Category: Public Info

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal encourage adults, ages 18 and older, who are interested in learning intermediate digital photography to attend a special workshop led by Joan Pamboukes on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

This workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The fee for Union County residents is $45 per person; $55 per person for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is required, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

“Trailside is surrounded by forests, fields, wetlands and a diversity of plant and animal life,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This part of the beautiful Watchung Reservation is a perfect setting to practice your digital camera skills.”

The Sept. 22 workshop is ideal for the photography student who has a digital (or traditional) 35mm SLR camera. During the session, students will briefly review shutter speeds, aperture values, IXO, white balance, and focal length. Emphasis will be placed on using shooting modes such as shutter or aperture priority, and creating beautiful compositions.

Much of the class time will be spent shooting, discussing available light and ways to add light in order to get the right exposure. Bring your camera. It will be helpful to have your manual and tripod with you.

Joan Pamboukes has experience as an art and photography instructor in Boston, New York and New Jersey. She currently teaches Photography and Digital Media at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit. With her knowledge and skill as a teacher and professional photographer, Joan guides her students to gain the confidence they need to truly enjoy their camera and the art of digital photography.

For additional information about the Adult Intermediate Digital Photography Workshop or other programs and upcoming 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.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Intermediate Digital Photography, a workshop for adults, ages 18 and older will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Professional photographer Joan Pamboukes will briefly review shutter speeds, aperture values, IXO, white balance, and focal length. Emphasis will be on using shooting modes and creating beautiful compositions. The fee is $45 for Union County residents; $55 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred; walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. For information on this or other lectures for adults, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside 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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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, NJ — Members of the public are invited to join with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s prisoners of war and military personnel missing in action, by attending the Union County POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony on Friday, September 21 at 11:15 a.m., in front of the Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors in the first floor Rotunda of the Courthouse.

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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, NJ —- Union Country Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella(2ndR), Vice Chairwoman Freeholder Linda Carter (C) and Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh (2nd L) join the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority Executive Director (L) Daniel A. Williamson, Esq. and Sales Manager Darius V. Griffin (R) along with Cindy Randazzo of NJ DEP at the opening ceremony of the PMUA Environmental Fair on September 8, 2012. The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control was in attendance to keep residents informed during the last weeks of warmer weather. (Photo by Barry Geller /County of Union)

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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. On Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer a lecture about “Hawks of New Jersey” for adults, 18 years and older, at Trailside Nature and Science Center In Mountainside on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

“Hawks are among nature’s greatest creatures,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is the perfect season to learn about them, as they soar above the Watchung Reservation.”

The program offers an opportunity to meet a live raptor and learn about the lives of these fascinating birds. Lauren Butcher, education director at the Raptor Trust in Millington, will introduce you to some of the 16 species of diurnal (daytime) birds of prey that fly through the skies of New Jersey. Find out how expert hawk watchers identify them as they make their seasonal journey along the “migration highway” overhead. The speaker will share a few success stories in the ongoing effort to conserve these birds of prey.

The fee for the program is $8 per person for residents of Union County and $10 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the event.

For additional information about this event or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and 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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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – “Hawks of New Jersey” is the subject of a talk on Thursday evening, Sept. 20, at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Adults, ages 18 and older, are invited to hear Lauren Butcher, from the Raptor Trust, talk about the raptors that fly the NJ skies. Lauren will be accompanied by a live bird of prey. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space permits. The fee is $8 for Union County residents; $10 for out-of-county participants. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. For information, please call 908-789-3670 or visit online at www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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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 .

Enjoy a sing-along as marshmallows are toasted by the fire

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Tickets are available for autumn hay rides and fun around the campfire at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, these fun-filled autumn activities include hay rides, folk songs around a campfire, hot chocolate and marshmallows toasted over the fire.

Tickets for these popular outings must be purchased in advance – so don’t wait until it’s too late! Seating for the hay rides is limited. Rides begin at 6:30 p.m. on the Friday evenings of Sept. 21; Oct. 5, 12, 19; and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Tickets can be purchased every day from noon to 5:00 p.m. at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside; weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks & Community Renewal, 2nd Floor, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth; or at the Union County Services Building, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

No tickets will be sold at the hay rides, so please register early. The cost is $5 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants.

For further information, call Trailside Nature and Science Center at 908-789-3670; or the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal at 908-527-4900; or visit the Union County website atwww.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 Bette Jane Kowalski and Angel G. Estrada (2nd L) join Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (R) in congratulating newly promoted Sheriff’s Sergeant Orlando Hidalgo (C) of Clark and Lieutenant Thomas Lapolla of Union during a ceremony at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on September 7.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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. On Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – On Sunday, September 30, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal will host the 31st annual Union County Harvest Festival, rain or shine at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“The 31st annual Union County Harvest Festival promises to be a fascinating, fun-filled event for visitors of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Walking through the festival grounds in the picturesque Watchung Reservation will give everyone a chance to see early American culture and history come to life.”

There is no shortage of things to do at Trailside on Sept. 30th. Visitors to the Harvest Festival have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of displays, demonstrations and activities, including music and entertainment, children’s toys and games, Native American cooking and Early American crafts. An always popular feature will be the “Build a Scarecrow” contest, which requires a nominal fee for participation.

Entertainment will be provided by the Family Traditions country-rock band; the Danny Weiss Trio playing Bluegrass, Americana and Swing music; the Rahway Valley Jerseyaires barbershop singers; and the Native American singers and dancers of the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe.

The festival will include Early American artifact displays, storytelling and performances; colonial and Native American crafts and work skills, including a potter, a canoe builder, a flintknapper, a paper maker, a loom weaver, and a fur trader; a petting zoo; pony rides; the New Jersey Frontier Guard re-enactment group demonstrating the loading and firing of muskets; and so much more.

