Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County has a thriving 4-H program with club for every interest from photography and Lego to Colonial living, and there is even a club for horse lovers, too. Right now the Union County 4-H Horse Club is seeking boys and girls in grades 5 through 12 to join in fun activities while learning about their favorite subject.

The club is run by Lora Cherepy of Union and Kathy Ann Krajcik of Mountainside. Lora holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science. Kathy Ann is a long time horse enthusiast and owner. These two volunteers will share their knowledge of horses with club members and prepare them to participate in the annual New Jersey State 4-H Horse Bowl in March.

All 4-H members practice teamwork, organization, communication and many other important skills while exploring a passion in their lives.

The Horse Club meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at the County services building in Westfield from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. during the school year. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. For more information call 908-654-9854, or email 4-H secretary Ellen DiIorio at ediiorio@ucnj.org.

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The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

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.

7,000 Vote By Mail Ballots Expected in Union County

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will open her Elizabeth and Westfield offices on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for voters seeking last-minute Vote By Mail ballots. The offices at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, and 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, will be open as a public service for voters seeking Vote By Mail ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 8th General Election.

“Every voter should have the opportunity to cast a ballot in the election for their State Senator, Assembly members, county and municipal officers, and public questions,” Rajoppi said. “We want to ensure that even those who have a last-minute change of plans can cast their vote.”

Walk-in applications are accepted up to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, the day before the general election. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to use the Vote By Mail option.

“This will be the first time that my Westfield office will have extended Saturday hours for a general election,” Rajoppi said. “By opening the offices on the Saturday before the general election, as we have done in Elizabeth for the past 15 years, we hope to assist those citizens whose working hours or other commitments keep them from applying during the work week.”

Voters will be able to drop-off their completed Vote By Mail ballot at either of the Union County Clerk’s two offices. This option allows voters to pick up their ballots, vote in privacy and deposit their ballot in a secure lockbox – all at the same office through 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7.

“The Vote By Mail option, which has replaced the Absentee Ballot, makes voting more accessible, particularly for senior citizens,” Rajoppi said.

Completed ballots will be kept in a secure lockbox under the control of the Union County Board of Elections, who will collect them for counting. The County Clerk’s office has processed more than 6,000 Vote By Mail applications to date for the General Election and expects the number to exceed 7,000 before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

To obtain an application, voters may download the form at the County Clerk’s website:www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/vote-by-mail or pick up an application at their local municipal building. Last-minute voters must bring the completed form to either of the County Clerk’s Offices on Saturday, Nov. 5, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or on Monday, Nov. 7, before 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Union County Clerk’s office at 908-527-4996.

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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 – Eleven municipalities in Union County will plant a total of 602 trees this year with the help of funding from the “Greening Union County” grant program. The program helps local governments offset the cost of planting trees, through matching grants from the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund.

“Greening Union County effectively doubles the purchasing power of local governments,” said Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada. “Especially in these times when budgets are strained, Greening Union County is an important shared service that helps to improve public health.”

Freeholder Estrada initiated the program while serving as Freeholder Board Chairman in 2004. Depending on the applicants’ needs, Greening Union County provides grants for new trees at public parks, historic sites and other public facilities, as well as on streets.

“It has long been known that trees in urban areas have a positive impact on air quality and stormwater management,” said Estrada. “New studies are also beginning to measure the positive financial impact that a properly managed urban forestry program can have on public budgets, by returning benefits that significantly outweigh the cost of planting and maintenance.”

The Greening Union County program includes installation by forestry professionals with a one-year maintenance guarantee. Since its inception in 2004, Greening Union County has resulted in a total of 5,679 new trees planted in Union County.

This year’s grants, totaling $64,892, will go to Elizabeth, Fanwood, Kenilworth, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield, and Summit.

Estrada also noted that building owners can significantly lower their heating and cooling costs by planting trees on their own property.

“A leaf-bearing tree on the south or west side of the property will shade the building and lower your cooling costs in the summer. When the leaves drop in the fall, the sun will get through and help keep your building warmer during the winter,” said Estrada.

Evergreen trees planted on the north or east side of a building can shield the walls from prevailing winter winds, helping to reduce heating costs.

