Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes residents to attend “Adolescent Trends: For Adults Only,” the third in a series of free seminars addressing the family dynamics of alcohol and drug addiction, prevention and treatment. The seminar is scheduled for Wednesday October 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue in Cranford.

The seminar will be conducted by John Kriger, a professional alcohol and drug counselor who has worked with government agencies, colleges, school districts, corporations and non-profits. Mr. Kriger is the author of The Pond: A Small Book About Big Changes.

The series is funded by the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse through the Municipal Alliance, and coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services.  For more information call Union County Alliance Coordinator Deborah LaNier, Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Planning, 908-527-4852.

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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.

nion County’s annual public heritage event, “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” will take place Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with the cooperation of staff and volunteers at 24 house museums and historic sites, the two-day free event opens the doors to 400 years of history throughout the county.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend began in 1994 when 16 historic sites and the County of Union organized a weekend event to tell the story of how Elizabethtown of 1664 evolved into the 21 municipalities of today’s Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This year, a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, quaint house museums, special exhibitions and tours showcase the county’s treasure trove of history.”

Special family-friendly highlights of Four Centuries in a Weekend include:

n  An exhibit at Liberty Hall in Union that focuses on the role of slaves and servants from the time of its original owner, Governor William Livingston, to that of the last occupant, Mary Alice Barney Kean;

• The Cannon Ball House in Springfield will commemorate Civil War veteran Captain Edward H. Wade who died of wounds received at Antietam, Maryland on Sept. 17, 1862;
• A living history program at Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth commemorates 100 years of girl scouting with an historic interpreter portraying Juliette Gordon Law, founder of Girl Scouts USA;
• The Crane-Phillips House in Cranford presents an encampment by Civil War re-enactors, Company D, 2ndRhode Island volunteers, in honor of local Civil War veterans;
• The Osborn Cannonball House in Scotch Plains presents an exhibit featuring bridal fashions and accessories from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Journey on to Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth, the 1772 home of Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress; tour the restored Revolutionary War burial grounds at the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, the oldest English-speaking congregation in New Jersey; and visit the Caldwell Parsonage at Connecticut Farms in Union, an American Revolutionary site that was home to the “Fighting Parson,” James Caldwell and his wife, Hannah.

A visit to Hillside will bring you to the Woodruff House/Eaton Store, built in 1735; and the historic Evergreen Cemetery, a virtual museum of funerary art. In Rahway you’ll be welcome at the Merchants and Drovers Tavern, a restored early 19th century hotel, and you can tour the Union County Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored classic Vaudeville venue.

When you stop at the Dr. William Robinson Plantation in Clark, you’ll discover a post-medieval English-style house where Dr. Robinson practiced healing with plants and herbs.

At the Abraham Clark House, home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence, you’ll learn about Early American life and the history of Roselle. In the Roselle Park Museum, housed in the Charles E. Stone Store, you’ll be standing in the first electrically-lighted store in the world.

Three authentic 18th century farmhouses are open for touring: the Miller-Cory House in Westfield; the Salt Box Museum in New Providence; and the Nathaniel Drake House in Plainfield, which was used as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

Venturing into the Watchung Mountains, you’ll find the Deacon Andrew Hetfield House in Mountainside, home to the Hetfield family for 186 years; stroll through the Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park in the Watchung Reservation, an 1845 town created by businessman David Felt; visit the Littell-Lord Farmstead in Berkeley Heights, a reminder of the County’s agricultural past; and explore Summit, with its Twin Maples, a stately neoclassical mansion; the Carter House, the city’s oldest house, built in the 1740’s; and the Summit Playhouse, a Richardsonian Romanesque structure with a 120-seat auditorium.

Children can earn a Time Traveler’s Certificate and a Four Centuries Patch by visiting and obtaining a Time Traveler Passport at any of the sites, having it stamped and returning the completed form to the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, telephone 908-558-2550 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., NJ Relay Users dial 711, or e-mail: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 .

CRANFORD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 20, 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 Cranford campus of Union County College located at 1033 Springfield Avenue, 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 Alexander Mirabella. “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 Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “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.

Union County, in partnership with Covanta Energy, also includes mercury thermostats in its household waste recycling initiative. The mercury thermostat program complements the County’s efforts to collect household pollutants and divert mercury from the regional waste stream in order to help safeguard our water and air quality. What’s more, residents will receive a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot for turning in a mercury thermostat at the October 20 recycling event.

