Category: Public Info

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce an exciting line-up of programs for families at Trailside Nature & Science Center during the Presidents’ Day Holiday weekend.

“February Festivities,” held from Thursday, Feb. 17 through Tuesday, Feb. 22, will include numerous types of programs, as well as a special matinee on Monday, Feb. 21: “Up, Up and Away with Mad Science of West New Jersey.” All programs are recommended for families with children ages 5 and up. Pre-registration is required for all programs, unless otherwise noted.

“The programs at Trailside during February Festivities promise to entertain and educate, while offering families an opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of Watchung Reservation during the winter,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Whether it’s a fascinating lecture, a hike in the woods or an action packed matinee, there is sure to be something for everyone.”

Kicking off the weekend on Thursday, Feb. 17, from 7:00-8:00 p.m., is a compelling lecture, “All about Owls,” presented by Lauren Butcher of the Raptor Trust. The audience will get an in-depth look at the lives of these mysterious birds and learn about the special adaptations that make owls such effective hunters. The audience will get to meet one of the center’s non-releasable avian ambassadors, while learning about the eight species of owls that live in New Jersey. The fee for this lecture is $8 per person for in-county residents and $10 for out-of-county residents.

Families will certainly enjoy seeing how 100 percent real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree in “The Journey from Sap to Syrup” on Saturday, Feb. 19 and Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 21. Participants will learn what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if they can identify the real thing.

During “Nature’s Scavenger Hunt” on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., families will use Trailside’s state-of-the-art exhibits to answer questions about plants, animals and the natural history of the Watchung Reservation. Participants will discover what “Nomahegan” means in the Lenape language and many other fascinating facts.

There are plenty of opportunities throughout the weekend for families to enjoy the outdoors with interactive programs that will heighten your awareness of the natural world during the winter. On Saturday, Feb. 19, and Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., families will learn the difference between a land tortoise and a water turtle, and investigate the similarities and differences of reptiles during an exciting adventure into the world of “Snakes & Turtles of NJ.” Participants can hold turtle shells and feel a shed snake skin and meet live snakes and turtles from Trailside’s collection.

Another highlight of the weekend is the matinee, “Up, Up and Away with Mad Science of West NJ,” presented on Monday, Feb. 21, from 1:30 -2:15 p.m. The audience will be captivated by eye-popping demonstrations and experiments that show how exciting science can be. This matinee will allow plenty of hands-on audience participation and will offer plenty of excitement as they learn about the three states of matter; air pressure; a hot air balloon; the Mad Science Hovercraft; the Big Sneeze demonstration; and so much more. This matinee is recommended for children, ages 4 and up and the fee is $4 per person. Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21 at the Trailside Visitor Center.

On Monday, Feb. 21, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., families also can take a short walk outdoors to look for feathered friends in “Feed the Birds” and find out how birds cope during the cold winter months. Participants will visit the Bird Viewing Area and help the naturalist fill the feeders and make a bird feeder to take home.

“February Festivities” will conclude on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with “A Walk in Winter.” From 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., join a naturalist on a hike outdoors to look for deer paths, rabbit tracks and other animal signs. Participants will learn the many survival skills used by plants and animals during the winter. The hike will end around a warm campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

For more information on the programs offered during February Festivities or on any other upcoming events, call 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.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.

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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 https://ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

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Union County, NJ – Find out the whole truth about chocolate at an informative, interactive class offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County called “Is Chocolate the New Health Food?” The class will be held on Thursday, February 17, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Extension offices in Westfield. The class includes tastings and recipes. Registration in advance is required by contacting Digna Torres at the Extension, 908-654-9854 or dtorres@ucnj.org.  A $5.00 fee for supplies will be collected at the door.

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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

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak (L) presents a check to Union Mayor Joseph Florio from the Union County Recycling Enhancement Grant Program. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders distributed a total of $150,000 in grants to all 21 municipalities for new initiatives that increase and improve recycling programs. (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 Freeholder Christopher Hudak (L) presents a check to Westfield Town Engineer Kris McAloon from the Union County Recycling Enhancement Grant Program. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders distributed a total of $150,000 in grants to all 21 municipalities for new initiatives that increase and improve recycling programs. (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

Rahway, NJ (January 25, 2011) – After 20 years as Mayor of Rahway, NJ, James Kennedy, has been named Executive Director of the Union County Performing Arts Center.

