Month: September 2022

Business owners and managers in Union County are invited to attend the next Lunch & Learn event hosted by the Commissioner Board on Tuesday, October 4, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kean University STEM Building at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

The event will include a panel discussion on adapting to economic emergencies featuring Kean University’s NJSBDC Regional Director, Rafael Mata. Additional panelists will be announced shortly.

The Lunch & Learn series is hosted through the Union County Means Business initiative of the Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development.

Lunch will be provided at the event. Pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/ucmb. Please note that a modest fee of $10.00 per person applies.

For more information about the Office of Business Development visit ucnj.org/department-of-economic-development or contact the Office Coordinator, Jeff Brooks, at Jeffrey.Brooks@ucnj.org or 908-659-7412.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services would like to announce an upcoming Parents in Action program (PIA) for Cyber Safety and Anti-Bullying. The PIA is a parent support group offered by the Division for over 6 years.

“The start of a new school year is an essential time for parents to be involved and knowing what kind of support and assistance is out there is important,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Keeping our students safe does not end after the first day of school; it’s a year-round endeavor that requires deliberate, conscientious, and collaborative attention.”

This event will be held on October 5, 2022 at the Westfield Library, located at 550 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This presentation will be offered to school administrators, parents and non-profit organizations. If interested, residents can register at www.ucnj.org/youth.

“School violence and bullying including cyberbullying is widespread and affects a significant number of children and adolescents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “While the internet and technology offer opportunities for kids to learn and be entertained, it is critical that parents or guardians are being proactive and talking about internet safety and any form of bullying. Our students deserve to feel safe both in school and out of school and its programs like this give parents the tools they need to be informed and aware of anything that can happen.”

The Parents in Action program has two components. First, being the Parent Workshop on October 5^th and the second is a five-week in depth parent in action class that offers parents and guardians the opportunity to meet with other parents dealing with similar issues. There will be three sessions offered in English and Spanish. The dates and locations will be announced at a further date.

For more information about the Parents in Action Program or any other youth service, please contact 908-558-2520.

Free outdoor movie screening as part of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to a free screening of the Oscar winning film, “Encanto” on September 23 at Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.

The event is free for all to attend and no registration is required. Free popcorn will be provided and there will be ice cream available for purchase.

“The County Commissioners are pleased to provide an opportunity for Union County families to come together for a fun evening as part of our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We hope to see residents of all ages come out and enjoy Encanto.”

Encanto is a 2021 American computer-animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Its soundtrack went viral and reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and UK Compilation Albums charts. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” topped both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart for multiple weeks. The film was nominated for three awards at the 94th Academy Awards, winning Best Animated Feature

Encanto follows a multigenerational Colombian family, the Madrigals, led by matriarch Abuela Alma whose children and grandchildren receive magical gifts from a miracle that helps them serve the people in their rural community called the Encanto. When Mirabel, Alma’s granddaughter and the only family member with no special gift, learns that the family is losing their magic, she sets out to find out what is happening, and save her family and their magical house.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own snacks and chairs or blankets.

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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Learn about the 4-H program – meet the club leaders.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County 4-H Youth Development Program will be holding an open house for students in grades 1 through 12 on Friday, September 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available at Trailside.

Volunteer 4-H club leaders will be on hand to meet the students and talk about the 4-H program.

“The Commissioner Board is very proud to support 4-H, which helps youth in our community develop leadership and communication skills while exploring subjects that interest them,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The 4-H club calendar follows the school year. For the 2022-23 school year, the available Union County 4-H clubs are Archery, Cooking, Sewing, Crafts, Service, Outdoors, Engineering, Lego Robotics, Gardening, and Variety.

More details about the clubs, including age requirements, meeting schedules and fees, is available at unioncountynj4h.com .

4-H Clubs are run by adult volunteers that have been screened and trained. Membership in clubs is open to all genders. The Union County 4-H Program is run by the Rutgers New Jersey Cooperative Extension of Union County, and is supported by the Union County Board of Commissioners, Rutgers University, the United States Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey Experiment Station.

For more information about the open house or 4-H please contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or email him at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

For information about all Union County Extension programs, including Master Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners and Environmental Stewards, visit ucnj.org/rce.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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 Commissioner Kimberly Mouded visited campers at the Sensory Summer Camp to enjoy a closing-day celebration on August 26. The campers enjoyed arts and crafts activities, guided hikes, animal presentations, a talent show and more.

