Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to attend Cut the Salt and Lower Your Blood Pressure, a two-hour class designed to help County residents trim their salt intake down to “heart smart” levels while enjoying balanced, great-tasting meals. The class will be conducted by Rutgers University nutrition expert Dr. Karen Ensle, head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

Cut the Salt and Lower Your Blood Pressure is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm. at the Extension offices in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. A $5.00 materials fee will be collected at the door and pre-registration is required by calling Judi Laganga at the Extension, 908-654-9854.

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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 New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, and any other category protected by law. Rutgers Cooperative Extension encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you need special accommodations, have questions about physical access, or require alternate means for program information, please contact your local Extension Office. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite members of the public to participate in a free workshop that will help create a plan for improving access to transportation, educational resources, economic opportunities and quality of life in the North Jersey region. The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Kean University STEM Building’s 6th-floor Conference Center, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“This is a fun, interactive event that enables Union County residents from all walks of life to get on record with their concerns and their goals for improving our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “It’s a unique opportunity to make your voice heard, and to have a say in setting Union County and the North Jersey region on a positive path to the future.”

The workshop is hosted by the Freeholder Board, Together North Jersey and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

Together North Jersey is a voluntary partnership of counties, cities, towns, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions working together to develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development encompassing Union County and the surrounding area.

The effort is part of a national initiative, funded partly through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, aimed at helping cities, suburbs and rural areas plan to develop more sustainably and create livable communities.

“We have passed the stage in which economic growth was linked to pollution, traffic congestion and poor public health. Today we have the opportunity to create a more sustainable model that supports a growing, thriving commercial sector while enabling our communities to grow more pleasant, enriching and healthful, too,” said Carter.

Part of the workshop involves a group activity in which participants use electronic “clickers” to register their answers to questions about building stronger communities while encouraging economic growth.

The workshop also includes breakout sessions in which individuals and small groups can speak directly with planners and workshop hosts about living, working and getting around in the region, as well as “open house” sessions for informal discussion.

A light meal and child-friendly activities are also included.

More information is available online at togethernorthjersey.com. For those not able to attend the workshop in person, an opportunity to provide input is available at Together North Jersey’s www.engagenorthjersey.comonline project.

The Kean University STEM Building is easily accessible by mass transportation, and parking is free. For directions and more information about the workshop, including assistance with child care, transportation, language interpreters and audio assistance, contact Miriam Salerno at 848-932-2876 ormiriam.salerno@ejb.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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to offer an “Aquatic WILD” teacher-training workshop for teachers of grades K-12, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The health of our water supply is becoming a topic of increasing concern,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “This teacher-training workshop offers techniques for educating our students and making them aware of the issues, in a comprehensive and enjoyable program.”

Trailside is offering this new workshop, which is part of the Project WILD curriculum, for teachers in K-12 to learn new ideas and activities to bring back to the classroom. Developed by the Council for Environmental Education, in compliance with the New Jersey Core Curriculum standards, Project WILD Aquatic emphasizes aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Based on the premise that young people and educators alike have an interest in learning about our natural world, this program underscores wildlife’s intrinsic value and addresses the need for us all to be responsible stewards of our planet.

Hands-on activities are designed for integration into existing courses of study for formal and non-formal educators. Participants receive six NJDOE professional education credits. A guidebook is included and morning refreshments will be served. The fee is $25 per person.

Pre-registration is preferred as space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits.

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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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 – Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Do you need to log-in some hours for a community service project? Or maybe you’re an avid hiker, equestrian, bird watcher or nature lover who uses the trails in the Watchung Reservation or other Union County parks and you want to “give something back” to the parks system. Whatever the reason, mark Saturday, March 16, on your calendar and plan to attend Union County’s Adopt-A-Trail Orientation and General Meeting at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

At 8:30 a.m. on March 16, new trail stewards who would like to “adopt” a section of hiking or bridle trail will gather for orientation. At that meeting, potential trail stewards will be introduced to the Adopt-A-Trail (AAT) Program and may obtain a trail assignment.

From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., immediately following the meeting for new participants, the general meeting for all current and new trail stewards will be conducted. Both meetings will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Light refreshments will be provided.

Adopt-A-Trail participants are required to adopt their trail for a period of at least two years. Stewards are expected to remove litter, do minor pruning, remove invasive vegetation, clear drainage pipes and re-mark trails as needed. All AAT participants must attend an orientation meeting and a “general” meeting each year. They also need to complete and submit quarterly report forms.

Those who are not able to make a two-year AAT commitment are encouraged to attend one of the monthly trail work days, usually held on the first Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon (except in January and February). The next Saturday Trail Work date is set for April 6.

No experience is necessary to help out! By adopting a trail or participating in Saturday work dates, you can realize a sense of accomplishment, work outdoors, meet new people and learn a new skill.

The Adopt-A-Trail program was implemented in 2001 to complement Union County’s existing monthly trail maintenance program. There are approximately 26 miles of bridle trails and more than 13 miles of marked hiking trails that require attention in the Watchung Reservation and miles of other marked and unmarked trails in other county parks, including Lenape Park, Ash Brook Reservation and the Rahway River Parkway.

Preregistration for the Orientation and General AAT meetings and Saturday Trail Work days is required. Please call 908-789-3683 to register or go to www.ucnj.org for more information. Trailside Nature and Science Center 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 .

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association are seeking nominations for this year’s Environmental Hero Awards to honor and recognize individuals or groups who work for environmental protection and improvements in our community.

“We encourage our residents to nominate people in their community who have taken action to help the environment so they can be recognized for their efforts,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “People are working and inspiring others by organizing recycling and planting projects and living more sustainably. These people deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to helping the environment.”

