The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that 10 Union County artists have been selected as award winners in the 56th annual New Jersey Senior Art Show. The exhibit includes works of art created by both professional and non-professional artists, ages 60 and up, from all 21 counties across the state.
“Amanda Gorman, My Favorite Poet,” by Westfield resident Elizabeth Gillin, was awarded First Place for Oil Painting by a Non-professional artist in the 2022 New Jersey Senior Art Show.
To qualify for the statewide exhibit, artists first have to participate in juried exhibits within their own counties, and receive a first-place award in their media category.
“Listen to Your Heart,” by Cranford resident Joe Manzella, was awarded First Place for Digital Art by a Non-professional artist in the 2022 New Jersey Senior Art Show.
“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I thank everyone who participated in the Union County Senior Art Show last spring, and congratulate the awardees who are exhibiting in the statewide show. We are all enriched by the creativity and insights of the senior members of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
The Union County awardees are:
Joe Manzella (Cranford) — 1st Place, Digital Art by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Listen to Your Heart”
Elizabeth Gillin (Westfield) — 1st Place, Oil Painting by a Non-Professional artist, for the painting, “Amanda Gorman, My Favorite Poet”
Sam Awad (Summit) 2nd Place, Photography by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Pit Stop”
Michelle Thompson (Union) — 3rd Place, Mixed Media by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Finding Beauty in a World of Chaos”
Marianne O’Neill (Rahway) — Honorable Mention, Craft by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Birdhouses & Buttons”
Lynda Dubois-Jackson (Plainfield) — Honorable Mention, Craft by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Grandma & Friends”
Joseph J. Schott (Fanwood) — Honorable Mention, Oil by a Professional artist, for the painting, “Snyder Hunt Club”
Barbara Uhr (Westfield) — Honorable Mention, Pastel by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Along the Banks”
Carol Sussman Skalka (Springfield) — Honorable Mention, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Caress”
Kim Eckstrom (Fanwood) — Honorable Mention, Watercolor by a Professional artist, for the painting, “House with Turret”
To see the exhibit in person, visit the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, in East Windsor. The public can view the artworks, free of charge, Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Groups of 6 or more should contact Meadow Lakes in advance by calling 609-448-4100. Directions can be found on the Meadow Lakes website at https://meadowlakesonline.org/.
The show is on display at Meadow Lakes through Thursday, October 27.
The New Jersey Senior Art Show is a co-sponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Mercer County’s Division of Culture & Heritage, funded by the Council on the Arts with additional support from Mercer County and the New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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.
Residents will be invited to participate in public meetings on reducing the risk of coastal storm surge flooding.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages members of the public to review a new coastal flooding study covering parts of Union County and the metropolitan New York/New Jersey area, prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The new “NY & NJ Harbor & Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study” is available online at nan.usace.army.mil.
As part of the flood control planning process, the USACE will hold a series of public meetings later this year.
“We strongly encourage residents, business owners and other stakeholders in Union County to review the study, prepare questions and suggestions, and participate in the public meetings once they are scheduled,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “This project will be the largest of its kind ever undertaken by the USACE. We anticipate that it will make a significant difference in our community, and to millions of people in the metro area.”
“The new coastal study complements our ongoing work with the USACE on flood mitigation for inland parts of Union County. These are complex projects and we thank USACE, and state and federal partners, for ensuring that we continue to make progress on these vital infrastructure improvements,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who met with staff from USACE and other experts to review the new report earlier this month.
The NY & NJ Harbor Study describes a “Tentatively Selected Plan” to reduce the risk of coastal storm surge by building storm surge barriers at the entrance to Arthur Kill in New Jersey and various waterways in New York, along with natural features and other measures to mitigate flooding from storm surges. Inland communities, such as those along the Passaic River, are among those expected to benefit from these projects.
The Tentatively Selected Plan also provides for minimizing impacts on environmental or cultural resources, while still meeting the goal of reducing flood risk.
The NY & NJ study is part of the USACE’s North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study. Building on lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy, the Comprehensive Study is designed to assess and understand flood risks associated with climate change, and to help at-risk communities better prepare for future flood risks, based on latest scientific information available.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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.
Repurposing of previously closed jail facility has given vital County food program continued capacity for operations
The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that the “Meals on Wheels” program has been operational since the Spring of 2022, using the mostly vacant Union County Jail facility, located in Elizabeth.
