Category: Public Info

ROSELLE, NJ – Bring the family and join in the excitement at the Warinanco Ice Skating Center on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 3:15 p.m. as the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents the “Thanksgiving Score-O Challenge.” No hockey or skating skills are required.

“Come to the skating center for some family fun and let your children try their luck at shooting the puck through a hole in the goal,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “After the Score-O Challenge, sit by the fire and warm up with a snack and a cup of hot chocolate from the snack bar.”

Registration for the Thanksgiving Score-O Challenge begins at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 26. There is a $2 registration fee per participant. Regular admission and skate rental fees do not apply; this is not a skating event.

There is no public skating during this event. The Score-O Challenge will begin at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 4 through 17 years who are competing in the challenge will be divided into four age groups. Prizes will be awarded.

The Warinanco Ice Skating Center is located off Thompson Avenue in Warinanco Park, located near the border of Roselle and Elizabeth. For more information call the Skating Center at 908-298-7850 or the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900, or 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 .

Union County, NJ – Union County 4-H is holding its annual Holiday Gift-Making Night on Friday, December 2, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westfield Community Center, 425 East Broad Street in Westfield. A fee of $7.00 includes all materials and guidance for making holiday-themed gifts including a candy-filled snow ball, a decorated flower pot with an aloe plant, and a snow man door stopper. The 4-H Teen Council will host a refreshment table as a fund-raiser. Advance registration is required by calling 4-H Secretary Ellen DiIorio at 908-654-9854, or email to ediiorio@ucnj.org.

The Union County 4-H Clubs and its Youth Development programs are made possible through Rutgers University and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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Clubs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on a grade appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. All possible efforts will be made to include rather than exclude youth in events conducted by 4-H.

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 dvd, entitled “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking” produced through partnership with Union County Prosecutor’s Office

 

Elizabeth, NJ– The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in partnership with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, announced the creation of a new DVD on cyber safety for parents.

The DVD, entitled “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking,” takes a proactive approach to keeping children safe from the dangers of the web and social networking.  It is designed to teach parents the potential threats to their children and offers tips on how to address the cyber safety issue without embarrassing their children or betraying their trust.

The “Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and Social Networking” DVD is an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon, and is now available for free from the Union County Office of Public Information. The video from the DVD has also been posted to the Union County website and can be viewed in the video channel section, at www.ucnj.org/videochannel/

“It is our hope the information provided on this presentation will help parents take a proactive approach to keeping their children cyber safe,” said Freeholder Scanlon.   “The internet and modern technology have changed the landscaping of parenting. Children are cyber savvy, many parents are not. We encourage parents to use the material from the presentation to have a discussion with their children about this matter.”

Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said he hopes the video will empower parents and guardians to get more involved with their children’s Internet activities and to take the time to educate themselves with the particular programs and devices children use to communicate.

“The internet can be very useful and informative, but it can also be a very dangerous vehicle,” Prosecutor Romankow said. “We are trying to help parents learn about what they can do to protect their children from trouble.”

The Union County Prosecutor’s office has been extremely proactive in response to the issue of cyber-bullying and internet safety, Scanlon noted.  The DVD, which is over an hour and twenty minutes, contains a presentation by Sergeant Michael Hoose of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Task Force.  Hoose is recognized as an authority on cyber incidents, and conducts outreach each year; visiting schools and making presentations to parents’ organizations and students.  During his presentation he discusses the most prevalent threats to children and young adults including sexting, cyber-bullying, secret videotaping and high-tech pranks.

Copies of the DVD will be made available at the Public Information Van during various Union County events.  Residents may also obtain a copy of the Cyber Bullying DVD by contacting either Mary Lynn Williams 908-527-4106 of the Union County Office of Public Information or by sending an email to info@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Choose My Plate is a simple but effective chart that puts the focus on good-tasting, low-cost foods that lead to better health. You can learn how to use it at a class offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County taught by Karen M. Ensle, EdD, RD, FADA, CFCS. Ensle is an award winning educator at Rutgers University and head of the Union County Extension.

The Choose My Plate class is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Extension offices in the Union County services building in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East. A $5.00 fee includes tastings and all materials. Pre-registration is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension, dtorres@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854.

“Everyone knows that a good diet helps to prevent serious diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, and it can also help lower your grocery bills, too,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Choose My Plate helps you save money while improving your health.”

Choose My Plate is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Get Moving” program supported by First Lady Michelle Obama.  The Union County Extension is one of 3,000 county-based Extension offices nationwide that work with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that the public has access to reliable information on nutrition and health.

To learn about Choose My Plate online visit choosemyplate.gov. More information about all Union County programs and services is available at 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.

Union County, NJ – Afterschool providers in Union County can help boost the science skills of their young charges with help from a new curriculum suitable for children in grades 1 through 6. The curriculum, called “Sinking and Floating,” focuses on fun, hands-on exercises that illustrate basic principles such as density, buoyancy and opposing forces.

“Sinking and Floating” is available through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Program, which will host a workshop on the curriculum on Friday, December 16. The workshop is open to staff from local organizations that operate afterschool programs.

