Contestants, ranging from grades 4 through 8, had to prepare an original work in an effort to promote Arbor Day and creatively show the importance of trees in Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

   

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulates the 5th grade winners of the 2015 Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Maggie Sher (C) from the Kent Place School in Summit won first place. Georgia Rabin from the Kent Place School in Summit placed third. 

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulates the 6th grade winners of the 2015 Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. (From left)  Jodi De Jesus from the Oak Knoll School in Summit won first place. Alessandra Serio from the Park Middle School in Scotch Plains came in second place. Trevor Pease from the Park Middle School in Scotch Plains placed third.

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulates the 7th grade winners of the 2015 Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Dovid Rozehzadeh from The Jewish Education Center in Elizabeth won first place. Rivka Shapiro from the Bruriah Junior High School in Elizabeth came in second place.

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen congratulates the 8th grade winners of the 2015 Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Adina Pinsker (C) from the Bruriah Junior High School in Elizabeth won first place. Hannah Makasare from the Saint James the Apostle School in Springfield came in second place.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh (C) and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella (L) and Sergio Granados (R) presented a resolution to U.S. Army veteran Eric Peters of Clark thanking him for his efforts to bring attention to the problem of veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before the 1st Annual Walking in My Boots Walkathon in Warinanco Park in Roselle. They were joined by Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan (2nd L). The walkathon raised funds and awareness for veterans living with PTSD. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Baseball Association invites young baseball players – boys and girls – ages 8 to 15, to register for its Summer Youth League baseball teams. This annual youth baseball program – now celebrating its 70^th season – is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Baseball Association, and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Since 1945, Union County has offered opportunities for young ballplayers to strengthen their skills and have fun during the summer,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The Summer Youth League continues this long tradition of providing coaches, umpires, shirts and baseball caps to boys and girls who enjoy participating in baseball games at Warinanco Park.”

Register for the summer league online at www.UCBA-NJ.ORG . Participants also may sign-up at the Warinanco Park Boat House in Roselle on Saturday, June 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Each player is required to bring a $25 registration fee (check or cash) and a birth certificate to the sign-up. Saturday, June 20, will be the last day to register.

Players must be at least 8 years old by June 21 and cannot be 16 before August 1. All those who register will participate in play.

All games during the Summer Youth League are played in Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The games are coached and supervised by Union County Baseball Association staff.

The Summer Youth League is divided into three divisions: a Teen League for 13, 14 and 15-year-olds; a Major League for 11 and 12-year-olds; and a Minor League for 8, 9 and 10-year-old players. Registered players will be notified about Team Assignment Day and the first day of play. There will be no refunds after Team Assignment Day.

For more information call 908-917-2523, or visit the Union County Baseball Association Website at www.UCBA-NJ.ORG .

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ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a selection of prize-winning art work by Union County employees and their family members is on display through July 14 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue, in Elizabeth. The gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.

The art display presents a select sampling of 15 pieces from among the 132 creations judged at the recent 14^th annual “National Arts Program Exhibit and Contest for Union County Employees and Their Families.” The exhibit and contest is a result of a partnership with the National Arts Program Foundation which provides prize money and valuable support to display the work of talented artists.

“The artistic talent of our Union County employees, retired County employees, County program volunteers and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh. “We have artists who excel in painting, photography and other visual arts, and we are proud to put their work on display. We thank the National Arts Program Foundation and Elizabethtown Gas Company for hosting the May 5^th awards reception and providing space for Union County employees and their families to display their talent in the original exhibit.”

Listed alphabetically by town are all the award-winning employee artists (or their family members) and the awards they won at the original exhibit and contest. Not all of the award-winning pieces are able to be displayed at the Freeholders Gallery exhibit.

