Categories
Public Info

Union County and Honeywell Host Green Boot Camp for Teachers

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak and Laura Inward (L) of Honeywell watch as Willa Schaefer, a teacher at Carl H. Kumpf Middle School in Clark, generates electricity with a bicycle during a demonstration at the Green Boot Camp for teachers on the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS) campus in Scotch Plains. Union County and Honeywell hosted the Green Boot Camp for middle school teachers to help educators learn the latest methods for teaching green and sustainable topics to middle school students. The Boot Camp curriculum combines experienced UCVTS staff with Honeywell experience, tools and experts.  (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

Categories
Public Info

Keeping Cool in Union County

Union County, NJ – As another heat wave rolls into New Jersey, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders once again reminds residents that resources are available for cooling off during extreme hot weather.

Residents are generally advised to stay indoors and keep activity to a low level. The sun’s heat easily penetrates windows, so shutting drapes, shades and curtains will help keep indoor spaces cooler during the day.

If there is no cooling available at home, relief can be found at a library, museum, mall, or any other cooled public space where seating is available.

Due to the excessive heat, pool hours have been extended starting today, Wednesday, July 20, through Sunday, July 24. The main pools at both facilities will be open until 8:00 p.m. Hours for the dive tank at Ulrich and the baby pools will be extended as staff levels permit.

Union County’s two swimming pools are open seven days a week. For recorded information on Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway River Park, Rahway call 732-381-4045. For John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool in Wheeler Park, Linden call 908-862-0977.

Spray parks are open for children at Union County’s Warinanco Park in Elizabeth, Phil Rizzuto Park in Union, and Snyder Park in Berkeley Heights, all this week and through the weekend from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside is open seven days a week from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. For information on special activities call 908-789-3670 or visitwww.ucnj.org/trailside.

Seniors citizens can visit their local senior center for relief. The following have advised the Freeholder Board that they have extended hours during the hot weather:

  • Casano Community Center, Roselle Park, open to 7:00 p.m. except on Fridays, when it is open until 5:00 p.m.
  • Cranford Community Center, open to 9:30 p.m.
  • O’Donnell-Dempsey, Elizabeth, open to 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Roselle Community Center, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Steven Sampson, Elizabeth, open to 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

For more information on resources for senior citizens, contact the Union County Division on Aging toll-free, 888-280-8226.

#  #

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.

Categories
Public Info

Additional Videos Highlighting Services and Summer Programs are Available for Viewing

Elizabeth, NJ-The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present four new videos highlighting programs and services offered by the Freeholder Board. Recently added videos include highlights from the Union County Teen Arts Showcase, the formal Dedication of the new Fire Arms Training Facility, Union County’s immensely popular Mobile Shredding service and the Kick –Off of the Summer Arts Concert Series.  Produced by the Office of Public Information, additional video channel programming includes:

• Grand opening of the Vo-Tech Schools Academy for Performing Arts

• Remarks of Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon at the 2011 County Re-Organization Meeting

• TaylorMade Day at Galloping Hills Golf Course

• Grand opening of Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights

• Highlights of the 2010 MusicFest

• Distribution of Recycling Enhancement Grants to municipalities

• Understanding the Probate Process

• Trailside Nature and Science Center

• Union County Office of Consumer Affairs

• Current and archived editions of Vintage Views

You will also find county relevant news stories, courtesy of News 12 and My 9 news.

The video page can be accessed through the “Video Channel” icon on the home page, or visithttps://ucnj.org/videochannel/.

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

Categories
Public Info

Wednesday Matinee Series Puts “Kids in Motion” at Trailside with Jo Jo Russell, July 27

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular Wednesday Matinee Series continues on July 27 with a performance of “Kids in Motion” by the popular entertainer Jo Jo Russell. 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 per person. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. before each matinee.

“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside offers 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 27, “Kids in Motion” brings non-stop fun to Trailside. Jo Jo Russell has a special talent with kids and this program keeps children mesmerized as they participate in songs, dances and games. A talented DJ entertainer, Jo Jo will have everyone engaged from start to finish.

