County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
Union County Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski present Ariel Morel of Plainfield with a certificate congratulating him on receiving the 2011 Investors Saving Bank Scholarship through the New Jersey Association of Counties Foundation. Morel is a recent graduate of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTHS) in Scotch Plains and will be attending Rutgers University in the fall. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – Along with top musical artists from around the country, this year’s free Union County MusicFest presented by Overlook Medical Center will feature performances by area musicians from School of Rock music schools. School of Rock has ten locations in New Jersey for musicians ages seven to eighteen.
“The Freeholder Board is a strong supporter of the performing arts and we are especially proud to support a rising generation of aspiring young local musicians,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “MusicFest offers a one in a million chance for talented newcomers to share billing with world renowned professionals.”
MusicFest caps off Union County’s summer-long series of free outdoor concerts. Five days of free MusicFest shows will run concurrently with the Union County Fair at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, starting on Wednesday, September 14 and ending on Sunday, September 18.
School of Rock emerging bands will take the stage on Friday September 16, and the School of Rock All Stars will back up Mike Peters, frontman of The Alarm, on Saturday September 17.
On Sunday September 18, School of Rock will perform a Springsteen tribute as part of New Jersey Family Day sponsored by Kean University. Family Day celebrates the New Jersey music scene with the Smithereens and a full lineup of bands from all across the state, headlined by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.
MusicFest will also once again feature local bands throughout the event, from Wednesday through Sunday, on the C Stage sponsored by The Crossroads of Garwood.
Previously announced main-stage performer Blondie is confirmed for MusicFest on Saturday night, and Collective Soul will headline on Friday night.
For continuous MusicFest updates visit theucfair.org, ucmusicfest.org, and facebook.com/musicfest, or follow on Twitter, ucnjmusicfest.
Prospective MusicFest sponsors can contact Cherron Rountree, Director, Union County Division of Intergovernmental Policy and Planning, 908-527-4200 or crountree@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.
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 show the movie “Finding Nemo” on Tuesday, August 9, at Meisel Park in Springfield.
“Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but come early to the park to enjoy interesting preview activities 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. on August 9 and have fun making a fishy craft project before watching the animated 2003 Disney/Pixar feature film, “Finding Nemo.” At dusk, sit back with your popcorn and enjoy the G-rated comedy-adventure about a young fish who winds up in a dentist’s office aquarium and his father’s epic journey to bring Nemo home.
The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:
• Tuesday, August 19 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside: Enjoy a classic car show by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment and the Garden State Chevelles at 7:00 p.m. before the animated adventure comedy, “Cars.”
• Friday, September 9 at Warinanco Park in Roselle/Elizabeth (co-sponsored by OneMain Financial): Enjoy a fun fishy craft project at 7:00 p.m. and free popcorn before the animated Disney/Pixar comedy-adventure, “Finding Nemo.”
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-
CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday, August 10, with an evening of Jersey Shore Soul performed by JoBonanno & the Godsons. 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. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
JoBonanno and the Godsons have been electrifying audiences in the tri-state area since 1992 with their infectious style of Jersey Shore get-up-and-dance rock and soul music. Considered one of the Top Ten bands in New Jersey, they have opened shows for James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, The B-52s, Joan Jett, The Stylistics, Gary U.S. Bonds, Mitch Ryder, and Eddie Money. On numerous occasions, they’ve been joined on stage by the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. In 2003 and 2007, they appeared at Giants Stadium before Bruce and the E Street Band took the stage.
“Bring the entire family for a rocking good evening of music at Oak Ridge Park in Clark,” 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 Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs 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.
Admission to the August 10 concert by JoBonanno and the Godsons is free of charge. Sponsored by Union Center National Bank and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout August on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m. The remaining concerts in the series will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark and at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border. 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 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
– 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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular Wednesday Matinee Series continues on August 10 with a visit by Jungle Jon, “The Lizard Guy,” and his menagerie of live animals. This family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 17. Each show runs approximately 45 minutes. The 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.
Jungle Jon Czerwienski effortlessly connects with children and adults to deliver a performance both memorable and educational. Whether he’s draped with a python or a boa, or is dancing with a millipede or a tarantula, his enthusiastic presentation will take the audience on a journey to learn about a day in the life of bugs, frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles.
“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.”
The Wednesday Matinee Series ends 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.
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.
– 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 .
Free outdoor screening of Disney comedy “G-Force”
Free children’s activities and inflatable rides, public safety
exhibits and demos,snacks and hot dogs before the movie
Union County – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites one and all to join in a celebration of National Night Out at Union County’s Meisel Park in Springfield on Tuesday, August 2. The free festivities start at 6:00 p.m. and continue with an outdoor screening of the popular Disney movie “G-Force” at dusk.
