News in Brief: John's Meat Market a 'Best Kept Secret'

John's Meat Market was named a top butcher shop in the state, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will host an electronics recycling program next Saturday, the Scotch Plains Public library is holding a free information session on how to transition careers into the green jobs industry, and the county is screening "The Muppet Movie" in Meisel Park in Springfield.

Here are the week's news briefs:

John's Meat Market to be Featured on TV

Scotch Plains' own John's Meat Market will be featured on News 12 New Jersey's segment, "Best Kept Secrets," on Thursday, July 22.

According to owner Vinnie Losavio, a camera crew filmed at the store for three and a half hours last week, recording interviews, analyzing the meat handling process, and taking still shots of the old-fashioned newspaper clippings and pictures on the walls.

"We're one of the only shops left with that antique feel, the old signs, the sawdust on the floor," Losavio said.

Though News 12 New Jersey will feature John's Meat Market as a "best kept secret," many New Jersey residents may already know of the business, as readers of New Jersey Monthly crowned John's as the best butcher in the state in April. In addition to highlighting the shop's top-quality meat , the write-up also took note of the friendly service.

"People love to come in," Losavio said. "We have a customized crew here. We're all very knowledgeable and ready to help out."

Whether you're a regular customer or someone who has passed by the Park Avenue business many times, be sure to check out the segment, which will be played hourly on Thursday.     –Zach Flanzman

Recycle Unwanted Electronics in Scotch Plains July 24

Union County residents can recycle unwanted computers, televisions and other electronic devices next Saturday, July 24, at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools in Scotch Plains. The event, which is free, will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to a press release distributed by the county's Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Electronics can contain high amounts of lead and other toxins. Up to 95 percent of these devices, however, can be recycled in a manner prevents the hazardous heavy metals from leaking into the environment.

Residents are limited to six electronic items per car. Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves and air conditioners, however, will not be accepted. A complete list of the materials that will be accepted is available at the Union County Bureau of Planning and Environmental Conservation website.

Workers at the site will help unload residents' vehicles. Pre-registration is not required. The electronics collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

In addition to the July 24 recycling event, residents can recycle electronic equipment at other times and locations:

Goodwill and Dell have teamed up to recycle computers. Goodwill in Union County is located at 126 Route 22 West, Springfield 07081, next to Macy's Furniture. To learn more, call Goodwill at 973-912-0156 or visit its website.

Best Buy stores now offer electronics recycling, including TVs, computer monitors, DVD players and other consumer electronics. Visit Best Buy's website for store locations, or call 888-237-8289 for information about electronics recycling.

Staples also offers a computer-recycling program seven days a week. For more information, visit the Staples website for store locations.

An alternative drop-off program for recycling electronics equipment is available every Monday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Newtech Recycling, located at 600-A Apgar Drive in Somerset, N.J. To learn more, call Newtech at 732-469-9774.

Visit www.ucnj.org/recycle for more computer and electronics recycling options. For more information about recycling events, please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.     – Alan Neuhauser

Scotch Plains Public Library to Host Information Session on Transitioning to Green Jobs

The Scotch Plains Public Library will hold a green jobs information session next Monday, July 26, according to a press release distributed last week. Scotch Plains residents Diane Chen and Evan Siegel, who work for sustainable energy developers and contractors, will discuss how they launched careers in the green jobs industry.

As part of their talk, the two will provide information on free training resources in New Jersey, networking strategies and how to use previous work experience in the green jobs industry.

The library urges those interested in attending to RSVP on the events page of the library's website, by email or by calling 908-322-5007, ext. 204.     – A.N.

Free Puppet Workshop and Outdoor Screening of 'The Muppet Movie'

The Department of Parks and Community Renewal will host a screening of The Muppet Movie on Tuesday, July 27, in Meisel Park in Springfield. The screening is part of Union County's "Family Flix" summer film series, according to a press release distributed by the county's Board of Chosen Freeholders Tuesday.

The movie will start at dusk. Before the movie, starting at 7:15 p.m., there will be a paper bag puppet-making project for children.

The other dates for the Family Flix free outdoor movies are:

Tuesday, August 3 at Meisel Park in Springfield: singers from The Mystic Vision Players community theatre company of Linden will entertain the audience before "Shrek 2."

Tuesday, August 17 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford: Trailside naturalists will lead a Dusk Stroll in the park to see if evening noises are monsters and aliens or simply bullfrogs and katydids, before the showing of "Monsters vs. Aliens."

Tuesday, August 24 at Nomahegan Park: Watchung Stable staff members will guide lead-line rides on horses for youngsters before the adventure comedy, "Racing Stripes."

All movies start at dusk in nice weather only. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal at 908-527-4900. For rain information in the parks call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m.     – A.N.