Author: Web Site Administrator

Amateur Astronomers, Inc. (AAI), and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcome the public to learn how to choose and correctly use a backyard telescope. “Know Your ‘Scope – Know the Sky” is two nights of free lessons and a chance to view the stars through a variety of telescopes.

On Friday night, Nov. 12, from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., the Amateur Astronomers will gather at William Miller Sperry Observatory on the campus of Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, to learn how to select and buy a telescope.

On Saturday night, Nov. 13, from 6:30 – 10 p.m., the group will gather at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside to learn about basic astronomy and how to use different telescopes. There also will be a “Star Party” on Saturday night if the weather is favorable. Pre-registration is required for Saturday night’s activities either in person at the Trailside Visitors Center or by phone at 908-789-3670.

Parking and admission to these events are free of charge.

For information about Amateur Astronomers, Inc., please visit the AAI website: www.asterism.org (click on “events”).

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit the website:www.ucnj.org/trailside

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

ELIZABETH-The Union County Sheriff’s Office will be coordinating the American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) in Elizabeth and Plainfield on Saturday, November 13. This public health initiative, in partnership with law enforcement, is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and provide disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

The AMCC is a unified national, statewide, and local focus on the issue of medicine abuse by children and teens.

“Prescription drug abuse is a problem in our country,” said Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich. “This challenge is a great opportunity to help protect our young people from the dangers of any kind of drug, even legal ones that are in our homes.”

The American Medicine Chest Challenge asks residents to take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medicine, lock medicine chests, dispose of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, follow prescriptions exactly as prescribed and to speak with children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Union County residents may take the AMCC and dispose of unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, November 13 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth and at the Park/Madison Building at 200 Park Avenue in Plainfield.

“I hope everyone takes advantage of this program to get rid of harmful, unwanted drugs and keep them away from our kids,” added Sheriff Froehlich.

For more information about the AMCC visit www.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com or contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 908-527-4450.

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Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada presents a resolution to Maryellen Schneeberger (2nd R) of Roselle Park congratulating her on receiving the 2010 New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation and Verizon Foundation Partners for Educational Excellence Scholarship. They are joined by Sheila Wegryn (L), Principal of Union County Vocational-Technical School Academy for Allied Health Science, and Maryellen’s mother.

Whether you’ve begun your holiday shopping or just want to treat yourself, November 4th is the time to be at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights for the “Simple Treasures” product sale. Sponsored by the Volunteers Guild of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital, the sale will feature items that include scarves, men’s and ladies wallets, jewelry, cosmetics, handbags and novelty items.

The vendor will accept credit and debit cards as well as checks and cash. The sale will be in the facility’s multi-purpose room, 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Sale hours are from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  

The public is invited to attend RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital product sales.  A percentage of all purchases made at these sales is credited to the Volunteers Guild. Funds raised are used to enrich the lives of residents and patients by obtaining items that may include prizes for bingo games and paying for entertainment. The Guild, which makes vendor sales possible, also sponsors a holiday party/gift distribution in cooperation with the Berkeley Heights Lions Club. 

“Your purchases help to support the residents and patients at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital when you shop at the sales of the RUNNELLS Volunteers Guild,” noted Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital. 

The Volunteers Guild and the Office of Volunteer Services of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital are always interested in recruiting volunteers. Flexible hours and a variety of opportunities exist with resident contact as well as performing other tasks. Anyone who would like further information should call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.

RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights.-30-

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that Union County will participate in a new system for recycling electronic products beginning on January 1, 2011. The Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company LLC (MRM) Collection Network will operate collection sites for the recycling of electronic products covered under the New Jersey Electronic Waste Management Act.

In addition, as of October 1, Union and Somerset counties entered a pilot project to test the program’s performance three months in advance of the state-mandated start-up date. The pilot is being funded by various manufacturers.

