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.

#  #

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

Union County, NJ – Three out of the five schools in the Union County Vo-Tech Schools system have ranked among the top 500 public high schools in the nation, according to a new survey by Newsweek Magazine. The survey compared graduation rates, college matriculation, standardized test scores, and AP courses.

“The Newsweek survey validates what we already know: Union County offers some of the finest public education resources in the United States,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Public education is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support each one of our five Vo-Tech schools.”

The three Vo-Tech schools included in Newsweek’s survey are the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (#70), Magnet High School (#74), and the Academy for Information Technology (#271).

Vo-Tech’s new Academy for Performing Arts is only three years old and was not eligible for the survey. The fifth school in the system, Vo-Tech High School, prepares students for careers in traditional and emerging trades.

“The Newsweek survey underscores the value of Union County’s commitment to excellence in public education,” said Vo-Tech Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bistocchi. “In order for our country to advance economically, our schools need to prepare a new generation of students for new technologies and new challenges.”

Scanlon noted that each of Vo-Tech’s five schools serves a valuable purpose.

“Gaining this national recognition is uplifting, but it’s also important to recognize that Union County Vo-Tech operates as a unified system to serve the residents of Union County,” she said. “As a group, our five schools address important needs in our workforce and the surrounding metro region.”

The Vo-Tech schools compared well to other New Jersey schools that made the top 500 list. Of the 36 New Jersey schools included in the list, Allied Health ranked 5, Magnet High School ranked 6 and Information Technology ranked 23.

Four municipalities located in Union County also had schools included in the Top 500. These were Berkeley Heights (155), Westfield (156), Cranford (352) and Springfield (394).

For more information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools, visit ucnj.org or www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

The Academy for Information Technology is among three Union County Vo-Tech Schools included in Newsweek’s survey of the top public high schools in the U.S., along with Magnet High School and the Academy for Allied Health Sciences.

# #

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 compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the recent purchase of an infrared assistive listening system. Located in the Freeholder meeting room, receivers have been installed to accommodate up to four people with hearing loss.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain kinds of public and private facilities that normally provide amplification systems for their audiences – including theaters, auditoriums, meeting and lecture rooms, concert and performance halls, and courtrooms – must have assistive listening systems installed for people who need them.

“In addition to complying with ADA regulations, we hope the installation of the hearing assistance system encourages attendance and participation from residents that may not have come out to meetings in the past,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “We want to afford every resident the opportunity to participate in open, transparent county government.”

With the addition of the assistive listening system, the Union County Administration Building is now fully accessible for people with disabilities. Other ADA accommodations include: clearly marked handicapped parking spaces, a barrier free route into the building, automatic doors, accessible elevators that feature Braille and audible announcement of floors, and accessible restrooms.

For individuals interested in utilizing the assistive listening system, simply notify the Office of the Clerk of the Board upon entering the Freeholder meeting room and proper accommodations will be made. Individuals may also notify the Clerk of the Board in advance by calling (908) 527-4140 or by emailing ndirado@ucnj.org.

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – 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 join up with National Night Out to show the movie “G-Force” on Tuesday, August 2, at Meisel Park in Springfield.

“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 Meisel Park at 7:30 p.m. and participate in “National Night Out” sponsored by PBA Local #73 before the feature film “G-Force” on August 2. At dusk, sit back and watch the 2009 spy-fi Disney 3-D comedy about a team of superspy guinea pigs who do battle with a mad billionaire intent on conquering the earth by programming all the home appliances to follow his instructions. The movie features the voices of Penelope Cruz, Tracy Morgan, Nicolas Cage, Zach Galifinakis and many other actors.

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

•  Tuesday, August 9 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Make a fishy craft project before the showing of the animated Disney/Pixar comedy-adventure, “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.

-end-

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 .

CRANFORD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2011 Teen Arts Traveling Exhibit is on display at Cranford Public Library, located at 224 Walnut Avenue in Cranford. The art work is on display through July 28 during regular library hours.

The exhibit consists of 53 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual art works shown at the 2011 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal.

