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“Art in the Gardens” Features Music & Dance at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, Oct. 7-10

ELIZABETH, NJ – “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, takes place Columbus Day Weekend October 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey. “Art in the Gardens” features instrumental, vocal and dance performances in the Center Court of the Mall. This year, the Columbus Day Weekend Splash is planned with free performances starting on Friday and continuing through Monday. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal and made possible by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“Art in the Gardens is an excellent opportunity for a busy Union County venue to host local talent and present it to a wide and diverse audience,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

Friday, October 7th:

5:00 – 6:00 pm.: Jefferson Arts Academy Dance Dynamics of Elizabeth

Saturday, October 8th:

11:30 a.m. – Noon: Jennifer Lynn School of Irish Dance

12:30-1:30 p.m.: Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains, Belly Dance Inspirations

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: COMPAS of Elizabeth

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: University of Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla Traditional String Ensemble

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Chinese American Music Ensemble of Westfield, chorus and individual instrumental performances

Sunday, October 9th:

11 a.m. – Noon: Kathleen McMahon of Scotch Plains, Belly Dance Inspirations

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Rahway Valley Jerseyaires Barbershop Chorus

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Lauren Shub & Hal Hirsch Jazz

Monday, October 11th:

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: A’daila of Elizabeth, piano performance

“Since opening its doors in October 1999, Jersey Gardens has become the center of the community; therefore, it is a natural fit for us to host the celebration of the arts in Union County,” said Crystal Stell, Marketing Director for Jersey Gardens. “We have been overwhelmed by the local talent right here in our own backyard.”

“Our goal is to raise awareness of the arts in Union County and the many artists who deserve recognition for their achievements. Our shoppers come from all over the tri-state area and beyond; this is an opportunity to showcase our local talent,” Ms. Stell added.

Jersey Gardens, New Jersey’s largest outlet shopping mall is located on Kapkowski Road at Exit 13A of the New Jersey Turnpike and features 200 stores all under one roof.

For more information about “Art in the Gardens,” contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550. New Jersey Relay Users dial 711. e-mail culturalinfo@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 .

Public Info

“Celebrate Food Day” Reveals the Secrets of Making Great Fast Food at Home

Union County, NJ – Making cheap, tasty, healthy meals at home is a snap when you know a few simple tricks, which you can learn at an upcoming “Celebrate Food Day” workshop taught by a nutrition expert from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Recipe tastings are included in the two-hour session, scheduled for Monday, October 24, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Union County Extension, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. There is a $5.00 fee and pre-registration is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@ucnj.org.

The workshop is scheduled to coordinate with the Food Day program, which seeks to encourage responsible stewardship of the nation’s food supply while promoting healthy nutrition that helps to prevent illness.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is sponsored in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information on all Union County programs and activities, 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.

Public Info

Enjoy Columbus Day with “Phenomenal Physics” Matinee Program at Trailside, October 10

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal in conjunction with the Trailside Museum Association (TMA) are pleased to announce an exciting Matinee Program for Monday, Oct. 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

The program, “Phenomenal Physics,” is recommended for children ages 4 and older. Admission is $5 per person. TMA members will be admitted free of charge. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before the show.

“Phenomenal Physics is an action-packed matinee program being offered when schools are closed for the Columbus Day holiday,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “It gives families an opportunity to enjoy an exciting and educational show while they visit our fabulous nature center in the Watchung Reservation.”

Join Mr. Fish, a renowned circus performer, as he presents astounding tricks that actually have scientific explanations. Using boomerangs, bubbles, bull whips, balloons and eggs, the program will demonstrate velocity, friction, inertia, sonic booms, aerodynamics, arches and much more.

The Trailside Museum Association, a sponsor of this program, is an organization dedicated to assisting Trailside staff in their ongoing efforts to educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy. The group’s generous financial support has provided many amenities for Trailside.

“The Trailside Museum Association is a dedicated group of people who put a tremendous amount of time and effort into providing support to Trailside,” Freeholder Sullivan added. “We encourage volunteerism and organizational support for all of our facilities and we appreciate help from individuals and groups such as the TMA.”

In 2006, the TMA provided $56,000 to fund the American Beech Tree exhibit in the two-story atrium of the recently renovated Visitor Center. TMA also co-sponsored the Backyard Habitat and provided funding for the Mosaic Column. Most recently, the TMA sponsored the Environmental Hero Awards at Wild Earth Fest in 2010. These awards were given to youth and youth-oriented community groups who demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment. A representative from the TMA will be available on Oct. 10 to assist anyone interested in becoming a member.

For information about the Trailside Museum Association, the matinee program or other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Ave.) in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Join Mr. Fish at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside on Monday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. for a special matinee presentation of “Phenomenal Physics.” Using boomerangs, bubbles, balloons and other objects, Mr. Fish performs astounding tricks that have scientific explanations. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. Admission is $5 per person. For more information about the matinee or other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

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Public Info

Photo: 30th Annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center

(From back left) Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon and Freeholders Linda Carter and Christopher Hudak congratulate (from front left) Marleni Chavana, Pablo Chavana, Ali Brabo, Adrian Brabo and Marazlu Chavana, all of Hillside, on winning a “Build a Scarecrow” contest at the 30th Annual Union County Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The event was hosted by Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks & Community Renewal. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

On Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook

On Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

Public Info

Free Watershed Presentations Offered by Union County and AmeriCorps

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a special science program that will visit grammar schools, high schools and community groups to discuss watershed ecology. This free, 30-45-minute, in-house science presentation relates watershed and environmental concepts in a fun and meaningful way.