“As a participating partner in the MRM electronics network, Union County stands to save close to $73,000 in 2011, based on 2009 electronic-recycling poundage, in addition to savings realized over the three-month test period in 2010,” said Freeholder Rick Proctor, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council.

Under the New Jersey Electronic Waste Management Act, starting Jan. 1, 2011, manufacturers of certain electronic products that are used by households, small businesses and organizations are required to provide free and convenient recycling services. As a result, the cost of recycling and de-manufacturing various electronics will be billed to the electronic manufacturers rather than to the counties, as it had been done in the past.

The transition will be seamless for Union County residents who will continue to recycle electronics as they have been doing, even though only certain electronics are considered covered under the law. Union County will continue to use Newtech Recycling Inc. of Somerset NJ as its approved processor of electronics for MRM.

Union County residents can continue to recycle electronics at county computer and electronic collection events. The next event, the last one of the year, is scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alcatel-Lucent Technologies in New Providence. Residents also can drop off electronics at Newtech Recycling Inc., located at 600A Apgar Drive, Somerset 08873, every Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both drop-off opportunities are free.

Acceptable recyclable electronics include computers (CPUs), servers, monitors/terminals/CRTs, televisions, printers, fax machines, copiers, computer/laptop peripherals, telephones, cellular phones, telephone mainframes, keyboards, mice, cables, wiring, circuit boards, modems, power supplies, laptop and docking stations, audio-visual equipment, typewriters, VCRs, mainframe equipment, controllers, and camcorders.

For more information about the New Jersey Electronic Waste Management Act and about the MRM collection network, contact the Union County Bureau of Planning and Recycling at 908-654-9890. For information about recycling events sponsored by Union County visit www.ucnj.org

by Daniel P. Sullivan
Chairman, Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders
October 2010

We blinked. That’s right, when faced with one of the most important public projects in North America, otherwise known as the ARC Tunnel, New Jersey blinked.

For now, at least as of this writing, our Governor has unilaterally halted the work.

To be clear, as a proud lifelong New Jersey citizen, I know the people of this state are not quitters. But we are having a moment of doubt.

I agree that doubt can be healthy. Doubt provides a chance to step back and assess.

Doubt is especially useful regarding major public projects. Doubt forces planners and engineers to prepare diligently, analyze every contingency, and examine every alternative.

That is exactly what has been going on with the ARC Tunnel, for 20 years and more. The ARC Tunnel has been studied and examined inside and out, for a generation. The current critics raise old issues that have been thoroughly debunked over and over again, and Governor Christie’s stop-work order was apparently based on a wildly inflated figure that was, to put it charitably, inaccurate.

The time for doubting is past. Now is the time for action.

The need for another rail tunnel is crystal clear. Our commuter trains are packed to the gills and delays are the order of the day. Meanwhile, too few trains lead to more road traffic, more traffic jams, and more accidents.

The ARC Tunnel will double rail capacity to Manhattan and finally provide more Union County residents with direct rail access. That’s a huge positive for the economy throughout Union County, in addition to the rest of New Jersey.

It’s worth mentioning both of the two existing tunnels under the Hudson River are public works projects of national significance. The Holland was the first long vehicular tunnel, and the Lincoln Tunnel was among the many great public projects that helped pull us out of the Great Depression by putting people to work on legacy projects that advance the entire nation.

When times are tough and private job creation lags, that is when public resources are best put to use. Construction costs are as cheap as they will ever be, and to delay the project now will only increase the burden on future generations.

I refuse to accept the idea that my generation was the one that blinked, and retreated from a crucial public project. On behalf of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders I support moving forward with construction of the ARC Tunnel.

Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (L) and Union County Freeholders (from 2nd left) Bette Jane Kowalski, Alexander Mirabella and Angel G. Estrada congratulate Pam Capaci (C), Executive Director of Prevention Links, on a successful 12th Annual Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Day at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. The family event focuses on the work being in drug prevention and education. For more information, visit www.preventionlinks.org (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce a fun and creative class for adults at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. On Wednesday, Nov. 10, adults (ages 18 years and older) can learn to make a wreath using natural materials. The class will be held in the Visitor Center at Trailside from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and the fee is $20 for Union County residents and $25 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is required.

