CRANFORD, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2011 Teen Arts Traveling Exhibit is on display at Cranford Public Library, located at 224 Walnut Avenue in Cranford. The art work is on display through July 28 during regular library hours.

The exhibit consists of 53 pieces of art selected from more than 700 visual art works shown at the 2011 Union County Teen Arts Festival held in March at Union County College in Cranford. The annual event is administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal.

“Each year I am amazed by the wonderful artwork submitted by local students,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “I encourage everyone to get out and see this fun, lively exhibit as it goes on tour throughout Union County.”

For information about the Teen Arts program, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

 

2011 TEEN ARTS EXHIBIT – The exhibiting students are:

 

Berkeley Heights

 

Columbia Middle School
Julia Young

 

Clark

 

Mother Seton RHS
Victoria Marples

 

 

Cranford

 

Cranford HS

Shannon Daly

Gina DeCagna

 

Hillside Avenue School

Allison Curley

 

Orange Avenue School
Louis Capucci

 

St. Michael School
Kyle Borokowski

 

Elizabeth

 

Abraham Lincoln School
Dianeth Hernandez

 

Benedictine Academy
Keyona Wright

 

Benjamin Franklin School
Juan Martinez

 

Charles Hudson School
Damaris Quezada

 

Dr. Orlando Edreira
Jessica Arguera

 

Elizabeth HS – Dwyer House
Jorge Soto Soriano

 

Elizabeth HS – Edison House
Gustavo Perez

 

Elizabeth HS – Jefferson House
Andres Camargo
Christie Ramirez

 

Elizabeth HS – Lower Academy
Wislet Dazime

 

Elizabeth HS – Upper Academy
Danny Luca

 

Madison-Monroe School
Arianna Honore

 

Nicholas M. Butler School

Eunice Edmond

Nicholas S. LaCorte School

Jonathan Lopez

 

St. Mary of the Assumption
Carla Gomes

 

T.C. Reilly School
Sindy Chavarria

 

William F. Halloran School
Walter Casanas

 

Woodrow Wilson School
Joel Romero

 

 

Hillside

Hillside HS
Ambyr Szablowski

 

Walter O. Krumbiegel MS
Pinto & Campbell

 

 

Kenilworth

 

David Brearley HS
Samantha Hoag
Anthony Madonia

 

 

Linden

 

Linden HS
Jose Ferero

 

McManus MS
Clint Malakuskie

 

Soehl MS
Eduardo Plaza

 

 

Mountainside

Deerfield MS
Bea Collins

 

 

New Providence

New Providence HS
Lylah Dugan

 

New Providence MS
Lillian Cahill

 

 

Plainfield

 

Central Jersey Arts School
Silvia Alpapucho

 

Cook School
Carin Hardy

 

Hubbard MS
Jose Peña de Leon

 

Maxon MS
Caleah Atkinson

 

Plainfield Academy of Arts
Anthony Cancel

 

Union County TEAMS HS
Crystal Attidore

 

Union County TEAMS MS
Shaun Counts

 

 

Scotch Plains

 

Union County Vo-Tech
Camillo Castillo
LaJuan Miller

 

 

Springfield

 

FM Gaudineer MS
N. Adbullahu, M. Pisauro & 
N. Stanislawczyk

 

Jonathan Dayton HS
Farharah Mohamad

 

 

Summit

 

Oratory Preparatory School
Tyler Otterbein

 

 

Union

Union HS
Pamela Chuang
Andrea Garcia

 

 

Westfield

Edison Intermediate School
Catlin Collins

Union County, NJ – The Union County 4-H clubs got an early jump on summer on Saturday, June 4 during the annual 4-H Project Day, held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Pictured here, Julia Lachenauer of Cranford (l.) and Christian Kelly of Westfield observe the eruption of a “soda volcano” created by the 4-H Lego Club. Other projects included photography, model making, arts and crafts, and home grown plants. The fun included educational games and demonstrations, and the 4-H Teen Council sold refreshments to raise funds for the homeless. 4-H is open to all Union County boys and girls from 1st through 12th grades. For more information contact Union County 4-H agent James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 ornichnadowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu. (Photo: Ben Foresti, 4-H Photography Club).

 

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 – The Union County Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to provide assistance and support to victims of sexual assault. All volunteers receive training that prepares them to help guide a victim through the medical, legal or emotional aftermath of the assault. For information on volunteering, call the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273.

“Victims of sexual assault have more resources at their disposal than in the past, but they still need someone who can help them navigate the system while offering unconditional, strictly confidential support,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Our volunteers provide a truly unique community service and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support them.”

No previous experience in counseling is necessary. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center receive a thorough training course, which qualifies them as state-certified, Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates.

Volunteer Advocates most often provide guidance over the phone. In some cases, the Advocate may accompany a victim to the police station, hospital or courtroom.

“Having someone at your side makes you stronger,” said Scanlon. “It can make all the difference to know that someone cares.”

Advocates may also offer support and guidance to family members, loved ones or friends, if requested by the victim.

The Rape Crisis Center is part of the Union County Department of Human Services. It has been serving Union County residents since 1984.

Interviews for prospective volunteers will be held this summer, and the next training session will begin in September. For more information call the Rape Crisis Center 908-233-7273. More details and personal stories are available at www.unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

Photo Caption: Fourteen Union County residents pose for a graduation picture after completing the training to become state-certified Volunteer Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates. As volunteers with the Union County Rape Crisis Center, the Advocates provide guidance and support for victims of sexual assault.

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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

Fireworks & Ammunition Also Will Be Collected

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 6, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, fireworks, ammunition, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.

Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will be on hand to accept unwanted ammunition and fireworks for disposal. It is particularly important to dispose of old ammunition and fireworks safely because they can be unstable and dangerous.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, fireworks, ammunition, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

Union County, in partnership with Covanta Energy, also includes mercury thermostats in its household waste recycling initiative. The mercury thermostat program complements the County’s efforts to collect household pollutants and divert mercury from the regional waste stream in order to help safeguard our water and air quality. What’s more, residents will receive a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot for turning in a mercury thermostat at the August 6 recycling event.

“Our partnership with Covanta allows us to extend our efforts to pursue environmentally sound methods of waste disposal,” Freeholder Hudak added.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 6 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

For more information about the August 6 collection of old fireworks and ammunition, please call the Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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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 .

Registration Deadline Extended to June 29 for
Union County Summer Youth League Baseball –
Boys and Girls, Ages 8-15, Play Weekdays in Warinanco Park

The Union County Baseball Association invites young baseball players – boys and girls – ages 8 to 15, to register for its Summer Youth League baseball teams. The deadline to register for this summer’s baseball activities in Warinanco Park is being extended until Wednesday, June 29, to allow more young players to participate.

Sign-ups for the summer league will be held at the Warinanco Park Boat House in Roselle on Saturday, June 25, plus Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 27-28-29, from 9:00 a.m. to noon each day. All those who register will participate in play.

This annual youth baseball program, which was first organized in 1945, is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Baseball Association, and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

“The Summer Youth League provides coaches, umpires, shirts and baseball caps,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, liaison to the Union County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. “All games are played in Warinanco Park, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the games are coached and supervised by Union County Baseball Association staff.”

Each player is required to bring a $25 registration fee and a birth certificate to the sign-up. Players must be at least 8 years old by June 25 and cannot be 16 before August 1.

The Summer Youth League is divided into three divisions: a Teen League for 13, 14 and 15-year-olds; a Major League for 11 and 12-year-olds; and a Minor League for 8, 9 and 10-year-old players. Registered players will be notified about Team Assignment Day and the first day of play. There will be no refunds after Team Assignment Day.

