Author: corinnefiretto

The Union County Board of County Commissioners happily invites all residents, family, and friends to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month this fall. The month-long observance of Latino and Hispanic culture will be commemorated through a series of events, including a captivating art exhibit showcasing vibrant pieces by Hispanic artists, family movie nights, a theatrical production that delves into the depths of Mexican culture, and other engaging activities aimed at inspiring and educating audiences on the multifaceted wonders of the Hispanic culture.

“We are taking this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the rich Latino and Hispanic culture that is an integral part of Union County and our entire nation,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We invite all residents and visitors to join us in exploring this diverse culture through its history, accomplishments, art, music, and cuisine during the events we have planned. I look forward to seeing you there.”

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15th through October 15th. Initially starting as a week-long celebration in 1968, it was later extended to a month by President Ronald Reagan twenty years later. The month-long observance is intended to recognize the valuable contributions, cultural influence, and socio-economic impact of the Hispanic community on our society.

“As the first Latina on the Commissioner Board in Union County, I hold this position with immense pride on behalf of all Latinos who have journeyed to this country with dreams and aspirations,” said Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “From Mexico to Colombia, and across South and Central America to the Caribbean Islands, our nation embraces a vast and diverse Latino community every day. Many, including myself, proudly call Union County our home and it is a true honor to celebrate the Hispanic community throughout this month, as it significantly contributes to the legacy of Union County.”

Hispanic Heritage Month’s calendar of events kicks off with the Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising ceremony on Monday, September 16^th at 4:45 p.m. on the front steps of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance for us to highlight the rich traditions, talents, and stories of the Latino community that have shaped Union County into what it is today,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “As a proud Salvadorian-American, it fills me with immense pride to celebrate our diverse backgrounds while recognizing the unique contributions that each Hispanic culture brings to our community. I encourage all residents no matter what ethnicity to participate in these meaningful events, learn something new, and share in the beauty of the Hispanic experience.”

The full schedule of events is as follows:

Monday, September 16^th

4:45 p.m. – Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony

Union County Courthouse – 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth

–more–

Friday, September 27^th

6:30 p.m. – Movie Night, featuring“The Book of Life”

Kawameeh Park – 1750 Morris Avenue, Union

Wednesday, October 2^nd

4:30 p.m. – Movie Night, featuring“Dora and the Lost City of Gold”

Washington Elementary School – 427 Darrow Avenue, Plainfield

Saturday, October 5^th

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Family Fun Day

Free to Attend – Live Music- Arts & Crafts – Giveaways – Food Trucks

Warinanco Park – Roselle

(in case of rain, event will be held inside Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive, Roselle)

Thursday, October 10^th

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  – Hispanic Leadership Event

Presented by: Anna D. Martinez, Director of NJ Division on Women

Union College of Union County – 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Saturday, October 12^th

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.– “Mexico Beyond Mariachi: Trekking Mexico”

Presented by: City of Rahway

UCPAC, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Tickets $6 per person • To purchase tickets, visit ucpac.org

Additionally, a Hispanic Art exhibit featuring community artists will be on display throughout the month of September at the Commissioner’s Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

For the most up-to-date information about these events, please visit ucnj.org/hhm. For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

For more information about events and activities in Union County parks, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or see the calendar listing at ucnj.org/calendar.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the recycling of their personal documents and sensitive papers at the County’s next free paper shredding event on Saturday, September 21^st. The event will be held at UCNJ in Parking Lots 5A/5B at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m.

“We encourage all residents to make use of this valuable tool as it greatly contributes to our collective efforts in ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Upon arrival, there will be ample signage to guide residents to the shredding site. The paper shredding event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. However, if the shredding trucks reach full capacity, the event will conclude ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to arrive promptly at the start of the event to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for their materials.

All paper shredding events are designed for drive-up and contact-free service. We kindly ask residents to have their papers in the trunk of their car or the cargo bed of their truck before arriving, to facilitate efficient removal of materials by staff. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff handles the unloading and shredding of papers, which are shredded onsite in the mobile shredding trucks. Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Additionally, bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other extraneous materials must be removed before arrival at the shredding site.

Union County’s free shredding events are intended for personal, sensitive, and residentially generated documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other waste paper through their municipal recycling program.  For contact information regarding your municipal recycling program, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. Residents are limited to ten pounds (four bags/ boxes) per vehicle. Business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. Businesses that show up at the event will be turned away. Businesses that need shredding services can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning by phone at 908-654-9890 or via the online form at www.ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.

The next free paper shredding event will take place on Friday, September 27^th at the Westfield Pool Parking lot in Westfield. For the complete 2024 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app. The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is launching a new initiative called “WOW of the Week” on her official Facebook page, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, starting September 9th. This program will offer a glimpse into the office’s functions, history, and staff.

“We hope to enlighten, entertain and encourage viewers to become more familiar with the services the Clerk’s office offers as well as the functions we perform in elections, recording of land documents, veteran services, passports, notaries, trade names, maps along with many others,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “I hope viewers will “follow” and “like” WOW on Facebook at Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.”

The WOW of the Week program will serve as a platform to highlight the staff members who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the County Clerk’s office. WOW will be interactive, encouraging viewers to submit comments and questions. Each week, viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of these employees and the operations of the office.

For more information about the Office of the Union County Clerk, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce a Diaper Drive in support of Diaper Needs Awareness. The drive will be held throughout the month of September, with various donation drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us create a network of care and support for those who need it most,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman, and as a mother, I understand the importance of essential baby items, and the cost of these items can add up quickly, especially for those who are struggling to make ends meet. By coming together as a community to support mothers and their babies, we are building a stronger, more compassionate Union County.”

