County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to come to the free “Native Plant Swap and Shop” event on Thursday evening, June 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and swap up to three invasive plants for a matching number of colorful, beneficial native plants, free of charge. Additional native plants will also be available for sale at the event. The event takes place in the Watchung Reservation at the Scout Camping Area, located near the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“The Swap and Shop event is a fun way to learn about the value of native plants in our local ecosystem. Everyone with a yard or garden can help preserve and protect butterflies and other valuable pollinators, by taking out invasive species and replacing them with native plants,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Residents who plan to participate in the swap must pre-register online at ucnj.org/plant-swap. The swap is limited to 100 registrants.

All other attendees are welcome on a walk-in basis. There is no charge for admission. Attendees can arrive any time after 5:30 and stay as long as they like.

Expert naturalists will be on site to provide guidance and information on gardening with native plants.

Examples of invasive plants to bring for the swap are: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy and Chinese silvergrass. For accurate identification the invasive plants should be dug up recently and brought to the event in a sealed bag or box, with their entire roots included.

The native plants offered for swap include Cardinal Flower, Dense Blazing Star, Blue False Indigo, Joe Pye Weed, Foxglove Beardtongue, Swamp Milkweed and Orange Coneflower. 

The Toadshade Wildflower Farm will also be on site with native plants for sale during the event. Participants who plan to make a purchase are advised to pre-order for pickup through the Toadshade website, toadshade.com.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside. More information about activities in Union County Parks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters that they can view their sample ballots for the June 6 Primary Election online at the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com. In addition, voters will receive a printed copy of their sample ballot in the mail.

“We encourage voters to review their sample ballots ahead of time, in order to familiarize themselves with the information and to check for any changes in their polling place. The online posting is a convenience for many voters, and we also send printed copies to ensure that every voter has an opportunity to review their choices before voting.” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Sample ballots will be mailed out approximately two weeks before Election Day.

As a reminder, four municipalities have been reassigned to a new legislative district, resulting from redistricting in New Jersey after the 2020 Census. Cranford and Roselle Park are now District 22, Hillside is District 28, and Kenilworth is District 20.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that they can use Union County’s free, countywide drop-off locations to safely dispose of toxic or potentially hazardous products commonly found in the home and yard. The next free Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event will take place on Saturday, June 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

The event will be held at the Kean Hall parking lot, rain or shine. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town. Proof of residency is required.

“These drop-off events provide every Union County household with a way to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment, by safely disposing of products that could be harmful if disposed improperly. The next time you go through your cabinets, basement or garage, keep an eye out for unwanted items that you could bring to our next Household Hazardous Waste event,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Many different kinds of toxic and potentially harmful household products are accepted at Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events.

The list includes pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, antifreeze, aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, motor oil, oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks and automobile tires (limit of eight tires per household, with rims off), and more.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

For a complete list of accepted items, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

A special note on paint disposal: Oil-based paints and varnishes are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste events. However, latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.

Unwanted latex paint can be shared, donated or used up if possible. Residents who need to dispose of unwanted latex paint can remove the lid, let it dry completely in the can, and discard the can in regular household garbage with the lid off. A product called waste paint hardener can speed up the drying process.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drop-off only and contact-free. Participants should load their items in their trunk or other area easily accessed by staff.

Participants must remain in their vehicles while staff at the site unloads their items.

For more details about all Union County recycling programs visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to come to Union County’s ASK community events in May, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided.

Bilingual staff will be present at all of these events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“The ASK program brings our knowledgeable staff to local libraries and community centers, to make it easier for seniors, family members and care givers to find out about resources and programs in Union County. If you have any questions about services for seniors, please come to an ASK event near you,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, 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 caregivers.

The ASK program provides Union County residents with a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services for seniors and caregivers. The program brings professional staff from the Division on Aging to local public libraries and other community centers.

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. The following three ASK events scheduled for May 17, 19 and 22:

Wednesday, May 17th

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, May 19

Roselle Library

129 Chestnut St.

Roselle, 07203

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, May 22nd

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection for information on upcoming ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County. Call 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. The Division is one of 622 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.   

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next free scrap metal recycling drop-off event of 2023 will take place on Saturday, May 20, in Rahway River Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as part of Union County’s regular series of free drop-off events for a wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds.

Residents are advised that, for the May 20 event only, scrap metal drop-off in Rahway River Park will take place at the swimming pool parking lot. Signs will be set up directing drivers to the scrap metal location.

“We encourage everyone to use our scrap metal drop-off locations to help save valuable resources and cut down on waste,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Drivers with scrap metal to drop off should use the St. Georges Avenue to enter the park.

Drivers who arrive at 11:00 a.m. or later are advised that traffic in and around the park may be heavier than usual, due to the “Touch a Truck” event taking place in Rahway River Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Union County’s free scrap metal recycling program is conducted twice a month from April to November.