A watershed is a specific land area that drains into a river system or other body of water. Since 1999, these interactive, “hands-on” earth science presentations incorporating a three-dimensional land use model have been receiving positive reviews from students and teachers alike.

“This is a full period of interesting material for students, scouts and ecology clubs,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Kids love coming to the watershed model and participating.”

Teachers, students and community members will discover how human behavior can impact the land and water around them. Most importantly, the program offers easy, practical solutions that everyone can implement to reduce pollution and improve water quality, such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding waterfowl such as ducks and geese.

The presentations are offered by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program. Additionally, the Watershed Ambassador Program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups. To schedule a free presentation or training, call Shahira Morell, the Watershed Ambassador for Watershed Management Area #7 at 908-789-3209.

Shahira Morell, watershed ambassador from Union County’s Department of Parks and Community Renewal and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, prepares for upcoming watershed presentations using the Enviroscape, a 3-D model. To schedule a free watershed presentation in your community, please call 908-789-3209.

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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 .

Public Info

Construction Begins on New Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced the start of construction for a new state-of-the-art clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, at a groundbreaking ceremony held on the site today, Tuesday September 27. The new clubhouse will include a full slate of amenities for golfers along with a conference center, restaurant and banquet facilities. It will also serve as the new headquarters for the New Jersey State Golf Association.

The facility will be run by the internationally renowned company KemperSports, which manages Union County’s golf operations.

“The completion of the new state of the art Galloping Hill Clubhouse will be the final phase of a fiscal turnaround plan for golf operations,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “The improvements we have made including our partnerships with Kemper, TaylorMade, the First Tee program, and the New Jersey State Golf Association have exceeded our expectations and will ensure the Galloping Hill golf experience will be phenomenal.”

The 43,000 square foot, LEED Silver Certified clubhouse will include a conference center, pro shop, 300 person banquet facility, bar and grill, private dining room, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the golf course. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2012 golf season.

“We are excited to relocate the NJSGA to the clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course. We look forward to welcoming golfers from throughout the State to share in the superb golf experience at this course,” said John B. Murray, president, New Jersey State Golf Association. “The NJSGA is proud to be a part of this project and looks forward to occupying the new clubhouse upon completion next year.”

In 2008 Union County golf operations incurred a loss of $650,000. The fiscal turnaround plan included hiring a professional management company and opening a new driving range and learning center. The total cost of the upgrades is $17 million which includes the construction of the TaylorMade Performance Lab, the new driving range and the Clubhouse.

In the two years since the implementation of the fiscal turnaround plan, golf operations experienced a $300,000 increase in revenue in 2010.

Construction has already begun on the new TaylorMade Performance Lab at Galloping Hill. Performance Lab represents the latest and most cutting edge swing analysis and club fitting technologies TaylorMade has to offer. The building is expected to be open to the public in late 2011.

On completion of both the TaylorMade Performance Lab and new clubhouse, Galloping Hill will be the premier municipal golf facility in the state of New Jersey, capable of handling 800 guests at a time.

“This state-of-the-art clubhouse will be a tremendous addition to the overall golf experience at Galloping Hill,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We are excited to welcome the NJSGA to the new home for golf in New Jersey.”

About New Jersey State Golf Association
The New Jersey State Golf Association is a non-profit organization of member clubs and courses dedicated to the service of golf in New Jersey. Founded in 1900, the Association was formed for the purpose of promoting and conserving the true spirit of the game throughout New Jersey. Now in its 108th year, the NJSGA has continued to grow and serves over 275 clubs, courses and organizations representing over 100,000 golfers throughout the State.

About KemperSports
Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs, lodging venues and major sporting events, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Dorado Beach Resort & Club, The Glen Club, Desert Willow Golf Resort and Chambers Bay, host of the 2015 U.S. Open. For more information, visit www.kempersports.com.

Public Info

Crafters Wanted for 28th Annual Nature Craft Show at Trailside Nature & Science Center, Dec. 4

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite local crafters and artisans to market their wares at Union County’s 28th Annual Holiday Nature Craft Show on Sunday, December 4. The show will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The craft show usually features more than 40 vendors selling handcrafted items,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “A number of openings are still available for crafters who make natural wreaths, ornaments, handmade gift baskets, hand-painted or stenciled home décor and maple syrup.”

Also sought are vendors who create garden art, live green arrangements, basketry, unique children’s toys, stained glass and gift items with wildlife, gardening or nature themes. Interested crafters should contact Karen Pedersen at Trailside by calling 908-789-3670, ext. 7913, or e-mail: kpedersen@ucnj.org.

The Holiday Nature Craft Show, which is being held in conjunction with the Union County Menorah and Tree Lighting Celebration, will offer numerous other activities, including caroling and a visit from Santa. A Charity Drive for the collection of canned or dry food items and new toys for distribution through local charities will also be held.

For additional information about this event please call Trailside Nature & Science Center at 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 .