A broad range of baby and mother care items, such as diapers, wipes, and baby hygiene products, will be accepted in original packaging. Items can be dropped off at one of three locations now through September 30^th:

Union County Administration Building

10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth

Union County Public Safety Building

Froehlich Building

400 North Avenue, Westfield

Union County Engineering Building

Public Works & Facilities Management

2325 South Avenue, Scotch Plains

Union County will also be collecting diapers and supplies on Saturday, September 14th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at the 2024 Union County Fall Festival in Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

For more information about the Diaper Drive, visit www.ucnj.org/women. Anyone interested in hosting a drop-off site can contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women, at jerdos@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites Union County students in grades 1-12 to join a 4-H Club this fall and explore popular fields ranging from cooking, sewing, art, archery, robotics and more. Youth in their first year after graduating from high school can also join.

“Joining a 4-H Club offers our young residents a unique opportunity to discover their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are proud to support this program, which promotes creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to community service among Union County’s youth.”

The majority of the clubs meet at Union County’s’ Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue, East in Westfield on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. 4-H Clubs are organized by age and topic. The members meet with an adult club leader on a monthly basis during the school year to plan activities and programs.

Each club emphasizes the ability of students to learn, organize, and communicate with activities appropriate for their age. For the school year 2023 – 2024, the clubs are:

• Variety Club (different topics with crafts and show-and-tell), grades 1-3.
• Cooking Club (prepare deserts, main courses and more), grades 4-12.
• Community Service Club (plant trees, make sandwiches, teach younger youth), grades 8-12.
• Sewing Club (learn how to hand sew and use a machine), grades 6-12.
• Lego Robotics Club (work with NXT kits and Spike) grades 4-12.
• Craft Club (have fun with paints, fabrics and more) grades 4 – 12.
• Engineering Club (make model cars, bridges, and learn about electric) grades 4-7.
• Archery Club (learn basics and more advanced techniques) 4-12.
• Photography Club ( learn basics of using a camera) 4-12.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community. A recent Tufts University study found that as a group, girls who join 4-H clubs are especially likely to demonstrate positive behaviors.

4-H Clubs run from October to June. To sign up for a club, email James Nichnadowicz Union County  4H Youth Development Agent at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 ext. 3.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.

In recognition of National Recovery Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and in partnership with Prevention Links is pleased to announce a webinar aimed at raising awareness and support for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The webinar will take place on September 24^th from 6:00pm-7:00pm, and will be accessible via Zoom and Facebook Live.

“National Recovery Month is a time for us to come together as a community to support and uplift those who are on the path to recovery,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri Mouded. “By partnering with Prevention Links and hosting this webinar, we hope to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about recovery and resilience.”

The upcoming webinar, Voices of Recovery: Celebrating Strength and Resilience during National Recovery Month, will feature a panel of diverse speakers who will share their powerful stories of hope, recovery, and resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by these remarkable journeys. Mark your calendar and be part of this special event!

National Recovery Month, celebrated each September, recognizes progress in the field of recovery and honors the resilience of those who have overcome substance use disorders. The Union County Board of County Commissioners is partnering with Prevention Links, a non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and supporting mental health. Prevention Links empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes healthy lifestyles through its various programs and initiatives.

To register for the webinar, visit www.ucnj.org/nr-zoom. For more information about National Recovery Month, or information about substance abuse disorders, please visit the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse website at www.ucnj.org/dhs/obhsa.

For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action line at 908-677-5405.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that the Union County 2024 Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, September 14^th, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. Admission is free for all.

“The Commissioner Board and I hope that our residents and park visitors have been enjoying this year’s concert series so far and have room for one more,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As we look forward to the changing seasons, we are delighted to host another day of live music, refreshments, and fun! Events like our Fall Festival foster community togetherness, providing one more opportunity for everyone to detach from their daily routines and re-engage with one another in a safe and comfortable environment. I hope to see you all there.”

The 2024 Fall Festival will feature live musical performances, with plenty of food and refreshments available for purchase. For the first time ever, this event will include the Union County Micro Beer Garden, featuring local beer from Wet Ticket Brewing of Rahway, Yale Terrace Brewery of Cranford, Climax Brewing Co. of Roselle Park, and Lion’s Roar Brewing Company of Westfield. Residents must be at least 21 years of age and able to present a valid photo ID before being served.

The musical line-up for the 2024 Fall Festival is as follows:

The Fabulous Thunderbirds – This popular blues rock band is known for its harmonica-infused sound. With fifty years in the business, they’ve had the opportunity to open for musical talents, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, and even had their own music used in 1987’s classic film, “Hot Pursuit.”  Attendees can look forward to listening to fan favorites “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up” as well as newer hits like “Struck Down By The Blues” and “Nothing in Rambling.”

The Weight Band – This band knows how to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Band, and that’s in part because their group leader, Jim Weider, was the lead guitarist of The Band for 15 years! The Weight Band recreates the energy of that grassroots, Woodstock sound that will transport fans back in time, while blending in their own inspirational, original acts that will leave the audience hopeful for what’s to come in the future.

Dead On Live – Dead on Live returns to our concert series with a super funky “Jerry Jams” show, recreating the Jerry Garcia solo era of 1975-77, when he headlined the groovier, easy-going namesake band, the Jerry Garcia Band. Fans can look forward to DOL’s recreations of “They Love Each Other” and “Positively 4^th Street” as well as other iconic hits from that unforgettable time in music.

In support of Diaper Needs Awareness Month, the County of Union will also be collecting donations of diapers and baby supplies at the 2024 Fall Festival. All donations will be distributed to local non-profits. For additional drop-off locations and more information on the Diaper Drive, please contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at ucnj.org/women.

The 2024 Fall Festival is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.