County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – Union County residents and visitors are advised that the free Summer Arts concert at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside featuring the group “Verdict” has been cancelled due to severe weather expected this evening. The Summer Arts Series will continue on July 24 at Echo Lake Park with Marc Muller’s Grateful Jamband. For more details about the Union County Summer Arts concert series and other activities in Union County parks visit ucnj.org/parks-activities.

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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 – As another heat wave rolls into New Jersey, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that resources are available for cooling off during extreme hot weather.

The National Weather Service has called a heat advisory for the Union County area for the late afternoon of today, July 17, as well as the entire weekend of July 20 and July 21. The heat wave is expected to last through Sunday.

“Heat waves can be dangerous, and even fatal, if people do not take proper precautions to keep themselves cool,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Union County has many options available for residents to ‘beat the heat,’ so please take advantage of them and stay safe.”

Residents are advised to stay indoors when possible and keep outdoor activity to a low level. The sun’s heat easily penetrates windows, so shutting drapes, shades and curtains will help keep indoor spaces cooler during the day. To avoid heat-related illnesses, residents are strongly encouraged to stay in a cool, dry location, put cool, wet cloths on your body, and take a cool bath. Please visit the CDC’s guide to warning signs for more details.

If there is no cooling available at home, relief can be found at a library, senior center, community center, museum, mall, or any other cooled public space where seating is available.

Union County’s public recreation facilities can also offer some respite from the heat. In Rahway, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway River Park is open seven days a week. For information on hours of operation call 732-381-4045.

Spray parks are available for children at Union County’s Warinanco Park in Roselle, Phil Rizzuto Park in Union, Snyder Park in Berkeley Heights, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, Mattano Park in Elizabeth, and Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. For maps and directions visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

In addition, the Loop playground in the Watchung Reservation includes a mist feature, and the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside is a short walk away. It is open seven days a week from noon to 5:00 p.m.

The following municipalities in Union County are offering cooling centers. Residents planning to visit these locations are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours of operation. Please contact your local Police Department for more information if your town is not listed.  

Berkeley Heights
29 Park Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Phone: (908) 464-2700 ext. 2110

Contact:  Angela Lazzari, Office of Township Clerk

 

Clark

430 Westfield Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
Phone: (732) 388-3600
Contact:  Nancy Raymond, Health Officer

 

Cranford

8 Springfield Avenue

Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 709-7200; Fax: (908) 276-7664

Contact:  Patty

 

Elizabeth

Miller Evans Logan Recreation Center

161-163 First Street

This Friday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday Closed

Monday 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

 

Elmora Racquet Club

23 Fernwood Terrace

(908) 820-2860

Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday Closed

 

Peterstown Community Center

408 Palmer Street

(908) 820-4288

Monday through Friday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday Closed

 

 

 

Fanwood

Chelsea Senior Living Center

295 South Ave.

(908) 654-5200

Open daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Linden

Linden Public Library

31 East Henry Street

Operating Hours

Monday -Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday Closed

 

John T. Gregorio Recreation Center

330 Helen Street

Operating Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday Closed

 

Linden Multi-Purpose Center

1025 John Street

Operating Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday:  9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday Closed

 

Plainfield

Plainfield Senior Center

400 East Front Street

(908) 753-3506

Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

 

Rahway

Rahway Library

5075, 2 City Hall Plaza,

Rahway, NJ 07065

(732) 340-1551

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am-8pm

Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday Closed

 

 

 

Rahway Recreation Center

275 E Milton Ave

Rahway, NJ 07065

(732) 669-3600

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday Closed

Roselle Park

Cassano Center

314 Chestnut Street

Roselle Park, NJ 07204

(908) 245-0666

Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Union

Senior Center

968 Bonnel Court

(908) 851-5290

Open daily 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Townhall

1976 Morris Ave.

(908) 851-8500

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday Closed

 

For more information on resources for senior citizens, contact the Union County

Division on Aging toll-free, 888-280-8226.

 

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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 — A hardworking group of employees from BASF in Florham Park volunteered their time to help restore part of a hiking trail in Union County’s Watchung Reservation in June.

“I would like to thank this group of volunteers on behalf of the Freeholder Board for their hard work and generous donations to the Adopt-a-Park program,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, who stopped by to participate in the project. “Volunteers play an important role in maintaining our rustic trails for all to enjoy, and we appreciate all of their efforts.”

As participants in the Union County Adopt-A-Park program, the group from BASF braved severe heat to clear drainage ditches and cut back vegetation along the trail. They also donated $200.00 in tools to the program and they pitched in for a $300.00 donation in cash, too.

Any individual or group can join Adopt-a-Park and help with trail restoration, nature conservation, and other projects in Union County parks. For more information, visit ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and volunteer activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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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 Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the first ever “Night Out at Wheeler Spray Park” for children with special needs on Monday, July 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wheeler Spray Park is located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden.

The event is free but pre-registration is required for each child attending through the Union County Department of Human Services, online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Free ice pops are included with registration. Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on July 21.