“Normally our public parks close at dusk, so National Night Out is a great opportunity to enjoy fun activities under the night sky with family, friends and neighbors, free of charge,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.
Free activities for children at Union County National Night Out include inflatable rides, “Bubblemania” bubble-blowing fun, Bingo, crafts, and more.
Union County’s Bomb Squad, SWAT team, and K-9 Unit will stage live demonstrations, and there will be a hands-on exhibit of two dozen police and emergency vehicles along with the county’s Fire Safety Trailer.
A raffle is also included in the event, featuring Somerset Patriots tickets, Staples gift cards, bike helmets, Flip cams, and more.
Visitors are welcome to bring picnics. An ice cream vendor will also be on site. Free snacks are available courtesy of ShopRite, and there will be free hotdogs and bottled water courtesy of Target.
The screening of G-Force, a G-rated animated comedy, will begin at 9:00 p.m.
# #
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.
Event will no longer be held at Nomahegan Park
Union County, NJ – Following 12 successful years at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, the Union County Red Ribbon Day Drug Awareness Event will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark this year on Saturday, October 22. Supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links and the Union County D.A.R.E. Officers Association, the Red Ribbon Campaign works to prevent substance abuse through awareness by bringing families together. Red Ribbon Day is packed with free children’s activities including such favorites as a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, games, and helicopter landings. The activities take place from 11 AM – 4 PM.
Also a part of Red Ribbon Day this year, the Red Ribbon 5K Run will again be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, October 22 at Oak Ridge Park. The USATF Certified course features a flat and rolling path on paved trails and local roads. The Red Ribbon Family Fun Walk at 12:00 PM is an opportunity for families to participate in a healthy activity with their children. Registration will be opening soon. Please check www.preventionlinks.org for more details.
The Union County Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Event is a long-standing countywide event which draws almost 4,000 people each year. Red Ribbon Day acts as a kick-off to many other Red Ribbon activities throughout the county. Coordinated by Prevention Links, this event is a collaborative effort of many partners from local, county, state, and federal agencies.
The Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Campaign commemorates the life of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while conducting an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer before joining the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information on the Red Ribbon Campaign and all Red Ribbon activities, contact Prevention Links at info@preventionlinks.org or (732) 381-4100.
Cites strong record of fiscal management, economic development
and quality of life improvements in Union County during tenure
Union County, NJ – After 27 years of public service, Union County Manager George W, Devanney today announced he will retire on August 1st, citing landmark achievements in conjunction with the Freeholder Board in economic development, the implementation of far-reaching quality of life improvements such as the Open Space Trust Fund, and the maintenance of fiscal stability through the nation’s worst economic downturn.
“I have been privileged for the past three decades to serve the residents of Union County and the State of New Jersey in public life,” said Devanney, a lifelong resident of Union County who resides in Berkeley Heights with his family. “I would like to thank our residents, the Freeholders, and the many public officials and private partners who I’ve worked with over the years in making Union County one of the greatest places to raise a family and work.”
“There have been many challenging issues and the past few years in particular have presented many difficulties at the governmental level, but working together with a dedicated County Government team we’ve been able to do great things for Union County,” adding he will remain dedicated to serving the residents of Union County through his involvement on various boards and community organizations.
“I have been privileged to make many great friends as well during this time, and while I will miss working with many of them on a daily basis, I do plan on remaining active,” Devanney said. “I love Union County and will remain committed to keeping it great.”
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, who appoint the County Manager, will soon meet to discuss filling the position. Additionally, Deputy County Manager M. Elizabeth Genievich announced her retirement effective February 2, 2012, and will remain to assist in the transition of the Administrations.
“We have an incredibly talented staff and our preference would be to fill the job internally,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Devanney added he had been thinking of retirement for the past year, noting that pension and retirement changes weighed in on his decision as well as his desire to spend more time with his family. He added he has been enjoying coaching his son’s PAL team in Berkeley Heights, and will continue to devote time to it next season.
Professionally, Devanney said the time is right for him to continue to “seek new challenges” and explore new opportunities with his wife, Angela Devanney and her firm, Keywood Strategies, in the private sector.
On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon thanked Devanney for his years of service.
“George’s management has proven to be top-notch,” Scanlon said. “He has implemented the policies of the Board with the utmost professionalism, and was not afraid to make tough decisions. He had the foresight to initiate innovative and meaningful projects long before they were popular elsewhere. His leadership and vision will be missed. On behalf of the entire Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Government, we wish him much success in all of his future endeavors.”