“Our partnership with Covanta allows us to extend our efforts to pursue environmentally sound methods of waste disposal,” Freeholder Hudak added.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on October 20 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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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 pleased to present a special Columbus Day holiday matinee, “Penguin Pointers” beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 8, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Penguin Pointers is a great educational activity for children on the Columbus Day holiday,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “After they learn about penguins, they can explore the other wonders of the Trailside Nature and Science Center and enjoy an early autumn afternoon in the woods of the Watchung Reservation.”

Staff from Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach will be on hand to tell all about these amazing birds and introduce a live penguin. The audience will learn about their biology, geography, care and feeding, and the conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.

The fee is $5 per person. Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. The show is recommended for ages four and older. Strollers are not permitted in the auditorium.

As a special “thank you” to members of the Trailside Museum Association, all members and family members will be admitted free of charge. Please R.S.V.P. at 908-789-3670.

The Trailside Museum Association is an organization dedicated to assisting the staff at Trailside in their ongoing efforts to interest and educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy. The annual membership cost is $15 per individual or $20 per family. Membership sign-up will be available in advance and at the event on Oct. 8. Call 908-789-3670 for a membership brochure.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For information about other activities and programs at Trailside, visit 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 .

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (L) and Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd L) and Christopher Hudak present resolutions to Dr. Susanne Piatek Miskiewicz and Alexa Leigh Domenico congratulating them on being selected as the 2012 Linden Contingent Marshal and 2012 Junior Miss Polonia, respectively, for the 75th Annual Pulaski Day Parade by the members of the Linden General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa of Linden. The parade is Sunday, October 7th in New York City. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (5th R) and Freeholder Vice Chairman Linda Carter (C) cut the ribbon officially opening the Union County Police Regional Dispatch Center in Westfield. They are joined by (from left) Freeholder Christopher Hudak, Union County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska, Dispatcher Carmine Malave, Freeholder Vernell Wright, Dispatcher Thomas Campisi, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Union County Manager Alfred Faella, Dispatch Coordinator Gareth Williams and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the opening of the Union County Police Regional Dispatch Center, a new state-of-the-art emergency dispatch facility located in the County’s Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building in Westfield.

“This new Dispatch Center marks a significant transformation of the emergency response infrastructure in Union County, bringing us up to date with the most advanced technologies to serve our first responders and the public,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The new $1.2 million facility replaces and expands the previous operation located at the same site, which housed only two dispatch consoles. The new facility contains nine consoles.

“Union County is a dynamic, densely populated area where trends in emergency preparedness are constantly changing,” said Public Safety Director Andrew Moran. “This new facility will enable Union County, as well as the 21 municipalities, to continue operating at top levels of effectiveness.”

In addition to providing emergency dispatch services directly for the Union County Police and other countywide first responders, the new Regional Dispatch Center will also provide services for a growing number of local governments and other entities.

“The new Dispatch Center is an excellent example of a shared County-local service that enables local governments to manage their costs while gaining quality,” said Mirabella. “Our municipalities are getting access to a level of expertise and technology that would be extremely difficult to support on their own.”

The move toward shared communications services began in 2010, when the Borough of Fanwood entered into a shared services agreement to have its police, fire and emergency medical service (EMS) calls routed through the Dispatch Center.

Earlier this year, Roselle, Springfield, and Hillside began to have their fire and EMS calls routed to the Dispatch Center. The service to Springfield is also being expanded to have the Dispatch Center be the primary answering point for the township’s 9-1-1 calls

In addition, the Dispatch Center is now responsible for EMS dispatch for Scotch Plains and the Township South Orange, and for two paramedic units operated by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, along with Roselle Park’s Fire Department and EMS.

“The bottom line is that emergency responders throughout the region can now share a facility that enables them to manage their costs while providing a higher level of service, and that’s a win-win for everyone,” said Mirabella.

Contractors on the project included USA Architects, Birdsall Engineering, M&M Construction and Mission Critical Partners.

ELIZABETH, NJ – “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, takes place over the Columbus Day Weekend, October 6 – 8, at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Saturday and continuing through Monday. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal and it is made possible by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host talented local musicians and dancers and present them to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

• Saturday, October 6th:
• 11:30 a.m. – Noon: Oxygen Box Band;
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble;
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: SIOS of Elizabeth;
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter;
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: COMPAS of Elizabeth;
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield, chorus and instrumental performances.

