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Flag raising ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the second annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Saturday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

“By raising this flag, we recognize Juneteenth as a date that marks a formative event in American history, affirms the enduring achievements of African Americans, and looks forward to the continued fight for progress and equality,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very proud to join municipalities and organizations in Union County that are also celebrating Juneteenth.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Union County is co-sponsoring several local events in celebration of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is among the longest-running celebrations of emancipation in the United States, though its place in popular culture was obscured by segregationist policies during the 20^th century. More recently, interest in Juneteenth has surged as a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their foundational role in the nation’s history from the arrival of the first slave ship from Africa in America in 1619, up to the present day.

New Jersey has officially recognized Juneteenth Day as a state holiday, and this week the U.S. Senate passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The bill must pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law.

“The raising of the Juneteenth Flag highlights the contributions of African-Americans in our diverse community and in our nation. As a woman with family born, raised and currently living in Galveston, Texas, I also have a very personal connection to Juneteenth, and I am proud to see Union County honor this date in history,” said Commissioner Board Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Out of 21 counties in New Jersey, less than half have recognized the date as a county holiday. The number of counties honoring the state law will grow in 2022, as Union County, as well as Middlesex County, plan to join Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Sussex and Passaic in recognizing Juneteenth as a County holiday. Other counties are undecided.

“As each county, including our own, continues to recognize the nation’s history as a painful one, it becomes all the more clear that the universal power and resiliency of the human spirit, love of country, and determination to build a better future for all must have a day of celebration, as well as a day for honoring our ancestors, and uniting and educating ourselves and the greater community about the significance of Juneteenth,” said Commissioner, Dr.  Angela R. Garretson. “We are very proud to raise the Juneteenth Flag in recognition of the end to the historic practice of slavery, and in honor of the freedom of all people in the United States.”

“The Juneteenth flag is composed of specific symbols that tell the story, and the one that resonates the most to me is the arc across the middle of the flag. Like a horizon in the distance, it represents the promise of the future and the road we must travel to get there. We proudly welcome the entire Union County community to join us for this special flag raising ceremony,” said Commissioner Andrea Staten.

The flag-raising ceremony will include readings from the Proclamation of Emancipation and from the State Senate bill that established Juneteenth Day as a public holiday in New Jersey.

For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, contact James Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board at jpellettiere@ucnj.org or 908-527-4140.

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 County Commissioners would like to invite all County residents and visitors to our next drive-in concert featuring Bobby Miller, as the King of Pop. Neo-soul group, Flavuh band will be opening the event.

The drive-in concert is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available to the public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

“We are very proud to welcome Bobby Miller as he showcases his King of Pop Live experience,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As one of the most beloved entertainers, we are thrilled to witness this Michael Jackson tribute and watch the young and the wise come together to enjoy it”

Inspired by the King of Pop himself, Bobby Miller has been impersonating him worldwide for decades. From the hair down to the glove, Bobby Miller pays homage to Michael Jackson with one goal: “share in the magic, the music and the energy that Michael gave us all”.

Bobby Miller and his team of musicians and dancers boast over 100 years of combined experience and have toured the US and abroad, showcasing their electric and crowd pleasing performances of Michael Jackson’s best hits.

The neo-soul and R&B cover band based out of the NY Metro area, Flavuh Band, will open this event with their captivating, unique and soulful live performance.

The free 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.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the reopening of The Model Railroad Club, Inc. on Saturday, June 12. The exhibit will be open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center, located at 295 Jefferson Avenue in Union Township.

“The Board of County Commissioners is excited to bring this family tradition back,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We invite residents of all ages who are looking for a fun and educational experience to visit the Model Railroad Club.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of an enormous HO scale train layout, along with other displays.

The Model Railroad Club open houses will run in compliance with current CDC guidelines as well as existing executive orders from Governor Murphy for COVID-19. For this reason, visitors are asked to wear a mask when and practice social distancing when visiting the exhibit.

The Railroad Center is run by The Model Railroad Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching the history of railroads and industries in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania while sharing the art, craft and science of model railroading.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. was founded in 1949 by author and Master Model Railroader Paul Mallery. Today it is one of the largest model railroad clubs in North America and features HO scale and N scale layouts, as well as other model railroad and industrial exhibits.

For complete details about public events, admission prices, advance ticket sales, directions, and other information about the Railroad Center visit The Model Railroad Club online at themodelrailroadclub.org.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is a registered charity in the State of New Jersey.

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, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Rumours, will headline the next drive-in concert in the County’s free music series.

The drive-in concert event is scheduled for Saturday, June 12 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. Registration opens up at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 4, online at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

“Rumours is known for their exciting stage show, finely crafted sound and attention to detail. We are very happy to welcome them to Union County,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Rumours is known worldwide for their live reenactments of the legendary Fleetwood Mac band. Coined as the “best Fleetwood Mac cover band,” Rumours has sold out some of the top venues in the United States.