The fee for the workshop is $75, which includes lunch and all materials for conducting the program. To register or to get more information, contact James Nichnadowicz of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is headquartered in the County services building in Westfield.

“Programs like Sinking and Floating can help younger children gain confidence that will help them progress through middle school and beyond,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “An early interest in science can lead to a high value career, so these educational programs form an important part of workforce development in Union County.”

Scanlon noted that the program complements the ‘Green Boot Camp’ developed by educators at the Union County Vo-Tech High Schools in partnership with Honeywell. The Green Boot Camp is an annual workshop designed for middle school educators, to help them introduce hands-on, team based science and technology exercises to their students and prepare them for more challenging courses in high school.

 

For more information on all Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H programs, community health initiatives and volunteer opportunities call the Extension at 908-654-9854 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 athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Usher in the holidays with the sights and sounds of the season at the 28th annual Holiday Nature Craft Show at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to present this seasonal craft show and charity drive in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration at Trailside on Sunday, December 4, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The price of admission is an item of dry or canned food or a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed through local charities.

“While shopping at the Nature Craft Show for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family, visitors will be treated to a festive afternoon of activities,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Adding to the holiday atmosphere, carolers will entice visitors to join them in a sing-along and decorated trees will be displayed throughout the Trailside Visitors Center.”

Staff from various Union County departments will decorate trees in the Visitors Center. All the trees, ornaments and gift cards collected will be distributed to Union County families in need. Visitors are encouraged to stop by each holiday tree and vote on their favorite decoration theme for this year.

With a large selection of handcrafted items available at the show, you will certainly be able to check some names off your gift list. More than 40 vendors will be selling nature-themed items such as natural wreaths, ornaments, handmade gift baskets and hand-painted or stenciled home décor. Crafters and artisans will also offer unique toys, jewelry, stained glass and other gift items with wildlife, gardening and nature themes. Light refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day.

The day’s activities will include the Union County Tree and Menorah Lighting at 1:30 p.m. in the Trailside Auditorium. Children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the auditorium and free children’s coloring and face painting will be offered on the upper level of the Visitor Center to keep the little ones entertained.

The Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal would like to offer special thanks to the ShopRite of Clark, Williams Nursery, Dreyer Farms and Parker Gardens for their generous donations as sponsors of this holiday event and charity drive.

For additional information about the Holiday Nature Craft Show please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or go towww.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

 

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 – Hundreds of volunteers work in the historic Union County parks system to help keep trails and open spaces attractive and enjoyable for all, and their efforts were celebrated at a recent awards ceremony with members of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

 

“Our volunteers put forth an extraordinary effort all year long, and they have really gone above and beyond to clear the trails of fallen trees and branches after Hurricane Irene and the recent nor’easter,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Thanks to them, thousands of Union County residents and visitors have been out in the parks, walking the trails and enjoying the fall season.”

So far this year, more than 800 individuals have worked in the County’s Adopt-a-Trail and Adopt-a-Park programs. Some, including several student interns, have helped out administratively. All together they logged a total of almost 4,500 hours.

County Manager Alfred Faella noted that a safety-trained volunteer chainsaw crew removed 582 blowdowns that blocked hiking and bridle trails after the two major storms hit the region.

“We are all very proud of our volunteers and very grateful for their willingness to pitch, in whether it’s just for a few hours or for a long term commitment,” said Faella. “They help make it possible to maintain our parks under a tight budget and they set a great example for all of Union County.”

Most of the volunteers live in Union County. Some live outside the County’s borders and volunteer through their place of work, club or civic organization.

This year, 25 companies and community groups participated in the Adopt-a-Park program. Fifty-four volunteers signed on as Trail Stewards, who take responsibility for maintaining a section of hiking or bridle trails for a period of time.

More than 100 volunteers also signed up for Trail Work Saturdays. That program runs on the first Saturday of each month, from March to December.

“There are many ways to volunteer for the Union County parks, and our coordinators can help you find a way to participate that’s right for you,” said Scanlon. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people who enjoy getting outdoors and helping to preserve our natural resources.”

To find out more about volunteering visit the County website, www.ucnj.org or call the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-789-3683.

 

