Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal are happy to announce the next evening of “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer outdoor entertainment and film series – will feature the movie “Space Jam” on Tuesday, July 19, in Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle.

“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 Deborah Scanlon. “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 at 7:30 p.m. and enjoy some basketball fun and games before the movie on July 19. Then sit back and watch as Bugs Bunny teams up with Michael Jordan in the 1996 animated sports fantasy film, “Space Jam.” Bugs challenges a bunch of space aliens to a fateful basketball tournament: if the Looney Tunes win, they can remain on earth. If they lose, they’ll be exported to a boring planet to work in an alien amusement park.

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

• Tuesday, July 26 at Warinanco Park: see if you can Kung Fu your way to self defense before watching the original “Kung Fu Panda.”
• Tuesday, August 2 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Take part in National Night Out, sponsored by PBA Local #73, before viewing “G-Force.”
• Tuesday, August 9 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Make a fishy craft project before the showing of “Finding Nemo.”
• Friday, August 19 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside: Enjoy a classic car show by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment and the Garden State Chevelles before the animated adventure comedy, “Cars.”

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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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular Wednesday Matinee Series continues on July 20 with a performance of “Super Circus Stuff.” This weekly family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 17. Each show runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and older.  Admission is $4.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. before each matinee.

“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside offers our families an assortment of creative fun and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight children of all ages,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Union County is committed to providing affordable, fun, family programs at our facilities and Trailside’s Wednesday Matinee Series certainly is a summertime treat.”

On July 20, “Super Circus Stuff” brings circus fun to Trailside. This exciting show is a combination of pure entertainment and audience participation. The circus-themed show is filled with fun and exciting circus routines, including juggling, balancing, plate spinning, table cloth pulling, boomerang bubbles and more.

Wednesday Matinee shows in the weeks ahead include:

On July 27, “Kids in Motion” takes to the Trailside stage with a non-stop musical journey. Jo Jo Russell, a talented DJ entertainer, will have everyone clapping, stomping and swaying from start to finish. This high energy presentation encourages the audience to be the stars.

The excitement continues on Aug. 3 with a “Magic Variety Show.” Steve Johnson will captivate the children with magic effects, comedy, audience participation and a thrilling juggling act.

Aug. 10 showcases “The Lizard Guy,” Jungle Jon, who will introduce the audience to a menagerie of live animals. His presentation will take the audience on a journey to learn about the day in the life of bugs, frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles.

The 2011 Wednesday Matinee Series ends on Aug. 17 with “Hocus Pocus,” a show that is sure to astound, baffle and thrill the audience. Joe Fischer, Magician Extraordinaire, does a fast-paced show with the perfect blend of magic, comedy, audience participation and excitement. He has an outstanding rapport with children and his ability to communicate and engage audience members of all ages makes this show “pure magic.”

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee Series or other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us 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.

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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 – In the early morning hours of May 9, Union County Police Officer Kenneth Matz responded to a routine stolen vehicle alert from the LoJack tracking system in his cruiser, and the result was anything but routine. Officer Matz followed the signal until it ended at a storage yard where numerous other stolen vehicles were waiting for overseas shipment.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud of the officers involved in this action, and we appreciate the contributions that the LoJack Corporation has made to the safety and security of Union County residents,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.

The events began to unfold at approximately 1:00 a.m. Upon detecting a LoJack stolen vehicle alert, Officer Matz tracked the signal to a storage yard on Elston Street in Rahway.  On a hunch, he used his on-board mobile data computer to check the Vehicle Identification Number of another vehicle parked on the premises. That car had been reported stolen in April.

Assisted by other patrol officers, Matz secured the area until the daylight hours and the arrival of Union County Police Lieutenant Robert McGuire and Detective Nicholas Incannella. They identified several more stolen cars on the premises, including two motorcycles and two late model luxury vehicles that had been carjacked in Newark.

“This is a fine example of the kind of results we can expect when law enforcement technology is combined with exceptional heads-up field police work,” said Union County Police Chief Dan Vaniska.

In appreciation of their outstanding police work, the LoJack Corporation presented awards to several Union County Police Officers at a ceremony in the Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building in Westfield on Wednesday, July 6. Recognized from the County Police Patrol Division were Officer Matz, Officer Giovanni Arlia and Sergeant Joseph Nordstrom. Also recognized from the County Police Investigation Division were Lieutenant McGuire and Detective Incannella.

Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd L) and Linda Carter join Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran (L) and Union County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska (R) in congratulating a team of County Police officers as they are recognized by Ray Oleavia (6th R), Ed Suriano (5th R) and Phil Rivoli (4thR) of LoJack for recently recovering several stolen cars and motorcycles at one location in Rahway using LoJack technology. The officers are (from left) Sergeant Joseph Nordstrom, Officer Kenneth Matz, Officer Giovanni Arlia, Lieutenant Robert McGuire and Detective Nicholas Incannella. (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, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County – the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Division on Aging kick off the summers “Jersey Fresh” Farmer’s Market Senior Voucher Program July 6th in Roselle Park.

“This is an important nutritional plan for seniors in Union County,” Deborah P. Scanlon, Freeholder Chairwoman said. “It helps ensure that seniors in our community get fresh seasonal fruits and veggies all summer long.”

The first voucher distribution will begin on the opening day of the Roselle Park Farmer’s Market at the Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for all eligible seniors.

An individual must be a resident of Union County, age 60 years or older, and meet the income criteria. To be eligible for the $20 vouchers (four $5.00 checks), an individual’s annual income cannot exceed $20,147 and a married couple’s annual income cannot exceed $27,214.  Proof of income is required and must be presented in the form of a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp verification, or annual pension & Social Security statement. Advance registration applications can be picked up at all Senior Nutrition sites and Senior Centers throughout Union County.

The Roselle Park Farmer’s Market, will be operating every Wednesday, at The Gazebo on Chestnut Street and Grant Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Additional voucher distribution locations are as follows:

•  Monday July 11 from 10:00 am – 11:30am, Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Avenue, Hillside

•  Tuesday July 12 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Bethel AME Church, 245 Hilton Avenue, Union (Vauxhall)

•  Monday, July 18 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, O’Donnell Dempsey Center, 622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth – Farmer will be present

•  Monday July 25 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Avenue, Linden – Farmer will be present

•  Wednesday July 27 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am, 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 (USDA) and coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

For 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, 908-527-4870, or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

(From left) Union County Freeholders Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Christopher Hudak hand out American flags to the crowds at the 88th Annual Central Jersey Fourth of July Parade in Plainfield.  (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

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday evening, July 20, with a performance by “The Kootz,” purveyors of “Rock and Roll with Fiber.” 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. in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Kootz have a passion for classic rock, pop hits, soul and blues. Members of the group have played music together since 1993, but The Kootz really came together in 

2001 when North Caldwell’s Glenn Taylor assembled his Essex and Union County friends into a band that performs the songs of the baby-boomer era from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The Kootz play about 250 shows each year and you can enjoy their musical variety show when they bring their “Endless Bus Tour of New Jersey” to Echo Lake Park.

“Bring the entire family for an entertaining evening in Echo Lake Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Scanlon. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the wonderful sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Offices of Consumer Affairs and Veterans’ Affairs 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.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. This summer’s concerts will be held at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border and at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

•  July 27 – The Full Count Big Band (Jazz from Mountainside); at Echo Lake Park.

•  August 3 – THE British Invasion Tribute (songs of the ‘60s); at Oak Ridge Park.

•  August 10 – JoBonanno & the Godsons (Jersey Shore Soul); at Oak Ridge Park.

•  August 17 – Almost Queen (Queen cover band); at Oak Ridge Park.

•  August 24 – Parrotbeach (Jimmy Buffett cover band); at Echo Lake Park.

•  August 31 – The Nerds (high energy party band); at Oak Ridge Park.

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

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present the 2011 Union County Fair this fall, featuring the 14th annual Union County MusicFest. The five-day event starts on Wednesday, September 14 and runs through Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

“The Union County Fair, featuring MusicFest, is our premier community event and it has also become a major regional attraction,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Last year 80,000 Union County residents and visitors came together to enjoy the festivities and the free music, and our local business community benefitted from all the activity.”

The Union County Fair includes a five-day carnival with a full scale Ferris Wheel and other popular rides along with free MusicFest concerts on multiple stages, including hometown favorites, national touring acts, and international stars.  As in previous years, one stage will be devoted entirely to local musicians.

“On behalf of the Freehold Board I would like to thank our many sponsors in the business and non-profit community for making The Union County Fair possible,” said Scanlon. “Their generosity helps to defray the cost of MusicFest, which keeps the music free and open for all to enjoy.”

Overlook Hospital returns as the presenting sponsor for the third year.  Other major sponsors include Kean University, TD Bank, Crossroads, Union County Performing Arts Center, Crowne Plaza, Elizabethtown Gas, Verizon Wireless, and Union County College.

