Weekend Bulletin Board: Police Drunk Driving Crackdown, MusicFest Sponsors Enjoy VIP Access

This week officials sent out alerts about a townwide drunk driving crackdown and a countywide effort to stop gang violence.

In addition to these alerts, county officials announced community programs offered this fall, including a hands-on chemistry program and VIP amenities for MusicFest sponsors.

Town Briefs

Police Perform Drunk Driving Enforcement Crackdown

Starting yesterday, the Cranford Police Department is cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the summer 2010 "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" campaign until Sept. 6, according to a CPPD press release.

  The department recently received a $4,400 grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to cover overtime enforcement costs during this two-week campaign.

It's not just Cranford, but a national effort that aims to help raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and education tools like posters, banners and video display signs.

County Briefs

Christopher's Program Takes Aim at Gang Violence

After partnering with the New Jersey Superior Court, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders introduced Christopher's Program, "an intensive effort to help prevent gang violence," according to an Aug. 12 UCBCF press release.  

Christopher's Program provide tools for youth to help them avoid gangs – and prevent their further involvement in the judicial system. The sessions focus on youth violence, gangs, and adolescent issues. It also includes sessions focusing on educational and professional development for community groups, public safety agencies, schools, and other stakeholders. 

 "The methodology includes audio-visual and multimedia formats that promote key skills including listening, communication, introspection and goal setting," according to the press release.

Youths attend two days per week in six-week cycles. The cycles are scheduled at three locations in Union County, affording all youth the opportunity to participate.  Participants are mainly referred from the Family Part of the New Jersey Superior Court, according to the press release. In addition, the Union County Department of Human Services  seeks referrals by reaching out to local service agencies, police departments, school districts and religious institutions.

According to the press release, "Christopher's Program has already gained recognition for its potential impact in Union County,"  evidenced by its nomination for the 2010 Community Change Project.

For more information contact Bonnie Hermann, Union County Department of Human Services, 908-527-4808 or bherrmann@ucnj.org.

Community Programs

Chemistry Students to Conduct Unique Experiments at Trailside

Create slime and melt metal.

Those aren't superhero abilities. That's just a sample of some class experiments students at Trailside Nature & Science Center  will take part in this coming fall for the "Crazy Chemworks" program, according to a Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders press release. 

Geared toward students in grades 1 through 5, this program will run on six consecutive Wednesdays from 3:45-4:45 p.m. beginning October 13 and ending November 17. 

The six sessions cost $109 per child and registration begins Sept. 1. For more information call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.

County Offers MusicFest Sponsorships 

Individuals can join as sponsors for the first time, available through the Union County Performing Arts Center, according to a Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders press release.

The "Friends of MusicFest" sponsorships are available at $150 per person for one day and $250 for the weekend. In return, individuals receive access to a MusicFest VIP stage viewing area, a tented comfort lounge complete with televisions, wifi  access and rest rooms. Sponsors will also be treated to free afternoon barbeque and drinks, unlimited carnival rides and choice VIP parking.

The band Train is headlining this 13th annual open air music festival and carnival on Saturday while Spoon is headlining this event on Sunday. See the full list of attending bands. The festival runs from Sept. 9 through Sept. 12. For all event details visit www.ucmusicfest.com.