Each nomination must include an essay of 2,000 words or less describing why the nominee is qualified to receive the award, along with contact information for the nominee and the person submitting the nomination. Photographs may accompany the essay. All entries must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 12.

Trailside Museum Association board members will award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Awards at “Wild Earth Fest” on Sunday, April 28. Nominations for the awards can be emailed tobnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Becky Novorro at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092.

Last year, the Woodruff Elementary School in Berkeley Heights was one of the recipients of an Environmental Hero Award. The school was chosen for its actions to improve energy efficiency, extend recycling programs, and continue planting projects that enrich the earth as well as their community. The school sets an excellent example of environmental stewardship by now using solar panels to provide half of the electricity used by the school.

For additional information on the Environmental Hero Awards or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online 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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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 Bruce Bergen reads to children at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Springfield on March 1 during the Union County Education Association’s annual Read Across America event. Read Across America is an reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading in honor of the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss.  (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

(From left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter and Freeholders Daniel Sullivan and Bette Jane Kowalski present resolutions to the 2013 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Jim Tansey, General Chairwoman Kelly Anne Scanlon and Adjutant Harry Capko congratulating them on the 17th annual parade. The 2013 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com. (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.orghttps://ucnj.org

On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Union County, NJ – How will Pinocchio survive the giant whale? How will he save his father? And how will this irrepressible wooden puppet ever achieve his dream of becoming a real boy? The classic adventure of Pinocchio gets a thrilling new twist from The New Jersey Ballet Company, which will perform the children’s ballet Pinocchio on Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

This special performance of Pinocchio is designed for children with autism and related disabilities as part of the Sensory Friendly Theater series sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. An on-stage narrator will tell the story as it unfolds, so even the youngest children can keep up with the action.

Sensory Friendly Theater was established as an initiative of last year’s Union County Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. Additional performances have been scheduled this year under the current Chairman, Linda Carter.

“The performing arts provide children with a unique window on the world, and Sensory Friendly Theater helps to ensure that this wonderful experience is accessible to all children in the Union County community,” said Chairman Carter. “The Freeholder Board is proud to continue supporting this series.”

Sensory Friendly Theater creates a judgment-free cultural experience that welcomes children who wish to express their excitement during the performance, or who wish to leave the performance area for some quiet time. Trained staff is also on hand to provide assistance for parents and caregivers if needed.

It is part of the Freeholder Board’s broader commitment to ensure that healthy, enriching activities are available to Union County residents from all walks of life including children, teens and adults with disabilities.

To design the Sensory Friendly Theater series, the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal worked with worked with Paper Mill Playhouse and the Children’s Specialized Hospital as well asAutism Friendly Spaces, an organization that helps people with autism and their families participate in their communities.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre, a beautifully preserved former 1920’s vaudeville house and movie palace conveniently located in the heart of the Rahway Arts District at 1601 Irving Street.

Tickets for Pinocchio are $8.00 for all seats. To purchase tickets or to get more information about Pinocchioand Sensory Friendly Theater call the UC PAC box office, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org.

For information on all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org online or call the Public Info Line toll free, 877-424-1234.

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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 – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the 2013 recipients of the Women of Excellence Awards. The honorees will be celebrated at the 21st annual Women of Excellence dinner on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Galloping Hill Caterers, 325 Chestnut St in Union.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Commission in recognizing the dedication and service of women to their community,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “This year’s nominees are an inspiration to all of us, and I hope that in highlighting their work others will be moved to do the same.”

The Women of Excellence Awards, supported by the Union County Freeholder Board, are presented to recognize and honor distinguished women who reside or work in Union County. The candidates are nominated based on their achievements and the impact of their work on the County of Union in areas like Arts and Humanities, Business, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Medicine/Health Care and/or Women’s Advocacy.

The 2013 honorees and their respective categories are:

• Capt. Roxann Banek of Clark- Law Enforcement
• Eileen Birch of Union- Government
• Andrea Carbine of Cranford– Entrepreneur
• Larissa DePalma of Westfield– Mental Health Advocacy
• Christine Ferdinand of Morris Township, works in New Providence– Community Service
• Dr. Darlene Gibbon of Westfield– Medicine
• Rita Greco of Linden– Arts and Humanities
• Robin Ince of Westfield- Health Education
• Ellen McNally of Morristown, works in Summit – Community Health
• Theresa Mullen, Esq.of Scotch Plains- Law

Tickets for the dinner are available at $45.00 per person by contacting Carol Lombardo, 908-789-0508.

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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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce the 2013 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Amateur photographers, ages 6 through adult, are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.

Individuals may enter a maximum of two photographs, but only images of wildlife species native to the United States are eligible for submission. Images of exotic wildlife, pets or domestic animals will not be considered. Entries must be un-matted, unframed, 5” x 7” black and white or color prints. Entries must be received by Friday, April 12.

“Wild animals are challenging photographic subjects and the Wildlife Photography Contest is a great opportunity for people of all ages to put their skills to the test and attempt to capture animals in their natural habitat,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter.

Photographs entered into the Wildlife Photography Contest will be judged by local, professional photographers. Prizes will be awarded in each of three age groups: 6 to 11 years, 12 to 17, and 18 and older, based on originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 28, during Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest. All photographs will be displayed at Trailside’s Visitor Center through May 24.

The winners of last year’s Wildlife Photography Contest included James Caratolozzo of Hillsborough (18 and older) for his photo of a white-tailed deer fawn; Melissa Peterson of New Providence (12 to 17) for her photograph of a laughing gull; and J.T. Bokoske of Kenilworth (6 to 11) for his photograph of a dragonfly.

To obtain a brochure with the complete rules and an entry form for the Wildlife Photography Contest, call Trailside at 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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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 .