Category: Public Info

Union County – Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella encourages Union County residents to rid their homes of unwanted and expired medication at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take Back Initiative this Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“We receive a lot of inquiries about the best ways to dispose of various kinds of medication,” noted Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Although we have guidelines the public can refer to on medication disposal, the National Take Back Initiative coordinates safe and reliable drop-off points that are properly staffed to ensure no medication ends up in the wrong hands.”

Take Back events are a tool for reducing the abuse of prescription and non-prescription medications. The goal of the program is to allow citizens to turn unused, unwanted or expired medications in to law enforcement officials who will dispose of the substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner.

During October 2011, Operation Take Back New Jersey collected 9831 pounds of medication state-wide.

Union County Police Department at 300 North Ave East in Westfield will be staffed for collection in addition to various police departments throughout Union County. For a full listing of participating locations visithttps://ucnj.org/community/recycling/medication-disposal.

For additional information on the National Take Back Initiative contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning at 908-654-9890.

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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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that a “One-Stop” service will soon be available for Union County voters at the Westfield and Elizabeth offices of the County Clerk.

“Beginning on Tuesday, May 1, eligible voters will be able to apply for a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the Presidential Primary Election in person at either one of my offices, receive their ballot and cast the ballot at the same time,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “This one-stop voting service will be available at my Westfield office as well as at the main office in Elizabeth.”

“The service in Westfield and Elizabeth makes voting more accessible, particularly at the Westfield office with its convenient Saturday office hours and evening hours during the week,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “With the important June 5 Presidential Primary Election just a few weeks away, my office is working to make the voting process as fast and convenient as we can for everyone who is registered to vote.”

The opportunity to Vote-By-Mail in Westfield and Elizabeth is another service available at the County Clerk’s two offices, along with passport application and renewal services, registration of Trade Names, and the application and swearing in of Notaries Public.

The Westfield Annex of the County Clerk is located at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield 07090. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Main Office of the County Clerk is located at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Regular office hours in Elizabeth are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m.

Vote-By-Mail is an easy, secure process that has replaced the Absentee Ballot. Voters do not need to give a reason why they wish to Vote-By-Mail. To obtain an application form, voters also may pick up the form at their local municipal building; they can download the form at the Union County Clerk’s website:www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/vote-by-mail or they can contact the Union County Clerk
at 908-527-4996. The Clerk’s website also includes a video that explains how to fill out the Vote-By-Mail application form.

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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 offer a workshop for adults, 18 and older, on healthy cooking for spring. The program is being offered at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Thursday, May 3, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The fee is $15 for Union County residents and $20 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred but walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

“This unique cooking class for adults will help you appreciate the fresh tastes of springtime produce while you learn some new, healthy recipes,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The workshop will teach how to transform simple, fresh produce into healthy, delectable dishes.  Registered dietician and nutritionist Debbie Naha will lead this cooking class with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Ms. Naha is a professional teacher of Family and Consumer Science. She holds a Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition from New York University.

The step-by-step cooking demonstration includes hands-on activities for participants. A sampling menu will include yogurt cheese with olive oil and spring herbs, sautéed broccoli rabe with orecchiette pasta, and spring vegetable and legume salad. Recipes for featured dishes will be available.

For additional information about this program, or for information on other programs for adults and special 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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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 announce that Watchung Stable and Mosaico Restaurant are cooperating again to offer the fifth “Date Night at Watchung Stable” on Sunday, May 6, at 3:45 p.m. in Mountainside.

“Couples, ages 18 and older, are invited to go out on a date in a new and exciting way – on horseback,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “You’ll visit Lake Surprise and meander through the woods and fields to discover the wealth of wildlife active at dusk in the picturesque Watchung Reservation.”

Participants must arrive at Watchung Stable by 3:45 p.m. to sign in. The ride, which lasts approximately one hour, will leave at 4:00 p.m. After the ride, couples may want to head over to Mosaico Restaurant for a Northern Italian dinner since each couple will receive a $20 gift certificate, courtesy of Mosaico.

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

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required, as space is limited (there are no refunds for this ride). 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 starting April 28th.

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

Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Any couples wishing to find out about space availability for the “Date Night” trail ride, directions to Watchung Stable, or information about other riding programs, please call 908-789-3665 during normal office hours; visit the web sitewww.ucnj.org/stable or email questions to stablequestions@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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages County residents to take steps towards greater physical and emotional health by participating in a five part Balanced Living Series conducted by Dr. Karen Ensle of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. The series begins on Wednesday, May 9 and runs through Wednesday, June 27 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. in the county services building located at 300 North Ave East in Westfield.

“Stress and time management are factors that can be overwhelming in our day to day lives,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support a program that will enrich County residents with creative ways to achieve greater balance.”

Balanced Living explores simple but effective strategies for managing time, overcoming stress, exercising regularly, adopting more healthful eating habits, and getting enough rest.