For the fourth year in a row, the Union County Fair will partner with the Love Hope Strength Foundation to raise funds to fight cancer, and to register potential bone marrow donors. The Union County Fair has already registered over 1,000 people on the international bone marrow registry, with twelve potential life-saving matched identified.

Many popular Union County Fair attractions are returning this year, including:

• Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee featuring free and modestly priced children’s activities and free children’s performances.
• The Love Hope Strength 5-K Rock ‘n’ Run and Rock On! Walkathon, raising funds to fight cancer.
• Daredevil bike stunts from the Hell on Wheels BMX bike team.
• The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with an expanded Harvest Contest and community information on gardening, wellness, and 4-H youth clubs.
• More crafts and unique items for sale at The Marketplace.
• An expanded Green Village featuring interactive exhibits on energy and resource conservation.
• Dozens of food vendors and displays by local businesses.

Band announcements will be ongoing. For continuous updates visit theucfair.org, ucmusicfest.com, andfacebook.com/musicfest, or follow the County Fair and MusicFest on Twitter, ucnjmusicfest.

For information on the Love Hope Strength 5-K Rock ‘n’ Run, Rock On! Marathon, and bone marrow registry, visit the Union County Love Hope Strength Association, uclovehopestrength.com.

Prospective vendors and sponsors can contact Cherron Rountree, Director, Union County Division of Intergovernmental Policy and Planning, 908-527-4200 or crountree@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, NJ – Pop icon Blondie will take the stage for a free concert at the Union County Fair featuring the 14th annual MusicFest this fall on Saturday, September 17. The legendary hitmakers, inducted into the prestigious Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, will perform fresh new tracks from their 9th studio album Panic of Girls and great hits throughout their illustrious career. The Union County Fair starts on Wednesday, September 14 and runs for five days through Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, featuring free music every day. Band announcements will be ongoing. For continuous updates visit theucfair.org,ucmusicfest.com, and facebook.com/musicfest, or follow the County Fair and MusicFest on Twitter, ucnjmusicfest.

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 – While most of us are preoccupied with summer plans, the staff at Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside is busy preparing for the start of next season’s horseback riding lessons. Now is the time for beginners and returning riders to register for fall classes at Watchung Stable.

“Our lesson program at Watchung Stable is a great way to learn how to ride,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “I’m proud to say that more than 40,000 girls and boys have participated in this terrific program in the Watchung Reservation since it began in 1935.”

Registration begins Wednesday, July 6. All applicants for riding lessons must be nine years of age or older. Fall Troop begins the week of September 6, and culminates with the Fall Troop Horse Show. The cost to participate begins at $231 for ten classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment. Classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Class and troop assignments are based upon riding ability as determined by the Stable management. Applicants with previous experience may be asked to demonstrate their riding ability in order to be placed in the appropriate class. Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense.

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years of age and older, beginning the week of September 6. Classes for adults are available Sundays at 12:45 p.m., and Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Adult lessons are an eight-week program on either Sunday or Tuesday morning. Beginners through advanced lessons are available on both days.

Registration forms and fees must be submitted in-person at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. daily. Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information, and to obtain registration materials, call (908) 789-3665 or email: stablequestions@ucnj.org

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Now is the time to register for horseback riding classes at Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside. The autumn class sessions for beginners (ages 9 and older) and experienced riders begin the week of Sept. 6. For registration information, call Watchung Stable at 908-789-3665 or email: stablequestions@ucnj.org

Attention caregivers, do you feel tired? Are you overwhelmed and stressed? Caring for a loved one can bring on those feelings. You are not alone. Become a part of the Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights. Get together with others who share your difficulties and receive the reassurance as well as the knowledge that is found in a support group.

The group’s meetings, which are open to the public, are held in Room C318 on the third floor at RUNNELLS on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. The meetings, facilitated by Liz Carabuena, L.S.W., a RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital licensed social worker, are free of charge for all attendees.

“If you are a caregiver, meet with others in similar situations,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital. The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS shares information on dementia related diseases and available resources, researches updates, discusses

practical care techniques and presents new ways to cope on a day-to-day basis.  An especially important part of the meeting is the time set aside for participants to discuss the frustrations they feel in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County sponsors the meetings in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater New Jersey Chapter, an organization whose mission is to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS’ schedule for 2011 follows:

July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15.

RUNNELLS, Central New Jersey’s premier provider of care for individuals with dementia, also provides long-term, short-term, post acute, palliative and respite care in their nursing care center.

The facility is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Anyone who would like further information on this wheelchair accessible program or if you would like to attend, call 908-771-5828.