Covid-19
Recycling Events
Touch-a-Truck
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to invite all residents to our Touch-A-Truck Event on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park, located on 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.
“As our children go back to school and we resume our carpooling and parent-teacher meetings, organizing family outings takes some thoughtful planning and a touch of creativity,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The Touch-a-Truck event in Union County promises an exciting and memorable experience for the whole family. Join us for a perfect autumn day, where you can explore fire trucks, check out police cruisers, and enjoy a hayride through the park. Let’s create new memories together, and I look forward to seeing you there.”
The Union County Touch-A-Truck event is the ultimate hands-on experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of vehicles, including those from the Union County Departments of Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. Additionally, guests will be able to hop on a hayride across the park.
Food trucks will be on-site with plenty of food, drinks and snacks available for purchase to all guests. Admission is free for all.
For more information on Touch-A-Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit our website at www.ucnj.org/parks.
POW/MIA Flag Raising Ceremony
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to attend the annual commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day on the steps of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
“We gather each year to raise the POW/MIA flag to remember those Americans throughout the history of our nation, who were prisoners of war and those who are missing in action and ensure they are never forgotten,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This day is a moment to pause and reflect on the personal sacrifices made by these men and women, as well as their families, and I ask that you join us in honoring these heroic individuals at this important flag raising.”
The ceremony features an introduction by Union County Manager Edward Oatman, and Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados as the master of ceremonies. An invocation will be led by Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans.
This year’s guest speaker will be Colonel Dennis J. Dougherty, First Region President Emeritus at the Association of the United States Army. Colonel Dougherty retired a decorated veteran from his 31-year military career with the United States Army and the New Jersey Army National Guard in 2000. Concurrently, Col. Dougherty enjoyed a 39-year career as an educator in Union County before retiring in 2007. During his academic career, he also served as a mentor, supervisor, and notably, developed and implemented a Peer Leadership program to assist first year high school students in meeting the demands of high school.
“We especially encourage all veterans and their families to join us as we remember the bravest of the brave; our brothers and sisters of service that were lost, imprisoned, or never made it home,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veteran’s Affairs Committee.
The presentation of colors will be performed by Honor Guards from the Union County Sheriff Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police and Fire Honor Guard and the ceremony will include a rifle salute, TAPS and the singing of the National Anthem.
For more information, please call Geoff Smith with the Office of Veteran’s Services at 908-527-4918.
2023 Hispanic Heritage Month
Visit this website for more information
Supporting Someone in Emotional Distress
The Union County Board of County Commissioners recognizes this September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by hosting a free webinar for all Union County Residents. The webinar, titled “Supporting Someone in Emotional Distress”will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb on September 13th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
Sign up for Updates
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
SEPTEMBER – Exhibit (all month)
Sep. 12, at 5 pm – Opening Reception
ART EXHIBIT (Free)
Elizabeth Artistry Commission Show
This exhibit showcases artwork by students from Community Access Unlimited’ s Academy for Continuing Education (ACE). Artwork is displayed at the Elizabeth Public Library with the Elizabeth Artistry Commission. Students are a part of the Visual Art and Digital Art groups at ACE, which provides post-graduation learning for adults with developmental disabilities.
Elizabeth Public Library
11 So. Broad St., Elizabeth
Learn more about ACE at caunj.org
Sep. 9–24
8 pm on Thu.–Sun.
3 pm on Sat.
THEATRE
SELLING KABUL by Sylvia Khoury
Taroon once served as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan. Now it is 2013, and the Americans — and their promises of safety — have begun to withdraw. Taroon spends his days in hiding, a target of the increasingly powerful Taliban.
On the eve of his son’s birth, he must remain in his sister’s apartment, or risk his life to see his child. With shattering precision, Sylvia Khoury’s tense drama traces the human cost of U.S. immigration policy and the legacy of our longest war.
Premiere Stages at Kean University
Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Ave., Union
908-737-4092
Wheelchair-accessible venue incl. elevator and restrooms; Accessible Parking; ADA Listening; Large-print Playbills.