“The ‘Night Out at Wheeler Spray Park’ event is designed to help families with special needs connect with one another and enjoy a community activity in an inclusive, judgement free environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski.

Other activities for children and people with special needs sponsored by the Freeholder Board include the Sensory Friendly Theatre series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, outings to movies and sporting events, special events and activities in County parks, and a new summer camp at the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

For more information about Night Out at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/human-services or contact Manuel Ramirez, Director, at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

The Union Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is part of the Department of Human Services, Division of Individual and Family Support Services. For information on all DHS programs visit ucnj.org/human-services.

 

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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 – For Union County residents who know the secrets of growing a healthy garden, fresh vegetables are ripe for the picking all summer long. Now the experts are going to share those secrets at a series of three free programs on July 22, July 31, and August 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. All three sessions include a visit to the adjacent Union County Demonstration Garden, where volunteers with the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program of Union County grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for local food pantries each year.

The series is free but pre-registration is required at tinyurl.com/Rutgers-Vegetable-Series-2019. Attendees can register for one, two, or all three programs in the series.

“These programs are designed to help Union County residents grow successful vegetable gardens in their own backyards,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Our expert speakers have sound, reliable guidance to share with seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.”

The upcoming July 22 session is “Keys to Successful Composting.” Rutgers County Agent Michele Bakacs will explain how gardeners can help their vegetables thrive by recycling kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-laden, natural compost. The session includes do’s-and-don’ts for what to compost, how to get optimal results, what kinds of compost bins are available, and how to choose a good location for the bin.

“Household composing is a win-win because it adds valuable nutrients back to the soil while helping to reduce waste,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “It’s a good example of thinking globally and acting locally to achieve benefits in your own home and community.”

The July 31 session will provide guidance on keeping harmful pests out of the garden, and the August 15 session will help gardeners learn about harvesting and food safety.

The Rutgers Master Gardener program in Union County is an all-volunteer program supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Rutgers, the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, with offices at the Union County Complex in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East.

The Master Gardeners welcomes new members each year. No experience is needed to join. All members are trained and certified by Rutgers.  For more information about the Master Gardeners program contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 908-654-9854 (ext. 2) or visit ucnj.org/rce.

 For directions and more information about all programs at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation. 

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the popular Wednesday Matinee series at Trailside Nature & Science Center continues on July 17, as “Reach for the Moon” makes its debut. This program, made in partnership with NASA and Mad Science of New Jersey, will propel young visitors to the outer reaches of the solar system, travelling 239,800 miles above earth, igniting their imagination while learning about the science of outer space travel.

“As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, it is wonderful to welcome a program of the caliber of Reach for the Moon to Trailside,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Union County is committed to promoting science and technology for children and young adults, inspiring them to obtain their goals, and programs like Reach for the Moon are both fun and inspirational.”

The Reach for the Moon series begins at 1:30 p.m. each week and runs approximately 45 minutes. All shows are recommended for children ages 4 and up.  Tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m.  Admission is $5.00 for children and adults under 62, and $4.00 for those 62 years old and up.

For additional information about the Wednesday Matinee series or other upcoming programs and special events at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit online at ucnj.org/trailside.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

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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 Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present a selection of artwork that earned First Place honors at the 2019 Union County Senior Art Exhibit. The art, created by Union County seniors age 60 and above, will be on display at the Freeholders Gallery from July 11 through August 27.

“We have many talented senior adults here in Union County and their artwork reflects their experiences and creative spirits,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the remarkable talents of our Union County residents and enable them to share their accomplishments with the community.”

The artworks in this gallery were selected by professional artists Hadieh Afshani, Alina Marin-Bliach, and Barbara Wallace.

The artworks on view at the Freeholders Gallery are:

• Oil painting by Arlene Carallo (Roselle)
• Drawing by William Connolly (Garwood)
• Watercolor painting by John Curch (Scotch Plains)
• Pastel by Nicholas Florio (Roselle Park)
• Photography by William Gardner (Winfield Park)
• Mixed media by Indira Govindan (Summit)
• Acrylic painting by Melvin Kevoe (Westfield)
• Printmaking (monoprint) by Janice Metzger (Westfield)
• Photography by Nancy Ori (Berkeley Heights)
• Watercolor painting by Rosanne Snarski (Springfield)
• Mixed media (collage) by Elizabeth Sutaria (Union)
• Oil painting by Anna Szabo (Union)
• Pastel by Barbara Uhr (Westfield)
• Acrylic painting by Pauli Verridicci (Springfield)

These artworks, along with first-place sculptures by Ron Brown (Cranford) and Jarrett Goldberg (Springfield), and first-place craft works by Robert I. Goldberg (Springfield) and Thelma Heard (Rahway), will travel on to the exhibit and competition at the 53^rd annual New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show hosted by Meadow Lakes in East Windsor, on view from September 19 to October 24, 2019.

The public is invited to visit the Freeholder Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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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.