Food Drives and Walk-ups
Recycling Events
Union County to Support Virtual Job Hiring Event
The Union County Board of Commissioners announces that there will be a virtual job hiring event on Tuesday, May 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is coordinated by Wonder, a fast-growing food-tech startup based in Cranford, NJ.
The positions available include:
- Customer Experience Associates
- Culinary and Central Kitchen Operations
- Warehouse and Central Operations
Available Positions pay between $15 and $18 per hour and candidates can apply by visiting: https://www.wonderculinary.com/. Upon submitting an application, a Zoom link for the Virtual Job Hiring Event will be sent to applicants.
“Union County continues to work with businesses and organizations to provide job opportunities to our residents,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents looking for full time work to submit their applications and participate in this virtual event.”
“Our goal is to provide valuable job resources to our residents through partnerships with entities like Wonder,” said Commissioner and Liaison to the Workforce Development Board, Sergio Granados. “We look forward to this and future job hiring events.”
The Union County American Job Center provides job training and employment related services to eligible jobseekers and employers in Union County. They operate two American Job Center offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.
For questions about the Wonder Virtual Job Hiring Event and other services and programs provided by Workforce Development, residents should call Director Elton Armady at 908-527-4812.
Union County Non-Profits Invited to Free Virtual Workshop on Website Accessibility
he Union County Board of County Commissioners invites non-profit organizations to attend a free online workshop, Website Accessibility for Non-Profits, on Monday, May 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The workshop will be presented via Zoom by Frank Louvis, owner of the Coastal Technologies, an internet and marketing agency.
“Online communication has become more important than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage all non-profit organizations in Union County, especially those receiving grants through County-sponsored programs, to come to the workshop and learn about the latest resources for creating more inclusive and accessible websites,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The workshop is free of charge, but online registration is required. To register, please visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YYvw-sgsRBKHld2O5DD-sQ.
Website Accessibility for Non-Profits will introduce participants to the various types of website accessibility. Participants will learn how to ensure their website is accessible, whether they are starting off with a website or want to enhance their existing website.
Resources and tools will be provided.
This workshop is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations are also welcomed to attend.
Website Accessibility for Non-Profits is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information about the event please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550.
The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs.
Union County Offers “Grab and Go” Meals at Senior Centers
The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that box-lunch meals will be available to seniors beginning in May, through the “Grab and Go” program. The program is run through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, in the Department of Human Services.
“This alternative dining option will provide seniors with access to nutritious lunches, while reducing the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The Grab and Go program is offered for those seniors age 60 and up who reside in Union County, and who are not receiving home delivered meals from Meals-On-Wheels.
It will be available at 19 senior centers and senior housing sites throughout the county every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning on May 4.
Reservations are required, and are available by calling the Division on Aging by 9:00 a.m. on the previous Thursday for Tuesday pick-up, and by 9:00 a.m. the previous Monday for Thursday pick-up.
To make a reservation or to register for the program, please call the Union County Division on Aging at (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877.
A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal. Participants will receive guidance on masks, social distance, and any other COVID-19 prevention measures when picking up meals.
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 allows 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.
Nature programs hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center
The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy nature programs hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a fun season of outdoor spring activities.
“Now that spring has officially arrived, Trailside’s programs provide visitors of all ages the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors while exploring our natural heritage in the scenic Watchung Reservation,” 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).
Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Adults with children ages four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, a new series offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants will look for animal homes and hideouts, learn to identify birds by color and sound, take part in a scavenger hunt and search for all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk. The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents.
Two moonlight walks will be offered this spring for adults with children ages six and older. A Pink Moon Hike will take place on April 27 and a Flower Moon Hike will take place on May 26, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon. Learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark. The fee per person per program is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.
Due to popular demand, additional senior walks have been added. This spring, senior walks take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and continue through May 27. This series is free and open to participants ages 55 and older. Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic. Participants will discover how to make their home more wildlife friendly, learn to identify common tree species, search for migrating birds at the Deserted Village and find out how to recognize common wild edible plants.
