Category: Public Info

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces a new Yoga program for teens living with disabilities. The program will take place weekly until mid-November at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“The yoga classes for teens provide a variety of physical benefits, including deep relaxation,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Deborah Scanlon, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “We’re happy to add this program to the many fine classes and activities that the County of Union offers for people with disabilities.”

Teenagers ages 13-18 have the opportunity to learn yoga techniques that include body strengthening, flexibility and relaxation. Breath work will be taught as a tool to help calm the nervous system and clear the mind. These sessions will be held on Thursdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4 and 11, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The registration fee for these classes is $12. Yoga mats will be provided. Participants are asked not to eat for two hours before the program.

Pre-registration is required for the yoga classes. Register either at Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, every day from noon to 5 p.m.; or at the Union County Administration Building, Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 2nd floor, Elizabethtown Plaza at Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. For more information about Union County-sponsored programs for people with disabilities, please call Margaret Heisey at 908-527-4806.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – Does your organization have a marketing plan? Are you an individual artist seeking an identity plan? Whether you are cultivating new board members, welcoming returning supporters, meeting funders, or promoting your events or your work, you are marketing your organization and yourself.

A special workshop, “Promoting Yourself or Your Organization,” will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, to address your marketing needs. Sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Community Renewal, the program will take place from 5:45 to 9:00 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ.

“This interactive workshop will provide an overview of identity planning, marketing and branding, in addition to guiding you through the planning process,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “We’re looking forward to a lively and informative session.”

The workshop will be led by consultant Susan Schear, President of ArtIsIn, LLC. Ms. Schear draws on her years of corporate experience in working with arts and cultural organizations and arts-related entities. She will explain the importance of nonprofits using business strategies to survive and even grow during these uncertain times. Registrants are encouraged to bring a current marketing plan if they have one.

Networking opportunities will be provided at both the beginning and end of the workshop. This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

Registration, and a $10 fee, is required by Oct. 22. To request a brochure, to register or to learn about other programs, services and volunteer opportunities, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone 908-558-2550; email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users dial 711.

Union County, NJ – Virginia Pendergast of Clark holds her winning entry in the first annual Harvest Contest at the Union County MusicFest in September, with Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan (l) and Rutgers Agricultural Agent Madeline Dinardo (r). Supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholder, the Harvest Contest celebrates the contributions of gardeners to the quality of life in Union County. Ms. Pendergast’s 1.44 pound entry won first prize for Heaviest Tomato. For gardening help or to become a certified Master Gardener volunteer, call the Rutgers Extension of Union County, 908-654-9854. (Photo: Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Alexander Mirabella (R) present a resolution to Plainfield Librarian Joseph Da Rold congratulating him for being chosen as the 2010 Librarian of the Year by the New Jersey Library Association. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Deborah Scanlon (L) and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski present a resolution to Charley Flint of the YWCA of Eastern Union County proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Freeholders also congratulated the organization on its 90th anniversary. For more information about the YWCA of Eastern Union County, please visitwww.ywcaeuc.org. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel Sullivan (L) and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada (R) present a resolution to Joe Haligowski congratulating him on receiving the “Maintenance Employee of the Year” award by the Council on Special Transportation for his dedicated service to the Union County Paratransit System. Union County employee Helen Kirsch received the “Administrative Employee of the Year” award. Kathy Carmello, Director of the Union County Paratransit System, accepted the resolution of Helen’s behalf.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

ELIZABETH, NJ – “Art in the Gardens,” an October celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, takes place over the Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 8-11, at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. “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, Oct. 8, and continuing through Monday, Oct. 11. This annual event is coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks & Community Renewal.

“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 Daniel Sullivan. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to have this annual event in Union County.”

The weekend’s scheduled performances are:

Friday, October 8th:

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Kenny Woods of Summit, singer/songwriter;

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: EMET of Elizabeth, Meditation in Motion;

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

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Dance Dynamics of Elizabeth.