The free 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.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

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.

Union County, NJ – One-of-a-kind, dynamic, and electric are all accurate when describing the 80’s tribute band, Rubix Kube. Union County residents can see Rubix Kube perform live at the Union County Vo-tech Schools campus in Scotch Plains on Saturday, June 5. The special Pride Month event includes free “PRIDE in a Box” giveaways to share as Rubix Kube channels the energy of the 80’s through the icons of pop music.

The show begins at 6:00 with an opening performance by the hilarious Amy Colon, a Union County native. Get ready to laugh your socks off!

Admission is free but attendees must register to reserve a spot by visiting ucnj.org/reserve.

The show is part of Union County’s series of free drive-in concerts presented by the Commissioner Board, specially arranged for residents to enjoy live music in a community setting while preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. More details are available at the registration link, ucnj.org/reserve.

More information: https://wp.me/p4sLwl-nkF

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.

By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Commissioners

June is PRIDE month, and Union County is presenting a series of inclusive events that help build awareness, alliances, and action on LGBTQ+ equality in our community, and beyond.

We kicked off the month with the raising of the PRIDE flag on June 1, at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The flag-raising ceremony program included a Pride Month Proclamation and an inspiring original writing by local student Jeremiah LaPorte.

In celebration of PRIDE month, the band Rubix Kube, accompanied by comedian Amy Colon, will be the next performers at our free drive-in concert in Scotch Plains on June 5. Rubix Kube is known as the ultimate 80s tribute band and will perform some of the most celebrated anthems of the LGBTQ+ community. Reserve your free admission now before all the spots are taken, at ucnj.org/reserve.

On June 9, join host Micayla Mirabella for Queer Empowerment Hour, our series of online virtual conversations with some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies. We will be discussing how PRIDE came to be and where it is now, here in 2021. To learn more about the program and to get a Zoom link, please visit the Office of LGBTQ Affairs at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

For high school LGBTQ youth, as well as allies, on June 19 we are offering Let Me Be Me, an LGBTQ+ youth empowerment field day. Let Me Be Me will take place on the turf field at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, in Roselle. Student ID will be required. Pre-registration is also required by emailing Danni Newbury at DNewbury@ucnj.org.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World will be the featured movie for our free Family Movie Night series on June 25 at the Union County Vo-tech campus in Scotch Plains. Registration for the event will begin shortly, at ucnj.org/reserve.

To close off PRIDE month, on June 30 we will host a fun LGBTQ+ trivia night at the Clubhouse, at Union County’s Ash Brook Golf in Scotch Plains. To register yourself or your team, please visit the Office of LGBTQ Affairs at ucnj.org/lgbtq

The Commissioner Board established the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and to serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. For more information, please contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

Let us all continue to reach out, connect with one another, and support equality and inclusion throughout the Union County community.

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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, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite residents of Union County, age 60 or older, to enter the Union County 2021 Senior Citizens Virtual Art Exhibit. Amateurs, non-professionals and working professional artists alike may enter one original artwork completed within the past three years.

The deadline to enter is August 23. Artists must enter online at ucnj.org/senior-art and submit a digital image of their artwork by the deadline. The virtual exhibit opens on September 30.

“The Commissioner Board is very proud to provide this opportunity for senior artists to connect with the Union County community and share their creativity and vision of the world,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The media categories for entries are: acrylic painting, craft, digital art, mixed media, oil painting, pastel, printmaking, photography, sculpture, watercolor painting, and works on paper (drawing).

The Senior Art Exhibit is an annual program presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. All artworks entered will be judged by an independent panel of professional artists. Separate awards are given to professionals and non-professionals in each media category.

First-place entries will go on to the state level, in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show, also being held online this fall.

For complete information and instructions for submitting work, and to register, please visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/senior-art.

To receive instructions by email or U.S. Postal Service, call 908-558-2550, email msturm@ucnj.org, or write to:

Martha Sturm

Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs

633 Pearl Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Seniors who do not have Internet access can have a relative or friend with an email address assist and register them.

Staff at the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs is also available to provide assistance to seniors without email access. For assistance, call 908-527-2550 or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all Parks and Recreation programs and events, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call 908-527-4900.

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, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Esperanza Spalding will be the next performer in the County’s free drive-in concert series. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 4 at 7:30 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 Friday, May 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.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Esperanza Spalding has made a huge impact in the jazz world. In addition to having six studio albums, Esperanza Spalding was also appointed a Professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University and made an appearance in a film, Love Beats Rhymes, both in 2017.

“Esperanza Spalding is a four-time Grammy winner, Boston Music Award winner and Soul Train Award winner, and we are very excited to welcome this talented musician in Union County,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

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.