Clark: Susan Anderson (First Place, Professional); Ryan Frees (First Place, Amateur). Cranford: Christina Barlik (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); Angelina Spricigo (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Dianna Strom (Third Place, Intermediate). Edison: Richa Wadhawan (Third Place, Teen 13-18). Elizabeth: Shane Rhodes (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under); Al Sanchez (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Fanwood: Tom Plante (Second Place, Amateur). Hillsborough: James Caratozzolo (Third Place, Amateur). Hillside: Nasrene Mondol (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Jackson: Grace Hagemann (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Kenilworth: Jim Lowney (Second Place, Professional). Linden: Christine Marti-Millward (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under); Mumtaz Mekhaiel (Honorable Mention, Professional); Adrianna Rendon (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); Victoria Rendon (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Martinsville: Kayla Stasil (First Place, Youth 12 and Under). North Bergen: Gabriella Marino (Best in Show, Teen 13-18). Old Bridge: Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18). Rahway: Gavin Cederquist (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Arianna Lespinasse (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Gabriella Lynch (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Roselle Park: Kennedy Taveras (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Miranda Taveras (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Sophia Taveras (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Scotch Plains: Rich Palmatier (First Place, Intermediate); Charles Rubin (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Somerset: Tina Nummela (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Summit: Patzy Gutierrez (Third Place, Teen 13-18). Westfield: John Beil (Honorable Mention, Intermediate); Brianna Cesaro (First Place, Teen 13-18); Victoria Paparella (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); Barbara Uhr, (Third Place, Professional); Eileen Willoughby (Second Place, Intermediate).

Additional support for this event was provided by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Exhibits at the Freeholders Gallery are coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and Union County history, 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 send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org

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CRANFORD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, June 6, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County College campus, 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, opposite Nomahegan Park.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Chairman Jalloh. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 6 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh (R) and Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen (L) speak with Community Access Unlimited Executive Director Sid Blanchard during the Union County Nonprofit Consortium’s Second Annual Networking Conference in Mountainside. The day-long event featured workshops designed to help non-profit organizations sustain and improve their operations while managing the bottom line. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Union County’s Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor kicks off the summer season at historic Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday May 30th, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

This year, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is headlined by the high energy funk of The Family Stone and the iconic R&B super group of the ’70s, War, and features “world music on jet fuel” Safro-Rock artist Mthakathi and the RT Funk Band.

Rhythm and Blues by the Brook also includes free inflatable activity rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides for young children. The children’s area will open at 12:00 noon and close at 4:30, when the main act takes the stage.

Also returning to Cedar Brook Park on May 30 is a classic car show, located near the basketball court across the park from the concert area.

A wide variety of food vendors will be on site, and a number of picnic tables will be conveniently located under a tent in the concert “outfield.” Concert-goers are also welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

A limited amount of parking is available around the perimeter of Cedar Brook Park. Visitors traveling by car should be prepared to leave their vehicle several blocks away and walk into the park.

For more travel information, schedule of performances, and visitors’ tips, visit ucnj.org.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh and Freeholders Sergio Granados, Vernell Wright, Angel G. Estrada, Christopher Hudak and Alexander Mirabella joined Robert Jeans of the Kenilworth Veterans Center and VFW Post 2230 and Jim Daly of VFW Post 355 at the Graceland Cemetery in Kenilworth where volunteers placed American flags on the graves of veterans in honor of Memorial Day. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders supplied more than 30,000 flags to mark veterans’ graves throughout Union County. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to invite residents who enjoy the miles of hiking and bridle trails crisscrossing the Watchung Reservation to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, by signing up to take a guided hike or by participating in a trail work project in the Watchung Reservation. Or you could do both.

National Trails Day begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast for all pre-registered project volunteers. From 8:45 to 10:00 a.m., a Trailside Nature & Science Center naturalist will take hikers along one of many marked trails in the Watchung Reservation in search of wildlife sights and sounds, interesting plant life and animal tracks and signs along the way.

“National Trails Day is a wonderful opportunity for those who love to hike and ride horses in the Watchung Reservation to learn even more about the 2,060 acre forest preserve while learning new skills and meeting others who enjoy the park,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh.

A trail work project from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will offer volunteers the chance to repair the trail bed and remove invasive plants along a section of hiking trail. Volunteers will learn new skills, meet other trail users and have fun while working in the out-of-doors. Tools will be provided. The event will be held rain or shine. Trail work participants must be seven years of age or older and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants may use the Deserted Village Parking lot just off Cateract Hollow Road and walk down to the Church/Store Building.  For directions, go to: htt://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/deserted-village/planning-your-visit/.

CLARK, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for confidential personal documents will be available on Wednesday, June 3, at the Township of Clark DPW facility in Clark.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”

The June 3^rd shredding event will take place at the Department of Public Works facility in Clark, located at 315 Westfield Avenue. NEXCUT Shredding of Elizabeth will be shredding documents at the site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. Shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place Sunday, June 28, at the Union County Vo-Tech campus in Scotch Plains.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .