Category: Public Info

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (C) cuts the ribbon officially opening Ponderosa Farm Park at 1600 Cooper Road in Scotch Plains. He is joined by (from left) Freeholder Daniel Sullivan, Freeholder Vernell Wright, Freeholder Christopher Hudak, former Scotch Plains Mayor Nancy Malool, Scotch Plains Councilman Kevin Glover, Bruce Bechtloff of NJDEP, Assemblywoman Linda Stender, Scotch Plains Mayor Mary DePaola, Scotch Plains Councilman Mickey Marcus and former Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks.

The new park includes walking trails, two multipurpose athletic fields and farm-themed playgrounds with spray fountains. The park also has restroom facilities, a picnic area and ample parking. It will be maintained by the township of Scotch Plains but will remain part of the Union County Park System.

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

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal want to make parents aware that limited space remains in Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular summer camp program for students entering the 5th and 6th grades. The fee for each weekly half-day camp is $135 per child for residents of Union County and $165 for non-county residents.

“Trailside’s summer camp program is a great opportunity for students to gain a greater awareness of our local environment and wildlife while participating in fun, educational activities in the beautiful Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Backwoods Lore,” offered the week of July 9-13 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., introduces students to the history and life of the American pioneer; what it was like to live when each day brought new challenges for survival. Campers learn to identify wild edible plants, make an emergency shelter, build a campfire, follow a course with a map and compass, and track local mammals.

During the weeks of July 30-August 3 and August 6-10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., students can take an in-depth look into the animal kingdom in “All about Animals.” Campers will learn about mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and insects. They will have the opportunity to meet live animals in the care of the Trailside facility, including snakes, turtles, frogs and fish. During the week-long camp, participants also will hike various areas of the Reservation and use binoculars, sweep nets, dip nets and field guides to identify varieties of wildlife inhabiting the Watchung Reservation.

“Kids for Conservation,” offered July 23-27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and August 6-10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, explores ways we depend on nature each day and discover benefits of renewable energy sources. Campers will experiment with solutions to clean our waterways and will hike to Lake Surprise to take part in water sampling activities. They will make a solar cooker, tie-dye a t-shirt and engage in fun-filled activities that demonstrate the importance of energy conservation. This camp also will teach ways of living a greener lifestyle that will keep the Earth healthy.

For information about any of these summer camp programs or any other upcoming programs and events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit 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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

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 relatives is on display now through July 16 in the Freeholders Gallery, located on the 6th 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 pieces from among the 97 creations judged at the recent 11thannual 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 and their family members is very impressive,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “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 9th awards reception and providing gallery 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 relatives) 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.

Berkeley Heights: Christopher Wagner (Third Place, Amateur). Clark: Ryan Frees (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Colonia: Ara Herrera (First Place, Teen 13-18) and Andrea Moore, (Second Place, Amateur).Cranford: Angelina Spricigo (Third Place, Youth 12 and Under); and Dianna Strom (First Place, Intermediate). Edison: Ruth Brown, (First Place, Professional), Richa Wadhawan (Best in Show, Youth 12 and Under) and Sanjeev Wadhawan (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Elizabeth: Aniyyah Boone (Second Place, Teen 13-18); and Joseph Leonard (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Fanwood: Giselle Valdes (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Hillsborough: James Caratozzolo (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Jackson: Grace Hagemann (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Kenilworth: Jim Lowney (Honorable Mention, Professional). Linden: Angelito David (Honorable Mention, Professional); Donna Farrell (Honorable Mention, Amateur); Christine Marti-Millward (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under); Adrianna Rendon (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18); John Rhodes (Third Pace, Intermediate) and Charlene Rieger-Velli (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Martinsville: Kayla Stasil (First Place, Youth 12 and Under) and Thomas Stasil (Honorable Mention, Professional). Old Bridge: Allana McQueen (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Port Redding: Jeffrey Kubu, (Second Place, Intermediate). Roselle: Erin Macri (Honorable Mention, Intermediate) Roselle Park: Renee Froehlich Garcia (Second Place, Youth 12 and Under). Scotch Plains: Joy Lytch (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Somerset: Tamara Brown (Honorable Mention, Teen 13-18) and Tiina Nummela (First Place, Amateur). Springfield: Amy McLaughlin (Third Place, Teen 13-18). Teaneck: Deborah Singer Pires (Honorable Mention, Intermediate). Union: Jim Kakaletris (Honorable Mention, Amateur). Wall: Carolyn Soltys-Herbert (Second Place, Professional). West Orange:Emma Svetvilas (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under). Westfield: Richard Earl (Honorable Mention, Professional); Jimmy McCutcheon (Honorable Mention, Youth 12 and Under) and Mary Paynter (Third Place, Professional).

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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ELIZABETH, NJ – Dianna Strom of Cranford is congratulated by Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (L), Vernell Wright (2nd R) and Angel G. Estrada on winning first place in the intermediate category at the 11th Annual Union County Employee Art Show during the opening reception at the Elizabethtown Gas Company’s Liberty Hall Center in Union. The contest, co-sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The National Arts Program Foundation, was open to Union County employees and their relatives. The exhibit is on display at the Freeholders Gallery in the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth through July 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call (908) 558-2550 or send email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.  (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, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal announces the opening of the county’s two public swimming pools. The Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park, St. George’s Avenue in Rahway, will be open for the season from Saturday, June 23, through Labor Day, September 3. The John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool located in Wheeler Park, West Stimpson Avenue and Route 1 in Linden, will be open from Monday, June 25, through Friday, August 24.

Swimming lessons will be held at Ulrich Pool beginning Monday, July 2. Applications are available at either pool office for all ages, beginners through adults. Pre-registration is required. Register early; classes are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open Swim Sessions for Seniors (62 and older) and for People with Disabilities are held at Ulrich Pool on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and at Wheeler Pool on Wednesdays from 12 noon-1:00 p.m. Admission to these special sessions is free.