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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 Freeholder Linda Carter (R) presents a Preserve Union County Grant check to Reeves-Reed Arboretum Executive Director Gayle Petty-Johnson and Tom Ucko, former president and current member of the Reeves-Reed Arboretum Board of Trustees, at the Arboretum in Summit. Preserve Union County provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through Preserve Union County. The program is funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.  (Photo by Tina Casey/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 Freeholders Angel G. Estrada (R) and Christopher Hudak present a Preserve Union County Grant check to (from left) Kenilworth Historical Society Secretary Joyce Chiappetta, 1st Vice President Barbara Morison and President Shirley Boyden Maxwell in front of the Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth. Preserve Union County provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through Preserve Union County. The program is funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. (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 Angel G. Estrada (R) presents a Preserve Union County Grant check to Bill Schroh of the Liberty Hall Museum in Union. Preserve Union County provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through Preserve Union County. The program is funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.  (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 – Families will have many opportunities to enjoy the autumn beauty and serenity of the Watchung Reservation by participating in any of the numerous family programs and activities offered at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, the exciting fall line-up of programs is designed for families with children of all ages.

The Saturday Outdoor Adventures programs give families a chance to take part in theme hikes and nature related talks. These programs begin at 10 a.m., last approximately 45 minutes and meet at the Trailside Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. There is no admission fee but donations are appreciated.

“Saturday Outdoor Adventures are a great opportunity for families to enjoy the beautiful Watchung Reservation and experience the splendor of autumn, while learning interesting facts about our local wildlife and environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.

On Oct. 22, families can participate in a Deserted Village Walking Tour. Families can discover the history of this local treasure in the Watchung Reservation and learn who originally inhabited the village and how it became deserted. Participants should meet at the Deserted Village parking lot on Cataract Hollow Road, off Glenside Ave. in Berkeley Heights.

A Fall Field Walk on Oct. 29 will allow families to explore the rainbow of colors on a hike through the Watchung Reservation. While searching the forest for shades of red, orange, yellow, gold, rust and purple, you will learn to identify trees by leaf shapes and colors.

Trailside Nature & Science Center celebrates Native American History Month on Nov. 12 with “Lenape Lifestyles.” Families will discover who the Lenape Native Americans were and how they lived. Participants will visit Trailside’s Lenape exhibit to learn about their lifestyles and take a walk to look for plants and trees the Lenape used to help cure colds, construct wigwams and build canoes.

Trailside offers a Lake Surprise Hike on Nov. 19, when families can explore the shores of Lake Surprise, the Watchung Reservation’s largest body of water. Hikers will be on the lookout for late migrating birds, animal tracks and interesting insects.

On Nov. 26, families will be treated to an “Enchanted Forest Hike.” While exploring the northwest area of the Watchung Reservation, families will discover the history of this enchanting forest and learn which animals inhabit the Pine Tree Grove and what is happening to these old trees. Participants should meet at the Sky Top Picnic area.

Saturday Outdoor Adventures continue on Dec. 3 with “Nature’s Choice.” Families will want to dress warmly to brave the brisk weather and take a hike to discover the winter adaptations of the plants and animals in the Watchung Reservation.

The autumn series ends on Dec. 10 with “Tree I.D.” Families will work together to use buds, bark and branches to identify tulip, beech, dogwood and walnut trees and learn which tree smells fruity, looks like an elephant’s foot or has bark like an alligator’s skin.

For additional information about the Saturday Outdoor Adventures or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Ave.) 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, NJ – New Jersey’s role in the American Civil War will be examined on Saturday morning, October 29, in a free lecture entitled “New Jersey Goes to War” by noted historian Joseph G. Bilby at Liberty Hall Museum. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, the lecture will begin at 9:30 a.m. in The Carriage House at Liberty Hall, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union (across the street from Kean University).

“This lecture is the first in a series of programs planned to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “And the audience will have the opportunity to see the grounds of historic Liberty Hall, built in 1772 by William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor.”

Joseph G. Bilby is a prolific writer, researcher and lecturer. He edited the book “New Jersey Goes to War: Biographies of 150 New Jerseyans Caught Up in the Struggle of the Civil War,” an official publication of the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee. A Vietnam War veteran, Bilby earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in history from Seton Hall University. Among his Civil War-related books are “Forgotten Warriors: New Jersey’s African American Soldiers in the Civil War,” “Remember You Are Jerseymen: A Military History of Jersey’s Troops in the Civil War,” and “Remember Fontenoy: The 69th New York and the Irish Brigade in the Civil War.”

This free event is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. For a program brochure and/or information contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550; NJ Relay users 711; visit the website www.ucnj.org/cultural or email:culturalinfo@ucnj.org .

