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:

May 19, June 16, 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.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Enjoy Mother’s Day in a special way! Union County’s Watchung Stable offers two special Mother’s Day guided trail rides in the Watchung Reservation on Sunday, May 8, at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for everyone nine years of age or older.

“The Watchung Reservation is a 2,000-acre park that offers everyone a chance to experience the natural beauty of a forest,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat. You see so much of the park as well as get some exercise!”

Riders must register in advance and in person for these rides and payment is required at the time of registration, beginning April 26 at 9 a.m. The cost for a Union County resident is $28 per person. The Mother’s Day ride is $39 per person for out-of-county participants.

No experience is necessary; these rides are held at a walking pace only. After each ride, the Watchung Stables Auxiliary will provide light refreshments in the Stable’s assembly room.

Watchung Stable also offers guided trail rides that are held on Sundays at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and on Thursday nights at 6:45 p.m., weather permitting. Visitors are accommodated on a first come, first served basis on Sundays; reservations are required for Thursday nights. Experience is not required. The cost of a trail ride is the rental fee: in county, $28; out-of-county, $39.

Private trail rides are also available for individuals or parties up to 10 people. The cost is the rental fee plus an additional $30 for a private instructor. These rides are scheduled at mutually convenient times on weekends, weekdays or evenings. Please call to schedule your ride today!

The trail rides and Mother’s Day rides are held at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily.

For further information, call (908) 789-3665 during normal office hours or email questions to:stablequestions@ucnj.org. Watchung Stable 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 https://ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

In honor of “National Nutrition Month® 2011,” the registered dietitians of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County emphasized the month’s theme “Eat Right with Color.”

National Nutrition Month® is the American Dietetic Association’s annual nutrition education and information campaign, promoted by RUNNELLS Department of Food & Nutrition Services.

“This year’s theme reminds us that a rainbow of foods provide a variety of nutrients, with a wide array of potential benefits,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh. “Remember to choose an assortment of colors when you buy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Frozen or dried fruits and vegetables add to your choices year round,” Jalloh added.

RUNNELLS employs registered dietitians who have a college degree and some have also completed graduate level courses. Additionally they passed a national exam and received professional credentials, the RD (registered dietitian). Those who use the title of nutritionist often lack credentials from the American Dietetic Association.

“The registered dietitians of RUNNELLS monitor and tailor the diets of residents and patients,” added Freeholder Jalloh. “This ensures that everyone receives the needed nutrition and hydration. The well-balanced meals Food and Nutrition Services provides daily plays a vital role in overall health. Due to the excellence and importance of the registered dietitians’ work, the Union County Freeholders designated March as ‘National Nutrition Month®, in Union County.”

Anyone concerned about special dietary needs being met if they or their loved ones are cared for at RUNNELLS whether in long term, sub-acute or respite care may contact their assigned dietitian.

In Photo: Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital (seated, right) presents a resolution from the Freeholder Board to Rosemarie Fenchel, RD (registered dietitian), Chief Clinical Dietitian, Livingston. Looking on are: Laura, RD, Clinical Dietitian (left); Jessica Aspras, RD, Clinical Dietitian, North Bergen (second from left); Darlene Morrison, MS, RD, Clinical Dietitian, Somerville (third from left); Joan Wheeler, Administrator of RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital (seated, left) and Garry Feuerberg, (DHCFA) Distinguished Health Care Foodservice Administrator, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. Not in Photo: Chyiru Lee, MA, RD, Clinical Dietitian, Livingston.

WESTFIELD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce 2011 funding for the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The application process for a HEART grant will be explained at a workshop for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. The workshop will be held on Thursday, May 12, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Annex, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield. Although the workshop is free of charge, pre-registration is suggested.

“The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been exciting,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups.”

Recognizing the importance of culture and the arts to the county’s quality of life and economy, this innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and non-profit organizations of Union County.

“The services provided by these artists, scholars and organizations directly benefit the residents of our county and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “These cultural assets are a vital part of community life, well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism in Union County.”

For additional information or to register for the HEART Grant workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

ELIZABETH-Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich announced today the Union County Sheriff’s Office has received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Accreditation Alliance Program.

The award signifies the Sheriff’s Office has successfully met a body of internationally recognized professional standards. The Union County Sheriff’s Office is the third Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey to receive CALEA accreditation.

CALEA accreditation is designed to improve the delivery of public safety services by maintaining a body of standards covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives and recognizing professional excellence.

“CALEA is the vehicle that will help raise law enforcement to a new level of professionalism,” said Sheriff Froehlich. “I am proud that our office met the high standards of the commission.”

CALEA accreditation culminates three years of intense effort by all employees of the Sheriff’s Office, especially the members of the Accreditation Team led by Sgt. John Diorio.

The Sheriff’s Office accepted the voluntary challenge to meet the most rigorous set of standards designed for law enforcement. During the accreditation process, all aspects of the agency’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services were examined in detail by the commission including an onsite review by a team of outside CALEA Assessors.

