Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are calling on residents who cherish the outdoors to make a difference in their community by becoming Trail Stewards through the revitalized Adopt-A-Trail Program. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, nature, and are looking for a meaningful way to give back by helping maintain and preserve the trails that wind through Union County’s beautiful parks.

“As someone who values our natural spaces, I am excited to see the community come together to preserve and enhance the trails that make Union County’s parks so special,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Becoming a Trail Steward is a wonderful way to give back while enjoying the beauty of our environment.”

To further this initiative, a Trail Stewards Orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the historic Masker’s Barn, nestled within the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation. This session will provide prospective Trail Stewards with an overview of the program, indoor training, and a presentation by Union County Park Environmental Services Staff. Attendees will also learn about the specific responsibilities and benefits of becoming a Trail Steward.

Participants in the program are asked to commit to a two-year stewardship, during which they will actively monitor their adopted trails and submit quarterly reports on trail conditions and necessary maintenance. This hands-on involvement will help ensure the continued health and safety of the trail system, benefiting all who visit Union County’s parks.

If you have a passion for nature and want to play an active role in protecting Union County’s natural resources, now is the perfect time to get involved. Sign up for the orientation and take the first step towards becoming a Trail Steward today.

The Union County Adopt-A-Trail Program is designed to engage the community in the stewardship of local parks by providing volunteers with the training and tools they need to monitor and maintain the trails. Trail Stewards play a vital role in keeping these outdoor spaces safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

For more information or to sign up, visit https://ucnj.org/trail-stewards-orientation/ or contact Union County Park Environmental Services at park.env.services@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Wednesday, August 14, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Plainfield Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Princeton Av.
• Clark – Miller Av., Riverside Dr., King St., Emerald Pl., Conger Way Area
• Cranford – Carol Ct., Roselle Av., Orchard St., Harold Johnson Pl.
• Fanwood – Farley Av., Hunter Av., La Grande Av.
• Hillside – Aldine St., King St., Harvard Av. Area,
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area
• New Providence – Gales Dr. Area, Union Av., Magnolia Dr.
• Plainfield – Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., Watson Av., Everett Pl., Ironbound Av., Woodmere Pl.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Linden Av., Walking Path between Whittier St. and Elizabeth Av., Egolf Dr., Kline Pl., Desisto Dr. Area
• Roselle – Drake Av., Harrison Av., Chandler Av., Jouet St., Spruce St., Oak Av.
• Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., W Webster Av., Laurel Av.
• Scotch Plains – Pheasant Ln., Lamberts Mill Rd. (RWJ Fitness), Martine Extension, Country Club Ln.,
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center)
• Union – White Wood Rd. Area, Vauxhall Rd.
• Westfield – Ripley Pl., Cacciola Pl., Stirling Pl., Livingston St., Laurel Pl.
• Winfield – Wavecrest Av., Union County Pkwy.
• County Park – Rutgers

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant application period. The LAP Grant provides vital funding for local arts organizations and non-arts organizations that offer arts activities to Union County residents.

“Investing in the arts is an investment in the heart of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This grant program reflects our dedication to supporting arts programs and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all. I am proud to see Union County continue to support creative initiatives that bring us together and inspire future generations.”

The Grant is divided into two categories: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Project (SP). GOS grants, which offer a maximum of $15,000, support overall operations of arts organizations. Special Project grants, at a maximum of $5,000, are available to both arts and non-arts organizations for a specific arts project. Matching funds are required.

Applicants must be Union County-based, IRS tax-exempt, and incorporated in New Jersey for at least two years. LAP is also open to libraries, schools and units of government producing an arts project. The application process is conducted online. Grant applications must be submitted by the deadline, September 24, 2024, at 11:59 PM.

The LAP Grant program aims to promote public recognition of the arts, strengthen local arts organizations, increase accessibility and participation in the arts, and foster collaborations within the community. Applicants are encouraged to address special areas of interest, including showcasing New Jersey artists, incorporating diverse programming, reaching underserved communities, and promoting high-quality arts education.

“The Local Arts Grant Program is a testament to our commitment to developing a vibrant cultural landscape in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “By supporting local arts organizations and innovative projects, we are not only enriching our community but also celebrating the diverse voices and talents that make our county unique.”

Applications must include organizational background, detailed management plans for arts programs or projects, financial plans and budgets, publicity and marketing strategies, and information on accessibility and ADA compliance.