Wednesday Matinee shows in the weeks ahead include:

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 Wednesday Matinee Series ends 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.

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.

 

Categories
Public Info

Free Concert by the Full Count Big Band at Echo Lake Park

Features Jazz from Mountainside, July 27

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday, July 27, with an evening of jazz performed by the Full Count Big Band. 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 Full Count Big Band is an 18-piece orchestra that hails from Mountainside. The group has played at NJPAC in Newark and at concerts, swing dances, private parties, clubs, festivals and civic events all over the Garden State. Several of the group’s members have toured with famous bands and jazz greats such as Maynard Ferguson and Tommy Dorsey. With a library of more than 5,000 arrangements, the Full Count Big Band plays an eclectic mix of music ranging from nostalgic Swing Era classics to contemporary funk, Latin and rhythm & blues.

“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 Division of Planning and Community Development, Bureaus of Housing and Transportation, 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 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:

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

Categories
Public Info

“Family Fun & Flix” at Warinanco Park Includes the Movie, “Kung Fu Panda,” July 26

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 “Kung Fu Panda” on Tuesday, July 26, 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 learn about the ancient art of Kung Fu before the movie on July 26. Then sit back and watch as a clumsy panda bear becomes an unlikely hero in the 2008 animated martial arts adventure film, “Kung Fu Panda,” featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan.

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

•  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.

Categories
Public Info

Evening Nature Walks and Meditation at Trailside this Summer

Union County, NJ – Union County’s Watchung Reservation in Mountainside is the perfect setting to enjoy a tranquil evening while participating in an Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation Program, offered on four evenings this summer at Trailside Nature & Science Center.  Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join a naturalist and walk the Reservation to experience the sights and sounds of a summer evening, then return to the Trailside Visitor Center for a relaxing guided meditation session.

The program takes place on Wednesdays, July 20 and 27, and August 17 and 24, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.  The fee per program is $12.00 for Union County residents and $15.00 for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

Participants will be treated to a guided tour of the picturesque Watchung Reservation and will practice various meditation techniques designed to promote physical and emotional well being.  Guided visualization meditations will help the students learn methods to relieve the tension and stresses of everyday life.

“The Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation program is a unique opportunity for Union County residents to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Watchung Reservation and to gain insight into healthful relaxation techniques,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

For information on the Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation Program, and on all other programs and 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.

Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center offers a relaxing Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation Program for adults ages 18 and up at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside this summer. For more information call 908-789-3670 or visit 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 atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Categories
Public Info

Union County Housing Fair Offers Free, Reliable Guidance

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the Union County Help, Healing and Hope Housing Fair at Union County College’s Kellogg Building, 40 West Jersey Street, in downtown Elizabeth on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Housing Fair is a free public event designed to provide home owners, tenants and first time home buyers with information and referrals on foreclosure, weatherization, and many other housing related issues.

“If you feel confused and overwhelmed by financial issues related to housing, or if you’re just looking for a bit of guidance, I urge you to join us at the Housing Fair,” said Union County Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is the place to go for solid, reliable information that can help set you on the right track.”

Counselors and experts at the Housing Fair will offer information and referrals in the following areas:

•  Affordable Housing

•  Financial Wellness (Adults/Youth)

•  1st Time Home Buyer Assistance Programs

•  Home Buyer Education

•  Lenders

•  Foreclosure Intervention/Prevention Programs

•  Tenants Rights

•  Reverse Mortgage Information

•  Credit Counseling & Utility Assistance

•  Weatherization Programs

•  Homelessness Assistance

The Housing Fair is sponsored by the Union County Foreclosure Task Force and The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with support from the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), Brand New Day, Inc., NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center (A HUD Approved Counseling Agency), Faith, Brick & Mortar, Inc., and Affordable Housing for Union County.

For more information and or to pre-register contact Jacqueline Jenkins at Brand New Day, Inc., (908) 282-0781 ext. 146 or jackie.j@bndcdc.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.