Hurricane IDA heavily impacted Union County and the Meals on Wheels facility in Linden was flooded. The County of Union decided the best option was to use the now mostly vacant Union County Jail. The facility had recently been closed in 2021, saving tens of millions in taxpayer dollars.
“Repurposing the County Jail’s kitchen gave Meals on Wheels the tools, space and capacity to meet the needs of the program,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “It has a full kitchen, big enough to produce, pack and prepare the meals for delivery and is equipped with elevators and lifts as well as a loading area for the vehicles picking up the meals.”
Currently a fleet of 23 vehicles delivers 1200 meals to elder residents in needs. Meals on Wheels is by far the largest program within the Department of Human Services, servicing the most people on a daily basis.
“There is a nutrition element to this, but there is also the critical element of the in-person and face to face delivery which for some people may be their only contact with someone throughout the day,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “This ensures that all those benefitting from Meals on Wheels get the nutrition they need.”
“Since moving to the jail facility, this program logistically produces its daily meals at a high rate – and continues to run efficiently and effectively,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services.
If you or a senior you know needs nutritious meals delivered, please contact Meals on Wheels at 908-486-5100.
To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, residents can use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4847.
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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.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, September 29, 2022, between the hours of 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below and see if your Town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
Linden – Tremley Point Area,
Rahway – Elston St., Randolph Ave., Leesville Ave. Area
Union County business owners and managers who are interested in learning new ways to continue growing during periods of stress are invited to attend a Strategic Resilience Lunch & Learn event hosted by the Union County Commissioner Board on Tuesday, October 4, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kean University STEM Building at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.
The event will include a panel discussion on adapting to economic emergencies hosted by Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams and featuring Kean University’s NJSBDC Regional Director, Rafael Mata.
“We encourage the members of our local business community to come and learn from the real-life experiences of our panelists, network with their peers, and meet with agencies that can provide guidance and assistance,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
Representatives from the Union County Economic Development Corporation, the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers, Union College, the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand.
The panel will consist of:
Charlotte Diakite (Owner, A3 Contracting)
Gladys Vonglahn (Owner, Gladys Cleaning Service LLC)
Lee Frankel (Owner, Crossroads Restaurant, Bar and Music Venue
Mike Kelly (Owner, Garden State Strength and Fitness)
Koron Barley (Owner, Headquarters Hair Studio)
Kevin Castor (Co-Owner, Melao’s Café and Creamery)
Lunch will be provided at the event. Pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/ucmb. Please note that a modest fee of $10.00 per person applies.
Union County’s The Lunch & Learn series is hosted through the Commissioner Board’s Union County Means Business initiative, a program of the Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development.
Union County Means Business is supported by many partners including: UCEDC, Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce, Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Union College, Cranford Area Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, America’s SBDC – New Jersey and New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the November 8 General Election can now be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices.
The County Clerk’s office in Elizabeth is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street (access via Elizabethtown Plaza entrance on Saturday, June 4).
The County Clerk’s office is also mailing sample ballots to all registered Union County voters. The sample ballot mailings will begin on October 12.
“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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.
Free drop-off sites available on October 6 and October 15.
Union County residents can bring their old or unwanted scrap metal to free recycling drop-off sites sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Metal cabinets, wire hangers, appliances, gutters, kitchen ware and many other metal items are accepted at these sites.
“Recycling scrap metal is an important way to conserve resources, and we encourage every household to make use of this free service,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “These drop-off sites make it easy and convenient to clear your home and yard of unwanted metal items while helping the environment, too.”
The Union County scrap metal drop-off program operates at two sites, in Cranford and Rahway. Both sites are open to all Union County residents regardless of their home town.
Scrap metal will be accepted Thursday, October 6 and Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two free drop-off centers:
Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)
The final scrap metal drop-off events of the 2022 season will take place on Thursday, November 3 and Saturday, November 19. The scrap metal recycling program goes on hiatus over the winter and will resume in the spring of 2023.
Please note that Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free.
Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove.
For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.
Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the Annual Pulaski Day Flag Raising on Friday, September 30, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.
“Union County is home to many Polish-Americans,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Commissioner Board is proud to once again acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years, by flying the Polish Flag over the County Seat.”
