Recycling Events
Run 4 The Children
Fall Park Events
Please Note – Haunted Hayride tickets are now sold out
Drought-Wise Gardening in Union County
Despite the occasional thunderstorm, rain has been in short supply in Union County over the past several weeks. Gardens are wilting under dry conditions, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide drought watch. Union County gardeners can take steps to sustain their plantings through cycles of storm and drought by focusing on hardy native species and water conservation.
“Drought-wise gardens can help avoid the cost of high-maintenance plantings and save on water bills, while also attracting birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. They can also help prevent excess stormwater runoff and flooding during heavy rains,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
During dry periods, hardy native plants, shrubs and trees help to conserve water and reduce the need for yard care chemicals. They also contribute to a more diverse and healthful ecosystem.
Union County’s free downloadable guide to planting native species, Plant This, Not That, is available online at ucnj.org/green-connection/gardens.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/08/09/drought-wise-gardening-in-union-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 parks.
“Our Master Tree Stewards provide students with enriching educational experiences and important messages about trees and the environment. It’s a lesson about appreciation and stewardship that young people can carry into adulthood, benefitting our community and the world beyond for years to come,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/08/04/join-the-master-trees-stewards-of-union-county/
Local Arts Grant Program Applications Now Open
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications to the 2023 Local Arts grant program (LAP) are now being accepted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
“Union County’s Local Arts grant program helps the organizations in our community sustain their operations and continue to bring high-quality programming to our residents, and it also enables other organizations to provide arts programming. We encourage eligible organizations to apply,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
Qualifying non-profit arts organizations can apply, as well as libraries, schools, and local government offices.
Two types of grants are available under the LAP program:
- General Operating Support grants are available to arts organizations. The maximum request is $12,000.
- Special Project grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations producing an arts project, such as a performance series. The maximum request $6,000.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based in Union County, and arts activities must take place in Union County during 2023. Grants will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/07/29/union-county-local-arts-grant-program-accepting-applications/
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.
Thursday, September 1
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, 07083
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Monday, September 12
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 07066
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Wednesday, September 14
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood, 07027
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Wednesday, September 21
Bilingual staff will be available at this event to assist residents in Spanish
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, 07202
12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/08/26/union-county-offers-convenient-expert-guidance-for-seniors-seeking-services-2/
2022 Queer Empowerment Hour Series
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2022 OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour series with host Micayla Mirabella. The free virtual series, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, begins in April and runs through December 5, 2022. Each conversation will be held on the third Monday of each month (except December) and each hour-long session will begin at 7:00 pm. (update: please note, the series will begin in April).
“It has been four years since the Office of LGBTQ Affairs was created and the Union County Board of County Commissioners continue to remain an ally and advocate for our LGBTQ+ community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “This office does a wonderful job at hosting a variety of programs and events which aim to educate, start a conversation on LGBTQ+ issues and introduce resources available to our residents. I would like to thank everyone that is involved in the coordination of these efforts.”
The OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour series explores LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences, in an hour-long format that includes some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies.
Registration is required to join the Zoom session or watch live on the County of Union, New Jersey Facebook page. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq
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/
“Jersey Fresh” Farmers’ Market Voucher Program for Seniors
Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is announcing that Farmers Market vouchers for eligible Union County seniors will be distributed only by mail. Each eligible senior can obtain five, $6-dollar vouchers for a total of $30.00 to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at Farmers Markets that display the black and yellow WIC (Women, Infants and Children) posters.
“Good nutrition is important and the County of Union is excited to offer a safe and convenient way for our seniors to increase their consumption of healthy foods through these vouchers,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I encourage anyone interested, who meets the requirements, to register.”
To be eligible, seniors must be age 60 and older. A single person’s annual income cannot exceed $2,095 per month and a couple’s combined income may not exceed $2,823 per month.
For more information: https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2022/05/27/union-county-commissioners-announce-jersey-fresh-farmers-market-voucher-program-for-seniors
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
12 – 2 pm
FESTIVAL
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Enjoy music, crafts, snacks and a professional tango demonstration. Made possible in part by a 2021 HEART Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
FREE
Patria Station Café Parking Lot
128 Station St., Berkeley Heights
Sept 29 – Oct 9
Thurs, Fri, & Sat @ 8 pm / Sun @ 2 pm
THEATRE (live in-person)
Soft Animals – a Mainstage Production
Vivid Stage presents a comedy with heart: Four medical misfits sign up for a 3-day workshop. Can a former male nurse and self-professed “woo-woo” guide them toward healing? Or… perhaps they aren’t the ones most in need of a cure. Laura Ekstrand directs this play by Erin Mallon.
- Tickets: $39 | Seniors (65+) $34 | Students (25 & under) $25
- Preview Performance Thurs, September 29: All seats $25
- Senior Sunday, October 1: All seniors $25
vividstage.org/soft-animals-erin-mallon
Oakes Center
120 Morris Ave., Summit
908-514-9654
- For all patrons with disabilities: Barrier-free facility; Companion ticket free; Reserved seating; Service animals welcome; Virtual tour.
- For patrons with hearing disabilities: Advance scripts (on request); Assistive listening devices.
- For patrons with visual disabilities: Audio description (specific dates); Audio recording of printed materials (on request); Large print materials (on request); Sensory seminars (specific dates).
Oct 6
3:30 – 4:30 pm
FREE CONCERT (live in-person)
Italian American Heritage Celebration
Join in this interactive, family-friendly music program presented by Richard Stillman — part of Kenilworth Library’s celebration honoring the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants.
Kenilworth Public Library
548 Boulevard, Kenilworth
908-276-2451
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance at the back of the Library.
Oct 13 – 23
8 pm Thu, Fri, Sat | 3 pm Sat & Sun
THEATRE (live in-person)
Certain Aspects of Conflict in the Negro Family
Premier Stages presents this play by TyLie Shider, recipient of the Liberty Live 2021/22 Commission. As tensions reach an all-time high between Newark residents and police, racial and civil unrest begins spilling into Plainfield, New Jersey in the “long hot summer of 1967.” Clif and Peach moved their family to Plainfield for the promise of a better future, but as the riots begin, the family contemplates a return to the South. The Liberty Live Commission is awarded biennially, in partnership with Kean University Liberty Hall.
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave., Union
908-737-7469
Tickets $15 to $75 (Save $ with the Mainstage Package)
- Wheelchair-accessible venue
- Large-print playbills available
2022 CONCERT Performance
Video (watch any time)
Steeple Concerts – Masterworks at St. Paul’s
Enjoy a beautiful pre-recorded concert conducted by Mark Hyczko, with orchestra and chorale performing Symphony No. 2 for Chorus and Orchestra, “Lobgesang,” by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1837).
This concert was performed live at St. Paul’s Church, Westfield.