Residents should save the date for Saturday, April 24, when Trailside will offer a variety of outdoor activities in honor of Earth Day. Participants can take part in guided nature walks and live animal talks. Preregistration is required. There will also be a recycled art wildlife walk along the sensory friendly trail. Check the trailside website for updates on this event.
For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.
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.
May 12
Mental Health | mental health professionals discuss LGBTQ+ issues
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
Union County 2020 Senior Citizens’ Virtual Art Exhibit
“Afternoon in Amsterdam,” an oil painting by professional artist Eileen Bonacci, was awarded Best of Show by a Professional Artist.
Each year the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents the Senior Citizens Art Exhibit, showcasing original work created by county residents aged 60 and above. View the 2020 exhibit online at www.ucnj.org/senior-art.
“The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the artwork created by our senior citizens each year, and this year we are very pleased to present this exhibit virtually, enabling these talented artists to share their work with everyone in the community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Awards in each media category were designated by a panel of professional artist-jurors. All entries awarded First Place have advanced to the state level, representing Union County in the 2020 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show, on view at www.NJSeniorArts.com
The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Help with Senior Services
Find upcoming local events to learn about senior services. Click here.
Upcoming events from the Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Pre Registration is required for each session. Click on the session title to register online. OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour with host Micayla Mirabella Tune in for an hour-long conversations 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. Come with an open mind, leave with a new understanding. Wednesday, September 30 Video on our Facebook page Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm
Being a Supportive Parent to a Queer Person
Queer Pioneers and Activists
Transgender Identity and Inclusion
Being Queer in the Military
Ally Talk – Hear from Straight Friends and Advocates
Faith and LGBTQueer+ Panel
Cultural Events Calendar
VIDEOS Enjoy now or any time Historic Sites in Union County Take a virtual tour of some of the “Four Centuries” historic sites in Union County. You may be surprised at the rich history in our midst. ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/historic-sites-map/videos-of-four-century-sites/ Month of April INTERACTIVE KIDS’ CONCERT (FREE) Ron Albanese/Polka Dot Music Linden Public Library presents this engaging mix of music and comedic storytelling – with things to sing, dances to do, Everyone laughs along! This 30-minute show is recommended for children ages 2–8, but “big brothers and sisters and adults love it, too!” If requested, Closed Caption or Audio will be provided for program; also large-print information. Call 908-298-3830. Now thru May 23 Mon. thru Fri. 1–4pm (and Sunday May 23, 1–4pm) ART EXHIBIT (FREE) Going for Baroque The City of Rahway presents this art exhibit of diverse artworks inspired by the Baroque style of the 1500s and 1600s. Closing Reception on Sunday, May 23, from 1–4 pm. The Gallery Space 1670 Irving St., Rahway (at the corner of Irving St. & Seminary Ave.) 732- 827-2210 Further information: lcappiello@cityofrahway.com Apr 29 –May 1 7:30 pm, 2 pm THEATRE – VIRTUAL Live Dragons in the Crease, by Joseph Vitale Theater Project member playwright Joseph Vitale received a New Jersey State Council on the Arts fellowship. Based on a real event, this play concerns a college student with a severe stutter who has been asked by his professor not to speak in class but instead write his questions down. The incident becomes a national news story, changing both their lives forever. Dragons in the Crease was a finalist in the 2020-21 Woodward / Newman Drama Competition, an exclusive honor offered by Bloomington Playwrights Project, remembering the great dramas Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman performed together. https://www.onthestage.com/show/the-theater-project/dragons-in-the-crease-66975/tickets $15 Apr 29 –May 9 7:30 pm, 2 pm THEATRE – VIRTUAL Live Everything is Super Great – presented by