Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Vernell Wright (R) listens as Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (L) speaks with Sue and Raymond Vincent of Clark about passport applications during national “Passport Day in the USA” on March 10 at the County Clerk’s Westfield Office. United States residents can apply for passports at the County Clerk’s main office 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 athttps://ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/Passports. The phone number at the Union County Clerk’s Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

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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 – Union County residents are encouraged to update their pets’ rabies vaccinations at any of the free, state or municipal-sponsored rabies clinics offered locally throughout the spring and summer months.

“Taking advantage of one of these free clinics is an easy and cost effective way to ensure the health and safety of your pet,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The next local clinic will be held on Saturday, March 24 at the Hillside Public Works Garage at 274 Hillside Ave from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Although cats and dogs that spend more time outdoors may have a higher risk of contracting rabies, it is equally important for indoor pets to be vaccinated. Rabies is usually passed from animal to animal, however it can be passed from animals to people.

The rabies virus is often seen among wild animals like raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, but any mammal (warm blooded animal with fur) can be infected. It is a deadly virus that infects the central nervous system causing disease in the brain and ultimately death.

Rabies is 100% preventable. Animals can and should be vaccinated and people who have been bitten can receive vaccines to fight the disease.

To prevent rabies remember to:

• Vaccinate your dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies
• Keep your pets under your supervision so they don’t come in contact with a wild animal
• Do not touch wild animals and if you see one acting strangely, call your local animal control officer or health department to report it
• If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water, and see your doctor as soon as possible

For more information, or for a listing of all upcoming rabies clinics in Union County visit 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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The popular gentle yoga series is returning to Trailside Nature and Science Center on Tuesday evenings as part of the center’s adult programs. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, the yoga series for adults 18 years and older will begin on April 3 and continue each Tuesday evening through June 5.

“This yoga class, held in the beautiful and tranquil setting of the Trailside Visitor Center, is a great opportunity for busy adults to realize the benefits of mind and body relaxation and learn methods for reducing the stresses of daily life,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander  Mirabella.

Each gentle yoga session runs from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. and the fee for Union County residents is $15 per class and $20 for out-of-county participants. Pre-registration is preferred as space is limited; however, walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Participants can register for individual sessions or the complete ten-week series.

The series is an opportunity to learn and experience Raja yoga techniques for integrating body and mind. Claire M. Bay, a yoga instructor certified by the Chopra Center in New York City, is returning to Trailside to teach and guide the participants in this new pathway of meditation.

Yoga techniques can awaken poise and centered awareness in the midst of everyday life. Participants also learn how to use nature’s healing powers to relieve stress and its symptoms. Soothing music will enhance the overall experience. Doors open 15 minutes prior to each yoga class and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat or pillow.

For additional information about this yoga series or other upcoming adult programs and special events at Trailside, please 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 .

Jessica Kirste of Linden was awarded first place in the adult category for her photo, “Red Fox”;
and Amanda Berlinski of Mountainside was awarded first place in the 12 – 17 year-old category for her photo, “Humpback Whale,” at the 2011 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature & Science Center. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is looking for amateur photographers, ages 6 through adult to take part in the 2012 Wildlife Photography Contest, which will be judged during Trailside’s Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6. Local photographers will judge the entries on originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.  Photographers may submit a maximum of two 5” x 7” black & white or color, un-mounted, unframed pictures of wildlife, no later than April 20. Only images of wildlife species native to the United States are eligible. Images of exotic wildlife, pets or domestic animals will not be considered. For an entry form and contest rules call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or go online to 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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce the 2012 Wildlife Photography Contest at Trailside Nature & Science Center. Amateur photographers, ages 6 through adult, are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.

“Wild animals are challenging photographic subjects,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The annual Wildlife Photography Contest is a great opportunity for people of all ages to display some of the images they’ve captured of animals in natural settings.”

Individuals may enter a maximum of two photographs. Only images of wildlife species native to the United States are eligible for submission. Photos 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 20.

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

Winners will be announced on Sunday, May 6, during Trailside’s “Wild Earth Fest.” All photographs will be displayed at Trailside’s Visitor Center through May 25, 2012.