Youths ages 12 to 21 attended the Sensory Summer Camp at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center from August 22 to August 26. Among the activities were arts and crafts, guided hikes, animal presentations, an astronomy presentation, a talent show, a singalong camp fire and a closing-day celebration. A total of 20 campers enjoyed the program.

“The Commissioner Board was very proud to bring Sensory Summer Camp back to Trailside this summer, and we are looking forward more enriching activities for children and young adults with special needs as the fall season approaches,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Programs like Sensory Summer Camp help ensure that our public recreation resources reach everyone in the Union County family with inclusive experiences in a supportive, judgement-free environment,” said Union County Commissioner Kimberly Mouded.

Sensory Summer Camp is a program of the Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.

The camp program makes use of the Sensory Friendly Trail located on the grounds of Trailside, a gentle 0.3-mile walking trail with many sound, sight, touch, smell and activity features including a Braille loop with rope guides.

Union County’s recreation programming for youth with special needs also includes Special Needs Night at the popular Wheeler Spray Park in Linden, the Sensory Friendly Theatre series at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway and the annual Fall Fishing Derby as well as various classes including yoga, karate, ceramics and golf.

To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4807.

For information on the Sensory Friendly Theatre series, visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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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Popular Halloween-themed program returns to the Deserted Village of Feltville for the first time in two years.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Haunted Hayrides are back after a two-year hiatus. The popular Halloween-themed series will take place at the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation on the evenings of October 21, 22 and 23.

“The Haunted Hayrides take participants on a one-of-a-kind trip through the Deserted Village, to meet early inhabitants of this unique historical site,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The Haunted Hayrides have been a favorite family tradition for many years, and we are delighted to bring it back for the Halloween season.”

Adults and children ages 6 and up are invited to participate.

During the Haunted Hayrides, visitors ride through the 130-acre grounds of the Deserted Village in the dark, on an open hay wagon pulled by a tractor. Live, costumed performers enact more than a dozen vignettes along the way, each based on an actual event from the past within the Village or nearby.

A traveling circus, a coven of witches, and a battle from the Revolutionary War are among the scenes staged by an assembly of Union County staff and volunteers each night.

The figure of David Felt, who built this former mill town in 1845, comes along for every ride to regale participants with tales of mystery and tragedy from the 300-year history of the Deserted Village and its environs.  

Participants will also have the opportunity to take a short walk on a trail through the woods to spend time with a resident of a Revolutionary War-era cemetery at the Village. 

The Haunted Hayrides are scheduled to leave every half-hour from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 23.  The total program experience lasts about one hour. Warm clothes and walking shoes are suggested.

All tickets must be purchased in advance. There are no ticket sales on site. Ticket purchases can be made online at ucnj.org/ticket.

Tickets may also be purchased in person at the following locations:

Trailside Nature and Science Center

452 New Providence Road, Mountainside

Open Tuesday through Sunday (except holidays), 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Trailside Info: 908-789-3670

Parks Reservation Desk

Union County Administration Building

10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth

Open Monday – Friday (except holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Reservation Info: 908-527-4900

The price of a ticket is $8 for a Union County resident and $16 for out-of-county participants. Ticket purchases are limited to eight per person and are sold for rides at specific times.  No refunds or exchanges are permitted.

The Deserted Village is located within Union County’s Watchung Reservation off Glenside Avenue, near the border of Berkeley Heights. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the Village during normal park hours, daily from dawn to dusk.

More information about visiting the Deserted Village is available at https://ucnj.org/dv.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday except holidays. Trailside is closed on Mondays.

For all programs and activities in Union County parks visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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 – September 20, 2022 — Seniors and their caregivers can come to Union County’s ASK events on September 21, and October 6 and 17, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Bilingual staff will be available to assist residents in Spanish during the events on September 21 and October 6.

The assistance includes help with filling out applications and forms.

“The ASK program is a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services, and our bilingual staff will help ensure that we can reach everyone who is seeking assistance,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

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.

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 upcoming events are as follows:

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.

Thursday, October 6

Bilingual staff will be available at this event to assist residents in Spanish

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, 07083

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Monday, October 17

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 07066

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

To check for other upcoming ASK events, call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.

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. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.    

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.