is limited, so reservations are required. Anyone interested in learning the safe use of a bow and arrow should call the reservation desk at the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900. Registration for an archery safety class is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Private family and small group lessons for eight or fewer people also are available. Please call 908-654-9854 to schedule a private small group lesson.

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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 present an exhibit of photographs by Charlene Rieger-Velli of Linden in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Rieger-Velli’s photographs entitled “Flora, Fauna and Faces” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until Sept. 30. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display this exhibit of intriguing photographs by Charlene Rieger-Velli.”

In 2010, encouraged by family and friends, Charlene entered the National Arts Program(r) Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families. One of her photographs placed second in the Adult Intermediate category and secured her an invitation to exhibit her winning work at the Union County Freeholders Gallery.

Charlene Rieger-Velli is an accomplished, self-taught photographer. She has a background in both black and white film and color film, but now works entirely in digital. A generous portion of her work reflects her lifelong love of nature; however, she enjoys photographing anything that catches her eye.

Ms. Rieger-Velli’s work can be found in local homes and businesses and it has appeared in the Star-Ledger newspaper in New Jersey. She was the first artist to represent Union County on the National Arts Program Foundation website and in July 2010 she was selected as their weekly “Featured Artist.” One of Charlene’s photographs was chosen to appear in the book, “Great Destinations NJ,” which features the art of New Jersey’s best photographers.

Charlene has donated her artwork to benefit numerous community and cultural organizations including her local library, cultural and heritage committee, YMCA and two animal shelters.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or to learn about other programs and services please 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. E-mail to: culturalinfo@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 .

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that the First Place artworks from the 2011 Union County Senior Art Exhibit may be viewed at the Freeholders Gallery located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. The gallery hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. The display is on until August 24.

“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 First Place winners in the non-professional category are:

William Connolly of Garwood (Watercolor);

Patricia Jahnsen of Berkeley Heights (Pastel);

William Jeney, Jr. of Scotch Plains (Acrylic);

John Leavy of Cranford (Craft);

Joseph J. Leonard of Elizabeth (Photography);

Manuel Perez of Elizabeth (Mixed Media);

Murray Shereshewsky of Westfield (Drawing & Best in Show);

Urban J. Weiss of Linden (Oil).

 

The First Place winners in the professional category are:

Dante Bonardi of Garwood (Watercolor);

Millicent K. Brody of Westfield (Photography);

Mel Holston of Plainfield (Drawing & Best in Show);

Florian Jenkins of Union (Pastel);

Rosalia Verdun of Roselle Park (Oil).

 

The first place winners of the 3-Dimensional category, non-professional and professional, are not exhibited at the gallery, but will also go to compete in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show. The two artists are:

Nick Dedes of Union (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 dial 711.

Union County, NJ — The Union County 4-H club program is looking for volunteers who love dogs and enjoy working with children, to lead the Union County 4-H Dog Club. The club helps children develop life skills while they learn about the care and training of dogs.

The club leader will be assisted by another adult, and 4-H provides lesson plans and tips on helping children learn the basic skills. No prior teaching experience is required. Some experience with dogs is important but an expert or professional background is not required.

The club is limited to eight members, in 4th through 6th grade. It meets one Saturday morning each month through the school year at the Union County Building at 300 North Avenue in Westfield.

Union County 4-H is a program of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

To volunteer or to get more information, contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 ornichnadowicz@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 and employer. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday, August 24, with an evening of music performed by Parrotbeach. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border.

Parrotbeach is one of the few full-time Jimmy Buffett tribute bands. Their music takes you back to your favorite seaside vacation, whether it was in the Caribbean, the Outer Banks, the Gulf of Mexico or Down the Shore. For more than ten years, Parrotbeach has been playing wherever the sea breeze takes them. Though Jimmy Buffett tunes are the largest part of their repertoire, other island music and party favorites round out their play list. The band members are comfortable with everything from rock to reggae, Motown, soul and swing. And it’s easy to see that these guys love their music.

“Bring the entire family for a delightful evening of music at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside,” said Freeholder Chairman Scanlon. “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 personnel from the Office of the Union County Sheriff and the K-9 Unit along with other knowledgeable Union County staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities that are available to Union County residents.

Sponsored by Union Center National Bank and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the August 24 concert by Parrotbeach is free of charge. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

The Summer Arts Festival concert series will conclude on Wednesday, August 31, when The Nerds bring their high energy party music to Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

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 .