County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Veteran Services will be honoring Vietnam War Veterans at a special Veterans Networking Mixer on Wednesday, May 26 at the Ash Brook Golf Course Clubhouse in Scotch Plains.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will recognize Vietnam War Era Veterans from municipalities across the county, with a special resolution presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Veteran service providers will be present to meet all Veterans and their families and discuss any issues regarding veterans benefits and support services.

Due to continuing COVID-19 County guidelines, masks must be worn and attendance is limited. Veterans who would like to attend can contact Veterans Service Coordinator Janna Williams at 908-527-4918 or Veterans Service Officer Kenneth Glick at 908-527-4719, by noon on Wednesday, May 26.

For more information about all programs and services for veterans in Union County visit the Office of Veterans Affairs online at ucnj.org/uc-hero.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Esperanza Spalding will be the next performer in the County’s free drive-in concert series. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 4 at 7:30 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Esperanza Spalding has made a huge impact in the jazz world. In addition to having six studio albums, Esperanza Spalding was also appointed a Professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University and made an appearance in a film, Love Beats Rhymes, both in 2017.

“Esperanza Spalding is a four-time Grammy winner, Boston Music Award winner and Soul Train Award winner, and we are very excited to welcome this talented musician in Union County,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

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).

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

This drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the annual Union County LGBTQ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony event on Tuesday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

“Raising the rainbow flag at the County Courthouse is a significant symbol of inclusion and support for the equal rights of LGBTQ people in Union County,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and continue to work to normalize acceptance.”

“The unity found through Pride events is essential to increasing awareness and advancing civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Commissioner Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

The flag-raising ceremony program will include a Pride Month Proclamation and guest speakers including Union County youth.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing and other protocols.

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to celebrate PRIDE month with a drive-in concert featuring the 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube. Union County’s own Amy Colon will open the event with a comedic performance.

The drive-in PRIDE event is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at 6:00 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available to the public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

“Music has the power to connect, include and inspire. We are very proud to welcome Rubix Kube to celebrate Pride Month with the Union County community, and reaffirm our support for equal rights and equal dignity every day of the year,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella

“Rubix Kube is a band full of life and 80s music – a decade of songs that were either inspired by our community or spoke to us at a time when we really needed it,” said Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Come for the entertainment, leave with acceptance.”

Based out of NYC, Rubix Kube is the ultimate 80s tribute band known for captivating audiences. The tribute concert will feature some of the most celebrated anthems of the LGBTQ community.

Hailing from Elizabeth, NJ, comedian and LGBTQ activist Amy Colon will open the drive-in PRIDE event with social commentary and an invitation to normalize acceptance.

Each registered car will receive a “PRIDE in a Box” full of items for attendees to show their support for equality and acceptance.

The free drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, 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 reserving tickets.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Commissioner Christopher Hudak and other local officials and members of the public to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located in Union County’s Rahway River Park in Rahway. The ribbon cutting took place on Friday, May 21 and the pool will be open to the public on Memorial Day Weekend.

“We are all looking forward to our favorite summertime activities, and completing the renovation of the Walter E. Ulrich Pool complex is a great way to kick off the season,” said Chairman Alexander. “The new Ulrich Pool will provide Union County residents and visitors with many new opportunities to make new memories of summer in our community.”

“Union County’s park system is a legacy from past generations who cared about public access to health outdoor activities as well as nature conservation, and we are all very proud to carry on this mission into the future,” said Commissioner Hudak, who is a member of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Board.

At just over $3 million, the work included tiling and plastering of the entire pool, the installation of new starting blocks and competition lane lines, a new concrete deck, and state-of-the-art pump and filtration systems.

In addition, the beach wading area was improved with a zero entry feature, three new spray features, and in-pool seating for parents. The pool complex also received a new playground with rubber flooring.

“The Ulrich Pool renovations mark another important milestone in our continued efforts to improve and expand opportunities for healthy outdoor activities in our growing community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is a member of the Board’s Parks and Programming Committee. “The new complex will provide many years of enjoyment for all.”

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Saturday-Sunday hours also apply to holidays that fall on a weekday, including Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

On all other weekdays, Monday through Friday, the pool is open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please note that no further admissions are allowed 75 minutes prior to closing, and the pool will operate in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Complete details for the 2021 season, including admission fees, rules and regulations, and special free hours for seniors and people with disabilities, will be available soon at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/pools.

More information on all programs and activities in Union County parks, including boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hiking, nature activities and more is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or call 908-527-4900.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – In a continued effort to provide every resident with access to a vaccine and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union County Board of Commissioners provided free Johnson & Johnson vaccines on site to residents who participated in the county’s emergency food distribution on May 18, in Warinanco Park.

PSE&G also provided a team at the event to help eligible participants sign up for utility assistance programs.

Additionally, personnel from WellCare were on site to provide participants with Medicare insurance information and preventative health care information, and the Community FoodBank of NJ helped resister participants for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We continue to encourage all Union County residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and I would like to thank the residents who got their shot during the food distribution event for supporting that effort. Every vaccination is another step forward for the whole Union County community,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our emergency food distribution events have been a lifeline for thousands of Union County residents during the pandemic, and with PSE&G, WellCare, and the FoodBank on site we are able to reach more citizens with other forms of assistance, as well. Our community partners are more important than ever before during this time of crisis,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response.

Residents who need emergency food assistance can come to the next Union County emergency food distribution event, on Saturday, May 22, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is drive-up only, and a free vaccination clinic will be on site for those who would like to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

Residents who need help with utility bills and who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program have until June 30 to sign up for this year’s program. LIHEAP can also provide assistance to eligible renters who pay for utilities through their rent.

To find out more about LIHEAP and other utility assistance programs offered through PSE&G, visit PSE&G.com/help.

Information about WellCare is available at wellcare.com/new-jersey.

For more information about the Community FoodBank of NJ, visit cfbnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.