The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to open registration for the 2026 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp at Trailside Nature and Science Center – 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. This inclusive outdoor program will run from August 17 through August 21, 2026, from 9:00am to 2:00pm daily, and is designed for Union County teens ages 12-16 and young adults ages 17-21 with documented disabilities.
“We take great pride in offering programs that bring people together in a supportive and welcoming environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek “This camp not only encourages exploration and learning, but also helps create a sense of belonging for every participant. Designed with sensory-friendly supports in mind, it gives individuals with disabilities a comfortable way to spend time outdoors.”
Throughout the week, campers will explore the natural world through hands-on, sensory-based learning experiences that engage sight, sound, smell, and touch. Campers will discover the plants and animals of the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park, while building an appreciation for nature through guided walks, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, storytelling, and opportunities to meet live animals. Each day is designed to provide a supportive and sensory-friendly environment where participants can connect with the outdoors.
This program is intended for Union County residents who have a documented disability, do not engage in aggressive or threatening behaviors, and are able to independently manage toileting and feeding. Participants who may need occasional prompting or redirection to remain focused and on task are welcome. This camp is not appropriate for individuals with a history of aggressive or threatening behavior or fleeing, those who require physical restraints, or those who are unable to independently manage toileting or feeding.
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. The application process includes an initial online submission, followed by interview(s) prior to acceptance. Final placement is determined at the discretion of the Sensory Friendly Summer Camp Administration based on their ability to meet each camper’s level of need. This program does not have the resources to provide 1:1 staffing.
This Sensory Friendly Summer Camp is completely free of charge, though space is limited. Applications can be completed online at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. For more information, call 908-527-4781 or email opdsn@ucnj.org.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Thursday, July 2, 2026, 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. – Industrial Av., Grant St., Station St., Garfield St., Mt. Carmel area
Clark – Riverside Dr., Miller Av., King St. area
Hillside – Harvard Ave. area, Cornell Ave., John St., Aldine St. area, Westminster area
Kenilworth – S. Michigan Av., Fairfield Av. area, Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd, (area by Lenape Pk.)
Linden – Tremley Pt. area, Lower Rd., (Hawk Rise)
New Providence – Union Av. area
Plainfield – Jefferson Av., Rock Av. area
Rahway – Wall St., Henry St. area, Elston St., Randolph Av., Main St., Leesville Av.
Scotch Plains – Tempe Ct. area. South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
Springfield – Cottage Ln., Waverly Av., Oakland Av., Green Hills Rd.
Ulrich Pool & Wheeler Spray Park Closed until further notice due to rain in the forecast.
Deserted Village of Feltville Temporarily Closed
While a tree blocking the roadway has been removed, downed electrical lines remain in three locations. Repairs cannot be completed until a damaged utility pole is replaced. As a result, the Deserted Village parking lot off Glenside Avenue will remain closed until power is restored, which may take several days.
We are also receiving reports of fallen trees and large tree limbs blocking hiking trails throughout the Watchung Reservation. Union County’s Parks Trails Crew will begin assessing trail conditions Monday morning. Once the full extent of the damage is determined, crews will begin clearing the trails. This work may take two weeks or longer.
Until then, hikers, joggers, and dog walkers are urged to use extra caution while using the trails.
If you encounter a blocked trail, please report it by emailing park.env.services@ucnj.org. If possible, include a photo of the blockage and a map or description of its location.
Watchung Stable Temporarily Closed
Due to a storm-related power outage, Watchung Stable is closed to the public until further notice. While the horses are safe and continue to be cared for by staff, the facility is unable to operate without power.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Wednesday morning, July 1, 2026, 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors, their families, and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events this July to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on all dates to provide support in Spanish.
“Our Aging Services Kiosk serves as a mobile community hub, facilitating the conversation between seniors, caregivers, and Union County. This summer, and all year round, we welcome seniors to visit any of the convenient locations to ask questions, learn about available resources, and get the help they need as they navigate through these new stages of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This is an incredible resource for seniors, and I urge them to stop by their local library and chat with one of our Aging experts to see why.”
The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. 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 ASK locations 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 July:
Tuesday, July 14th
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue, Union
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Thursday, July 23rd
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
“We are especially grateful to the Division on Aging for its commitment to ensuring our senior community has access to fresh food and resources. They are the beating heart of these initiatives, and we are proud to continue supporting them in improving the quality of life of our residents,” said Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
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 atucnj.org/dhs/aging.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 seasonal recycling program will continue in July, featuring a variety of events designed to help residents recycle unwanted, expired, or hazardous items and to promote sustainable waste management practices in the community.
“We want residents to know that every celebration, barbecue, or beach day enjoyed this summer presents a new opportunity for them to responsibly recycle and care for their environment – we’re here to make it as easy and convenient to do so,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I encourage residents to review the dates, plan ahead, and take advantage of this free resource.”
Union County offers free mobile paper shredding events from March through October, giving residents a secure and convenient way to dispose of personal documents on-site. Events run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until trucks reach capacity. Residents are encouraged to participate in the following July shredding event:
Thursday, July 9th: Rahway River Park (Service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive, Rahway
Union County’s paper shredding events are for sensitive and personal documents only, including legal, medical, and financial records. No businesses are allowed to participate. Junk mail, advertisements, magazines, and all other waste papers not considered sensitive or confidential should be recycled through a municipal recycling program.
Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other items prior to the event (staples are permitted). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.
Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in July, providing residents with various opportunities to responsibly recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The next scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, July 2nd & Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:
Rahway: Rahway River Park (service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive
Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, August 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Kean University’s Kean Hall Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint), medical sharps, and welding gas/oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry out latex paint at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, cat litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.
All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunk.
For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycling/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. The free Recycle Coach Mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Thursday, June 18, 2026, 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 Heights – Camptown Dr., Grant St., Kuntz Ave.
Elizabeth – Clarkson Ave., Spencer St.
Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., John St., Aldine St. Area, Central Ave
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, will be offering two free self-defense classes for women 18-23 on Wednesday, July 22nd and Wednesday, July 29th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
“As young adults head off to college, internships, travel opportunities, and summer jobs, it’s important that they feel prepared and confident navigating new environments,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These classes are designed to provide practical self-defense skills, increase situational awareness, and help them feel empowered both on campus and in everyday life.”
Empower & Protect: College Bound Self-Defense Essentials for Women is designed to help young women feel more confident, aware, and prepared as they head into college life. Led by experienced law enforcement professionals, these hands-on sessions focus on practical self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and safety strategies for everyday situations on campus, while traveling, and during social activities. Whether you’re preparing to live away from home for the first time, looking to boost your confidence, or simply want to feel more secure in your daily routine, these classes provide valuable skills and knowledge you can carry with you wherever you go.
“Knowing how to recognize and respond to potentially unsafe situations is an important skill, especially for young adults as they prepare for college life, commuting, travel, and greater independence” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “Our instructors focus on realistic situations and simple techniques that can help participants react quickly and feel more confident in their everyday lives.”
Space is limited, and registration is required. These classes, which involve partnered practice, are identical – please sign up for only one session, and consider registering with a friend or family member. Comfortable workout attire is recommended, and shoes will not be permitted on the mats, so please plan accordingly. To participate in the hands-on portion, attendees must complete a waiver.
For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/women. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@ucnj.org.
Free Real Estate Licensing Program Creates Career Opportunities for Young Adults
Union County is partnering with community leaders and workforce development advocates to help connect young adults with a free opportunity to pursue careers in real estate through a new licensing program, designed to remove financial barriers and create pathways to professional success.
The initiative, led by The BLOC Foundation Founder Natasha Davis and Exodus Real Estate Academy Owner Samantha Lamptey, will provide eligible participants with free real estate pre-licensing education. The five-week virtual program is designed for young adults ages 18 to 21, including recent high school graduates, GED recipients, and college students interested in pursuing a career in real estate.
“This program is about creating access and opening doors,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “For many young people, the cost of professional training can be a significant obstacle. By connecting students with free educational opportunities and clear career pathways, we are helping them build skills, pursue meaningful careers, and invest in their future. Union County is proud to support initiatives that empower residents, strengthen our workforce, and create opportunities for the next generation.”
Participants must complete 75 hours of coursework to qualify for the New Jersey real estate licensing exam. While students are responsible for the state examination fee, the program covers the cost of the required coursework and training.
Classes will run from July 7 for five weeks and will be held virtually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration is open through June 26. The program is open to eligible participants throughout New Jersey and aims to provide young adults with valuable professional skills and an opportunity to earn a state-recognized credential.
“As someone who teaches students in the trades every day, I’ve seen firsthand how access to opportunity can change the trajectory of a life,” said Natasha Davis, Founder of the BLOC Foundation. “Sponsoring 300 young adults to become licensed real estate agents is about more than a career; it’s creating pathways to entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and economic mobility. When we invest in our young people, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.”
“Exodus Real Estate Academy is committed to empowering and educating underserved and underprivileged individuals about real estate as a pathway to homeownership, entrepreneurship, career growth, and generational wealth,” said Samantha Lamptey, Founder of Exodus Real Estate Academy. “We believe that education and examples create opportunity and strengthen communities.”
To introduce the opportunity to prospective students and their families, an informational session will be held on June 22 at 6:00 p.m., in the Kean University STEM Building Auditorium, located at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, licensing requirements, and career opportunities within the real estate industry.
“As a former Board of Education Commissioner, I met countless students who were talented, motivated, and ready to succeed but unsure of what came next after graduation,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron. “Not every young person follows a traditional path, and opportunities like this can make all the difference. Natasha Davis and The BLOC Foundation recognized that need and created a program that removes barriers and provides a clear pathway into a professional field. I am proud to help support this initiative because every young person deserves the chance to pursue a meaningful career, build financial independence, and realize their full potential.”
The BLOC Foundation works to revitalize urban communities through affordable housing development, workforce training, and economic mobility programs, creating pathways for women, minorities, young adults, and underserved populations to build long-term stability and success. Founder Natasha Davis is a Licensed General Contractor who has devoted her time to creating a 100 percent, minority-owned real estate construction and investment firm—and through her work, has made homeownership and real estate investment opportunities accessible to historically marginalized and under-resourced individuals.
Exodus Real Estate Academy is dedicated to thoroughly preparing each student for success in the New Jersey real estate license examination through interactive discussion and exposure to real-world scenarios, emphasizing practical learning and aiming to prepare future referral agents, salespersons and brokers to face the challenges of the real estate industry. Samantha Lamptey is the Founder of Exodus Real Estate and Exodus Real Estate Academy, and Co-Founder of Exodus Development, Exodus Construction and Exodus Architectural Woodwork, all based in Short Hills, NJ. Driven by a passion for design, innovation, and community impact, she built the Exodus family of companies with her husband, Selassie Lamptey, to create opportunities through real estate, architecture, construction, development and architectural woodwork.