“The appointment of James Kennedy to the position of Executive Direct is just one of the many forward-thinking changes happening at the UC PAC,” said Nancy Saliga, UC PAC Vice President and Rahway City Councilmember-at-large. “His visionary approach to running and propelling Rahway forward will be a great asset to the future of our historic organization.”

“I decided not to seek re-election for Mayor in 2011,” said Kennedy. “For several years I have been building the town through a focus on the arts and now I want to spend my time and energy taking the Rahway Arts District to the next level. The Union County PAC plays a vital role in the economic stimulus of Rahway and the Rahway Arts District. Directing the cornerstone of our Rahway Arts District is one way that I’ll continue my work to enhance and develop Rahway as a great city in New Jersey. It’s an exciting change and I look forward to seeing big results at the UC PAC.”

“These are challenging times for New Jersey arts. There is tremendous energy and excitement at the UC PAC to take this opportunity to make our Performing Arts Center a vibrant and vital part of New Jersey’s arts landscape. It’s important for the community and it’s critical to sustain economic growth,” Kennedy said.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is a living landmark. The theater is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places and is now operating as a multi-purpose venue for the performing arts. In recent years, the historic landmark has undergone major changes, including a $6 million renovation Sponsored by the Union County Board of chosen Freeholders through the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Built in 1928, this vaudeville-era theatre’s restorations have brought back both architectural and stylistic qualities of that time.

The momentum of changes at the Union County Performing Arts Center comes at all levels of the organization, with shifts in the Board of Trustees leadership as well. After 3 years as President, Richard Stender will be passing the baton to Lorenzo Rizzi this month. Rizzi is the Business Manager for Covanta Energy in Rahway. As a Business Management Professional with an MBA from NYU and fifteen years experience, Rizzi demonstrates leadership, strong proficiency in business development, finance and marketing.

“Kennedy comes to us with vision, passion and very specific new ideas. These characteristics certainly have the potential to raise the bar for our organization in ways that will be beneficial to the entire community,” said Stender. “I look forward to seeing what will come next for the UC PAC!”

ABOUT UC PAC: The Union County Performing Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation operating in the historic Rahway Theatre. Enjoying a prime location in Union County, UC PAC is dedicated to making this landmark theatre your choice for the performing arts – for education, inspiration and entertainment. Located within walking distance of the NJ Transit Rahway Station, UC PAC is the cornerstone of the emergent Rahway Arts District. With 1,300 seats, the UC PAC is one of the largest theatres in Union County.

Visit the Union County Performing Arts Center online at www.ucpac.org

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today distributed a total of $150,000 in grants to all 21 municipalities for new initiatives that increase and improve recycling programs, under the Union County Recycling Enhancement Grant Program.

“These grants represent an important investment in the recycling capabilities of Union County municipalities. Aside from its role in conserving resources, recycling helps to reduce municipal waste disposal costs,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah P. Scanlon.

The grants are designed to enhance current recycling programs, so many of the municipalities will use them to purchase basic equipment such as trailers for electronic waste, recycling containers, and “igloos” for used oil. Others will enhance their public education programs, or expand the hours of operation at their recycling facilities.

In addition to assisting municipalities with grants, the Freeholder Board has introduced three new recycling initiatives that will help boost recycling rates in Union County.

First, the Union County Recycling Markets Directory has been updated and expanded. This online directory lists local recyclers that handle everything from asphalt, clothing and carpets to wood pallets and x-rays.

Since its first edition in 2007, The Directory has been a popular resource for businesses and residents. The 2011 edition includes new listings and more items. It is available online in pdf form at www.ucnj.org/recycling.

Second, the County is undertaking an audit its major facilities to ensure that they can achieve their best potential for recycling.

“We expect this audit to result in useful recommendations, and we expect to share any information that could be of use to municipalities that are seeking to improve recycling their facilities,” said Scanlon.

Third, Union County is offering each of the 21 municipalities a free review of their Annual Tonnage Report. The Tonnage Report is a document that municipalities submit to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in order to receive state recycling grants.

The free review will alert municipalities to any missed opportunities or omissions in their Tonnage Reports, in order help them receive the maximum grant to which they are entitled.

