Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (R) joined (from left) Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Diana Limbacher of the USDA Food & Nutrition Service and NJ Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Alfred Murry at the opening day of the Elizabeth Avenue Farmers Market at Union Square Plaza in Elizabeth. The market runs every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June through November 27. Free children’s events, music and cooking demonstrations will be presented throughout the summer months. Please visit www.elizabethavenue.org for updates and event listings.  (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

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Mark your calendars for the popular Wednesday Matinee Series at Trailside Nature & Science Center that begins on July 13 and continues every Wednesday through August 17. This family entertainment series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and 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.”

“Dancin’ with the Honeybee,” a show that will educate and delight children about the life of a honeybee, will kick off the series on July 13. Cliff Sunflower will enthrall the audience with stories, poems, puppetry, music and dance.

On July 20, the circus comes to Trailside with “Super Circus Stuff.” 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.

“Kids in Motion” takes to the Trailside stage on July 27 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 August 3 with a “Magic Variety Show.” Steve Johnson will captivate the children with magic effects, comedy, audience participation and a thrilling juggling act.

August 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 August 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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Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella (3rd R) joins (from left) Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Nancy Ward, Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich, Union County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska and Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow in congratulating retired Elizabeth Police Chief Gene Mirabella (C) during the dedication ceremony when the new Union County Sheriff’s Firearms Training Facility in Springfield was named in the Chief’s honor. Chief Mirabella, father of Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella, was honored for his years of outstanding marksmanship while a member of the Elizabeth Police Department.  (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

Union County, NJ – Union County is offering a five-part “Balanced Living” course that provides reliable, common sense guidance for achieving a healthier approach to life. Balanced Living is conducted by health and nutrition expert Dr. Karen Ensle of Rutgers University. Dr. Ensle is a Family and Community Health Sciences educator and head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. To register or to get more details call the Extension offices in Westfield, 908-654-9854.

“If stress and fatigue are dragging you down, I encourage you to contact the Extension and register for the Balanced Living series,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The Balanced Living series can help you focus on simple steps that really make a difference, and the Freeholder Board is proud to support this program.”

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is sponsored in part by the Freeholder Board. Its mission is to provide the community with fact-based information on health, wellness, agriculture and youth development.

Balanced Living explores simple but effective strategies for managing time, overcoming stress, exercising regularly, adopting more healthful eating habits, and getting enough rest. The series of weekly two-hour sessions begins on August 3 and continues every Wednesday evening until August 31. A single registration fee of $10.00 covers the entire series.

“There is a growing body of research showing that simple, daily choices can have a powerful impact on a person’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Ensle. “The goal of the Balanced Living series is to help put this rich store of knowledge to work for Union County residents.”

The Balanced Living series will be located at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County offices, 300 North Ave East, in Westfield.  To register or to get more information call 908-654-9854.

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Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 732-932-5000, ext. 584.

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 Deborah Scanlon congratulates Neeraj Shekar of Westfield and Zayna Allen of Plainfield on their outstanding performance at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development State Public Presentation Contest. Zayna presented a talk on women business leaders in America and Neeraj spoke about tennis racquets from start to finish for more than 8 minutes each before an audience and judges.  The talks were not only rated excellent but were rated in the top 20 of 160 talks given that day. They are joined by James Nichnadowicz of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Program. (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

Union County, NJ – Members of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Union County joined with other community volunteers to spruce up the landscape of two homes for the non-profit housing organization HomeFirst. The work included a new patio and flower beds, and the removal of weeds including poison ivy. Pictured from left are Master Gardeners Susan Devaney and Deb Berman of Westfield, Bridget Mracek of Mountainside, and Debbie Naha of New Providence. The Master Gardeners program, sponsored in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, performs a wide variety of community service projects in Union County. To join or to get more information, call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 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.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series begins its 51st season of music on Wednesday evening, July 6, with a performance by “American Rapture” – a 17-member Rock and Soul Revue complete with marvelous singers and plenty of brass. 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.