Included among the many administrative accomplishments Devanney cited working through the Freeholder Board are:
• Maintaining the highest attainable bond rating;
• Having one of the best debt to assessed value ratios in the state with one of the highest percentage of County revenues in the state obtained through grant funding;
• Linking merit increases to performance indicators and implementing personnel policies that have saved millions of dollars in taxpayer funds;
• The creation of a partnership with the American Automobile Association (AAA) to deliver the County’s life-saving Child Safety Seat Inspection program, the creation of a discount prescription drug program for County residents, and the Senior Home Improvement Program, which helps senior citizens with repairs to their homes;
• The creation of a Countywide Shared Services initiative which has saved municipalities millions in tax dollars. This includes measures such as the creation of a Countywide EMS pilot program which saves lives and the creation of a shared service 911 dispatch system;
• The creation of the Homeland Security Committee which has applied for and received millions in funds for public safety.
Devanney’s success in obtaining grant funding, economic development, building the County’s shared services initiative and the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation program are also the result of his skill in coalition building and network of statewide and federal contacts built over the years, Freeholder Scanlon noted.
“His style has been that of a consensus builder who can bring people around the table to talk,” Scanlon said.
Working with the Freeholder Board to create the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund which was approved by voters in 2000, Devanney cited the preservation of more than 300 acres of open space, as well as the opening of several new parks, and improvements to dozens of playing fields across the County.
During his tenure, the County launched two “one-stop” centers to serve the needs of residents looking for work and developed the Port Master Plan to encourage development near Newark Airport and Port Elizabeth. Union County College and the County’s nationally top-ranked Vocational Technical School also expanded their facilities during this time.
Other projects have included the construction of the Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building, the Park Madison Building in Plainfield, the award-winning Juvenile Detention Center in Linden, and the LEED-certified Westfield vehicle storage facility. The Golf clubhouse and banquet facility is under construction at Galloping Hill in Kenilworth. This facility will also contain the headquarters for the New Jersey State Golf Association, and is a key component of the golf division turnaround Devanney helped engineer that made its operations profitable.
Devanney also helped launch the Jersey Gardens Mall, while he served as the chief economic development adviser as the Director of Policy and Planning for Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage. The Mall, the largest outlet mall in the state which employs thousands, opened in 1999.
“As I look back, I am proud of the record of achievement of my tenure as County Manager,” Devanney said. “Serving the first decade of this century has seen times that are both prosperous and frugal, but together, working with a dynamic and energetic Board of Chosen Freeholders and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of Directors, we have ensured that Union County remains on the map as one of the best places to live and work. Ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability, maintaining a superior quality of life and developing partnerships are key roles of government and we have accomplished all of them. There have been challenging moments, but those have been far outweighed by the times of great achievement. I thank you for the opportunity to serve; it has been an honor and a privilege to do so. “
Devanney was appointed County Manager in 2002, following a four-year tenure as Deputy County Manager. Devanney previously served as a member of the Elizabeth Development Company Board of Trustees, Executive Director of the NJ Democratic State Committee, Special Assistant to the NJ Senate President, and Chief Legislative Aide for the 20th Legislative District Office. He is a Board member of the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation, the Union County Alliance, and the Runnells Foundation. A graduate of Rutgers University, Devanney earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.
–30–
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.
MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular Wednesday Matinee Series continues on August 3 with a “Magic Variety Show” performed by Steve Johnson. 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.
Steve Johnson has entertained audiences throughout the Northeast for more than 20 years. He will captivate the children with magic effects, comedy, audience participation and a thrilling juggling act. Steve has an exceptional rapport and he maintains a contemporary, upbeat and humorous atmosphere throughout his show.
“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.”
Wednesday Matinee shows in the weeks ahead include:
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.
– 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 .
CLARK, NJ – The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday, August 3, with an evening of smash hits from the ‘60s performed by The British Invasion Tribute. 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. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
The British Invasion Tribute has opened for the Beach Boys, Ringo Starr, and other top acts. Their show is a musical tour that spans the 1960s and really is three shows in one. First, they play songs by iconic British groups such as The Zombies, Dave Clark Five, the Rolling Stones, and the Hollies. Next comes the American Response, with hits by the Beach Boys, the Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel, Mamas and the Papas, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and more. The concert concludes with an extraordinary tribute to the lads from Liverpool: The Beatles!
“Bring the entire family for an entertaining evening of music in Oak Ridge Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Scanlon. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the popular songs of summer under the stars.”
The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Department of Human Services: Para-Transit, the Division on Aging, Workforce Development Operations, Office for the Disabled, and the Division of Social Services, 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.
Admission to the Aug. 3 concert by The British Invasion Tribute is free of charge. But if you’d like to participate in the benefit to help support the Runnells Specialized Hospital of Union County Foundation in the park that evening, tickets to the 7th annual “Party in the Park” are available for $35 per person. The benefit begins at 6:30 p.m. under the tent in Oak Ridge Park and includes an All American grilled buffet, micro-brewed beers, wine and parking. For tickets to the “Party in the Park” to benefit the Runnells Specialized Hospital Foundation, please call 908-771-5803.
The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. This summer’s concerts will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark and Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border. 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 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
– 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 .