Category: Public Info

Attention caregivers, do you feel tired? Are you overwhelmed and stressed? Caring for a loved one can bring on those feelings. You are not alone. Become a part of the Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights. Get together with others who share your difficulties and receive the reassurance as well as the knowledge that is found in a support group.

The group’s meetings, which are open to the public, are held in Room C318 on the third floor at RUNNELLS on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. The meetings, facilitated by Liz Carabuena, L.S.W., a RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital licensed social worker, are free of charge for all attendees.

“If you are a caregiver, meet with others in similar situations,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital. The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS shares information on dementia related diseases and available resources, researches updates, discusses

practical care techniques and presents new ways to cope on a day-to-day basis.  An especially important part of the meeting is the time set aside for participants to discuss the frustrations they feel in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County sponsors the meetings in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater New Jersey Chapter, an organization whose mission is to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS’ schedule for 2011 follows:

July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15.

RUNNELLS, Central New Jersey’s premier provider of care for individuals with dementia, also provides long-term, short-term, post acute, palliative and respite care in their nursing care center.

The facility is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Anyone who would like further information on this wheelchair accessible program or if you would like to attend, call 908-771-5828.

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 animated comedy “Despicable Me” on Tuesday, July 12, 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.”

The whole family will enjoy an educational and entertaining show by “Mad Science” instructors before the movie on July 12. Mad Science events are spectacular science-themed shows designed to amaze and entertain young audiences. Everyone’s imagination will be sparked by Mad Science before the screening of “Despicable Me.”

A quiet suburban neighborhood is home to a villainous man in the 2010 movie, “Despicable Me.” The villain plans to steal the moon until he meets three little orphaned girls who see something in him that nobody else has ever seen: the perfect dad.

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

• Tuesday, July 19 at Warinanco Park: there will be Basketball Fun and Games followed by the animated feature film, “Space Jam.”

• Tuesday, July 26 at Warinanco Park: see if you can Kung Fu your way to self defense before watching the original “Kung Fu Panda.”

• 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.

RAHWAY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal are happy to announce that the Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee will bring an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children to Rahway River Park off St. Georges Avenue in Rahway on Saturday, July 9, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Kids Kingdom will be held rain or shine. Admission is free; nominal fees apply for some activities. Food, ice cream and other refreshments will be available from vendors.

“This is a wonderful event for Union County residents to enjoy with their families and friends,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “We are pleased to provide an opportunity for families to have a fun-filled day in one of our beautiful parks without having to drive far or spend a fortune in the process.”

Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee provides lively entertainment that includes stage performances, hands-on demonstrations and displays, crafts, music, games and a whole lot more. There will be entertaining science experiments; an “instrument petting zoo” where children can learn about musical instruments; a display of reptiles; inflatable rides; non-stop entertainment on stage; pony rides; a petting zoo; K-9 demonstrations and children’s fingerprinting; Bubblemania; Bingo; and plenty of other activities.

Later this summer, Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee will visit Mattano Park in Elizabeth on Saturday, August 13; and Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Sept. 17-18 during the Union County Fair.
For more information about Kids Kingdom, please call 908-527-4900, or visit the Union County web site: 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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

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.