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Admission is free. Come out and celebrate with us! Enjoy music, movies, refreshments, giveaways and a cultural celebration

Free concert sponsored by the Commissioner Board in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Please note rescheduled date due to rain in the forecast.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present “Concert in the Park,” a free musical celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring the Hector Morales Salsa Band on Saturday, October 23rd, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. outdoors at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

The first 150 participants will receive a free food voucher for use at the concert.

The free concert caps a month of Hispanic Heritage Month activities sponsored by the Commissioner Board, including the raising of the County’s first ever Hispanic Heritage flag at the County Courthouse in Elizabeth, a family movie night double feature at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, a family fun day at Rahway River Park in Rahway, and a countywide virtual art exhibit.

“The Commissioner Board is proud to support Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage people from all walks of life to unite in the enjoyment of cultural events, in recognition of the leading role of the Hispanic community throughout Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“It is fitting to conclude our series of Hispanic Heritage Month in Union County with music, the great uniter of people all over the world,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “I am proud to be one of almost 200,000 Hispanic residents that make Union County a wonderful place to live, and I welcome this opportunity to share Hispanic culture throughout the community.”

“As a Cuban-American woman, I am proud to work with my colleagues on the Commissioner Board to help foster appreciation for the diverse cultures that contribute so much to the Union County community,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We are all looking forward to a wonderful event.”

In addition to showcasing the Hector Morales Salsa Band, Concert in the Park will feature an awards ceremony recognizing the contributions of three outstanding members of the Hispanic community in Union County: George A. Castro II, owner of the Premier Homes real estate firm in Roselle Park; Juanita Vargas, Vice President of Programs and Operations at United Way of Greater Union County; and Union County Undersheriff Amilcar “Mickey” Colon.

Food trucks will be on site and residents are welcome to bring their own picnic.

Union County residents seeking to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus can use Union County’s free vaccination service, available at the site from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. COVID-19 tests will also be available free of charge to Union County residents.

Flag Raising
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Begins 5:30pm
Union County Courthouse
2 Broad Street, Elizabeth

Family Movie Night
Double Feature:
Ferdinand + In The Heights
Friday, October 1, 2021
Begins 6:00pm
Plainfield High School (Parking Lot)
950 Park Ave, Plainfield

Union County Hispanic Heritage Family Fun Day
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Begins 1:00pm
Rahway River Park (Pool Area)
3 Parkway Drive, Rahway

Union County Hispanic Heritage Concert In The Park
Sunday, October 16 , 2021
Begins 3:00pm
Warinanco Park (Skating Rink Lot)
Roselle

If you have any questions, please contact Nathalie Hernandez at (908) 527-4880

Explore the Unseen Corners of Union County with “Four Centuries in a Weekend,” Oct. 16-17

Union County’s annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. The weekend of activities features special events for all ages at more than 30 historic sites throughout Union County.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend is a Union County tradition that enables residents and visitors to travel through time and learn about the rich history of our community,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This year marks the return of Four Centuries after last year’s hiatus, and we encourage all residents to take this opportunity to explore the many historic treasures we have here in Union County.”

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers at over 30 houses, museums and historic sites. The two-day free event opens the doors to more than 370 years of history throughout the county.

Visitors will be able to stop by a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, unique houses and museums, special exhibitions, and more.

This year, Four Centuries welcomes several new sites including the Wallace Chapel on Broad Street in Summit. Wallace Chapel is known for its role as the home of the Reverend Florence Spearing Randolph, a 20^th century activist and one of the first women in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church denomination to be ordained as a deacon and elder. Florence Spearing Randolph served on the executive board of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association and was founder and president of the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.

This year, Four Centuries will also feature the 100th anniversary of the Union County Parks system will be featured during the weekend, along with special programs including:

• Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights. Visitors will be given a special tour led by none other than “David Felt” himself, founder of Feltville in the mid-1800’s. There will be apple cider pressing, games and archeological activities for children, and visits to a classic general store.
• William Miller Sperry Observatory in Cranford. Visitors will get to tour the observatory and learn about its long history. On Sunday, October 17 there will be an outdoor solar observation event, weather permitting.
• Boxwood Hall State Historic Site in Elizabeth. Visitors will be given guided tours of this elegant 18th-century home, where George Washington dined while en route to his inauguration as President. Learn about famous, infamous, and should-be-famous people who are connected with this historic site.
• Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth. Visitors will receive guided tours of the circa-1880 house, restored and furnished in late 19th-/early 20th-century style, as well as its teaching gardens with heirloom flowers, vegetables and herbs. There will also be a Living History program, “Persevering Through Times of Triumph and Tribulation (1917-1921)” focused on World War I, Prohibition and Women’s Suffrage.
• African American History & Heritage Learning Center of Rahway. Visitors to the Learning Center will take part in an oral history event and tour, presented in partnership with the Ebenezer A.M.E. Congregation and the Rahway Community. Rod’s Fish & Chips will be present with a food truck and there will be family-oriented games and prizes. The Learning Center will only be open Saturday, October 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Liberty Hall Museum in Union, part of and within the campus of Kean University. Visitors to this historic mansion will be touring the home of a Founding Father of the United States of America, a place where generations of the well-known Livingston and Kean families welcomed distinguished guests such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ulysses S. Grant and others. There will also be self-guided tours of the arboretum, gardens and grounds.
• Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield. Visitors will be able to step back into Colonial times and witness open-hearth cooking demonstrations, as cooks work in the kitchen using herbs and seasonal vegetables to make authentic 18th-century recipes. On Sunday, cooks will “fire up” the beehive oven to bake delectable colonial treats including bread, muffins and biscuits, while none other than “George Washington” himself will be present.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

“Trailside Talks” Returns to Trailside Nature and Science Center

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes back adults and high school seniors to participate in outdoor nature talks at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside this fall.

“The popular Trailside Talks series is back, offering outdoor opportunities to learn and connect with the beautiful fall landscape of the Watchung Reservation”, said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each talk is led by a Trailside naturalist, instructing in the context of the Watchung Reservation landscape. A variety of warblers and hawks fly through or over the Watchung Reservation during their autumn migration. Drawing on this environment for inspiration, on Saturday, October 9, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. a talk on Passing Passerine Photography will be offered. Bring your camera and use your favorite camera lenses to enjoy a bird-focused photo tour of select sections of the Watchung Reservation. Rain Date: Sunday, October 10.

On Saturday, November 13 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. the talk will focus on Threatened Species of the Watchung Reservation. New Jersey is home to many extraordinary forms of wildlife, some of which call the Watchung Reservation home. However, some of these animals have begun to disappear in recent years. The talk will highlight these species, with an attempt to find a few in the Reservation. Rain or Shine

Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column). The fee is $10 per person for Union County residents and $12 per person for Non-County residents.

Program will be held all outdoors. Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

For more information about the Trailside Talks, outdoor nature activities for families, children and seniors hosted by Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

Great Pumpkin Sail Tickets to Go on Sale, October 4.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s Great Pumpkin Sail at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside will go on sale at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 4. Tickets will be available online only at ucnj.org/reserve.

 “The Great Pumpkin Sail is an entertaining tradition here in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please bring your own jack-o-lanterns and join us as we illuminate Echo Lake with pumpkins.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail will take place on November 1 with three sessions scheduled. The first session will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the second session will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the third session will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for this event are sold on a per-family basis. One ticket will cover up to six family members.

Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a limit of two tickets per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents, and $16 per ticket for out-of-county residents. Please purchase only one ticket per family of six.

Please note that each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.

Space is limited; attendees are advised to purchase tickets early.

Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.

In case of bad weather, the rain date will be November 3^rd.

For further information, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.

Sensory Friendly Theatre Returns to Union County

The Union County Board County Commissioners invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Commissioner Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“Sensory Friendly Theater provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances in a beautiful theatre, while providing a relaxed, judgement-free environment. We are delighted to welcome the series back to Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 2021 Sensory Friendly Theatre series kicks off on Sunday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m. with the interactive “Bubble Trouble” show presented by the Master of Bubbles himself, Jeff Boyer.

On Sunday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre will bring the beloved ballet classic The Nutcracker, to the Union County community, performed by the American Repertory Ballet.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of Chairman Mirabella. It follows guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

During each of the Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

COVID-19 prevention rules are in effect at the venue and may be viewed online at ucpac.org/covid-19.

Register for Fall Family Fun at Trailside Nature and Science Center

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy the beautiful autumn season in the Watchung Reservation with a variety of outdoor programs offered by Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside’s programs offer families a wonderful opportunity to spend time together outdoors and reconnect with the natural world around us,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Adults with children age four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, which are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., beginning October 5. Participants will discover animal homes and hideouts, explore all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk and search for monarch butterflies.

The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents. Other topics include snakes & turtles, backyard birds, senses, seeds and mammals.

Back to Nature, a series of walks in the Watchung Reservation for families, will resume on October 9, while moonlit family hikes will occur on October 21 and November 18. Programs are open to families with children ages four and older.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Families will learn to identify birds by color and sound, experience the life of the Lenape Native Americans and search for animal tracks on a fall hike.  Other topics include bats and animal tracks.

The fee per program is $5 for Union County residents and $6 for non-county residents.

A Hunter’s Moon Hike will take place on October 21 and a Frost Moon Hike will take place on November 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

Union County Offers “Grab and Go” Meals at Senior Centers

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that box-lunch meals for pick-up will once again be available to seniors through the “Grab & Go” nutrition program. A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal.

The program had been suspended temporarily after Tropical Storm Ida struck the area last month.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to get this popular program back on its feet after the storm,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We developed Grab & Go to provide seniors with a contact-free meal option during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then it has become a mainstay of our nutrition services for seniors.”

The Grab & Go program is administered by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the Department of Human Services. It is offered to Union County residents age 60 and up, who are not receiving home delivered meals from Meals on Wheels.

The program is available through 19 local senior centers and senior housing sites throughout Union County.

Eligible seniors can come to any of these sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of approximately 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. to pick up a lunch.  No reservations are required. Meals will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis due to limited supplies. 

Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing maintained, in order to pick up a lunch.

Any eligible senior can use the Grab and Go program at any of the following senior centers:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
• Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

The Grab and Go program is designed to allow for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older. 

Free Series of Guided Nature Walks for Seniors Returns at Trailside Nature and Science Center

The Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes back seniors age 55 and up to participate in a series of free guided walks at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside this fall.

Located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, the series will take place every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning October 8.

“These guided walks offer an excellent opportunity for senior residents to take part in an outdoor activity while enjoying the beautiful autumn season of the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic, including Reptile Ramble, Migratory Birds, a Fall Nature Walk, Plant This, Not That, Ecosystem Invaders, a Deserted Village Tour, Lenape Native Americans and an Early Winter Walk.

Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

The Sensory Friendly Trail first opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination. It winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired. It also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

For more information about the guided walks for seniors, online nature activities and other activities for families and children hosted by Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

Community Science Project Invites Union County Residents to Document Biodiversity of Rain Gardens

Union County residents of all ages can become community scientists by identifying and photographing butterflies, birds, and other wildlife for the “Rain Gardens of Union County” project. The project is being run through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

“The Rain Gardens of Union County project is a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to help demonstrate how rain gardens can help attract and preserve pollinators and other wildlife in the urban and suburban environment. We hope the experience inspires the installation of additional rain gardens in our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Rain gardens are attractive, low maintenance garden areas that are specially designed to help reduce flooding and pollution in local waterways. They capture and filter rainwater and snowmelt that would otherwise flow into the street from driveways, rooftops and other hard surfaces.

When planted with native species, rain gardens also attract bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

Approximately 30 rain gardens have been installed throughout Union County. Many are located on the grounds of public buildings and other locations accessible to the public, including several in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, by the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Residents who are interested in joining the rain garden documentation project can find complete instructions online at the “Rain Gardens of Union County” page on the Rutgers NJAES website, at njaes.rutgers.edu/rain-garden-biodiversity. The page includes a Google map showing the location of local rain gardens.

Starting on July 1, a patch will be available to Girl Scouts who participate in this project from the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. For more information about the GSHNJ Guardian of the Rain Garden project, visit gshnj.org or contact GSHNJ at info@gshnj.org or 908-518-4400.

For additional information, contact Michele Bakacs, Rutgers NJAES Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent, at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

OUT in Union County

A virtual hour-long conversation with some of New Jersey’s dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies. QUEER EMPOWERMENT HOUR will explore LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences. All are welcome! Come with an open mind, leave with a new understanding. Each conversation will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. Click each link below to pre-register. The QUEER EMPOWERMENT HOURS will be held via the Zoom platform and live streamed on the County of Union’s Facebook page.

Jun 9
The History of PRIDE | how Pride came to be & where we are now

Jul 14
Love Makes a Family | hear from people all of different family structures

Aug 11
LGBTQ+ Elders | get to know the experiences from multiple generations

Sep 8
Faith & LGBTQ+ | queer inclusion throughout different houses of worship

Oct 13
Coming Out | celebrate coming out & share experiences

Nov 10
Trans Youth | learn how to be an ally to transgender & nonbinary youth

Dec 8
Queer Sex Ed | Healthcare & STI prevention/awareness

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