The next two scrap metal recycling events will take place on Thursday, June 1 in Cranford at the emergency services complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, and on Saturday, June 17 in Rahway River Park. For the June 17 event, scrap metal recycling will take place at its regular location in the service yard at the park.

For more details about the scrap metal program and all Union County recycling programs, visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycle.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all photography enthusiasts, from beginner to experienced, to join the “Nature Photography for Everyone” workshop on Saturday May 13, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site.

“Photography is a powerful and creative way to communicate. We hope the nature photography workshop will inspire Union County residents and visitors to spend time in our public parks, learn about the natural ecosystems around us, and share their photographs with family, friends, and the community at large,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Nature Photography for Everyone is part of the adult program series at Trailside, for ages 18 and up. There is a fee of $10 per person for Union County residents and $12 per person for non-county residents. Pre-registration is required through Union County’s secure registration page, secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The workshop will be conducted by Union County photographer Jacki Dickert, who will share her spots for finding interesting wildlife and lovely scenery, best practices for photographing animals and landscapes and tips for creating compelling compositions.

Ms. Dickert’s photographs have been showcased in galleries throughout New Jersey and published in magazines, online blogs and on book covers. She was recently awarded first place in in the Ansel Adams photography contest at the Fenimore Art Museum in New York and had her work selected for display at the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport. She is an active member of the Camera Naturalist Photo Club and speaker and judge for the NJ Federation of Camera Clubs and other arts organizations, including the annual Union County Teen Arts Festival.

An exhibit of Ms. Dickert’s photographs, titled “Scenic and Wild Union County,” is currently on display at Trailside through June 1. Following the photography workshop on May 13, Ms. Dickert will be available for a meet and greet reception of her work and to answer any questions.

Trailside is open daily for walk-in visitors to view the exhibits free of charge, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except for Mondays and holidays.

For more information about all programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670. An overview of all programs and activities in the Union County park system is available at ucnj.org/parks.

 Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present Housing with Hope, an exhibit of artworks by the residents of Springfield Senior Citizen Housing in Springfield, New Jersey at the Commissioner’s Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The gallery is open during regular weekday business hours and on alternate Thursday evenings when the Commissioner Board is in session.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank our seniors for sharing their artwork with the Union County community. Their paintings form a colorful, vibrant exhibit that shines with beauty and grace,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would also like to thank Housing with Hope for their dedication to connecting seniors with new friends and activities.” 

All of the artworks for the exhibit were created by Springfield Senior Citizen Housing residents during a group “Golden Arts” art class organized by the nonprofit organization Housing with Hope, as part of its Seniors Day Out series. The instructor for the class was Danielle Corso of Art Chick Designs, LLC.

The artists on exhibit are Lan Tian Fan, Joanne Hodges, Yulan Jim, Runnian Li, Isabel Lusolo, Vanda Milovc, Christopher Ortiz, Lanying Qin, Maureen Thomas, Ma Xiu Ying, Yuqin Wang, Dora Yaynberg, Esperanza Zambrano and Yufeng Zhuang.

Housing with Hope cultivates community partnerships to enrich the lives of seniors through engaging events, activities, supportive services, and housing that is affordable for those on a fixed income. Seniors Day Out programs are offered free of charge. For more information visit housingwithhope.org.

For more information about Art Chick Designs visit facebook.com/artchickdesignsllc.

The Seniors Day Out art class was made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all activities and programs of the Office, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, call 908-558-2550 (relay users dial 711), or visit ucnj.org/cultural.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites families and bird lovers of all ages to come and enjoy “Who is That at My Feeder,” an interactive indoor/outdoor learning experience featuring local bird species, at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 9:00 am. The event is free of charge.

“Here in Union County, we have over 6,700 acres of parks and open space filled with various types of wildlife,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many different types of birds are found in our community, and identifying them is a fun and educational exercise for all ages.”

This exciting and informative lecture, presented by Peter Axelrod, will discuss birds commonly found at feeders in Union County backyards.

Axelrod, a nature enthusiast since age 5, has volunteered in avian population studies, wild bird rehabilitation, habitat restoration, wildlife education and leading birding ventures throughout New Jersey in partnership with NJ Audubon, Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and the Raptor Trust.

Pre-registration is required and can be done by visiting ucnj.org/birdwatching23 and using the secure portal.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is Union County’s Environmental Education Center, located in the Watchung Reservation, a 2,143-acre preserve containing woodlands, fields, lakes, streams and more than 60 miles of hiking trails. Trailside houses 4,500 square feet of interactive, state-of-the art exhibits, including a towering 34-foot American beech tree exhibit that fills the building’s atrium. The Center also features classrooms that look out on the Reservation, a multipurpose room, a library, children’s discovery room and a 250-seat auditorium.

Trailside welcomes walk-in visitors to view the exhibits free of charge every day except Mondays and major holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about Trailside and its event calendar, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside. More information about activities in Union County Parks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.