The review team examined various aspects of the Sheriff’s Office to meet 112 standards including training, crime scene procedure, evidence storage, and arrest, search and seizure.

“This accreditation is a testament to the professionalism of the men and women of this office,” Sheriff Froehlich said.

Cranford Police Chief Eric Mason, Harry Delgado and Mitchell Sklar of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police presented Sheriff Froehlich with the Certificate of Accreditation during a ceremony on April 15 at the Union County Courthouse.

CAPTION: (from left) Harry Delgado, Mitchell Sklar and Cranford Police Chief Eric Mason of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police presented Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich and Sgt. John Diorio with the CALEA Certificate of Accreditation during a ceremony on April 15 at the Union County Courthouse.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Watchung Stable and the Mosaico Restaurant are joining together to offer the County’s fifth “Date Night at Watchung Stable” on Sunday, May 1.

“Couples, ages 18 years and older, are invited to go out on a date in a new and exciting way – on horseback!” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Along the trail through the picturesque Watchung Reservation, you’ll visit Lake Surprise and meander through the woods and fields to discover the variety of wildlife active in the late afternoon.”

Trail ride participants must arrive by 3:45 p.m. to sign in. The ride, approximately one hour in duration, will leave at 4:00 p.m. After the ride, couples may want to head over to the Mosaico Restaurant for a Northern Italian dinner since each couple will receive a $20.00 gift certificate courtesy of Mosaico!

No riding experience is necessary; the trail ride will involve a leisurely walk only.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, as space is limited. The fee for the Date Night Trail Ride only is $56 per couple for Union County residents and $78 per couple for out-of-county participants. Those wishing to participate should stop by Watchung Stable, 1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside and sign up as soon as possible.

Mosaico Restaurant is located at 1072 Route 22 West in Mountainside (www.mosaico22.com).

Any couple wishing to find out about space availability for the trail ride, directions to the Stable or information about other riding programs, please call 908-789-3665. Watchung Stable is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (center) and Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli (left) listen as Father John McCrone blesses the new basketball court between Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church and the Deerfield School in Mountainside. Construction of the basketball court was made possible by funds from the Watts Foundation of Mountainside and a grant of $50,000 from the Union County Kids Recreational Trust Fund. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

RAHWAY, NJ – Many teenagers daydream about singing or dancing on a stage before a live audience. That dream becomes a reality for a group of talented Union County middle and high school students on Tuesday, May 3rd at 7 p.m. when they perform at the Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, in Rahway’s downtown arts district.

Jazz combos, vocal groups, pianists, dancers and theater performances were selected for the special May 3rd Teen Arts Showcase from among the 4,000 students who participated in March at the 2011 Teen Arts Festival at Union County College in Cranford. An exhibit of students’ visual artwork from the Teen Arts Festival also will be on display in the reception area at the Performing Arts Center.

The annual Teen Arts Festival is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“The Union County Teen Arts Festival is a wonderful opportunity for students to interact with professional artists while sharing their own talents with students from other schools,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “Students appearing in the Showcase on May 3rd represent all arts disciplines and the municipalities that participated in the 2011 Festival.”

The Union County Teen Arts Festival is an annual two-day celebration of the arts where students and a staff of 50 professional artists participate in performances, critiquing seminars, master classes and workshops in every discipline – visual arts, music, creative writing, theater, media arts and dance. The Festival’s focus is not on competition. It is an opportunity for students to develop perceptual, intellectual and technical skills; gain cultural awareness and understanding; develop personal, aesthetic values; and learn self-discipline, critical thinking and problem solving through analyzing, interpreting and making judgments.

The historic Union County Performing Arts Center, formerly known as the Rahway Theatre, opened in 1928 as a classic vaudeville/movie showplace. In 1984, the theatre was saved by a dedicated group of volunteers and it became the Union County Arts Center in 1985. The theatre, which features live performances year-round, seats more than 1,300 people.

The Teen Arts Showcase is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Performing Arts Center. Teachers, fellow students, friends and family members of participating students are invited to attend the Showcase on May 3rd along with the general public. Admission is free.

For more information about the Teen Arts Showcase, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay Users dial 711. Or email: Culturalinfo@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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Freeholders Linda Carter (L), Bette Jane Kowalski and Daniel Sullivan (R) present a resolution to Plainfield High School Cardinal Wrestler Dawud Hicks congratulating him on all his wrestling accomplishments. In his senior year, Dawud, wrestling in the 189 lb division, won the Union County Championship, the District XII Championship, the Region III championship, and finished 5th in the state. His overall record at Plainfield High School was a very impressive 142-18. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Daniel Sullivan (2nd L), Bette Jane Kowalski (3rd L) and Linda Carter (3rd R) present resolutions to the 2010-2011 Plainfield High School Boys Basketball Team congratulating the players and coaches for winning the Group III State Basketball championship. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)