An awards picnic will be held on Friday, August 5, to mark the end of the Summer Youth Baseball League. All games are played in Warinanco Park. For more information call (908) 789-3686, or visit the Union County Baseball Association Website at www.ucba-nj.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 Department of Parks and Community Renewal announces the opening of the county’s two public swimming pools. The Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park, St. George’s Avenue in Rahway, will be open for the season from June 25th through Labor Day, September 5th. The John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool located in Wheeler Park, West Stimpson Avenue and Route 1 in Linden, will be open from June 27th through August 26th.

Group swimming lessons will be held at Ulrich Pool beginning July 5th. Applications are available at either pool office for all ages, beginners through adults. Pre-registration is required. Register early; classes are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open Swim Sessions for Seniors and for People with Disabilities are held at Ulrich Pool on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. and at Wheeler Pool on Wednesdays from 12 noon-1:00 p.m. Admission to these special sessions is free.

Regular pool hours are as follows:

Walter E Ulrich Pool:

• Monday & Wednesday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

John Russell Wheeler Pool:

• Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday & Thursday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday & July 4 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Daily Admission (proof of residency required for Union County resident fee):

Youth (17 & under):

• County Resident: $ 4.00
• Non-County Resident: $ 8.00

 

Adult (18 & over):

• County Resident: $ 5.00
• Non-County Resident: $10.00

 

Seniors (62 & over):

• County Resident: $ 4.00
• Non-County Resident: $ 8.00

 

The Ulrich and Wheeler pools are a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information, visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org or call the Ulrich Pool (732-381-4045) or the Wheeler Pool (908-862-0977) for recorded information.

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (3rd L) speaks with (from left) Kean University professors John Dobodiewicz and Daniela Shebitz and Kean students Romona Cunha, Christina Bianchi and Christina Zaccariello during the Union County Bio-Blitz in Passaic River Parkway in Berkeley Heights. Bio-Blitz is a 24-hour sampling of the flora and fauna in a particular location with the twin goals of studying the biodiversity of the area and making the public aware of that diversity. (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 Sheriff Ralph Froehlich (R) receives the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from Sam Calabrese (L) and Frank Miterotonda of the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association during the organization’s 42nd annual conference. (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

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Heather Cajamarca of Roselle Park in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of Cajamarca’s photographs entitled “In Love with New York” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until August 1. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists ensure an inspiring and interesting variety of exhibitions at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display this exhibit of beautiful urban landscape photographs by Heather Cajamarca.”

Ms. Cajamarca had a solo exhibit of her photographs, “New York in
 Black & White,” at the Casano Community Center Art Gallery in Roselle Park and a two-artist exhibit, “Tristate,” at the Scotch Plains Library in 2009. Recent exhibits include: “Stop and Smell the Flowers” at the Cranford Library; “For the Love of Water” in the Gallery on the Boulevard at the Kenilworth Library; “That Summer Feeling” at the Scotch Plains Library; and an exhibit called “Discovering New Jersey” with seven artists at the New Jersey Blood Center in New Brunswick last year.

Heather Cajamarca was born in Wisconsin and raised in a small town north of Green Bay. Six years ago, she and her husband opened a new chapter in their lives by moving to Roselle Park. Photography has always been a part of her life and the purchase of her first DSLR camera made it her true passion. Heather works in New York City and enjoys photographing its landmarks and architecture. She uses black and white photography to capture an unusual perspective of familiar New York scenes.

“I love taking pictures of everything: food, nature, flowers, people, architecture – I love it all!” Ms. Cajamarca said. “I feel that our journeys are represented by the images we capture – and life is worth capturing.”

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or to learn about other programs and services please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that its next mobile paper-shredding program for personal documents will be available on Saturday, June 25, at the Union County Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents eliminate clutter in their homes and also fight identity theft,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with our other Go Green Initiatives.”

The June 25th shredding event will take place in the parking lot of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. NEXCUT Shredding of Teaneck will be shredding documents at the site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate all participants, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and put through the shredder. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp. The next shredding event will take place Saturday, August 13, at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle.