Covid-19
Recycling Events
Polish Heritage Flag Raising

2023 Hispanic Heritage Month
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The Union County Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Study is looking for new potential locations for Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers
The Study anticipates the expansion of the charging network so owning an EV will be as convenient as having a gas-powered vehicle and this means having a charging network spread over the County
Join the Master Tree Stewards of Union County
Learn how to help the environment and teach about the importance of trees – no experience necessary.
Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.”
Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4th-grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.
Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County park
Volunteering in Union County Parks is Easier than Ever

Each year, hundreds of community volunteers fan out through Union County parks to clean up litter, clear debris, repair trails and improve natural habitats. Now volunteering is easier than ever before, thanks to free tools and other assistance provided by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Recycling.
“We are very grateful for the many individuals, environmental groups, Scouts, schools, businesses and other organizations that dedicate their time and energy to help keep our parks beautiful and welcoming, year in and year out,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “By coordinating the resources of our Parks and Recycling offices, we aim to make organizing a volunteer project easy and hassle-free for everyone.”
The Union County parks system hosts four main types of volunteer programs:
Adopt-a-Park: Beautification and restoration projects including clearing litter and debris, restoring native plants and removing invasive plants.
Adopt-a-Trail/Trail Stewards: Help remove encroaching vegetation from trails and paved pathways; help repair eroded sections and clear debris from culverts.
Chainsaw Crew: Help remove fallen trees from trails and paths (training required to participate).
Clean Communities: This program focuses on litter cleanups with support from the statewide Clean Communities program. Organizers only need to bring themselves and their volunteers. Work gloves, litter grabbers and bags are all provided free of charge.
Individuals or groups that are interested in organizing a volunteer project in any of these four areas can contact the Department of Parks and Recreation by email at park.env.services@ucnj.org to start the process.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/07/14/volunteering-in-union-county-parks-is-easier-than-ever/
Senior Services – Just “ASK” information kiosk

Residents seeking information about services for seniors and their care givers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.
ASK is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their care givers. Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed.
Visit ucnj.org/aging for upoming dates.
Full Time Emergency Medical Technicians
Job benefits include free training opportunities and HazMat cross-training through the Union County Fire/EMS Academy.
Union County has full time job openings for certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The full-time benefits package includes free career development through the Union County Fire/EMS academy.
All applicants must be residents of Union County.
“We are very proud of our EMTs, who work to meet the daily needs and extraordinary demands for life saving services in our community. We are looking forward to meeting the newest members of our emergency services team,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/04/26/union-county-is-hiring-full-time-emergency-medical-technicians-apply-today/
Union County Host Donation Drive for the people of Ukraine

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has uprooted families, injured citizens, and left thousands of Ukrainian refugees without access to basic necessities. To date, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, many leaving behind necessary supplies.
To support individuals in need, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office have partnered to organize a county-wide donation drive for the people of Ukraine.
Beginning today, a donation box will be available in the lobby of Union County law enforcement agencies, twenty-four locations in all. Members of the public are invited to bring donations of first aid supplies, toiletries, flashlights, blankets, batteries, clothing, shoes, diapers, formula, and more. The program will run for the foreseeable future, as long as continued aid is needed. This donation drive is made possible through a partnership with law enforcement and local Polish and Ukrainian organizations.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/03/15/union-county-to-host-donation-drive-for-people-of-ukraine/
Cultural Events Around the County
Oct. 2
7 pm
MUSIC & THEATRE (FREE)
OctoberFest
Celebrate the season of “OctoberFest,” with this interactive program celebrating German heritage, presented by Richard Stillman. Enjoy songs sung in German and English, traditional dancing and the playing of varied musical instruments.
FREE
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451
kenilworthlibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible building via the library parking lot.
Oct. 5
7 pm
DANCE/THEATRE – FREE event
Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre
Enjoy a performance by Alborada Spanish Dance, presenting traditional music from Spain, along with dance from Spain, Ecuador and Mexico.
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451
www.kenilworthlibrary.org
Wheelchair-accessible via entrance at the back of the library.
Oct. 13–15, Oct. 20–22, Oct. 27–28
8 pm on Fri/Sat evenings, 2 pm on Sundays
THEATRE
The Minutes – a new play by Tracy Letts
From the acclaimed playwright of August: Osage County, this scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real-world power, exposes the ugliness behind some of our most closely-held American narratives, while asking each of us what we would do to keep from becoming history’s losers.
Tickets $25. ($20 for seniors and students under 18)
summitplayhouse.org
Summit Playhouse
10 New England Ave., Summit
908-273-2192
For more info, contact summitplayhouseinfo@gmail.com
Wheelchair-accessible venue. Wheelchair-reserved parking available. Email ahead to request large-print programs.
Oct. 21
2 pm
THEATRE (FREE event)
Two By Two: Short works by two members of the Playwrights Workshop
New Jersey’s own Theater Project presents original works, followed by a lively question-and-answer session with the audience, director, playwright, and cast. “Two By Two” will feature readings of: LOW KEY by Nick DeMarco; and REVOLUTIONS by Gail Lou, with music by Shawn Lucas and lyrics by Gail Lou.
Free – No registration needed.
Cranford Community Center, 2nd floor AV Room
220 Walnut Ave., Cranford
908-709-7272
Venue is fully ADA compliant, including ramps and elevator. To request large-print programs, please contact Library Director Kathy by Oct. 14.
Oct. 21–22
12–5 pm both days
HISTORY TOURS (FREE)
Four Centuries in a Weekend
Tour the historic sites of Union County, including many special activities and exhibits. During this annual weekend event, more than 30 historic sites are open to the public – free of charge.
Events include docent-led tours, craft demonstrations and activities, live music, children’s games, and more. Get your Union County Passport booklet stamped. At select sites, get your National Parks Passport book stamped too.
The Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs
908-558-2550
Oct. 29
3 pm
JAZZ CONCERT
Cyrus Chestnut in Concert
Celebrates its 40th season, Afternoon Music presents a jazz concert by legendary pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Blending his roots in gospel music with a multitude of other genres, including the blues and pop, Cyrus Chestnut has made over 100 recordings. His latest album, My Father’s Hands, was #1 on the Jazz Week charts for six weeks. Cyrus has performed around the world as a soloist and a leader of his own trio, after starting as a sideman for luminaries such as Chick Corea and Betty Carter.
Tickets: $25 online, $30 at the door. Free for students under 18 or with valid ID.
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation – A Jewel of a Hall
4 Waldron Ave., Summit
908-248-2772
Tickets can be purchased here.
Learn more at afternoonmusic.org