Vendors will be on site selling a variety of food and beverages.

The 31st annual Harvest Festival will be held rain or shine. So mark your calendar, harvest your family and friends and come on down. Admission is $4 per person, with children ages seven and younger admitted free of charge. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside. Additional information can be obtained by calling 908-789-3670 or by visiting the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Early American life will be celebrated during the 31stannual Union County Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept. 30, at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Visitors will enjoy a variety of displays and demonstrations of colonial and Native American crafts and work skills, a “Build a Scarecrow” contest, and musical performances from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $4 per person; children ages seven and younger are admitted free of charge. Trailside is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal and is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside. For more information, call 908-789-3670 or visit the website: 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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (C) and Freeholder Daniel Sullivan (R) speak with Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gordon Haas during the fifth session of the Union County Means Business networking breakfast series. The series, an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Mirabella, is designed to bring local business owners, prospective owners and managers in contact with information about grants, loans, employee recruitment and other resources. The last session of the series for this year will be held on Tuesday, October 16th at the Sharing Network in New Providence and the topic will be Expanding Business in the 21st Century: Navigating Technology and Social Media. All sessions are free but pre-registration is required by visiting the Union County website at   https://ucnj.org/UCMeansBusiness or call 908-527-4200.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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. On Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County-The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Program will hold an open house for new members on Friday, Sept. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Union County Services Building located at 300 North Ave East in Westfield.

“In addition to providing fantastic recreational opportunities for the members of our community, the 4-H program fosters positive youth development through hands on, interactive learning,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Those attending the Open House event will be able to gather information and speak with volunteers from the following 4-H clubs:

• 1st and 2nd Grade Pet Club
• 3rd and 4th Grade Pet Club
• 5th Grade Variety Club – learn about animals and also do crafts
• 7th and 8th Grade Club  – topics determined by members
• Cooking Club – 5th to 8th graders
• Dog Training Club – 4th grade and older
• Archery Club for Beginners – 4th grade and older
• Living History Club – 5th grade and older
• Horse Lovers Club – 5th grade and older
• Horticulture Club – 6th through 12th grades
• Lego Robotics Club – 5th grade and older
• Fashion Design Club – 6th grade through 12th grade
• 4-H Teen Council – 8th through 12th graders.

Sponsored in part by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, 4-H serves as the youth development program of the Union County Rutgers Cooperative Extension. They encourage a “learn by doing” approach that fosters recreational and leadership skills.

4-H Clubs are run by adult volunteers that have been screened and trained. They meet once a month, from October to June on the 2nd floor of the County Services building. To sign up for a club you must register in person on or after the open house on September 21st; minimal fees for supplies and materials will be charged.

For additional information about the open house event or any 4-H program please contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or via email at Nichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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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.

“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.”

In a grueling two-day contest between tactical police units from across the Northeast, members of the Union County Emergency Response Team (UCERT) proved themselves worthy competitors.

In late August, the 8th annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge (CSC) brought together 27 teams from every level of law enforcement to test all aspects of a SWAT team’s abilities.

UCERT, which is comprised of officers from police agencies throughout Union County, placed fourth overall, behind the only fulltime SWAT teams in the contest. It was the fifth straight year UCERT placed in the top 10 during the competition in West Hartford, CT.

“The team performed tremendously and should be incredibly proud of their achievement,” said Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich. “It is also an excellent complement to their regular training which makes them an outstanding professional unit.”

Organizers created events to challenge overall physical fitness, shooting skills, proficiency with multiple weapons system including sniper rifles, expertise with various tactical tools such as breaching equipment and decision making skills under duress.

Tactical events included a hostage rescue challenge and a sniper challenge plus mystery challenges to keep teams off balance. Team members were required to perform varied skills such as scaling obstacles like a 9’ wall in tactical gear and rescuing a wounded officer (a realistic mannequin) by treating a bleeding gunshot wound with available field medicine and carrying the officer to safety while engaging combatants.

“These challenges push these officers to do their best,” Sheriff Froehlich added. “It builds upon their training should we need them in such situations.”

Physical stressors designed to tax the cardiovascular and the muscular systems and motor skills added to the difficulty of the events.

The final challenge was a 5.5 mile team physical training event on a mountain ridge in Simsbury CT.  The course had 33 testing stations along the way that included pressing and carrying a 1000 lb. telephone pole, low crawling under barbed wire, solving puzzles while physically taxed and carrying 800 lb. tractor tires. A 400 meter swim in a reservoir followed after completing 5 miles and 31 testing stations.

To make challenge more difficult, each team was required to carrying a 20 lb. watermelon throughout the course without breaking it.  This was to simulate having to keep “precious cargo” safe during a mission.

Unlike other teams, one UCERT member carried the watermelon through the entire course. Detective Mark Stallone of the Berkeley Heights Police Department delivered the fruit intact.

In the five years UCERT has participated in the event, only two other teams have averaged a higher finish during that time period. The team has continually strived to keep its focus on the CSC as one part of an overall training and operational development plan as opposed to having a “competition” team. Since their first Connecticut SWAT Challenge 22 different UCERT members have participated in the contest.

The UCERT members who participated in this year’s challenge are: Lt. John DiPasquale, Sgt. Ernie Schmidt and Det. Mark Stallone of the Berkeley Heights Police Department; Det. George Marmarou of the Clark Police Department; Lt. Jeff Plum of the Plainfield Police Department; Cpl. Sean Dougherty of the Union County Police Department; Det. Dan Fay and Det. Brendan Sullivan of the Union County Prosecutors Office; and Lt. Dennis Burke and Sheriff’s Officer James Guerrant of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

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