The winners of the 2011 Wildlife Photography Contest included Jessica Kirste of Linden in the 18 and older category for a photo of a Red Fox; Amanda Berlinski of Mountainside in the 12 – 17 year-old category for a photo of a Humpback Whale; and Warren Lynaugh of Kenilworth in the 6 – 11 year old category for a photo of a Green Heron.

To obtain a brochure with the complete list of rules and entry form for the Wildlife Photography contest, call Trailside at 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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Sunday, March 25, at Alcatel-Lucent Technologies in New Providence.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents fight identity theft and eliminate clutter in their homes,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Solid Waste Advisory Council. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with Union County’s other Go Green Initiatives.”

The March 25th shredding event will take place at the Alcatel-Lucent facility located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. NEXCUT Shredding of Teaneck will be shredding documents at the site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place Saturday, April 14, at Union County Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle .

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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), Vice Chairman Linda Carter (3rd R) and (from 3rd L) Freeholders Angel G. Estrada, Christopher Hudak, Deborah Scanlon, Vernell Wright and Mohamed Jalloh join Union County employees at the 16th annual Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Union on March 10.  (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.

Freeholder Board announces cancelation of two concerts for 2012 due to budgetary constraints

UNION COUNTY—Union County MusicFest and Union County Rhythm and Blues by the Brook have been canceled for 2012 due to budgetary constraints, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced today.

A consensus was reached by the Freeholder Board (Thursday) following numerous fiscal committee meetings, union negotiations, and departmental meetings. The cuts will save approximately $1.2 million.

“As we’ve continued to put our budget together for 2012, it has become apparent that we need to make programmatic cuts without sacrificing essential services,” Mirabella said. “We are at a crossroads and must make tough decisions to achieve fiscal stability.”

Mirabella noted while MusicFest and Union County Rhythm and Blues by the Brook have been canceled for 2012, these events and many other programs will be evaluated on a year by year basis.  The Freeholder Chairman noted the County would continue its exhaustive review of all line items and programs to achieve continued efficiencies throughout the upcoming weeks before adopting a budget.

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Union County Freeholders Christopher Hudak (L) and Mohamed Jalloh present a resolution to Barbara Jude Brady, a teacher at Linden High School, congratulating her on being recognized as the Outstanding Dance Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. (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.orghttps://ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

(From left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholders Deborah Scanlon and Daniel Sullivan present resolutions to the 2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Bill Dugan, General Chairman Michael J. Panella and Adjutant Kerry Ricci congratulating them on the 16th annual parade. The 2012 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.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.orghttps://ucnj.org
On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebookhttps://ucnj.org/facebook
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Members of Mountainside Junior Girl Scout Troop 40851 were congratulated by Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Deborah Scanlon with an Environmental Hero Award at the Wild Earth Fest at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside last year. The Troop, devoted to learning about the environment and our impact on the planet, participated in Adopt-A-Park projects to plant gardens and remove invasive plants. They also cleared more than 90 lbs. of debris from a stream at Camp Letico and cleared litter and debris at Mountainside’s Clean Community Day. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association are looking to again recognize environmental heroes in our community. People can nominate individuals or groups in their community who have taken action for environmental change. Nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 13. Awards will be announced at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6. For information on the Environmental Hero Award or to get an application form, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit 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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Trailside Museum Association would like to honor the environmental heroes in our communities. From recycling and litter pick-ups to planting trees and living greener, people are taking strides and inspiring others to help the planet. These people deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment to helping the environment.

“Small steps can lead to big changes for our county and our planet. We are pleased to announce this opportunity for our residents to be commended for their efforts to protect the environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to nominate people in their community who have taken action to help the environment so they can be recognized for their efforts.”

Participants may nominate individuals or groups who have taken action for environmental change in their community. Each entry must include an essay of 750 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 nominations must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 13, 2012.

Nominations for the Environmental Hero Award can be emailed to bnovorro@ucnj.org or sent to Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092. Trailside Museum Association board members will award prizes to the winners of the Environmental Hero Award at Wild Earth Fest on Sunday, May 6.

For additional information on the Environmental Hero Award or other upcoming programs or events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit online at 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.