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal encourage adults, ages 18 and older who are interested in learning the basics of  digital photography to attend a three-hour workshop on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The fee for the workshop is $45 for Union County residents and $55 for out-of-county participants. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

This photography workshop is ideal for any student who wants to become familiar with their single-lens reflex digital camera or sophisticated “point and shoot” camera with fully manual settings. Professional photographer Joan Pamboukes will bring clarity to such topics as focal length, aperture, shutter speeds and white balance. Composition and basic lighting strategies will also be addressed.

Participants are asked to bring their camera system, with a fully charged battery, the manual and tripod, if possible. Weather permitting, the class will go outside to capture the splendor of autumn in the Watchung Reservation and create some beautiful images. Otherwise, students will practice their newly learned photography skills in the Trailside Visitor Center. By the end of this workshop, basic camera functions will no longer be a mystery.

Joan Pamboukes has been an art and photography instructor in Boston, New York and New Jersey. She currently teaches Photography and Digital Media at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit. Ms. Pamboukes brings a wealth of experience to her students and this workshop will afford participants the opportunity to learn the basics of digital photography and gain the confidence to truly enjoy their camera and the art of digital photography.

For additional information about the Adult Beginners Digital Photography Workshop or other adult programs and upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit 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 – Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Preserve Union County program.

Preserve Union County was created in 2003 as an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. It provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Projects for Union County properties are also eligible for funding.

“Preserve Union County is focused on supporting local groups in their efforts to preserve sites that are most treasured within their communities,” said Scanlon. “This program has worked so well because the projects are developed by people who are deeply committed and involved.”

Since 2003, Preserve Union County has awarded approximately $2.5 million in matching funds that have gone to help preserve and restore twenty-six historic sites throughout Union County.

Preserve Union County is funded through the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund. The Trust Fund was approved overwhelmingly by popular referendum in 2000. Since then it has preserved well over 300 acres of land for public parks, acquired and restored historic sites including the 1920-s era Performing Arts Center in Rahway, and provided matching grants to municipalities and nonprofits for dozens of local recreation improvements and historic preservation projects.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a consistent funding stream for important civic projects, through good times and bad,” said Scanlon. “Even during this time of global economic crisis, Preserve Union County is still helping to save rare treasures from our past, while creating work in the building and preservation trades that otherwise would have to be delayed, or would not occur at all.”

The 2011 Preserve Union County awardees are:

Elizabeth

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth: Restore slate roof and masonry at the tower (Elizabeth Old First Historic Trust), $100,000.00.

Fanwood

Carriage House: New windows and air conditioning (Borough of Fanwood), $15,000.00.

Kenilworth

Oswald J. Nitschke House: Restore second floor, lighting, and air conditioning, and install period stove (Kenilworth Historic Society), $70,000.00.

Mountainside

Deacon Hetfield House: Upgrade electrical system and replace hot water heater (Mountainside Restoration Committee), $5,396.00.

Plainfield

Lampkin House and Barn: Acquire the property located at 850 Terrill Road, perform high priority repairs, and develop a preservation plan (City of Plainfield), $70,000.00.

Plainfield

George A. Strong Residence: Repair active roof leaks, restore masonry at chimney, restore deteriorated elements of port cochere (Ducret School of Arts), $35,000.00.

Plainfield

Nathaniel Drake House: Restore or repair slate roof, gutters, porch, and chimney, and build new accessible restroom. Project includes scaffolding. (Historical Society of Plainfield), $30,000.00.

Rahway

Merchants and Drovers Tavern: Restore or repair gutters, siding, eaves, masonry fireplace and foundation, doors, fire escapes, and other building elements, and paint existing trim, doors and windows. Project includes scaffolding (Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association), $65,000.00.

Summit

Reeves-Reed Arboretum and The Clearing: Repair and repaint wood, replace storm windows, and install new walkway for safer access to main house (Reeves-Reed Arboretum), $43,000.00.

Union

Liberty Hall Museum Carriage House: Complete replacement of the slate roof (Liberty Hall Museum, Inc.), $60,000.00.

Union

Caldwell Parsonage: Install a ductless air conditioning system, main panel and power shut off (Union Township Historical Society), $6,112.50.

The Nathaniel Drake House in Plainfield is one of 11 historic sites to receive funding for preservation under the 2011 Preserve Union County grant program, part of the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund.

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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.