Dreamcatcher Rep This comedy by Stephen Brown premiered in 2019 at 59E59 Theater in New York, and at Florida’s Theatre Lab. The play tells the story of a typical day in the life of 19-year-old Tommy, that involves triple shot lattes, lightsaber battles, and arson at Applebee’s. Such distractions are therapeutic when your older brother has been missing for months, but when a well-meaning, if somewhat misguided, therapist shows up on his doorstep, Tommy must finally face his loss. $20 908-514-9654 Large-Print virtual script and program available upon request. May 1 10:30 am & 1:30 pm Virtual Wharton Arts – Performing Arts School Virtual Info Sessions & Video Premiere Performing Arts Summer Camps and Private Lessons: These 20-minute info sessions presents the new Performing Arts School. Get 10% off all Wharton Arts summer camps at this virtual event. Also, entering your name and email in the sign-up form enters you to win a FREE 30-minute introductory private lesson for voice or the instrument of your choice. To register for either info session https://bit.ly/3dthWzY https://whartonarts.org/event/virtual-info-sessions/ 908-790-0700 May 6 4 pm MUSIC & STORYTELLING FREE – Virtual event for families & children “Swing into Spring” – by Turtle Dance (music & more) The Music, Bubble and Comedy Show: “Swing Into Spring!” engages children with comedy, swing music, jazz music, marching songs, poems, bubbles, music technology — plus stories fostering literacy, storytelling and a lifelong love of your local library. This show is inclusive for all children, including children on the autism spectrum, and offers a great time for parents and caregivers. Presented by Linden Public Library. Join via Zoom: http://bit.ly/Linden-Public-Library-Turtle-Dance-Music-Permanent-Zoom Password 828 2498-9066 Tel: 908-298-3830 Closed captions, audio, large-print program information or arranging specific accommodations are available upon request. May 8 10:30 am HISTORY LECTURE – VIRTUAL Live including Q&A FREE Surviving the Winters: Housing Washington’s Army During the American Revolution’ Historian and author Steven Elliott, Ph.D., presents a talk about Washington’s Army of soldiers, who began the war with inadequate housing for field operations. Health and morale suffered. Elliott examines the military’s housing practices, refinements in camp administration, and how officers sought and obtained lodging for themselves and their men. Decisions regarding military shelters affected strategy, logistics, and social relationships within the army and civilian populations. Program co-hosted by the Historical Society of Plainfield/Drake House Museum and Plainfield Public Library. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4yrdwk4r 908-757–0095 May 16 2 pm FREE CONCERT – Outdoors Live Rhonda Denet: Mostly Motown: Live on the Village Green in Summit! Join Rhonda Denet for a revue of classic Rhythm & Blues and Soul music of the 1960s and ’70s, presented by Summit Public Library. Featured songs were made famous by The Supremes, Mary Wells, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and others. Rain date: TBA. The Village Green in Summit Intersection of Maple St. and Broad St., Summit Site is accessible for all. 908-273-0350 May 17 – 31 ART EXHIBIT A Walk Through Haiti: An Art Exhibit/Yon Ekspozisyon Atistik Sou Ayiti Live in-person This art exhibit promotes local artists and celebrates Haitian Heritage Month through an artistic lens. Venue is wheelchair accessible. Presented by Jefferson Park Ministries, Inc. 70 W. Grand St., Elizabeth 908-469-9508 May 19 3:30 pm FREE CONCERT – Virtual Live on Zoom A Country Hoedown – Richard Stillman Enjoy banjo playing, square dancing, cowboy rope tricks, and more, in this exciting Western program – filled with fun and participation. Perfect for kids ages 4-12 and families. To attend from anywhere, use the link below, email ahead to rkoerner@lmxac.org, call Kenilworth Public Library at 908-276-2452, or visit the library’s Facebook page to register, facebook.com/Kenilworth.public.library beginning 9 am on Wed., May 19.. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85910177826?pwd=NUtXa3pVSzlPZTN5S0NXVnRIcXJMUT09 May 20–22 7:30 pm THEATRE – Livestreamed Event DOG SEES GOD by Bert V. Royal “Good grief! The Peanuts kids have finally come out of their shells.” —Time Out NY $15 May 22 6:30 – 8:30 pm FREE CONCERT – Outdoors Live in Downtown Westfield NJ Workshop for the Arts Presents – Alex and Alex NJ Workshop for the Arts in conjunction with the Downtown Westfield Cooperation present this husband-and-wife duo performing Jazz, Bossa, and Brazilian music at the intersection of Quimby and Elm in Westfield. Outdoor dining is available as well as sidewalk space. Quimby St., Westfield 908-789-2389 May 24 1 pm CONCERT – VIRTUAL LIVE (FREE) Keith Hickman Relax and enjoy the music of Keith Hickman, a vocalist and guitarist who has specialized in country music since childhood. Enjoy this virtual concert from the comfort of home, free of charge. Call 908-352-8375 for the Zoom link. Presented by Jewish Family Service. May 25 2 pm FREE CONCERT Live in-person & Virtual YM-YWHA Spring Soiree Enjoy “A Spring Soiree,” featuring the musical stylings of vocalist and songwriter Reginald Proctor at the YM-YWHA. Music will also be Zoomed out live (link below). Everyone is welcome. Dance, sing, reminisce and share smiles as the music works its magic. YM-YWHA 501 Green Lane, Union YM-YWHA of Union County Online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82107759487 (no password needed) The Y is wheelchair accessible via a ramp at the main entrance. 908-289-8112 Jun. 20 2 pm FREE CONCERT – Outdoors Live Summer Reading Kickoff with YOSI: Live on the Village Green in Summit! Wiggle like a worm in a “Hole in The Ground.” Act like “Six Little Monkeys.” Swim & spell on the “B-E-A-C-H!” Enjoy a bowlful of “Chicken Noodle Soup.” Get on a chugging “Train Medley” and more. The Village Green in Summit Intersection of Maple St. and Broad St., Summit Site is accessible for all. 908-273-0350 Jun. 28 1 pm CONCERT – VIRTUAL LIVE (FREE) Louis Vanaria Actor and singer Louis Vanaria performs music of the 1950s and 1960s. Enjoy this virtual concert from the comfort of home, free of charge. Call 908-352-8375 for the Zoom link. Presented by Jewish Family Service. Jun. 28 6:30 – 8:30 pm FREE CONCERT – Outdoors Live in Downtown Westfield NJ Workshop for the Arts Presents – Kia Chiang on Guitar NJ Workshop for the Arts in conjunction with the Downtown Westfield Cooperation presents the bold acoustic stylings of Kai Chiang at the intersection of Quimby and Elm in Westfield. Outdoor dining is available as well as sidewalk access. Quimby St., Westfield 908-789-9696 Jul. 26 1 pm CONCERT – VIRTUAL LIVE (FREE) Zachary Alexander Zachary Alexander is a Jazz vocalist specializing in the style of Frank Sinatra. Enjoy this virtual concert from the comfort of home, free of charge. Call 908-352-8375 for the Zoom link. Presented by Jewish Family Service. May 23 2pm FREE CONCERT & Music Workshop Tunes & Tales of Old East Galway In person or online Join a live, traditional Irish Music workshop and concert, featuring tunes of the great, late National Heritage Fellow Mike Rafferty of East County Galway, Ireland. Concert follows the workshop, with Lesl Harker on Irish flute, and Jerry O’Sullivan on Irish pipes. Bring your instrument or voice and learn a tune, or just listen in. Summit Public Library, 75 Maple St. Summit 908-273-0350 Wheelchair-accessible venue. 2021 CHORAL CONCERT (on video) Watch/listen now or anytime Oratorio Singers – Works by Mozart, Handel & Vaughan Williams Featuring a chamber choir performing works by Mozart and Vaughan Williams, and renowned soprano Maureen Francis singing works by Mozart and Handel, the Oratorio Singers present a virtual concert — followed by a video narrated by Music Director Trent Johnson about the 40-year history of the Oratorio Singers, based in Westfield. VIDEO LECTURES (FREE) Watch now or any time Plainfield Symphony presents “Chat with Charles” – Beethoven’s 5th & Mahler’s 9th This ambitious series of on-demand video-lectures from Plainfield Symphony features Conductor and Music Director Charles Prince discussing Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 and Mahler’s Ninth, broken down by movement. Each video-lecture is an intimate talk elucidating the themes and history of the music, and includes excerpts played by orchestra members, plus footage from full-orchestra performances. Understand and enjoy these masterworks at The Plainfield Symphony Channel.
Video on demand, enjoy any time
The Theatre Project presents this dark comedy. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group’s bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Community Events
The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity of the County of Union is located within the Department of Economic Development. If you have any questions regarding requesting volunteer services or partnering up with our Office for events, please contact Nathalie Hernandez at 908-527-4880 nahernandez@ucnj.org
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