Category: Public Info

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday evening, July 20, with a performance by “The Kootz,” purveyors of “Rock and Roll with Fiber.” The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Kootz have a passion for classic rock, pop hits, soul and blues. Members of the group have played music together since 1993, but The Kootz really came together in 

2001 when North Caldwell’s Glenn Taylor assembled his Essex and Union County friends into a band that performs the songs of the baby-boomer era from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The Kootz play about 250 shows each year and you can enjoy their musical variety show when they bring their “Endless Bus Tour of New Jersey” to Echo Lake Park.

“Bring the entire family for an entertaining evening in Echo Lake Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Scanlon. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the wonderful sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from the Union County Offices of Consumer Affairs and Veterans’ Affairs along with other knowledgeable Union County staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities that are available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. This summer’s concerts will be held at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border and at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

•  July 27 – The Full Count Big Band (Jazz from Mountainside); at Echo Lake Park.

•  August 3 – THE British Invasion Tribute (songs of the ‘60s); at Oak Ridge Park.

•  August 10 – JoBonanno & the Godsons (Jersey Shore Soul); at Oak Ridge Park.

•  August 17 – Almost Queen (Queen cover band); at Oak Ridge Park.

•  August 24 – Parrotbeach (Jimmy Buffett cover band); at Echo Lake Park.

•  August 31 – The Nerds (high energy party band); at Oak Ridge Park.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to present the 2011 Union County Fair this fall, featuring the 14th annual Union County MusicFest. The five-day event starts on Wednesday, September 14 and runs through Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

“The Union County Fair, featuring MusicFest, is our premier community event and it has also become a major regional attraction,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Last year 80,000 Union County residents and visitors came together to enjoy the festivities and the free music, and our local business community benefitted from all the activity.”

The Union County Fair includes a five-day carnival with a full scale Ferris Wheel and other popular rides along with free MusicFest concerts on multiple stages, including hometown favorites, national touring acts, and international stars.  As in previous years, one stage will be devoted entirely to local musicians.

“On behalf of the Freehold Board I would like to thank our many sponsors in the business and non-profit community for making The Union County Fair possible,” said Scanlon. “Their generosity helps to defray the cost of MusicFest, which keeps the music free and open for all to enjoy.”

Overlook Hospital returns as the presenting sponsor for the third year.  Other major sponsors include Kean University, TD Bank, Crossroads, Union County Performing Arts Center, Crowne Plaza, Elizabethtown Gas, Verizon Wireless, and Union County College.

For the fourth year in a row, the Union County Fair will partner with the Love Hope Strength Foundation to raise funds to fight cancer, and to register potential bone marrow donors. The Union County Fair has already registered over 1,000 people on the international bone marrow registry, with twelve potential life-saving matched identified.

Many popular Union County Fair attractions are returning this year, including:

• Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee featuring free and modestly priced children’s activities and free children’s performances.
• The Love Hope Strength 5-K Rock ‘n’ Run and Rock On! Walkathon, raising funds to fight cancer.
• Daredevil bike stunts from the Hell on Wheels BMX bike team.
• The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with an expanded Harvest Contest and community information on gardening, wellness, and 4-H youth clubs.
• More crafts and unique items for sale at The Marketplace.
• An expanded Green Village featuring interactive exhibits on energy and resource conservation.
• Dozens of food vendors and displays by local businesses.

Band announcements will be ongoing. For continuous updates visit theucfair.org, ucmusicfest.com, 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 vendors and sponsors can contact Cherron Rountree, Director, Union County Division of Intergovernmental Policy and Planning, 908-527-4200 or crountree@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, NJ – Pop icon Blondie will take the stage for a free concert at the Union County Fair featuring the 14th annual MusicFest this fall on Saturday, September 17. The legendary hitmakers, inducted into the prestigious Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, will perform fresh new tracks from their 9th studio album Panic of Girls and great hits throughout their illustrious career. The Union County Fair starts on Wednesday, September 14 and runs for five days through Sunday, September 18 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, featuring free music every day. Band announcements will be ongoing. For continuous updates visit theucfair.org,ucmusicfest.com, and facebook.com/musicfest, or follow the County Fair and MusicFest on Twitter, ucnjmusicfest.