The event is being co-sponsored by the General Pulaski Memorial Parade Committee of St. Theresa from Linden. The program will include remarks by Union County Commissioner, Bette Jane Kowalski as well former NJ State Senator, Raymond J. Lesniak and Linden City Council President, Michelle Yamakaitis. The Grand Marshall of the 2022 Linden Contingency for the local General Pulaski Memorial Parade, Chief of Police for the City of Linden, Chief David Hart will be recognized during the ceremony.
Also slated to be present and recognized at the flag raising ceremony are: the President of the Linden Contigency, Agnieszka Czajkowska, as well as Sophie Kotulski (Miss Polonia 2022/2023), Marcelina Somaradzka (Junior Miss Polonia 2022/2023) and Milena Glab (Little Miss Polonia 2022/2023). Marcelina Domaradzka will perform the national anthems of the United States and Poland.
“We have a diverse fabric of ethnicities and the Polish-American community has a long history of maintaining and honoring their roots within Union County,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair, Christopher Hudak. “I invite all residents from the County of Union to attend the Union County Pulaski Flag Raising. As a Commissioner of Polish descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Polish-American community across the country and especially within Union County.”
“It is with great happiness that we can again be together in person to recognize and celebrate the Polish-American Community here in Union County,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Commissioner Board extended its warmest wishes to all Polish-Americans as they celebrate Pulaski Day in the coming days at various events.”
The Polish-American Community will be celebrating what has come to be known as “Pulaski Day” throughout late September and early October. With various celebrations in several municipalities, the festivities culminate in a parade down 5th Avenue in Manhattan. The Pulaski Day parade was first held in 1937 and is one of the oldest ethnic parades in New York.
The flag-raising will include refreshments and food.
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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.
The County Clerk’s office in Elizabeth is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street (access via Elizabethtown Plaza entrance on Saturday, June 4).
Ballots will be mailed to voters in bright yellow envelopes.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that Vote by Mail Ballots are being mailed to registered voters in Union County in stages, according to Congressional District. The ballots are being sent in bright yellow envelopes to help voters avoid misplacing their ballot.
The first stage included Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, parts of Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Westfield and Winfield, all of which are in CD 7, along with the balance of Linden and the Township of Union, both of which are in CD 10. Vote-by-Mail voters in these municipalities can expect to receive their ballots this week.
As a reminder, voters should look for their ballot in a bright yellow envelope.
“My office is sending the ballots out in stages to help ensure that the U.S. Postal Service can handle the increased volume in an orderly manner and deliver all of them on time, to voters in every Union County municipality,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I strongly encourage voters to fill out and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as they receive it, to account for any unforeseen delays.”
Voters can view the updated schedule of mailings on the County Clerk’s elections website, at UnionCountyVotes.com. The schedule is also available on the County Clerk’s free mobile app, UC Votes.
Voters can choose several ways to return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as early as possible before Election Day: by Postal Service (postage is pre-paid), secure drop-off box, or hand delivery to the County Clerk’s offices or Board of Elections office.
The drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, when the polls close.
The Board of Elections office will be open for voters to hand deliver their vote by mail ballots until 8:00 p.m. on November 8. Voters who hand deliver their ballots to this office must sign a registry and present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.
For more details, including the location of offices, drop-off boxes, and polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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.
Explore more than 370 years of Union County history in two days.
Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey Through Time” countywide history event is back this year on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. Each day is packed with special exhibits and activities at more than 30 house museums and historic sites in Union County, all open to the public free of charge.
The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites.
“Every year brings new insights that enrich our knowledge of the past, that inform our experience of the present, and that enable us to see more clearly into the future of our community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the activities and exhibits, and walk in the footsteps of those who lived here through the centuries.”
Visitors will be able to stop by a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions, and more.
Each site will provide visitors with a free Union County Passport to stamp. Visitors can also pick up free Union County History trading cards at many of the sites.
For more details, including updates and late-breaking schedule changes, visit ucnj.org/4c or contact the individual site.
