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Union County Presents Drive-Up Movie, “Home Alone,” in Scotch Plains on December 3

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the latest in their series of free drive-up movies. “Home Alone”, will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 3, at the Union County Vocational-Technical School campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, December 4.

Tickets will become available on Monday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m. and can be reserved by visiting https://ucnj.org/reserve. Pre-registration is required for this event and it is open to Union County residents only.

“The County Commissioners are pleased to provide an opportunity for Union County families to come together for a fun evening,” said County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to come out and enjoy this holiday classic.”

All drive-up movies are open to Union County residents only and require pre-registration. One registration is required per car. The parking lot will open at 5:30 P.M. the day of the show. Due to space limitations, reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

To observe social distancing during drive-up movies, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

The Best Model Train Show in Union County is Back!

A favorite Union County family tradition returns with tours, demonstrations and holiday fun when The Model Railroad Club opens to the public for a new Train Show and Open House series over three consecutive weekends, beginning on November 26 and ending on December 12.

The shows will take place at the Railroad Club’s fully equipped facility and workshop, the A. Paul Mallory Model Railroad Center, located at 295 Jefferson Avenue in Union Township behind the Home Depot off Route 22 East. Visitors arriving from Route 22 East can follow the signs through the Home Depot parking lot to the Railroad Center.

“Sharing the holiday season with the Model Railroad Club has been a favorite tradition for   families and children throughout Union County and beyond,” said Union County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is been a proud supporter of The Model Railroad Club and we are looking forward to another great year.”

The 2021 Train Show and Open House will showcase special train operations that traverse the Club’s sprawling, 11,000 square foot HO scale layout. Famous trains from the past, such as the Santa Fe Railroad’s Super Chief and the New York Central’s 20th Century Limited will be on exhibit.

Visitors can enjoy different views of the layout, get an up-close insider’s peek at the expansion of the Railroad Center, see how track is hand-laid, learn how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club’s distinctive bi-level corkscrew loop.

Also on display are G-scale and N-scale layouts, and more. The Railroad Club’s train themed gift shop will also be open for holiday shoppers.

The 2021 Train Show and Open House series will begin on Friday, November 26. It will continue for the weekends of November 27-28, December 4-5, and December 11-12. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at themodelrailroadclub.org, or in person at The A. Paul Mallory Model Railroad Center. The Railroad Center will be open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for in-person ticket sales.

Advance tickets are $9 for adults (ages 13-59), $7 for senior citizens (aged 60 and older), and $4 for children ages 3 to 12.

Tickets purchased in person are $10 per adult (ages 13-59), $8 per senior citizen (aged 60 and older) and $5 for children ages 3-12.

Tickets are free for children 2 and under.

For more information on ticket sales including discounts for groups of 10 or more, please call The Model Railroad Club at 908-964-9724.

Please note that the Train Show and Open House replaces The Model Train Club’s annual “Sound and Light” show, which continues to be on hiatus due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Visitors are asked to follow all posted COVID-19 safety protocols while attending the Train Show and Open House.

The A. Paul Mallory Railroad Center is wheelchair-accessible and parking is free. It was built by members of the Model Railroad Club and is located in a multi-purpose area of Lenape Park in Union Township, under an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. All proceeds support the operations of The Model Railroad Club, Inc., one of the largest railroad clubs in New Jersey.

The Club has approximately 170 volunteer members who help to fulfill the mission of the club to educate the general public about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas.

To learn more about The Model Railroad Club and its activities, please visit themodelrailroadclub.org.

More information about all activities of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Nominations Open for 2021 Union County Women of Excellence Awards

The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents, business owners and non-profit managers to submit nominations for the 30^th annual Women of Excellence awards. The nomination period will run from Monday, November 1, to Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

The Women of Excellence awards celebrate women who have made a powerful impact on life in Union County. The awards are given out to women who have made strides for significant enhancements of the lives of the members of the community in which they work or live by the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

“The Women of Excellence program highlights the significant contributions of women to life in Union County across many different fields of activity, raises awareness about the continued need make progress on diversity and equality, and helps inspire the next generation of achievers and change makers,” said County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“For 30 years, the Union County Women of Excellence Awards has shown just how vital women in leadership roles have been to the growth and improvement of our communities,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. “I look forward to reading the many amazing accomplishments made by this year’s nominees.”

Women currently make up the majority of the Commissioner Board, holding six of nine seats.

Women of Excellence nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County. Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies are all invited to submit nominations in a variety of fields.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women.

For more information and to use the application form for online nomination submissions, visit ucnj.org/women.

The program also continues to accept nominations by mail, through the Union County Office on Women, 3^rd Floor, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. All nominations sent by mail must be received by December 1, 2021 for consideration.

For any questions about the nomination process or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

Union County’s Pumpkin Recycling Program Returns in November

Union County residents can put their Jack o’ Lanterns to good use after Halloween by participating in Union County’s Pumpkin Recycling Program, which returns this November after being a smash hit last year.

The pumpkins will be collected by the County of Union along with other local governments and brought to an organic waste recycler in Elizabeth, where they will be transformed into green energy.

“The Pumpkin Recycling Program is an easy, convenient way for Union County residents to support the renewable energy industry, which creates new jobs and helps improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the #SmashItDontTrashIt pumpkin recycling campaign boosts public awareness about how we can keep food waste from going to waste.”

Three locations will be available for residents to drop off their pumpkins. Residents from any municipality in Union County can use any of these locations, regardless of their home town.

The program runs on weekdays only from Monday, November 1 through Friday, November 12, and each location is open from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. The locations are:

• 101 Berkeley Avenue in Berkeley Heights (the Berkeley Heights Department of Public Works, next to the new Municipal Complex)
• 523 Trenton Avenue in Elizabeth (the Elizabeth Municipal Recycling Yard)
• 1300 Lamberts Mill Road in Westfield (the Westfield Conservation Center)

Only pumpkins will be accepted at these locations; other food waste is not accepted. Candles and decorations must be removed.

Residents are advised to wear masks and observe social distance when dropping off their pumpkins.

The Pumpkin Recycling Program will send pumpkins to a processing facility in Elizabeth operated by the firm Waste Management. The company’s proprietary recycling system converts food waste into organic slurry, which is used to increase the output of biogas and other renewable products at municipal wastewater treatment plants.

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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