The Union County Local Arts Program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information or assistance with the application process, contact Martha Sturm, LAP Coordinator, at msturm@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550. Additional inquiries can be directed to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks:

• Berkeley Hts. – Snyder
• Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Lenape
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant
• Kenilworth – Black Brook
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Park
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy

Town Parks:

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Scotch Plains – Brookside
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin
• Union – Biertuempful

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Rizzuto
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, DiFilippo, Rutgers
• Kenilworth – Black Brook
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel

Town Parks

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood
• Rahway – Madison Av., Maddsen Field
• Union – Biertuempfel, Zimmerman

Please be advised South Ave will be closed from Central Ave in Westfield to Center St in Garwood on Monday. August 5, 2024 for work by private contractor that will take place in the roadway. The closure will take place from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.Local and business traffic will be allowed into the closure from either end up to 607 South Ave in Garwood where the work will take place. Emergency vehicles will not be allowed through the work zone and should plan accordingly.A detour route will be in place diverting traffic around the closure. Motorist who use either South Ave or North Ave should plan alternate routes to avoid delays.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, August 1, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Cities

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, River Rd., Snyder Av., Garfield St., Mt. Carmel Area, Washington St., Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Summit Av., Berkeley Hts. Water Treatment, Park Av., Hamilton Av., Lincoln St., Plainfield Av., Station St., Berkeley Av., Passaic Av., Mt. Carmel Area, Columbia Av.
• Linden – Tremley Point Area, Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av., Miner Ter., Spruce St., Brook St., Furber Av., Pallant Av., Orchard Ter., Raritan Rd.
• New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy., Central Av., Gales Dr. area, Park Dr., New Providence D.P.W.
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., 1^st St., Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., E. Front St., Lealand Av., St. Marks Pl., Netherwood Av., 2^nd Av., Watson Av., George St., North Av., E.th St., Harvey Pl., Hillcrest Av., St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd.,
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Linden Av., Walking Path between Whitter St. and Price St., Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Kearney Av.Jowett Pl., Ward Dr., Desisto Dr., Ross St., Area
• Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., Clay Av., Bender Av., Walking path between Galloping Hill Rd. and Chestnut St.
• Scotch Plains – Ashbrook Dr., Frank St., Cherry Blossom Ln., Lenape way, Raritan Rd., Ashbrook G.C. service yard, Martine Av. Extension, Country Club Ln., Morse Av., Hill Rd., Allwood Rd., Marboro Rd. Area
• Springfield – Cottage La., Oakland Av., Waverly Av., S. Springfield Av.
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center)

County Parks

• Passaic River
• Cedar Brook

Town Parks

• Berkeley Heights – Lower Columbia Park
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell

Union County is proud to host the nation’s first-ever inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive National Night Out, taking place on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

This collaborative effort between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Union County Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Department and UCNJ promises a fun-filled evening welcoming all ages and abilities.

The event will be held both indoors and outdoors at UCNJ and will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, including but not limited to:

• Interactive Activities: Photo Booth, Connect Four Game, Bubbles Corner, Silent Disco, Meet the Police Canines, Touch-a-Truck with Rescue Vehicles, and an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog.
• Food and Drinks: Delicious treats from Rita’s Italian Ice Station, fresh fruit, and snacks.
• Informational Tables: Representatives from Union County Public Information, UCNJ Admissions, Kean University, UCPO Welcome Headquarters & Volunteer Station, UCPO Table, ARRIVE Together/CIT, Blue Envelope/Special Needs Registry, Autism New Jersey, Inroads to Opportunities, The Arc, ICMS (Integrated Case Management Services), Children’s Specialized Hospital, Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.
• Sensory Support Stations: Dedicated spaces offering temporary tattoos, face painting, coloring sheets, activity sheets, color and calm books for caregivers, and electronic displays in a common area.
• Movement and Play: Interactive and movement-based games, a Lightning Wheels apparatus, a plastic can toss game, plastic Jenga, a Police Q&A spinning wheel, and an obstacle course.
• Relaxation and Support: A designated quiet zone with social stories available.

Union County Prosecutor William Daniel shares his excitement about the first-of-its-kind event.

“National Night Out is a wonderful tradition in building police-community relationships, but it is important to remember that not everyone experiences the world in the same way. It’s vital to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe. By creating an environment with designated quiet areas and offering adaptable activities, we can make this event truly inclusive for all residents of Union County, regardless of physical, intellectual, developmental, and cognitive abilities.”

“We are immensely proud to be the first county in the nation to host an inclusive and sensory- supportive National Night Out,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri- Mouded. “This event allows all residents, regardless of their abilities, to come together and celebrate, developing stronger, more inclusive connections across Union County. We invite everyone to join us for this historic celebration of community, safety, and inclusion.”

“We’re thrilled to be a partner of Union County’s National Night Out for Everyone and to share our expertise in creating an inclusive, sensory friendly and accessible environment,” said Matthew B. McDonald III, MD, President and CEO, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “We applaud the County for recognizing a gap in offerings at this national event and enlisting the needed support to create a space where everyone can participate equally. We look forward to a wonderful night of community camaraderie.”

“We are proud to partner with the County of Union and the Prosecutor’s Office to support this important community event. Not only is it a great way to connect law enforcement to residents, but it is an opportunity for us to showcase our Cranford Campus. As an open-access community college, we meet students where they are. We have students of all abilities, and we are particularly proud to partner on this kind of inclusive, welcoming event,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Union County’s event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local law enforcement, learn about valuable resources, and celebrate our diverse community in an inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive environment.

Union County National Night Out for Everyone promises to be a unique and memorable event for all. Join us as we celebrate community, safety, and inclusion!

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. More information can be found at ucnj.org/ucnno.