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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – While most of us are preoccupied with summer plans, the staff at Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside is busy preparing for the start of next season’s horseback riding lessons. Now is the time for beginners and returning riders to register for fall classes at Watchung Stable.

“Our lesson program at Watchung Stable is a great way to learn how to ride,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “I’m proud to say that more than 40,000 girls and boys have participated in this terrific program in the Watchung Reservation since it began in 1935.”

Registration begins Wednesday, July 6. All applicants for riding lessons must be nine years of age or older. Fall Troop begins the week of September 6, and culminates with the Fall Troop Horse Show. The cost to participate begins at $231 for ten classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment. Classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Class and troop assignments are based upon riding ability as determined by the Stable management. Applicants with previous experience may be asked to demonstrate their riding ability in order to be placed in the appropriate class. Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense.

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons, for people 18 years of age and older, beginning the week of September 6. Classes for adults are available Sundays at 12:45 p.m., and Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Adult lessons are an eight-week program on either Sunday or Tuesday morning. Beginners through advanced lessons are available on both days.

Registration forms and fees must be submitted in-person at Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. daily. Watchung Stable is a facility of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information, and to obtain registration materials, call (908) 789-3665 or email: stablequestions@ucnj.org

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Now is the time to register for horseback riding classes at Union County’s Watchung Stable in Mountainside. The autumn class sessions for beginners (ages 9 and older) and experienced riders begin the week of Sept. 6. For registration information, call Watchung Stable at 908-789-3665 or email: stablequestions@ucnj.org

Attention caregivers, do you feel tired? Are you overwhelmed and stressed? Caring for a loved one can bring on those feelings. You are not alone. Become a part of the Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County in Berkeley Heights. Get together with others who share your difficulties and receive the reassurance as well as the knowledge that is found in a support group.

The group’s meetings, which are open to the public, are held in Room C318 on the third floor at RUNNELLS on the third Thursday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. The meetings, facilitated by Liz Carabuena, L.S.W., a RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital licensed social worker, are free of charge for all attendees.

“If you are a caregiver, meet with others in similar situations,” said Union County Freeholder Mohamed S. Jalloh, Freeholder liaison to RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital. The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS shares information on dementia related diseases and available resources, researches updates, discusses

practical care techniques and presents new ways to cope on a day-to-day basis.  An especially important part of the meeting is the time set aside for participants to discuss the frustrations they feel in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

RUNNELLS Specialized Hospital of Union County sponsors the meetings in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater New Jersey Chapter, an organization whose mission is to enhance care and support for individuals, their families and caregivers, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.

The Caregiver & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group at RUNNELLS’ schedule for 2011 follows:

July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17 and December 15.

RUNNELLS, Central New Jersey’s premier provider of care for individuals with dementia, also provides long-term, short-term, post acute, palliative and respite care in their nursing care center.

The facility is located at 40 Watchung Way, Berkeley Heights. Anyone who would like further information on this wheelchair accessible program or if you would like to attend, call 908-771-5828.

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 animated comedy “Despicable Me” on Tuesday, July 12, 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.”

The whole family will enjoy an educational and entertaining show by “Mad Science” instructors before the movie on July 12. Mad Science events are spectacular science-themed shows designed to amaze and entertain young audiences. Everyone’s imagination will be sparked by Mad Science before the screening of “Despicable Me.”

A quiet suburban neighborhood is home to a villainous man in the 2010 movie, “Despicable Me.” The villain plans to steal the moon until he meets three little orphaned girls who see something in him that nobody else has ever seen: the perfect dad.

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

• Tuesday, July 19 at Warinanco Park: there will be Basketball Fun and Games followed by the animated feature film, “Space Jam.”

• 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.

RAHWAY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal are happy to announce that the Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee will bring an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children to Rahway River Park off St. Georges Avenue in Rahway on Saturday, July 9, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Kids Kingdom will be held rain or shine. Admission is free; nominal fees apply for some activities. Food, ice cream and other refreshments will be available from vendors.

“This is a wonderful event for Union County residents to enjoy with their families and friends,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “We are pleased to provide an opportunity for families to have a fun-filled day in one of our beautiful parks without having to drive far or spend a fortune in the process.”

Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee provides lively entertainment that includes stage performances, hands-on demonstrations and displays, crafts, music, games and a whole lot more. There will be entertaining science experiments; an “instrument petting zoo” where children can learn about musical instruments; a display of reptiles; inflatable rides; non-stop entertainment on stage; pony rides; a petting zoo; K-9 demonstrations and children’s fingerprinting; Bubblemania; Bingo; and plenty of other activities.

Later this summer, Kids Kingdom Traveling Jubilee will visit Mattano Park in Elizabeth on Saturday, August 13; and Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Sept. 17-18 during the Union County Fair.
For more information about Kids Kingdom, please call 908-527-4900, or visit the Union County web site: 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 .

Union County, NJ — A young visitor shows a bird feeder creation to Master Gardener Joyce Laudise of Berkeley Heights at the 22nd annual Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale. The event, held each May at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, features plants for sale, free gardening advice, baked goodies and children’s activities. Proceeds fund the Master Gardeners’ community service projects. The program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. To become a certified Master Gardener, contact the Extension offices in Westfield, 908-654-9854, or visit ucnj.org. More details are available at mastergardeners-uc.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 Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 51st season of music on Wednesday evening, July 13, with a performance by “Tusk” – a band that recreates the greatest hits of Fleetwood Mac. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led by Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

Tusk covers the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection. The group is made up of incredible musicians, including Kathy Phillips, an amazing New Jersey singer/songwriter who captures the essence of Stevie Nicks, along with Kim Williams on keyboards and vocals, Scott McDonald on guitar, drummer Tom Nelson and bassist Randy Artiglere. Expect to hear great songs like “Rhiannon,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” and see a memorable show that will impress even the most diehard Fleetwood Mac fans.

“Bring the entire family for an entertaining evening in Echo Lake Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Scanlon. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”

The Union County information van will be at the concert site with personnel from Rutgers Cooperative Extension along with knowledgeable Union County staff to answer questions and offer information about interesting programs and recreational activities that are available to Union County residents.

The Summer Arts Festival concerts continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. This summer’s concerts will be held at Echo Lake Park on the Mountainside-Westfield border and at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments and snacks will be available from vendors.

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

July 20 – The Kootz (good time Rock & Roll); at Echo Lake Park.

July 27 – The Full Count Big Band (Jazz from Mountainside); at Echo Lake Park.

August 3 – THE British Invasion Tribute (songs of the ‘60s); at Oak Ridge Park.

August 10 – JoBonanno & the Godsons (Jersey Shore Soul); at Oak Ridge Park.

August 17 – Almost Queen (Queen cover band); at Oak Ridge Park.

August 24 – Parrotbeach (Jimmy Buffett cover band); at Echo Lake Park.

August 31 – The Nerds (high energy party band); at Oak Ridge Park.

For rain information call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at (908) 558-4079 after 3 p.m. on the day of the scheduled concert, or visit the Union County web site: www.ucnj.org

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Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (L) and retired Elizabeth Police Chief Gene Mirabella (2nd R) congratulate the winners of the Union County Sheriff’s First Annual Police Pistol Competition at the new Union County Sheriff’s Firearms Training Facility in Springfield. Jerry Plum (2nd L) of the Plainfield Police Department won first place, Sean Dougherty (R) of the Union County Police won second place and Dan Sims of the Kenilworth Police Department won third place. (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