Sep. 10 – Oct. 6
1–4 pm
ART EXHIBIT
(with opening Reception on Sep. 10)
WE+THEY=US
The Gallery Space presents their 5th Annual art exhibit featuring Latin and Hispanic artists, “WE+THEY=US,” featuring diverse artworks by Orlando Cuevas, Fabio Esteban, Monica Flores, Maria Lupianez, Rita Jimenez, Alex Martinez and Robyn Prezioso. The artworks focus on traditions, family, social or political views — or simply the act of creating artwork based on the artist’s passions
FREE
The Gallery Space
1670 Irving St., Rahway
732-827-2210
Sep. 23 (rain date Sep. 24)
1–4 pm
DANCE
Liberty Hall Dance Festival
Combining history with dance, the Liberty Hall Dance Festival is an immersive experience — a culturally relevant, accessible event. Audience members are encouraged to explore and discover ten professional dance performances inspired by moments in history. See performances across the grounds of beautiful Liberty Hall Museum, by: 50/50 Dance Company; AbunDANCE Company; Beth Jucovy/Dance Visions NY; Collo O’Brien & Megan Mizanty; International Chungang Dance Research Center; Malini Warrier; Shoko Tamai, choreographer; The Radical Spirit Dance Collective; The Well Performance Project; and Tina Croll + Company.
Tickets: $12 – $20
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave., Union
908-527-0400
Liberty Hall Museum is an accessible venue
Sep. 23
9:30 am – 4 pm
POETRY & PERFORMANCES (FREE)
Celebrating Unity through Community Arts: A Day of Performance, Poetry & Readings
Enjoy a full day of performances, poetry, and readings including participatory writing workshops.
Morning events @ Union Public Library – main branch, 1060 Stuyvesant Ave., Union
- 9:30 – 11 am: Ekphrastic Poetry, facilitated by Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal
- 11 am – 12:30 pm: Growing Beyond Your Comfort Zone, facilitated by RescuePoetix | Susan Justiniano
- Afternoon events @ Vauxhall Branch of Union Public Library, 123 Hilton Ave., Union
- 1 – 2:30 pm: Writing Workshop: Story of My Safe Space, facilitated by Mwikali Words
- 2:30 – 4 pm: Writing Workshop: Dream Diaries, facilitated by Lisa “Rubi G.” Ventura
Events are ASL and Spanish-language inclusive.
Sep. 23
2 pm
THEATRE (FREE event)
Play Reading: THE ADVOCATE by Bill Mesce, Jr.
The Friends of the Cranford Public Library present a reading of an original short play from The Theater Project, followed by a Q&A with the audience, director, playwright and cast. Based on his award-winning and critically-acclaimed trilogy of WW II novels, Bill Mesce, Jr.’s play THE ADVOCATE explores the confused and flexible morality of war, and the changing tactics of warfare through the lens of a military tribunal evaluating a pilot who appears to have shot down one of his own men. Bill Mesce is a Linden resident. This event is part of The Theater Project’s New Plays Series.
Cranford Community Center (AV Room)
220 Walnut Ave., Cranford
FREE
The AV Room in the Community Center is an ADA wheelchair-accessible venue with elevator.
Sep. 30
12 noon – 7 pm
FESTIVAL (FREE)
Roselle Park Arts Festival
Spanning downtown Roselle Park on Chestnut Street, the Arts Festival includes an Art Walk featuring 65+ visual artists and crafters ($2500 awarded to top artists/crafters in each category). The Main Stage will feature 6 professional bands, including Afro Dominicano, returning due to popular demand. Roselle Park Memorial Library lawn features a line-up of talented local musicians and a hands-on art area for kids of all ages. Make an instrument and join the New Orleans-style 2nd Line parade with the Big Noise Brass Band at 1:30.
Chestnut Street (from Williams St. to Webster Ave.), Roselle Park
rplovesart.org
Festival held on a public street that is wheelchair-accessible, with accessible bathrooms in the Youth and Casano Centers.
Oct. 1
12 noon – 4 pm (90-minute tours every 15 min.)
WALKING TOUR
Ghosts of the Past: Women in Rahway History
The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum’s annual “Ghosts of the Past” walking tour of the Rahway Cemetery features notable local women this year. Costumed interpreters portray 12 women buried in the cemetery, sharing first-person accounts of their lives and relevant historical events in this educational, family-friendly outdoor tour. Tours depart every 15 minutes starting at 12 pm. Last tour departs 4 pm. Reservations recommended to ensure desired start time. Tours leave from the museum (1632 St. Georges Ave.) Parking is one block south at Parkside Plaza,
1600 St. Georges Ave., Rahway.
Tickets: $15 adults; $10 members/seniors/students; $5 for children under 12
Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum
1632 St. Georges Ave., Rahway
Parking at 1600 St. Georges Ave.
732-381-0441
merchantsanddrovers.org
Cemetery is not fully wheelchair-accessible; please call for details. For patrons who can walk the route but are unable to stand for the duration of each talk, folding chairs can be provided at each stop with advance notice. Large-print programs are available upon request. Please call or email for more details on accommodation options.
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. 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