Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Union County has been awarded a $100,000 grant to support a new Rails-to-Trails Feasibility study by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The project is a collaborative effort between the Commissioner Board, Kenilworth Mayor Linda Karlovitch, Roselle Park Mayor Joseph Signorello III, and local advocates for rails-to-trails projects.

“This grant is the first step in creating a new safe bike and pedestrian travel opportunity in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The 3.52 mile long railroad track has been unused for over 50 years and the County Commissioners are excited to learn how we can convert it to become a valuable asset to the County.”

The Rails-to-Trails Feasibility Study was designed by the Union County Bureau of Transportation Planning to determine the steps necessary to convert the unused Central Railroad of New Jersey track to commuter friendly trails for cyclists and pedestrians. The railroad track lies between the Township of Cranford and the City of Elizabeth and is bordered by the Borough of Roselle Park and the Borough of Roselle.

“The bike and pedestrian paths that could come from this study are an excellent way to create new opportunities for recreational activities. My colleagues on the Commissioner Board and I are excited to receive this grant and see the Rails to Trails Feasibility Study come into fruition with the support of Mayor Karlovitch, Mayor Signorello, and local residents,” said Commissioner Christopher Hudak.

In addition to offering recreational opportunities, the transformation of the rail into a trail will support the redevelopment efforts of nearby communities and provide additional transportation alternatives between the Raritan Valley Line train station in Cranford and the Northeast Corridor station in Elizabeth.

“The Borough of Roselle Park borders the former Central Railroad of New Jersey and we are excited to see the once overgrown eyesore bloom into a worthwhile attraction to this Borough and County.  I would like to thank Councilman Jay Robaina for being a huge advocate for this feasibility study,” said Mayor Joe Signorello.

“The Borough of Kenilworth, Roselle Park and the County Commissioners have been collaborating with one another to convert this unused railroad into a very necessary bike and pedestrian pathway for years,” said Kenilworth Mayor Linda Karlovitch. “During the pandemic, many families sought out ways to stay active while keeping a safe distance; adding this new trail gives residents the opportunity to do just that.”

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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Enjoy a free, outdoor concert – registration is not required

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The concert will take place on Saturday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m.

Attendees will have the pleasure of enjoying two opening acts, Ray Andersen and the First Verse and The Rusty Monks.

“Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes has been a fan-favorite act in Union County for many years,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As one of New Jersey’s most iconic rock acts, we are looking forward to a fantastic show.”

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes are among the creators of the legendary Jersey Shore Sound. The talented band  has recorded more than 30 albums and toured all over the world during the past five decades while playing a classic blend of searing rock, soul, and blues accompanied by a solid guitar sound and a blistering horn section.

Ray Andersen and The First Verse will open the stage with their rock sounds and the Rusty Monks will be opening with their groove oriented mixture of funk, rock, Latin and jazz started by Housecatnick in the early 2000’s.

Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs.

Food trucks and restrooms will be on site.

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 Commissioners is pleased to invite children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the new “Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park” series, every Wednesday evening in the month of July from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Special Needs Night at Wheeler Park series has been organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“The Special Needs Night series provides an opportunity for children and their care givers to connect and have fun,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It provides a safe space for families with special needs, and it supports our goal of providing inclusive, welcoming environments for all County residents.”

The series kicks off on Wednesday, July 7 at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. To register, visit secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

“The Union County Commissioners are excited to bring this wonderful event back and create a series for families with special needs,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and we are proud to support the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in presenting recreational programs that are accessible to all residents.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

The next three events in the Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park series are:

July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

July 21 at 6:30 p.m.

July 28 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4781.

For information on all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs.

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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Donated food, free COVID-19 testing, free COVID-19 vaccination, and other resources for those in need are included.

Union County – The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee, is commemorating World Refuge Day with a free resource and food distribution event for refugees, immigrants and others in need.

The event will take place behind the Union County Social Services Building located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26.

All services are provided on a walk-up basis. No pre-registration or appointment is needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or test.

The food donations consist of both nonperishable shelf items and fresh produce, provided by The Village Supermarket and Garguilo Produce, on a first come, first served basis. Attendees who wish to pick up food are advised to bring a cart or wagon.

Attendees will also receive resources for utility assistance, nutrition programs and much more.

“This year’s theme for World Refugee Day is ‘together we heal, learn and shine.’ It is a reminder that we are all connected in the Union County community, and we all have the power to lend our strength to those in need,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Created by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is celebrated internationally each year on June 20. Worldwide, people commemorate this day by donating, raising awareness and learning more about refugees and their struggles.

“With this event, we hope to raise awareness of the ways in which our residents can reach out to assist refugees and help them find their footing after a long and often traumatizing journey. The County Commissioners are strongly committed to ensuring that people who are fleeing violence and strife in their native countries can find a welcoming and inclusive home in Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Board.

“On World Refugee Day this year, IRC’s partnership with the County of Union represents the power of community welcoming,” said IRC Deputy Director Alison Milan. “For refugees who have fled their homes and have left so much behind, building a new life becomes a little bit easier when they can connect to local resources; encounter a friendly face; or can share their talents. Today we celebrate the resilience of refugees and their vast contributions right here in New Jersey.”

For more information about the event please contact Nathalie Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Division of Outreach & Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4880 or nahernandez@ucnj.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.

  Union County’s free drive-in concert series continues; advance registration begins June 28.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that The WildFlowers will be the next performer in the County’s free drive-in concert series. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 10 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 beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 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.

Known as the #1 tribute band to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, a group of Tom Petty fans and heavily skilled musicians came together to form “The WildFlowers.”

“We are excited to welcome this talented tribute band who pays attention to detail and recreates the music and performances of Tom Petty with passion and precision,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, and attendees may also bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited and port-o-johns will be available.

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.