Categories
Public Info

Monte Carlo Casino Day, a hit at Runnells Specialized Hospital

The atmosphere may have been more casual than at the “real” Monte Carlo casinos, but the fun and excitement was just as great at the RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County’s Monte Carlo Casino Day. The players were bankrolled with $1,000 in play money to gamble at games from Slingo Bingo, Blackjack, the Fortune Wheel; Horse Racing, High Low and 7-11, the dice game.

“RUNNELLS’ Activities Therapy Department’s annual Monte Carlo Casino Day games gave hours of fun and social interaction to the residents and patients again this year,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh. “My thanks to the Activities Therapy staff and all those who volunteered to help at this popular event.”

If you’d like to become a volunteer, call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.  Also, anyone who would like to donate new or gently used prizes for bingo or other activities may call the Activities Therapy Department at 908-771-5848.

RUNNELLS, located at 40 Watchung Way is Central New Jersey’s premier provider of quality, compassionate Nursing Care for long-term residents and individuals with short term Sub-Acute Rehabilitation needs. The facility also offers care for those with Alzheimers type dementia; Palliative Care for the relief of symptoms while an illness or condition is being treated and, if needed, the best quality, end-of-life care. Respite stays are available.

In Photo: There was fun with a capital “F” at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital’s Monte Carlo Casino Day activities, including the popular Horse Racing game.

Categories
Public Info

Union County MusicFest 2011 Adds Collective Soul, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and The Smithereens

Blondie performs at MusicFest on Sept. 17.  Kean University presents “New Jersey Family Day” with all New Jersey MusicFest lineup on Sept.18

Union County, NJ – Triple-platinum recording artists Collective Soul will headline at Union County MusicFest 2011 on Friday September 16, joining five days of free music on multiple stages at the Union County Fair in Oak Ridge Park in Clark from Wednesday September 14 to Sunday September 18.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, one of the top acts to come out of the Jersey Shore music scene, also join MusicFest to headline New Jersey Family Day at the Union County Fair, presented by Kean University on Sunday September 18. Longtime indie favorites The Smithereens, fronted by Union County native Pat DiNizio, are also slated to perform on New Jersey Family Day.

For Family Day, all of MusicFest is given over to top New Jersey performing artists, from national touring acts to hometown favorites.

“New Jersey has always been a center of musical creativity and we see New Jersey Family Day as a way to bring all that talent together for fans to enjoy, free of charge, in a beautiful outdoor venue,” said Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “For our local performing artists, it’s also the chance of a lifetime to share billing with some of the top stars of the music industry.”

As previously announced, international recording stars Blondie will take the stage at MusicFest on Saturday, September 17. MusicFest is the highlight of Union County’s free seasonal outdoor music series, which lasts all summer long.

As part of the five-day Union County Fair, MusicFest starts on Wednesday, September 14 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Free MusicFest concerts are featured throughout the fair, with New Jersey Day wrapping up the festivities on Sunday, September 18.

The Union County Fair also features a full scale carnival, children’s activities, and many other attractions including the Rock on! Walkathon and 5K Rock ‘n’ Run fundraisers to fight cancer in partnership with the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation and The Valerie Fund, which is based in Union County.

The Union County Fair featuring MusicFest is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and numerous partners in the business and nonprofit sectors including Overlook Medical Center, which returns as presenting sponsor of MusicFest for the fourth year.

Band announcements will be ongoing. For continuous updates visit theucfair.orgucmusicfest.org, 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 sponsors can contact Cherron Rountree, Director, Union County Division of Intergovernmental Policy and Planning, 908-527-4200 or crountree@ucnj.org

The Smithereens perform at Union County MusicFest for New Jersey Family Day presented by Kean University, on Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Southside Johnny headlines Union County MusicFest at New Jersey Family Day presented by Kean University, on Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Collective Soul headlines Union County MusicFest 2011 on Friday, September 16, at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

#  #

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.