“The wreath-making class is offered as part of the Fall Adult Workshop Series at Trailside,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Deborah Scanlon, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “The class is designed to provide adults with an opportunity to enjoy an evening with friends and neighbors while learning a unique craft.”

Participants will weave grasses, stems, flowers and seeds into a one-of-a-kind wreath to decorate their home. Trailside park naturalist and master gardener Ruth Yablonsky will instruct the class on how to identify, prepare and use nature’s bounty of dried autumn plants to create a beautiful holiday wreath.

All materials needed to create your wreath are included in the fee; however, participants are asked to bring a glue gun if possible.

For information about the wreath-making class or about other upcoming programs or events at Trailside please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at ucnj.org/trailside.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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Participants weave dried grasses, stems and flowers into a natural wreath at last year’s wreath-making class at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Learn how to use autumn’s bounty to create a beautiful wreath to decorate your home on Nov. 10, from 7-9 p.m. The fee is $20 for Union County residents and $25 for out-of-county participants. All materials are included. Pre-registration is required. For information about this class please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside

Halloween will soon be here with all its spooky fun for the kids. And as they go about enjoying the treats, the trick is for us adults to use some common sense to keep them safe.
Since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, consider the entire weekend a holiday for kids to be out and about. Some towns are hosting festivities on Saturday and then there is trick-or-treating on Sunday. Be on the lookout for costume-clad youngsters in your travels.

When you are driving over this holiday weekend be alert and aware there will be extra pedestrian traffic. The speed limit in most residential neighborhoods is 25 mph but when children are out trick-or-treating it’s a good idea to drive even more slowly. Keep in mind that kids may attempt to cross mid-block or between parked cars.

Also, some children may be difficult to see if they are wearing dark costumes. Some kids who are wearing masks will have an obstructed view of cars. These are details we need to think about.

If your older kids are going out trick-or-treating, remind them about crossing streets properly and safely. Also, make sure they carry flashlights and use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags. Never let the little ones go trick-or-treating without a trust-worthy and responsible adult.

Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren’t going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home.

Remind your children to never, ever go into a stranger’s house or even stop and speak with a stranger on the street when out trick-or-treating. Explain that some adults are bad and want to hurt children and that they should never get into a car or go anywhere with a stranger. But if this should this happen, tell them to scream as loud as they can and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.

Be safe and smart before the fun even starts. Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it is fire proof. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.

Simply going over these common sense tips with your kids can make for a safe and fun holiday. Dressing up yourself and going out trick-or-tricking with the kids is also a great way to enjoy the fun while making sure the youngsters are safe.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween.

Ralph Froehlich
Union County Sheriff

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibition of artworks called “Oil, Inkpot & Graphite: A Celebration of Talent,” by participants in the Bridgeway Fine Art Instruction Program, at the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ. The exhibit is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 12.

Bridgeway, a non-profit mental health services agency located in Elizabeth, assists Central and Northern New Jersey adults experiencing mental illness by providing them with training and skills necessary to live more independently and successfully in the community. The agency’s Creative Arts Unit provides opportunities for people to experience various forms of artistic expression.

The Fine Art Instruction Program allows novice artists to explore their creative abilities and more advanced artists to increase their skills by offering a series of weekly instruction sessions. Bridgeway’s staff supports and encourages individuals whose artistic inclinations lead them to pursue creative endeavors. Artist-instructors teach drawing and painting and help students gain an understanding of the importance and benefits of becoming involved in the arts.

Funding for this exhibit has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For further information about Bridgeway and its programs go to www.bridgewayrehab.com and/or please contact Kathy Smith at 908-355-7886. To learn about exhibiting at the Freeholders Gallery, please contact the curator, Teya David, at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, telephone 908-558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.