Sunday, October 7th:

• 11:00 a.m. – Noon: Blanca Rosas of Elizabeth, singer/songwriter;
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Elizabeth High School Dance Dynamics;
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Chorus;
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers;
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Shubanjali School of Performing Arts of Scotch Plains, Indian classical and folk dances.

Monday, October 8th:

• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter;
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Jennifer Lynn School of Irish Dance of Union;
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Framework Acoustic Jazz Quartet.

“Since opening its doors in October 1999, Jersey Gardens has become the center of the community; therefore, it is a natural fit for us to host the celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for Jersey Gardens. “We have been overwhelmed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements,” Ms. Stell added. “Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent.”

Jersey Gardens, New Jersey’s largest outlet shopping mall is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.

For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone: (908) 558-2550. New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer adults, ages 18 and older, a series of landscaping classes this fall at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The Trailside Museum Association is sponsoring these classes from 11:00 a.m. to noon on three Saturdays: October 13 (Planting Bulbs); October 27 (Deer Resistant Plants); and November 3 (Creating a Natural Wildlife Garden). Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed as space permits. There is no fee for these classes but donations are appreciated.

“These landscaping classes will provide residents with knowledge and skills to grow and maintain beautiful gardens,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders appreciates the Trailside Museum Association’s sponsorship of these landscaping classes, as well as their ongoing support and commitment to Trailside.”

Bryan Lowe, horticulture consultant for HortSeminarsNJ, and a certified rain garden installer, will present an informative series of landscaping lectures. On Saturday, Oct. 13, learn which bulbs are available in the season; which do well in our area and are deer resistant; and find out how to plant, care for and maintain your bulbs.

The topic of discussion on Saturday, Oct. 27 is deer-resistant plants. You’ll learn what plants are not attractive to deer, and what techniques work to deter deer. On Saturday, Nov. 3 the class will examine the proper design for creating a backyard corner for attracting birds, as well as a landscape dedicated to providing food and shelter for our animal friends. The class will offer a chance to explore Trailside’s wildlife habitat.

The Trailside Museum Association, sponsor of this landscaping series of programs, is dedicated to assisting Trailside staff in their ongoing efforts to educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy.

For information about the landscaping classes or information about any other programs or upcoming events, 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.

County Clerk’s Offices in Westfield & Elizabeth Have Convenient Hours

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds county residents to apply for their passports as soon as possible to avoid any complications that may disrupt their winter travel plans. Holiday travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and countries in the Caribbean must have a valid passport to enter or depart from the United States.

“Because of the approaching holidays, there’s an increased demand for new documents from the federal passport agency. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport,” Rajoppi said. “Additionally, if your passport expires within six months of your planned visit, many countries will not permit you to enter. You will need to renew your passport.”

It can take four to six weeks for a regular passport application to be processed and returned to the customer. Even the more expensive expedited delivery option can take three weeks for delivery.

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at https://ucnj.org/Passports.

“Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office has convenient evening and Saturday hours and also is fully staffed.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number at the Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number in Elizabeth is 908-527-4966. Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call (908) 527-4966.

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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- Tickets are still available for the Pushcart Player’s performance of “Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories,” at Union County Performing Arts Center on October 7.

The next installment in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theater series, “Little Red Riding Hood” is one of several performances specially designed for children with autism and related disabilities.

“Blending innovative settings and sing-a-long songs, this performance provides the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to take advantage of the Sensory Friendly series, even if it’s their first theater-going experience,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

As part of Mirabella’s “Putting People First” initiatives, the series is designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

Union County worked with Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC to design the series and Paper Mill Playhouse and the Children’s Specialized Hospital assisted in making the program possible.

“Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories” is an enchanting collection of classic tales which, in addition to “Little Red Riding Hood,” also includes “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” “The Princess and the Pea,” and Hans Christian Anderson’s “All’s Well That Ends Well.”  All seats are $8 per person and performances begin promptly at 2 p.m.

For further information on ticketing or the performance itself contact the Union County Performing Arts Center at 732-499-8226 or visit them online at www.ucpac.org

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre.  Conveniently located in downtown Rahway at 1601 Irving Street, this historic landmark is the cornerstone of the Rahway Arts District. The theater is a beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville house and movie palace owned by the County of Union and managed by the nonprofit Union County Performing Arts Center.

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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.