“There is a growing body of research showing that simple, daily choices can have a powerful impact on a person’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Ensle. “The goal of the Balanced Living series is to help put this rich store of knowledge to work for Union County residents.”

The total cost of the series is $10.00, which will be collected the first night. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register for the Balanced Living Series, contact Digna Torres at the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 or via email at dtorres@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.

“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.”

Mountainside, NJ – Visitors to Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6, will have an opportunity to see a real falcon during a presentation, “Flight of the Raptor,” by raptor expert Jennifer Pena, and be treated to the magic of Cyril the Sorcerer in “Recycling is Magic.” Wild Earth Fest will run from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., rain or shine, at Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Admission is $3 per person, children ages 6 and younger are free. For information call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visitwww.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite families with children of all ages and adults alike to celebrate wildlife and embrace environmental conservation at an exciting daylong event at  Trailside Nature and Science Center on Sunday, May 6th. The Wild Earth Festwill run from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $3 per person; children 6 years old and younger are free. The first 400 people to be admitted will receive free tree seedlings.

“Wild Earth Fest has such a diverse line-up of programs and activities for all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “There is certainly something to educate and entertain the entire family.”

One of the featured presentations, “Recycling is Magic,” at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., will have Cyril the Sorcerer take the audience on a magical adventure. Through the combination of storytelling and stage magic, the audience will become aware of the power they have to help the planet by reducing, reusing, refusing and recycling.

Another feature presentation, “Flight of the Raptor,” at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., will allow raptor expert Jennifer Pena to share her knowledge about birds of prey: their nesting habits, hunting adaptations, flight patterns and more. Visitors will be treated to an up close look at live raptors, which may include a peregrine falcon, screech owl, kestrel or gyrfalcon, followed by an exciting flight demonstration.

Wild Earth Fest will have numerous ongoing demonstrations and activities throughout the day. At 1:30 p.m., during “The Way of the Wolf,” Vinnie Reo of Wolf Visions will introduce the audience to a live wolf and dispel the myths and legends of the “Big Bad Wolf” while he explains the importance of this keystone species in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

At 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. you can accompany Trailside naturalists on a spring walk in the beautiful Watchung Reservation. Throughout the day, “Up-Cycled Art” will feature Angela Pryor of “Useable Art,” who will give demonstrations on how to recycle and repurpose commonly discarded items into useable, functioning pieces of art.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers, who have produced a CD of Songs of Nature called “One Earth, So Green and Round.” Kathy and Lydia are award-winning recording artists who have pooled their talents to co-write an educational environmental album. The New York Times called Lydia Adams Davis a “Splendid performer” and audiences respond enthusiastically to her energetic, inventive and fun performances. Kathy Byers, who is celebrating over ten years as a children’s artist, has performed throughout the Northeast at a variety of venues, including the International Child Art Foundation, Kidzone TV, and the Children’s Music Hall of Fame.

Wild Earth Fest also will offer ongoing Eco-Art activities, free face painting and Recycling Olympics. Refreshments and wildlife-related art and gifts will be available for sale.

The winners of the Environmental Hero Award and the Wildlife Photography Contest will be honored at 4:45 p.m.

For information about Wild Earth Fest on May 6 or any other upcoming programs or events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us 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 Bette Jane Kowalski (L), Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (R) and Community Access Unlimited (CAU) Executive Director Sidney Blanchard (2nd R) congratulate Kenneth Widgeon of Plainfield on receiving the Youth Advocate of the Year Award for his work at the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services at the CAU’s 28th Annual Awards Night Celebration in Mountainside. Community Access Unlimited is a multi-faceted, human services agency that provides support services for at–risk youth and people with disabilities. For more information about CAU please visit www.caunj.org. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (R), Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (L) and Community Access Unlimited (CAU) Executive Director Sidney Blanchard congratulate Alfonsina Savino of Berkeley Heights on receiving the Educator of the Year Award for her work at The Gateway School at the CAU’s 28th Annual Awards Night Celebration in Mountainside. Community Access Unlimited is a multi-faceted, human services agency that provides support services for at–risk youth and people with disabilities. For more information about CAU please visit www.caunj.org. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (R), Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (L) and Community Access Unlimited (CAU) Executive Director Sidney Blanchard congratulate Jamese Baker of Elizabeth on receiving the Disability Services Employee of the Year Award at the CAU’s 28th Annual Awards Night Celebration in Mountainside. Community Access Unlimited is a multi-faceted, human services agency that provides support services for at–risk youth and people with disabilities. For more information about CAU please visit www.caunj.org. (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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

(From left) Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi congratulate the winners of the 2012 “My County” poster contest sponsored by the Union County Constitutional Officers. The top winners of the contest, which is open only to fourth-graders, are (from left): Diana Li (1st place) from the McKinley School in Westfield, Diego Fajardo (2nd place) from St. John the Apostle Elementary School in Clark, Alquadir Dixon (3rd place) from the Winfield Scott School No. 2 in Elizabeth and Matteo Patrone (4th place) from St. Michael’s Elementary School in Cranford. (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.