Regular pool hours are as follows:

Walter E Ulrich Pool:
Monday & Wednesday                  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday         11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays       11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

John Russell Wheeler Pool:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday      1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday                      1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & July 4           11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Daily Admission (proof of residency required for Union County resident fee):

County Resident                      Non-County Resident
Youth (17 & under)                 $ 4.00                                               $  8.00
Adult (18 & over)                     $ 5.00                                               $10.00
Seniors (62 & over)                $ 4.00                                               $  8.00

The Ulrich and Wheeler pools are a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information about special programs, discount cards, group swim lessons, directions or other questions, visit the website: www.ucnj.org/pools or www.ucnj.org/swimming or call the Ulrich Pool (732-382-9457) or the Wheeler Pool (908-862-0977) for recorded information.

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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 (2nd L) congratulates Park Middle School students (from 3rd L) Micayla Mirabella, Bella Bernardo, Allie Gara and Cameron Heisey on being honored at the school’s “Caught Doing Good Program” ceremony in Scotch Plains. More than 150 students were recognized for random acts of kindness and good deeds throughout the year. They are joined by Assistant Principal Michael Kneller, Superintendent Dr. Margaret Hayes (2nd R) and Principal Lisa Rebimbas.  (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

Photo Caption: Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Tom Chapin and Freeholder Vice Chairman Linda Carter at the premiere performance of the Union County Sensory Friendly Theater Series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. As part of Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella’s “Putting People First” initiative, the series is designed according to guidelines that help to reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

The next performance in the Series, Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories, is scheduled for October 7 presented by Pushcart Players; followed by Pinocchio, presented by the New Jersey Ballet on November 4.  All seats are $8 per person and performances begin promptly at 2 p.m.

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.

Left to right: Hudson County Freeholder and NJAC First Vice President Jeffrey Dublin, Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, Warren County Freeholder and President of NJAC Rick Gardner and Executive Director of NJAC John Donnadio

UNION COUNTY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) presented Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada with the “Maurice Fitzgibbons Freeholder of the Year Award” at the Association’s 62nd annual celebration of county government last week in Atlantic City.  The award is named after the long-time Hudson County Freeholder who passed away in December of last year and served as NJAC President in 2001.

“Freeholder Estrada is a tremendous asset to NJAC serving as chair of the Association’s finance committee and member of the personnel committee.  His insightful, thoughtful, and solution driven analysis on issues that impact county governments throughout the state is invaluable and this award is well deserved,” said NJAC President and Warren County Freeholder Rick Gardner.

Estrada a five-term Freeholder first elected in 1999, was appointed in January this year as Chairman of NJAC’s Finance Committee.

“It’s a great honor to be the first recipient of this award named in honor of Maurice Fitzgibbons, a fellow Freeholder who I held in high regard,” Estrada said. “I would like to thank NJAC for this selection, and look forward to continuing my work with this fine organization.”

NJAC is committed to advocating for legislation, regulations, and policy directives that empower county governments to operate more effectively and efficiently.  As a non-partisan organization that represents the only true regional form of government in the State with a unified and proactive voice, NJAC is dedicated to advancing innovative programs and initiatives for the sole purpose of saving valuable taxpayer dollars.

For more information about NJAC visit www.njac.org for additional details.  For all Union County information visit www.ucnj.org or call the Public Info Line toll free, (877) 424-1324.

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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 – Summer is almost here and Union County’s Watchung Stable is offering guided trail rides on Sundays in the Watchung Reservation for riding enthusiasts nine years of age and older.

Trail rides are held on Sundays during the summer at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting. Groups of 15 or more people ride along the bridle trails in part of the 2,065-acre Reservation in Mountainside. The rides are on a first come, first served basis and are available to people nine years of age and older, with or without experience.

Watchung Stable also features special private group rides for individuals and groups up to 15 people. These rides need to be set up in advance at a mutually convenient time. The cost of the private rides includes the rental fee ($28 in-county; $39 for out-of-county riders) and an additional $30 for the instructor.

For those younger riders under nine, Watchung Stable offers leadline rides on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. Leadlines are available weather permitting and are held on a first come, first served basis. The cost for a leadline is $15 for Union County residents and $23 for non-Union County residents. Leadlines are half-hour rides only.

The trail rides and leadlines are held at Watchung Stable, which is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily.

For further information, call (908) 789-3665 during the normal office hours, visit the Union County website:www.ucnj.org/stable, or email questions to stablequestions@ucnj.org.

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HORSEBACK RIDES ON SUNDAYS – Watchung Stable in Mountainside offers trail rides on Sundays during the summer at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting, for riders who are nine years of age or older.  For younger riders under nine, there are half-hour leadline rides on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside and it is administered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. daily. For more information about trail rides, fees and other programs, call Watchung Stable at (908) 789-3665 during the normal office hours, visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/stable, or email questions tostablequestions@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

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella (2nd L), KemperSports CEO Steven Skinner (2nd R) and TaylorMade Golf Executive Vice President David Abeles (R) watch as golf professional Hank Haney cuts the ribbon officially opening the TaylorMade Performance Lab at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. TaylorMade Performance Labs utilize motion analysis technology to provide golfers with a 3 dimensional clubfitting experience.  (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 Chairman Alexander Mirabella (C) speaks with Mountainside Mayor Paul Mirabelli (R) and Christopher Minks about the upcoming Mountainside Car and Motorcycle Show. This Father’s Day event takes place on Sunday, June 17 on Mountain Avenue from 12 noon until 6 p.m. and will feature a live performance by the band The Nerds. For more information, send emails to cminks@mac.com. (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