Author: Web Site Administrator

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages seniors and their caregivers to visit their local ‘ASK’ services kiosk this August. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with experienced professionals who can offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources and help with form completion. Bilingual staff will be available at several events to offer support in Spanish.

“At our ‘ASK’ kiosks, our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to providing the latest information to our senior community, ensuring they are aware of helpful programs and services they might otherwise miss out on,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “No appointment or registration is necessary. Simply visit an ASK kiosk at your local library on the provided dates and get connected to the latest community services and programs available to you.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at the ASK kiosks can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in August:

Wednesday, August 7th
Roselle Library
129 Chestnut Street, Roselle
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, August 13th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Cranford Public Library
224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, August 20th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, August 22nd
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 28th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“We are committed to ensuring that our seniors and their caregivers have the information and assistance they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, who is also Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “Our Office on Aging continues to hold programs like this because our senior community deserves easy access to the resources they deserve. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these services.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project to join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.” Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4th grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

“Our Master Tree Stewards provide students with enriching educational experiences and important messages about trees and the environment. It’s a lesson about appreciation and stewardship that young people can carry into adulthood, benefitting our community and the world beyond for years to come,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies. Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks. A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here.

The 2024 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 4th to December 11th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday. The 4th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit www.ucnj.org/rce. For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connect.