Author: corinnefiretto

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County are proud to announce another bountiful season from their Sharing Garden, where dedicated volunteers have donated fresh, locally grown produce to help address food insecurity throughout the county.

“We are immensely proud of our Master Gardeners, who have generously volunteered their time and effort through this program to support those in need within our community. Thank you for not only placing nutritious food on the tables of so many families, but for bringing hope for the future of this great county,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon.

Located at the Demonstration Gardens in Watchung Reservation, the Sharing Garden has produced and donated more than 31,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables since its founding in 2002. All produce is distributed to 13 agencies throughout Union County, including local food pantries, shelters, and community organizations serving families in need.

This volunteer-powered garden is tended by certified Rutgers Master Gardeners—community members trained in sustainable horticulture through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Sharing Garden operates in partnership with Union County and reflects a shared commitment to supporting local residents through education, service, and environmental stewardship.

Volunteers are active in the garden for a full nine months of the year. Seeding begins in our greenhouse in mid-March and planting in the raised garden beds starts in mid-April. Produce harvesting and distribution kicks off in June and lasts through the end of October.  Early crops include beets, turnips, lettuce, scallions and bok choy.  Summer crops include peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, summer squash, zucchini, carrots, collards, basil, and Swiss chard.

“Every tomato, carrot, and pepper harvested here represents a small act of care and community,” said Terry Moore, Sharing Garden Coordinator. “We grow more than just food—we grow hope.”

“The Sharing Garden is a shining example of what happens when passionate volunteers and public support come together for the public good,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support this initiative, which not only provides healthy food to our neighbors in need, but also nurtures a culture of giving, learning, and environmental responsibility.”

In addition to the original Sharing Garden, a Sharing Garden Annex was added to increase growing capacity. With the support of county grants and community volunteers, the garden continues to expand and inspire.

Visitors are welcome to explore the Demonstration Gardens on occasional Saturday mornings throughout the summer. Guided group tours may be arranged by calling the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office at (908) 654-9854.

The Sharing Garden is located at the Demonstration Gardens behind the Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ.

For more information about the Master Gardeners program, including how to volunteer, visit www.mastergardeners-uc.org or email mastergardeners@ucnj.org

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the installation of Hearing Loop systems in several courtroom locations, enhancing accessibility for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing. The installation was made possible through a grant awarded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH).

This initiative comes at a meaningful time, as July marks Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and celebrating the rights, visibility, and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

“As a County, we are committed to creating inclusive spaces that meet the needs of every resident,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “The installation of these Hearing Loops is a powerful step toward ensuring that all individuals—regardless of hearing ability—can access our justice system with independence. We are grateful to DDHH for their support in helping us deliver this critical upgrade.”

This new technology allows individuals with telecoil (T-coil)-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants to receive sound directly from the court’s audio system, reducing background noise and significantly improving sound clarity. The project is part of Union County’s broader efforts to improve communication access and equity throughout public service facilities.

The $70,000 grant from DDHH funded the purchase and installation of hearing induction. Signage will be posted at all locations where the system is in place, and additional training is being provided to staff to improve service delivery to residents with hearing loss.

For more information about Union County’s accessibility efforts, visit www.ucnj.org. To learn more about Hearing Loops and other services offered by the NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, visit www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to Warinanco Park on Saturday, July 19th, for a night of classic Freestyle music featuring TKA, Judy Torres, and Soave at 4:00 p.m.

“Freestyle music has deep roots in Hispanic and Latino communities across New York and New Jersey, and it’s a sound that brings people together,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “These artists gave a voice to a generation and created a soundtrack for so many lives. We’re excited to bring that energy back to Warinanco Park and invite families of all ages to come dance, sing, and celebrate.”