Saturday, October 9th:

11:00 a.m. – Noon: Kathleen McMahon of Nursing Wisdom presents Gypsies and Genies;

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Samahan Cultural Heritage, Philippine Folkdance;

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Elizabeth Idol Contestants;

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Jill Cagney of Cranford, singer/songwriter;

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

Sunday, October 10th:

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Yasko & Kokonuts of Garwood, jazz performers;

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: University of the Philippines Alumni & Friends Rondalla String Ensemble;

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: The JerseyAires, A Cappella Chorus;

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Kean Dance Theatre of Kean University;

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Shubanjali School of Performing Arts, Scotch Plains, ethnic Indian dance;

Monday, October 11th:

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Audience Participation! Fad Dances and Folkloric Favorites;

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Musical performance by Dario Scholis & Adrien Riofrio of Elizabeth.

“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 in Elizabeth 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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Union County history is a family affair! So make plans to enjoy Union County’s 13th annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County History,” a free weekend tour of 25 historic sites. The tours will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 17, from noon to 5:00 p.m.

The 25 sites open to the public free of charge during “Four Centuries in a Weekend” are grouped into five historic themes that describe periods of major changes from colonial times until the early 1920s. Visitors can select a cluster of sites to tour, or mix and match from all 25 locations that include the grand homes of the Early Aristocracy; the settings for the dangerous war years during the American Revolution; modest examples of hard Farm Life; the entrepreneurial spirit of Commerce and Industry; and the grandeur and comfort of the Victorian Resorts and Suburbs.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend” is a recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Heritage Tourism Award. The two-day event is made possible by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Highlights at the historic sites around Union County on the weekend of Oct. 16-17 include:

• The Osborn Cannonball House in Scotch Plains presents “Ragtime to Jazz,” featuring Edwardian Era fashions, and ragtime music recorded on wax cylinders played on an
  antique gramophone;
• The Dr. William Robinson Plantation of Clark celebrates the heritage of Native
• Americans featuring teepees, dress, drumming and dancing;
• Tour the beautiful grounds and restored 1889 historic Wisner House at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit;
• The Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield will feature 18th century folk music as
  costumed interpreters recreate the daily chores and seasonal farm work of rural life, circa 1740-1820;
• Bring the kids to a mini apple festival at the Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum in Hillside;
• The Crane-Phillips Museum in Cranford celebrates Four Centuries of “The Little House
  on the Rahway”;
• While you’re enjoying the Pumpkin Patch Harvest Festival at Rahway’s Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, visit the gravesite of Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

 

Participating “Four Centuries in a Weekend” sites, alphabetized by municipality:

BERKELEY HEIGHTS
Deserted Village of Feltville-Glenside Park
Littell-Lord Farmstead

CLARK
Dr. William Robinson Plantation-Museum

CRANFORD
Crane-Phillips House Museum

ELIZABETH
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth

HILLSIDE
Evergreen Cemetery
Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum

KENILWORTH
Oswald J. Nitschke House

MOUNTAINSIDE
Deacon Andrew Hetfield House

NEW PROVIDENCE
Salt Box Museum

 

PLAINFIELD
Drake House Museum

RAHWAY
Merchants and Drovers Tavern
Union County Performing Arts Center

ROSELLE
Abraham Clark House

ROSELLE PARK
Roselle Park Museum

SCOTCH PLAINS
Osborn Cannonball House

SPRINGFIELD
Cannon Ball House

SUMMIT
Carter House

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Summit Playhouse
Twin Maples

UNION
Caldwell Parsonage
Liberty Hall Museum

WESTFIELD
Miller-Cory House Museum

For this self-guided journey, free copies of the Historic Sites Tour booklets containing brief descriptions of the sites and illustrated maps can be obtained by contacting the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. NJ Relay Users can call 711. Or E-mail: Culturalinfo@ucnj.org. The contact information is the same for schools and other groups requesting lesson plans and activity kits.

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ELIZABETH—Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan today announced the County has launched its redesigned website offering the public a streamlined site that’s easier to use, with simpler navigation, new content, social networking support, hosting multimedia and interactive features. The website address is www.ucnj.org.