The Recycling Enhancements Grants for each town are:

• Berkeley Heights $6,000
• Clark $2,600
• Cranford $7,500
• Elizabeth $20,000
• Fanwood $3,000
• Garwood $3,000
• Hillside $7,500
• Kenilworth $3,000
• Linden $10,000
• Mountainside $3,000
• New Providence $6,000
• Plainfield $10,000
• Rahway $7,500
• Roselle Park $6,000
• Scotch Plains $7,500
• Springfield $6,000
• Summit $7,500
• Union $12,500
• Westfield $7,500
• Winfield $3,000

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Mountainside NJ – Children entering the 3rd & 4th grades enjoyed the “Trailside Treks” camp which took daily hiking explorations through the Watchung Reservation with senior park naturalist Joe Filo, naturalist Leslie Whitty and assistant Simone Smith. Campers are pictured in front of the General Store in the Deserted Village of Feltville.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to announce a new and exciting season of summer camps and family programs at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside summer programs offer the perfect opportunity for adults and children to explore the outdoors while learning about nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Each Trailside camp is filled with hands-on educational activities that encourage a child’s natural curiosity. Theme hikes, games and crafts are all part of the Trailside experience.”

Due to the popularity of Trailside’s summer programs, a lottery system will be used beginning Saturday, Feb. 12 and continuing through Friday, Feb. 25, or until all numbers are drawn. Union County residents may visit Trailside to draw a lottery number from noon – 5 p.m. daily. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, will be required to draw a number; only one number may be drawn per family/address. Registrants must pick their own lottery ticket for their family and each registrant’s name, address, lottery number and arrival time will be recorded when the lottery number is chosen. The number drawn will indicate the registrant’s position on line and the time of arrival for registration day, scheduled for Saturday, March 5.

Summer registration for Union County residents who have drawn a lottery ticket will begin at 8:00 a.m. on March 5. Registrants must bring their ticket with them to register and must be present when their number is called or their position in line will be forfeited. Each ticket holder may only register their child/family. If a registrant arrives after their number is called, but within their designated registration hour indicated on their lottery ticket, they may register at the end of the one-hour time block. If the registrant misses their one hour time block entirely, they may return at 4:30 p.m. to register. No exceptions will be made.

Registration for out-of-county participants will begin Monday, March 7, from noon – 4:45 p.m. Lottery tickets will not be required and registration will continue until all programs are filled.

Children, ages 4-5 can investigate popular topics like dinosaurs, Native Americans, turtles, birds, and kitchen chemistry in several half-day camp programs. Half-day and full-day camps are offered to children entering the first through ninth grade.

Children entering first and second grades will delight to travel “Around the World in Five Days” to learn about wildlife inhabiting five different continents, or they can use their imaginations to find out about “Mythical Creatures of Fields and Forests.” The “Junior Naturalist” program allows children entering the third and fourth grades an opportunity to learn about wetlands; while “Trailside Treks” will teach them to navigate the many hiking trails in the Watchung Reservation with a map and compass.

Visiting Sandy Hook to collect and identify fish, crabs, snails and other ocean creatures is a highlight of the “Ocean Wonders” camp for children entering fifth and sixth grades. Children entering seventh through ninth grades will have fun learning about various natural habitats in the Watchung Reservation in “Nature Treks.”

Family and evening programs provide an excellent opportunity for parents with children of all ages to enjoy the scenic Watchung Reservation. Evening theme hikes, campfires with sing-alongs, scavenger hunts and an overnight campout for beginner campers are just a sample of the numerous activities that families can look forward to this summer at Trailside.

For a description of Trailside’s 2011 Summer Camps, including registration procedures, please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit us on the web at www.ucnj.org/trailside Summer brochures and registration cards will be distributed during the February lottery. 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.

The Union County Baseball Association will induct three new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame during award ceremonies on Sunday afternoon, February 13. The three inductees will be honored for their outstanding contributions to our national pastime on the baseball diamonds of Union County, New Jersey.

Robert Brewster of Westfield High School, Jack Byrnes of Union Catholic High School and American Legion Baseball, and Brian Sheekey of Roselle Catholic High School will be honored with induction into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame at the 75th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Feb. 13, which begins at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, Mountainside. The dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association, in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal.

The special honoree at this year’s awards dinner will be James L. Iozzi of Scotch Plains, the long-time president of the Union County Baseball Association.

“We’re delighted to honor Jim Iozzi for his many years of dedication to the young ballplayers of Union County and to welcome three extremely deserving new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “We hope that family members and friends of all the honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”

In addition to the new Hall of Fame inductees, the Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor young athletes from local baseball leagues for their achievements in 2010.

Tickets for the dinner are $40.00, with proceeds going to help fund the Union County Summer Youth Baseball League for youngsters 8 to 15 years, and the Fall Teen League.

Since 1937, the Hot Stove League Dinner has been the primary fund-raising effort for the Union County Baseball Association’s summer and fall programs. Over the years, the awards dinner has honored many local and national baseball luminaries – including Phil Rizzuto of Hillside, Don Newcombe of Elizabeth, Joe Collins of Union, Jeff Torborg of Mountainside, Willie Wilson of Summit, Jake Wood of Elizabeth, and Elliott Maddox of Union.

Tickets for the 75th Annual Union County Baseball Association Hot Stove League Dinner on Feb. 13th are available for $40 and may be obtained by calling (908) 789-3686.

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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 at http://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon (C) and (from left) Freeholders Christopher Hudak, Bette Jane Kowalski and Daniel Sullivan present a check from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to the 2011 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade General Chairwoman Marylou Lenahan (3rd R), Adjutant Kathryn Noonan-Rotando and Grand Marshal David Bell at the parade committee’s Celebrity Bartenders party in Kenilworth. The 2011 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com (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

No injuries or accidents reported, horses all safe,
state roadway closed for a half hour before 9 a.m.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ—Union County employees this morning implemented a fast and safe rescue of 18 horses who became panicked by a seemingly random occurrence, broke through a locked gate at the Watchung Stable, and galloped onto Route 22 West in Mountainside off Summit Road.

No one was injured and there were no traffic accidents. The horses–all County owned—are in good condition and are all safely back at the stable. The incident caused a half-hour shutdown before 9 a.m. of a half-mile of roadway on Route 22 in both eastbound and westbound lanes, stretching from Summit Road to Evergreen Court in Mountainside, County Police reported.

“This was an incident that —thanks to the calm and concerted efforts of our County workers—ended without accident and injury to civilians or our horses,” said Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, who monitors events at the stable. “All involved in the rescue—Parks, Stable, County Police, Emergency Management and surrounding municipal police departments— did a great job.”

County Manager George W. Devanney agreed.

“An extraordinary effort and outstanding coordination brought about a happy and safe ending,” Devanney added.

County Police Chief Daniel Vaniska said the incident that caused the horses to become frightened and burst through a locked gate appears to be an unknown but likely, random occurrence. He did note that it was the first time in recent memory that so many horses had escaped at one time during the nearly 80-year history of the County-operated Stable.

The horses fortuitously turned westbound in their sprint onto Route 22 West from Summit Road and never jumped over the median to the eastbound side. In all, they were free for approximately a half hour before roundup could be fully executed.

According to County authorities, some unknown incident caused 18 of 20 horses who were enjoying their normal morning outdoor time in the fenced paddocks area to become frightened, and burst through a locked gate around 8:15 a.m.

Fast-acting Stable employees immediately called County police who assisted them as they coordinated a dramatic rescue of the frightened horses who had quickly galloped their way in a pack from the paddock onto the main road, Summit Lane in the Watchung Reservation.

The horses turned left on Summit Lane, and then made a right at Summit Road, which leads directly to Route 22 West from the Reservation. The horses galloped about 2 miles from home before round up could peacefully start around 8:45 a.m.

The horses, reportedly among the elders at the stable, were rounded up in three groups and quietly walked back home by 9 a.m. They were wrapped with fresh blankets and dried off. They have been checked by a veterinarian, and it appears they are all ok, Parks Director Alfred Faella reported.

Located in the Mountainside section of the Watchung Reservation, the Watchung Stable has been owned and operated by the County of Union since 1933. Its goal is to provide the opportunity to learn how to ride, enhance equestrian skills or just enjoy the natural beauty of the 26 miles of bridle paths that weave through the Reservation, a 2,000-acre forest preserve.

The Watchung Stable complex consists of a main barn which houses more than 90 County and privately owned horses, four riding rings, and a show ring. In addition, this state-of-the-art, barrier-free facility includes an isolation barn, numerous paddocks, hay and straw storage area and an equipment garage.

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