Get ready for a night of nonstop throwbacks in Warinanco Park on Saturday, July 19th at 4:00pm as these Freestyle hitmakers take the stage. TKA will headline the event with crowd favorites like “Maria,” “Come Get My Love,” and “Scars of Love.” Joining them is the “Queen of Freestyle,” Judy Torres, whose songs like “No Reason to Cry” and “Come Into My Arms” continue to light up the dance floor. Rounding out the lineup is Soave, whose major hit “Crying Over You” became part of the soundtrack of the Freestyle music genre. Together, they’ll bring a night full of legendary anthems and performances you won’t want to miss! Food trucks and ice cream will also be on site for purchase.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival is provided with support from the Union County Education Association.

For more information about the Summer Arts Festival, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer25 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the Union County Immunization Clinic has officially been renamed the Union County Family Clinic, reflecting its expanded mission to provide a broader range of public health services to eligible residents.

“As Chairwoman, I’m proud that Union County continues to meet our residents where they are—especially our most vulnerable families,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “With this expanded access to wellness visits and TB testing, the Union County Family Clinic is helping to close critical gaps in care and create healthier, more resilient communities.”

The first phase of the expansion includes free wellness visits for uninsured children under age five residing in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Hillside, Roselle, and Scotch Plains. These municipalities have shared service agreements with the Union County Office of Health Management, designating Union County as their local health department.

In addition, free tuberculosis (TB) testing is now available for uninsured individuals, offering a vital public health service to those who need it most. These new services are made possible through a partnership between the Union County Department of Human Services, the Division of Social Services and the Union County Department of Public Safety, Division of Health, and are funded through the Union County Immunization Clinic, whose evolution into the Family Clinic model continues to drive expanded access to care.

“Now more than ever, we need to make sure our residents—especially those without insurance—have access to the health care they deserve,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This expansion is not just about new services—it’s about meeting people where they are and removing barriers to care. It’s one more step in our County’s commitment to providing direct, compassionate services that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The County extends its sincere appreciation to Medical Director Dr. Kamran Tasharofi for his leadership, and to the many staff and partners who made this expansion possible, including:

• The Board of County Commissioners and County Manager for their ongoing support and vision
• Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Assistant Director, Karen Dinsmore, Union County Department of Human Services/Division of Social Services
• Director Dennis Burke, Union County Department of Public Safety
• Carolyn Sorge, Office of Health Management
• The dedicated clinic staff and team members across multiple departments

This initiative marks the beginning of broader efforts to address local health care needs. The County will continue evaluating community feedback and usage trends to guide future phases of clinic expansion.

Appointments are required. Ribbon cutting and scheduling information will be announced soon. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit www.ucnj.org/clinic or contact the Union County Family Clinic at 908-965-3627.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that individuals interested in running for their local board of education should be aware of a new requirement regarding nominating petitions. As of February 3, 2025, a bill signed by the Governor increases the number of required signatures from 10 to 25. All school board election petitions must now include 25 valid signatures.

Candidate nominating petitions must be filed with the County Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00pm on Monday, July 28, 2025. Clerk Rajoppi strongly encourages prospective candidates to file early, so her office can review petitions and alert candidates to any issues or errors in advance of the deadline.

A video guide on how to file is available now at www.unioncountyvotes.com. The County Clerk’s Office is located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113 in Elizabeth. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. For more information, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to launch the 2025 Summer Arts Festival with Never Say Goodbye, a Bon Jovi tribute band, performing live at Echo Lake Park on Wednesday, July 9.

“We’re kicking off the Summer Arts Festival with a bang—and who better to get the party started than a Bon Jovi tribute band right here in the heart of New Jersey?” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you first heard Bon Jovi when the songs were new or became a fan later in life, their music is the perfect soundtrack for summer, especially here in the Garden State.”

Formed in 2003, Never Say Goodbye began by playing local venues and has since toured across the country. The band features Woodbridge native and lead guitarist Petey Vee as Richie Sambora, and vocalist Jesse Samay as Jon Bon Jovi, backed by a group of top-tier industry musicians. Together, they deliver a set packed with authentic Bon Jovi hits spanning over four decades.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on July 9 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. A free yoga class by Satsang Yoga in Westfield will be offered before the concert at 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs and ice cream will be available for purchase. All Summer Arts Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival is provided with support from the Union County Education Association.

For more information about the Summer Arts Festival, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer25 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.