Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ — A young visitor shows a bird feeder creation to Master Gardener Joyce Laudise of Berkeley Heights at the 22nd annual Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale. The event, held each May at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, features plants for sale, free gardening advice, baked goodies and children’s activities. Proceeds fund the Master Gardeners’ community service projects. The program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. To become a certified Master Gardener, contact the Extension offices in Westfield, 908-654-9854, or visit ucnj.org. More details are available at mastergardeners-uc.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.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday evening, July 13, with a performance by “Tusk” – a band that recreates the greatest hits of Fleetwood Mac. 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.

Tusk covers the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection. The group is made up of incredible musicians, including Kathy Phillips, an amazing New Jersey singer/songwriter who captures the essence of Stevie Nicks, along with Kim Williams on keyboards and vocals, Scott McDonald on guitar, drummer Tom Nelson and bassist Randy Artiglere. Expect to hear great songs like “Rhiannon,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” and see a memorable show that will impress even the most diehard Fleetwood Mac fans.

“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 sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from Rutgers Cooperative Extension along with 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 20 – The Kootz (good time Rock & Roll); at Echo Lake Park.

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

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Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (L) and retired Elizabeth Police Chief Gene Mirabella (2nd R) congratulate the winners of the Union County Sheriff’s First Annual Police Pistol Competition at the new Union County Sheriff’s Firearms Training Facility in Springfield. Jerry Plum (2nd L) of the Plainfield Police Department won first place, Sean Dougherty (R) of the Union County Police won second place and Dan Sims of the Kenilworth Police Department won third place. (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 Bette Jane Kowalski (R) joined (from left) Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Diana Limbacher of the USDA Food & Nutrition Service and NJ Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Alfred Murry at the opening day of the Elizabeth Avenue Farmers Market at Union Square Plaza in Elizabeth. The market runs every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June through November 27. Free children’s events, music and cooking demonstrations will be presented throughout the summer months. Please visit www.elizabethavenue.org for updates and event listings.  (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

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Mark your calendars for the popular Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside Nature & Science Center that begins on July 13 and continues every Wednesday through August 17. This family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and 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.”

“Dancin’ with the Honeybee,” a show that will educate and delight children about the life of a honeybee, will kick off the series on July 13. Cliff Sunflower will enthrall the audience with stories, poems, puppetry, music and dance.

On July 20, the circus comes to Trailside with “Super Circus Stuff.” 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.

“Kids in Motion” takes to the Trailside stage on July 27 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 August 3 with a “Magic Variety Show.” Steve Johnson will captivate the children with magic effects, comedy, audience participation and a thrilling juggling act.

August 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 August 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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Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella (3rd R) joins (from left) Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Nancy Ward, Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich, Union County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska and Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow in congratulating retired Elizabeth Police Chief Gene Mirabella (C) during the dedication ceremony when the new Union County Sheriff’s Firearms Training Facility in Springfield was named in the Chief’s honor. Chief Mirabella, father of Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella, was honored for his years of outstanding marksmanship while a member of the Elizabeth Police Department.  (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, NJ – Union County is offering a five-part “Balanced Living” course that provides reliable, common sense guidance for achieving a healthier approach to life. Balanced Living is conducted by health and nutrition expert Dr. Karen Ensle of Rutgers University. Dr. Ensle is a Family and Community Health Sciences educator and head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. To register or to get more details call the Extension offices in Westfield, 908-654-9854.

“If stress and fatigue are dragging you down, I encourage you to contact the Extension and register for the Balanced Living series,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The Balanced Living series can help you focus on simple steps that really make a difference, and the Freeholder Board is proud to support this program.”

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is sponsored in part by the Freeholder Board. Its mission is to provide the community with fact-based information on health, wellness, agriculture and youth development.

Balanced Living explores simple but effective strategies for managing time, overcoming stress, exercising regularly, adopting more healthful eating habits, and getting enough rest. The series of weekly two-hour sessions begins on August 3 and continues every Wednesday evening until August 31. A single registration fee of $10.00 covers the entire series.

“There is a growing body of research showing that simple, daily choices can have a powerful impact on a person’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Ensle. “The goal of the Balanced Living series is to help put this rich store of knowledge to work for Union County residents.”

The Balanced Living series will be located at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County offices, 300 North Ave East, in Westfield.  To register or to get more information call 908-654-9854.

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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.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon congratulates Neeraj Shekar of Westfield and Zayna Allen of Plainfield on their outstanding performance at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development State Public Presentation Contest. Zayna presented a talk on women business leaders in America and Neeraj spoke about tennis racquets from start to finish for more than 8 minutes each before an audience and judges.  The talks were not only rated excellent but were rated in the top 20 of 160 talks given that day. They are joined by James Nichnadowicz of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Program. (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, NJ – Members of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Union County joined with other community volunteers to spruce up the landscape of two homes for the non-profit housing organization HomeFirst. The work included a new patio and flower beds, and the removal of weeds including poison ivy. Pictured from left are Master Gardeners Susan Devaney and Deb Berman of Westfield, Bridget Mracek of Mountainside, and Debbie Naha of New Providence. The Master Gardeners program, sponsored in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, performs a wide variety of community service projects in Union County. To join or to get more information, call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 or visit 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.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series begins its 51st season of music on Wednesday evening, July 6, with a performance by “American Rapture” – a 17-member Rock and Soul Revue complete with marvelous singers and plenty of brass. 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.

American Rapture is a specialty show band featuring American popular music from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Formed in 1999, the group started as an annual musical theatre production for Mystic Vision Players in Linden. After a successful ten-year run, the group was transformed by band leader Tony Greco into a touring band. Nowadays, American Rapture features nine vocalists backed by an eight piece orchestra and they play all your favorites. They’re the perfect way to kick off the Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series.

“Bring the entire family for a special evening in Echo Lake Park,” 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 Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control and other knowledgeable 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 13 – Tusk (Fleetwood Mac cover band); at Echo Lake Park.

July 20 – The Kootz (good time Rock & Roll); at Echo Lake Park.

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