Summit residents Anton Evers of the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy and Marian Glenn of the Summit Environmental Commission accept a certificate of appreciation from Union County Manager Al Faella, at Union County’s 4th Annual Adopt-A-Park/Trail Steward Recognition Dinner held recently at Trailside Nature & Science Center. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Marc Grobman of Fanwood, an Adopt-A-Trail steward who adopts the Ash Brook Reservation trail in Scotch Plains, accepts a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholder, Chris Hudak at the County’s 4th Annual Adopt-A-Park/Trail Steward Recognition Dinner held recently at Trailside Nature & Science Center. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Kenneth Mirsky (right) of Westfield, accepts congratulations from Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada at a recent dinner honoring Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-a-Trail stewards. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Allison Parlipiano of South Plainfield accepts congratulations from Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak for her efforts in leading a project that partnered Merck, a major employer in Union County, with numerous Adopt-A-Park projects in Rahway. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Members of the Oak Ridge Sportsmens Association are pictured with Union County Freeholders Chris Hudak (2nd from left standing), Angel Estrada (sitting rear) and County Manager, Al Faella (4th from right standing) after receiving a certificate of appreciation for their Adopt-A-Park efforts. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada congratulates Lee and Jay Sport for their Adopt-A-Park efforts at a recent dinner honoring volunteers for their dedication and service in keeping parks and trails clean. The Sport family of Mountainside works throughout the year keeping a section of Coles Avenue clear of litter. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Steve Jandoli, (left) of Cranford accepts congratulations from Union County Manager Alfred Faella for a job well done by the Rahway River Association. The group has participated in the county’s Adopt-A-Park Program for several years and has led an effort to restore a unique and fragile habitat located in the Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains called Red Hill. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Adopt-a-Trail Steward Lynda Goldschein of Watchung accepts a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada at a recent dinner honoring volunteers in the Union County parks system. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

Bud and Karen Ayres, Adopt-A-Trail stewards of Berkeley Heights, accept a certificate of appreciation from Union County Freeholders Angel Estrada and Christopher Hudak (l to r). The couple was honored recently for their volunteer service. (Photo credit: Shahira Morell)

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 new Union County messaging service provides citizens with new ways to provide tips on criminal activity without disclosing their names, by texting UC TIP to 274637, or submitting an online form through the Union County Crime Stoppers website, www.uctip.org. Anonymous tips are also accepted through the Crime Stoppers 24-hour toll free hotline, 908-654-8477.

“Community involvement is the key to crime prevention, and Crime Stoppers is a valuable resource for Union County residents who want to be involved, but who do not wish to identify themselves,” said Deborah Scanlon, Union County Freeholder Chairman.

Anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers has proven to make a difference. Since its inception, the program has resulted in thousands of arrests for crimes including murder and other serious offenses, the recovery of contraband such as illegal drugs and weapons, and the return of property to its rightful owner.

The Union County Crime Stoppers Board is a volunteer organization dedicated to encouraging more residents to step forward and share information about criminal activity. It works closely with the Union County Police, the Union County Police Chiefs Association and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

A cash reward of up to $5,000 may be offered for information resulting in the arrest and indictment of an offender.

Phone calls to the Crime Stoppers tipline at 908-654-8477 are handled through a designated phone that  does not provide caller ID, and conversations are not recorded.

Citizens who would like to use the online form at www.uctip.org will have their identity protected through a secure connection. They can also return to the same form to add new information without disclosing their identity.

To ensure the anonymity of citizens who text UC TIP to 274637, all messages are routed through a remotely located third party, and no records of the messages are retained.

 

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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.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – A technical assistance workshop will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Scotch Plains Public Library. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the workshop “Designing History Exhibits Based on Your Archival Collections” aims to help museum staff and volunteers, history organizations, libraries and private collectors install first class exhibits using photographs, documents and artifacts drawn from their archival collections.

Plainfield Public Library Director Joseph Da Rold will lead a discussion about the intricacies of incorporating fragile items into displays, how to expand exhibits beyond one’s resources, and the important role of exhibit curators and installers.

Prior to assuming his current position in 1994, Mr. Da Rold honed his exhibit design skills at several California-based museums and libraries, including the Hathaway Ranch Museum in Santa Fe Springs, where he served as Deputy Director and Curator, and the Whittier Historical Society/Whittier Museum, where he served as Executive Director. He has turned the Plainfield Public Library’s Anne Louise Davis Gallery into a premier venue for the exhibition of photographs, documents and artifacts from its large local and state history collections.

Pre-registration is requested. The fee is $5. For registration and/or a free brochure about the workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550; Relay Users call 1-800-852-7899; visit the website www.ucnj.org/cultural or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. This workshop is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

 

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 .

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – A technical assistance workshop will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Scotch Plains Public Library. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the workshop “Designing History Exhibits Based on Your Archival Collections” aims to help museum staff and volunteers, history organizations, libraries and private collectors install first class exhibits using photographs, documents and artifacts drawn from their archival collections.

Plainfield Public Library Director Joseph Da Rold will lead a discussion about the intricacies of incorporating fragile items into displays, how to expand exhibits beyond one’s resources, and the important role of exhibit curators and installers.

Prior to assuming his current position in 1994, Mr. Da Rold honed his exhibit design skills at several California-based museums and libraries, including the Hathaway Ranch Museum in Santa Fe Springs, where he served as Deputy Director and Curator, and the Whittier Historical Society/Whittier Museum, where he served as Executive Director. He has turned the Plainfield Public Library’s Anne Louise Davis Gallery into a premier venue for the exhibition of photographs, documents and artifacts from its large local and state history collections.

Pre-registration is requested. The fee is $5. For registration and/or a free brochure about the workshop, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550; Relay Users call 1-800-852-7899; visit the website www.ucnj.org/cultural or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. This workshop is funded in part by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

 

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 .