American Rapture is a specialty show band featuring American popular music from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Formed in 1999, the group started as an annual musical theatre production for Mystic Vision Players in Linden. After a successful ten-year run, the group was transformed by band leader Tony Greco into a touring band. Nowadays, American Rapture features nine vocalists backed by an eight piece orchestra and they play all your favorites. They’re the perfect way to kick off the Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series.

“Bring the entire family for a special 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 the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control and other knowledgeable 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 13 – Tusk (Fleetwood Mac cover band); at Echo Lake Park.

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

Union County, NJ – Three out of the five schools in the Union County Vo-Tech Schools system have ranked among the top 500 public high schools in the nation, according to a new survey by Newsweek Magazine. The survey compared graduation rates, college matriculation, standardized test scores, and AP courses.

“The Newsweek survey validates what we already know: Union County offers some of the finest public education resources in the United States,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Public education is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support each one of our five Vo-Tech schools.”

The three Vo-Tech schools included in Newsweek’s survey are the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (#70), Magnet High School (#74), and the Academy for Information Technology (#271).

Vo-Tech’s new Academy for Performing Arts is only three years old and was not eligible for the survey. The fifth school in the system, Vo-Tech High School, prepares students for careers in traditional and emerging trades.

“The Newsweek survey underscores the value of Union County’s commitment to excellence in public education,” said Vo-Tech Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bistocchi. “In order for our country to advance economically, our schools need to prepare a new generation of students for new technologies and new challenges.”

Scanlon noted that each of Vo-Tech’s five schools serves a valuable purpose.

“Gaining this national recognition is uplifting, but it’s also important to recognize that Union County Vo-Tech operates as a unified system to serve the residents of Union County,” she said. “As a group, our five schools address important needs in our workforce and the surrounding metro region.”

The Vo-Tech schools compared well to other New Jersey schools that made the top 500 list. Of the 36 New Jersey schools included in the list, Allied Health ranked 5, Magnet High School ranked 6 and Information Technology ranked 23.

Four municipalities located in Union County also had schools included in the Top 500. These were Berkeley Heights (155), Westfield (156), Cranford (352) and Springfield (394).

For more information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools, visit ucnj.org or www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

The Academy for Information Technology is among three Union County Vo-Tech Schools included in Newsweek’s survey of the top public high schools in the U.S., along with Magnet High School and the Academy for Allied Health Sciences.

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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 compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the recent purchase of an infrared assistive listening system. Located in the Freeholder meeting room, receivers have been installed to accommodate up to four people with hearing loss.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain kinds of public and private facilities that normally provide amplification systems for their audiences – including theaters, auditoriums, meeting and lecture rooms, concert and performance halls, and courtrooms – must have assistive listening systems installed for people who need them.

“In addition to complying with ADA regulations, we hope the installation of the hearing assistance system encourages attendance and participation from residents that may not have come out to meetings in the past,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “We want to afford every resident the opportunity to participate in open, transparent county government.”

With the addition of the assistive listening system, the Union County Administration Building is now fully accessible for people with disabilities. Other ADA accommodations include: clearly marked handicapped parking spaces, a barrier free route into the building, automatic doors, accessible elevators that feature Braille and audible announcement of floors, and accessible restrooms.

For individuals interested in utilizing the assistive listening system, simply notify the Office of the Clerk of the Board upon entering the Freeholder meeting room and proper accommodations will be made. Individuals may also notify the Clerk of the Board in advance by calling (908) 527-4140 or by emailing ndirado@ucnj.org.

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – 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 join up with National Night Out to show the movie “G-Force” on Tuesday, August 2, at Meisel Park in Springfield.

“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 Meisel Park at 7:30 p.m. and participate in “National Night Out” sponsored by PBA Local #73 before the feature film “G-Force” on August 2. At dusk, sit back and watch the 2009 spy-fi Disney 3-D comedy about a team of superspy guinea pigs who do battle with a mad billionaire intent on conquering the earth by programming all the home appliances to follow his instructions. The movie features the voices of Penelope Cruz, Tracy Morgan, Nicolas Cage, Zach Galifinakis and many other actors.

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

•  Tuesday, August 9 at Meisel Park in Springfield: Make a fishy craft project before the showing of the animated Disney/Pixar comedy-adventure, “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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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 .