Among the many useful items the website currently or soon will feature are:

• A more intuitive, user friendly web site redesign with a new look and feel.
• A streamlined menu bar with a search feature that simplifies navigation
• Instant surveys for input from residents on services and important issues that matter to them.
• Contact forms that make it easier for residents to communicate to the Board of Chosen Freeholders
• A dedicated Freeholder portal that will present pertinent information on county initiatives, useful links, and press releases.
• A dedicated video channel featuring news, useful information on services, special events, Vintage Views and Freeholder Forum.
• Social Networking Design and Support—including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds which allow citizens to subscribe to news and services, and be notified as soon as information is added.
• Hot Topics section and Calendar that highlights all current and relevant county news and events
• A “How to” feature that provides a list of the most commonly requested site information
• A planned interactive mobile channel strategy that will leverage SMS, and mobile applications.

 

“We created the new Union County web site with our top priority being an informative, useful site for the general public,” said Freeholder Chairman Sullivan. “County staff and Union County-based Web Creations have worked hard over the Summer months to make it easier for people to find information on our new web site. Some input we received about the existing web site was that some information was missing or hard to find. We undertook a major renovation with the goal of making information more complete, and easily accessible. The new site is designed to encourage more citizen participation and allow better access to government.”

Sullivan added the website will also be a positive image of the County that may help attract tourism and economic development as well.

“By making information more accessible online, the number of calls and visits to County offices will be reduced, which reduces costs for the County and the taxpayer,” said Sullivan. “Citizens will be able to find more of what they need online, often saving a trip to County offices, which is especially helpful for residents living in outlying areas or with residents having difficulty traveling.”

Union County’s web site is an extensive resource center serving as a portal for many different County Government services and as a portal to the 21 municipalities of Union County.

The Public Information Department, County Manager’s Office, Parks and Community Renewal Department managed the overall project with its consultant, Web Creations, based in Clark, which is handling redesign, implementation and maintenance.

The redesign process began in June, when personnel began gathering data updating the current website. Search engine deployment, design and site content development took place over the next several months.  The page will continue to undergo changes and updates.

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Four-Mile Run and Family Fun Walk added to day of family activities

 

Union County, NJ – A day of healthy outdoor family activities marks the start of Red Ribbon Week 2010 on Saturday, October 23, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. Supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links and the Union County D.A.R.E. Officers Association, the Red Ribbon Campaign works to prevent substance abuse by bringing families together.

“Family activities offer a supportive environment in which to talk to your children about substance abuse, and it’s never too early to start,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “Even very young children can share their thoughts and feelings about issues that concern their well being.”

Red Ribbon Day is packed with free children’s activities including such favorites as a petting zoo, moonwalks, games, and a helicopter landing. The activities take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A new feature this year is the Red-Ribbon Four Miler. The race will take place on a USATF Certified scenic course with mile splits and water stops. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Early registration (by 10/15) is $18. Registration after 10/15, including race day, is $23. Register online at www.raceforum.com/rr4miler or www.compuscorereg.com.

Another new event this year is the Red Ribbon Family Fun Walk, designed to encourage families to join with children in support of Prevention Links and substance abuse prevention and education.  Funds that are raised will go to Prevention Links, to help substance abuse prevention efforts in Union County.

The walk begins at noon on a flat two-mile course around Nomahegan Park. Registration begins at 11:00 AM. Individual walkers can start a fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/preventionlinks. To set up a fundraising team, visit www.preventionlinks.org/donations. Fundraising awards will be presented to the top Individual Fundraiser, Family Team, and Classroom Team. Walkers and runners will receive T-shirts for participating.

Prevention Links also invites schools and students to participate in the annual “What’s My Anti-Drug” poster contest. The contest is open to all Union County 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Three winners from each grade will be selected to receive a prize and present their winning submission at Red Ribbon Day.

The Red Ribbon Campaign commemorates the life of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while conducting an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer before joining the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. For more information on the Red Ribbon Campaign and all Red Ribbon activities, visit Prevention Links at www.preventionlinks.org, email infor@preventionlinks.org or call (732) 381-4100.

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