Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County’s Watchung Reservation in Mountainside is the perfect setting to enjoy a tranquil evening while participating in an Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation Program, offered on four evenings this summer at Trailside Nature & Science Center.  Adults ages 18 and older are invited to join a naturalist and walk the Reservation to experience the sights and sounds of a summer evening, then return to the Trailside Visitor Center for a relaxing guided meditation session.

The program takes place on Wednesdays, July 20 and 27, and August 17 and 24, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.  The fee per program is $12.00 for Union County residents and $15.00 for out-of-county residents. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

Participants will be treated to a guided tour of the picturesque Watchung Reservation and will practice various meditation techniques designed to promote physical and emotional well being.  Guided visualization meditations will help the students learn methods to relieve the tension and stresses of everyday life.

“The Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation program is a unique opportunity for Union County residents to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Watchung Reservation and to gain insight into healthful relaxation techniques,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

For information on the Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation Program, and on all other programs and 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.

Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center offers a relaxing Evening Nature Walk and Guided Meditation Program for adults ages 18 and up at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside this summer. For more information call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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 atwww.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the Union County Help, Healing and Hope Housing Fair at Union County College’s Kellogg Building, 40 West Jersey Street, in downtown Elizabeth on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Housing Fair is a free public event designed to provide home owners, tenants and first time home buyers with information and referrals on foreclosure, weatherization, and many other housing related issues.

“If you feel confused and overwhelmed by financial issues related to housing, or if you’re just looking for a bit of guidance, I urge you to join us at the Housing Fair,” said Union County Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is the place to go for solid, reliable information that can help set you on the right track.”

Counselors and experts at the Housing Fair will offer information and referrals in the following areas:

•  Affordable Housing

•  Financial Wellness (Adults/Youth)

•  1st Time Home Buyer Assistance Programs

•  Home Buyer Education

•  Lenders

•  Foreclosure Intervention/Prevention Programs

•  Tenants Rights

•  Reverse Mortgage Information

•  Credit Counseling & Utility Assistance

•  Weatherization Programs

•  Homelessness Assistance

The Housing Fair is sponsored by the Union County Foreclosure Task Force and The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with support from the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), Brand New Day, Inc., NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center (A HUD Approved Counseling Agency), Faith, Brick & Mortar, Inc., and Affordable Housing for Union County.

For more information and or to pre-register contact Jacqueline Jenkins at Brand New Day, Inc., (908) 282-0781 ext. 146 or jackie.j@bndcdc.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.

The atmosphere may have been more casual than at the “real” Monte Carlo casinos, but the fun and excitement was just as great at the RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County’s Monte Carlo Casino Day. The players were bankrolled with $1,000 in play money to gamble at games from Slingo Bingo, Blackjack, the Fortune Wheel; Horse Racing, High Low and 7-11, the dice game.

“RUNNELLS’ Activities Therapy Department’s annual Monte Carlo Casino Day games gave hours of fun and social interaction to the residents and patients again this year,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh. “My thanks to the Activities Therapy staff and all those who volunteered to help at this popular event.”

If you’d like to become a volunteer, call the Office of Volunteer Services at 908-771-5847.  Also, anyone who would like to donate new or gently used prizes for bingo or other activities may call the Activities Therapy Department at 908-771-5848.

RUNNELLS, located at 40 Watchung Way is Central New Jersey’s premier provider of quality, compassionate Nursing Care for long-term residents and individuals with short term Sub-Acute Rehabilitation needs. The facility also offers care for those with Alzheimers type dementia; Palliative Care for the relief of symptoms while an illness or condition is being treated and, if needed, the best quality, end-of-life care. Respite stays are available.

In Photo: There was fun with a capital “F” at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital’s Monte Carlo Casino Day activities, including the popular Horse Racing game.

Blondie performs at MusicFest on Sept. 17.  Kean University presents “New Jersey Family Day” with all New Jersey MusicFest lineup on Sept.18

Union County, NJ – Triple-platinum recording artists Collective Soul will headline at Union County MusicFest 2011 on Friday September 16, joining five days of free music on multiple stages at the Union County Fair in Oak Ridge Park in Clark from Wednesday September 14 to Sunday September 18.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, one of the top acts to come out of the Jersey Shore music scene, also join MusicFest to headline New Jersey Family Day at the Union County Fair, presented by Kean University on Sunday September 18. Longtime indie favorites The Smithereens, fronted by Union County native Pat DiNizio, are also slated to perform on New Jersey Family Day.

For Family Day, all of MusicFest is given over to top New Jersey performing artists, from national touring acts to hometown favorites.

“New Jersey has always been a center of musical creativity and we see New Jersey Family Day as a way to bring all that talent together for fans to enjoy, free of charge, in a beautiful outdoor venue,” said Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “For our local performing artists, it’s also the chance of a lifetime to share billing with some of the top stars of the music industry.”

As previously announced, international recording stars Blondie will take the stage at MusicFest on Saturday, September 17. MusicFest is the highlight of Union County’s free seasonal outdoor music series, which lasts all summer long.

As part of the five-day Union County Fair, MusicFest starts on Wednesday, September 14 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Free MusicFest concerts are featured throughout the fair, with New Jersey Day wrapping up the festivities on Sunday, September 18.

The Union County Fair also features a full scale carnival, children’s activities, and many other attractions including the Rock on! Walkathon and 5K Rock ‘n’ Run fundraisers to fight cancer in partnership with the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation and The Valerie Fund, which is based in Union County.

The Union County Fair featuring MusicFest is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and numerous partners in the business and nonprofit sectors including Overlook Medical Center, which returns as presenting sponsor of MusicFest for the fourth year.

Band announcements will be ongoing. For continuous updates visit theucfair.org, ucmusicfest.org, andfacebook.com/musicfest, or follow the County Fair and MusicFest on Twitter, ucnjmusicfest.

For information on the Love Hope Strength 5-K Rock ‘n’ Run, Rock On! Marathon, and bone marrow registry, visit the Union County Love Hope Strength Association, uclovehopestrength.com.

Prospective sponsors can contact Cherron Rountree, Director, Union County Division of Intergovernmental Policy and Planning, 908-527-4200 or crountree@ucnj.org

The Smithereens perform at Union County MusicFest for New Jersey Family Day presented by Kean University, on Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Southside Johnny headlines Union County MusicFest at New Jersey Family Day presented by Kean University, on Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Collective Soul headlines Union County MusicFest 2011 on Friday, September 16, at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

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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 invite the public to attend a free Open House at Watchung Stable in Mountainside on Sunday, July 24, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

“Here’s an opportunity for anyone who enjoys horses and riding to discover what classes, trail rides and other activities are available at Watchung Stable,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “In addition to the barn tours and lead-line horseback rides for youngsters, there also will be live country western music, riding performances, hay rides, and crafts for children.”

Visitors to the Watchung Stable Open House will learn about taking care of horses, saddles and the other equipment needed for riding. Student members of the Watchung Mounted Troop will demonstrate English riding techniques and participate in a drill team performance and a “gymkhana” – a variety of games played on horseback.

Admission to the Open House is free of charge. Refreshments will be on sale.

Watchung Stable is located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside, in the Watchung Reservation, the largest park in the Union County Park System. For further information about the Open House on July 24 or other programs and activities at Watchung Stable, please call 908-789-3665; email: stablequestions@ucnj.org; or visit the Union County website: 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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently created the Union County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee to raise public awareness about the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War of 1861-65.

“Union County has a rich multi-dimensional history of contributions from its citizens during the Civil War,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, chairman of the newly formed committee. “During the next four years, the Union County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee will place special emphasis on the experiences of Union County residents in the areas of the home front, military, economic and political life of the County.”

The committee plans to promote exhibits, lectures and other events that focus on the experiences of Union County residents during the conflict. Numerous county residents who served their country bravely in combat, and others who played significant civilian roles in preserving the Union, have been identified by the committee.

“In order to fully commemorate this momentous time in American history, we are asking the public to lend us any family photographs or other physical artifacts from the Civil War period that you may have,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “We intend to exhibit Civil War artifacts at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth and we hope to conduct educational programs around the county. We would appreciate your help in making these activities as representative as possible.”

For further information about the Union County Civil War Committee, please call Ms. Rajoppi’s office, 908-527-4787.

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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 .

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal are happy to announce the next evening of “Family Fun and Flix” – the free summer outdoor entertainment and film series – will feature the movie “Space Jam” on Tuesday, July 19, in Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle.

“Family Fun and Flix begins at dusk, but come early to the park to enjoy interesting preview activities at 7:30 p.m. that are fun for the whole family,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn or save a seat in the bleachers – either way, the early birds are sure to like the preview activity before each movie.”

Come to Warinanco Park at 7:30 p.m. and enjoy some basketball fun and games before the movie on July 19. Then sit back and watch as Bugs Bunny teams up with Michael Jordan in the 1996 animated sports fantasy film, “Space Jam.” Bugs challenges a bunch of space aliens to a fateful basketball tournament: if the Looney Tunes win, they can remain on earth. If they lose, they’ll be exported to a boring planet to work in an alien amusement park.

The other dates and locations for this summer’s Family Fun and Flix are:

• Tuesday, July 26 at Warinanco Park: see if you can Kung Fu your way to self defense before watching the original “Kung Fu Panda.”
• Tuesday, August 2 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Take part in National Night Out, sponsored by PBA Local #73, before viewing “G-Force.”
• Tuesday, August 9 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Make a fishy craft project before the showing of “Finding Nemo.”
• Friday, August 19 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside: Enjoy a classic car show by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment and the Garden State Chevelles before the animated adventure comedy, “Cars.”

All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

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MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Trailside Nature & Science Center’s popular Wednesday Matinee Series continues on July 20 with a performance of “Super Circus Stuff.” This weekly family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 17. Each show runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and older.  Admission is $4.00 per person and tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. before each matinee.

“The Summer Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside offers our families an assortment of creative fun and interactive programs that will teach, entertain and delight children of all ages,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Union County is committed to providing affordable, fun, family programs at our facilities and Trailside’s Wednesday Matinee Series certainly is a summertime treat.”

On July 20, “Super Circus Stuff” brings circus fun to Trailside. This exciting show is a combination of pure entertainment and audience participation. The circus-themed show is filled with fun and exciting circus routines, including juggling, balancing, plate spinning, table cloth pulling, boomerang bubbles and more.

Wednesday Matinee shows in the weeks ahead include:

On July 27, “Kids in Motion” takes to the Trailside stage with a non-stop musical journey. Jo Jo Russell, a talented DJ entertainer, will have everyone clapping, stomping and swaying from start to finish. This high energy presentation encourages the audience to be the stars.

The excitement continues on Aug. 3 with a “Magic Variety Show.” Steve Johnson will captivate the children with magic effects, comedy, audience participation and a thrilling juggling act.

Aug. 10 showcases “The Lizard Guy,” Jungle Jon, who will introduce the audience to a menagerie of live animals. His presentation will take the audience on a journey to learn about the day in the life of bugs, frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles.

The 2011 Wednesday Matinee Series ends on Aug. 17 with “Hocus Pocus,” a show that is sure to astound, baffle and thrill the audience. Joe Fischer, Magician Extraordinaire, does a fast-paced show with the perfect blend of magic, comedy, audience participation and excitement. He has an outstanding rapport with children and his ability to communicate and engage audience members of all ages makes this show “pure magic.”

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee Series or other upcoming programs and special events, please call 908-789-3670 or visit us 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 .

Union County, NJ – In the early morning hours of May 9, Union County Police Officer Kenneth Matz responded to a routine stolen vehicle alert from the LoJack tracking system in his cruiser, and the result was anything but routine. Officer Matz followed the signal until it ended at a storage yard where numerous other stolen vehicles were waiting for overseas shipment.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud of the officers involved in this action, and we appreciate the contributions that the LoJack Corporation has made to the safety and security of Union County residents,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon.

The events began to unfold at approximately 1:00 a.m. Upon detecting a LoJack stolen vehicle alert, Officer Matz tracked the signal to a storage yard on Elston Street in Rahway.  On a hunch, he used his on-board mobile data computer to check the Vehicle Identification Number of another vehicle parked on the premises. That car had been reported stolen in April.

Assisted by other patrol officers, Matz secured the area until the daylight hours and the arrival of Union County Police Lieutenant Robert McGuire and Detective Nicholas Incannella. They identified several more stolen cars on the premises, including two motorcycles and two late model luxury vehicles that had been carjacked in Newark.

“This is a fine example of the kind of results we can expect when law enforcement technology is combined with exceptional heads-up field police work,” said Union County Police Chief Dan Vaniska.

In appreciation of their outstanding police work, the LoJack Corporation presented awards to several Union County Police Officers at a ceremony in the Ralph Froehlich Public Safety Building in Westfield on Wednesday, July 6. Recognized from the County Police Patrol Division were Officer Matz, Officer Giovanni Arlia and Sergeant Joseph Nordstrom. Also recognized from the County Police Investigation Division were Lieutenant McGuire and Detective Incannella.

Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski (2nd L) and Linda Carter join Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran (L) and Union County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska (R) in congratulating a team of County Police officers as they are recognized by Ray Oleavia (6th R), Ed Suriano (5th R) and Phil Rivoli (4thR) of LoJack for recently recovering several stolen cars and motorcycles at one location in Rahway using LoJack technology. The officers are (from left) Sergeant Joseph Nordstrom, Officer Kenneth Matz, Officer Giovanni Arlia, Lieutenant Robert McGuire and Detective Nicholas Incannella. (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, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

Union County – the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Division on Aging kick off the summers “Jersey Fresh” Farmer’s Market Senior Voucher Program July 6th in Roselle Park.

“This is an important nutritional plan for seniors in Union County,” Deborah P. Scanlon, Freeholder Chairwoman said. “It helps ensure that seniors in our community get fresh seasonal fruits and veggies all summer long.”

The first voucher distribution will begin on the opening day of the Roselle Park Farmer’s Market at the Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for all eligible seniors.

An individual must be a resident of Union County, age 60 years or older, and meet the income criteria. To be eligible for the $20 vouchers (four $5.00 checks), an individual’s annual income cannot exceed $20,147 and a married couple’s annual income cannot exceed $27,214.  Proof of income is required and must be presented in the form of a Medicaid card, SSI card, Food Stamp verification, or annual pension & Social Security statement. Advance registration applications can be picked up at all Senior Nutrition sites and Senior Centers throughout Union County.

The Roselle Park Farmer’s Market, will be operating every Wednesday, at The Gazebo on Chestnut Street and Grant Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Additional voucher distribution locations are as follows:

•  Monday July 11 from 10:00 am – 11:30am, Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Avenue, Hillside

•  Tuesday July 12 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Bethel AME Church, 245 Hilton Avenue, Union (Vauxhall)

•  Monday, July 18 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, O’Donnell Dempsey Center, 622 Salem Avenue, Elizabeth – Farmer will be present

•  Monday July 25 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Avenue, Linden – Farmer will be present

•  Wednesday July 27 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Plainfield Senior Center, 400 E. Front Street, Plainfield –Farmer will be present

The Farmers’ Market Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

For information about the Farmers’ Market, Union County’s senior nutrition programs or any other senior services, call the Union County Division on Aging toll-free at 1-888-280-8226, 908-527-4870, or visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.