“Each year I am amazed by the wonderful artwork submitted by local students,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”

For information about the Teen Arts program, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

2011 TEEN ARTS EXHIBIT – The exhibiting students are:

Berkeley Heights

Columbia Middle School
Julia Young

Clark

Mother Seton RHS
Victoria Marples

Cranford

Cranford HS

Shannon Daly

Gina DeCagna

Hillside Avenue School

Allison Curley

Orange Avenue School
Louis Capucci

St. Michael School
Kyle Borokowski

Elizabeth

Abraham Lincoln School
Dianeth Hernandez

Benedictine Academy
Keyona Wright

Benjamin Franklin School
Juan Martinez

Charles Hudson School
Damaris Quezada

Dr. Orlando Edreira
Jessica Arguera

Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jorge Soto Soriano

Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Gustavo Perez

Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Andres Camargo
Christie Ramirez

Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Wislet Dazime

Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Danny Luca

Madison-Monroe School
Arianna Honore

Nicholas M. Butler School

Eunice Edmond

Nicholas S. LaCorte School

Jonathan Lopez

St. Mary of the Assumption
Carla Gomes

T.C. Reilly School
Sindy Chavarria

William F. Halloran School
Walter Casanas

Woodrow Wilson School
Joel Romero

Hillside

Hillside HS
Ambyr Szablowski

Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Pinto & Campbell

Kenilworth

David Brearley HS
Samantha Hoag
Anthony Madonia

Linden

Linden HS
Jose Ferero

McManus MS
Clint Malakuskie

Soehl MS
Eduardo Plaza

Mountainside

Deerfield MS
Bea Collins

New Providence

New Providence HS
Lylah Dugan

New Providence MS
Lillian Cahill

Plainfield

Central Jersey Arts School
Silvia Alpapucho

Cook School
Carin Hardy

Hubbard MS
Jose Peña de Leon

Maxon MS
Caleah Atkinson

Plainfield Academy of Arts
Anthony Cancel

Union County TEAMS HS
Crystal Attidore

Union County TEAMS MS
Shaun Counts

Scotch Plains

Union County Vo-Tech
Camillo Castillo
LaJuan Miller

Springfield

FM Gaudineer MS
N. Adbullahu, M. Pisauro & 
N. Stanislawczyk

Jonathan Dayton HS
Farharah Mohamad

Summit

Oratory Preparatory School
Tyler Otterbein

Union

Union HS
Pamela Chuang
Andrea Garcia

Westfield

Edison Intermediate School
Catlin Collins

Union County, NJ – The Union County 4-H clubs got an early jump on summer on Saturday, June 4 during the annual 4-H Project Day, held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Pictured here, Julia Lachenauer of Cranford (l.) and Christian Kelly of Westfield observe the eruption of a “soda volcano” created by the 4-H Lego Club. Other projects included photography, model making, arts and crafts, and home grown plants. The fun included educational games and demonstrations, and the 4-H Teen Council sold refreshments to raise funds for the homeless. 4-H is open to all Union County boys and girls from 1st through 12th grades. For more information contact Union County 4-H agent James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 ornichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu. (Photo: Ben Foresti, 4-H Photography Club).

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 – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to provide assistance and support to victims of sexual assault. All volunteers receive training that prepares them to help guide a victim through the medical, legal or emotional aftermath of the assault. For information on volunteering, call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273.

“Victims of sexual assault have more resources at their disposal than in the past, but they still need someone who can help them navigate the system while offering unconditional, strictly confidential support,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Our volunteers provide a truly unique community service and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support them.”

No previous experience in counseling is necessary. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center receive a thorough training course, which qualifies them as state-certified, Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates.

Volunteer Advocates most often provide guidance over the phone. In some cases, the Advocate may accompany a victim to the police station, hospital or courtroom.

“Having someone at your side makes you stronger,” said Scanlon. “It can make all the difference to know that someone cares.”

Advocates may also offer support and guidance to family members, loved ones or friends, if requested by the victim.

The Rape Crisis Center is part of the Union County Department of Human Services. It has been serving Union County residents since 1984.

Interviews for prospective volunteers will be held this summer, and the next training session will begin in September. For more information call the Rape Crisis Center 908-233-7273. More details and personal stories are available at www.unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

Photo Caption: Fourteen Union County residents pose for a graduation picture after completing the training to become state-certified Volunteer Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates. As volunteers with the Union County Rape Crisis Center, the Advocates provide guidance and support for victims of sexual assault.

# #

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

Fireworks & Ammunition Also Will Be Collected

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 6, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will be on hand to accept unwanted ammunition and fireworks for disposal. It is particularly important to dispose of old ammunition and fireworks safely because they can be unstable and dangerous.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, fireworks, ammunition, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

Union County, in partnership with Covanta Energy, also includes mercury thermostats in its household waste recycling initiative. The mercury thermostat program complements the County’s efforts to collect household pollutants and divert mercury from the regional waste stream in order to help safeguard our water and air quality. What’s more, residents will receive a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot for turning in a mercury thermostat at the August 6 recycling event.

“Our partnership with Covanta allows us to extend our efforts to pursue environmentally sound methods of waste disposal,” Freeholder Hudak added.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 6 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

For more information about the August 6 collection of old fireworks and ammunition, please call the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

– end –

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 .