The featured sites with activities this year include:
Berkeley Heights — Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park
• Walking tour led by an archaeologist (departs 2:00 pm from Masker’s Barn on Sat. and Sun.); learn about excavations that revealed the social history of certain significant periods here, through examination of physical evidence
• Activities for children: old-fashioned children’s games; quill and ink pen writing
• Campfire with marshmallow toasting
• Learn about this village’s history in multiple ways: interpretive panels, audio tour, museum displays, booklet for a self-guided tour, or an armchair tour presented by “David Felt”
• Meet costumed characters from Feltville history, including Revolutionary War soldier John Willcocks, and David Felt, who owned and developed the mill town here
• View recently completed restoration work on House #7
Most buildings and activities in the village are wheelchair-accessible via visitors’ own vehicle or golf cart, provided on site. Historic buildings and activities are spread out over a large area.
Parking available in three areas on site. Attendants will direct you as you turn onto Cataract Hollow Rd. Inform attendant of accommodations needed for people with disabilities.
• Tours this 3-floor museum, a circa-1690 building
• Interactive displays outdoors and indoors
• Functioning 1919 Model T on display
• Living History program about World War II armed forces, from multiple sides and theaters of the war; learn about civilian efforts that supported troops, including a USO show. Displays include uniforms, weapons, and a signal corps tent with working equipment (Saturday evening tour: Experience the World War II encampment at night).
• Gift shop
• Herb garden featuring plants considered medicinal
1st floor of building is wheelchair-accessible. Video shown on 1st floor is a virtual tour of basement and attic levels.
• “Celebrating Cranford’s Finest” exhibit commemorates the 125th anniversary of Cranford Police Dept. and the 135th anniversary of the Fire Dept. — with displays of all police officers and chiefs since 1870, beginning with Joshua Bryant; and displays about the Fire Dept. through the years. Police officers and firefighters will greet visitors.
Museum building is wheelchair-accessible, except the 2nd floor, which can be seen by a video shown on the 1st floor.
Park in the Police Dept. lot (behind museum) or the nearby municipal lot.
• Tours of Sperry Observatory will be led by members of Amateur Astronomy Inc., followed by Q&A sessions — two of the largest telescopes in the eastern United States are located here
• Observatory domes will be open, weather permitting, however telescopes are not used during daylight
• Pick up astronomy and science-related books, magazines and posters — gently used and donated for this event
Observatory classroom is wheelchair-accessible.
Sperry Observatory is located towards the back of the Union College campus, between Springfield Ave. and Gallows Hill Rd. Ample parking is available in the large lots on the college campus, including spaces near the Observatory.
• Guided tours of this 18th-century residence describe the events and people connected with this site, including George Washington — who dined here on the day he was inaugurated as our first President
• Exhibit about local history
First floor is wheelchair-accessible via the back entrance.
Parking lot behind building (via driveway between Boxwood Hall and Efficiency Inn).
• Historic Elizabethtown Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Library’s Local History & Special Collections Dept. — pick up the Scavenger Hunt map/brochure on site; for more information, contact the Dept. at 908-354-6060 x7220, or email afernandez@elizpl.org
• Navesink String Quartet performance at 2 pm (indoors)
Library building and restrooms are fully ADA-compliant. For the Scavenger Hunt, see the brochure to contact sites before visiting to inquire about accessibility.
Free parking on site while using the Library only. For the Scavenger Hunt, use either Bollwage Parking Garage at 37 Caldwell Place or Jefferson Ave. Parking Garage at 28-56 Jefferson Ave. (at corner of Dickinson).
Elizabeth — Nathaniel Bonnell Homestead & Belcher-Ogden Mansion
1046 East Jersey St., Elizabeth
908-581-7555
• Exterior tour about “the corner that history made”
• Picnic tables available for litter-free carry-in lunch in Belcher-Ogden back yard
Building is wheelchair accessible.
Parking lot on site.
Elizabeth — Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy
42 Broad St., Elizabeth
908-353-2131
• Guided tours of First Presbyterian Church, the oldest English-speaking congregation in New Jersey (currently Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church) and Snyder Academy, where Alexander Hamilton once attended school
• Self-guided tour of the restored Revolutionary-era cemetery and burial grounds, where 313+ free and enslaved African people are buried in unmarked graves
• History presentation
• Children’s games from the Revolutionary War period
• Arts and crafts for children and adults
• Historical museum at Snyder Academy features Revolutionary War artifacts, tours and audio-visual presentations about the history of this site
Church building is wheelchair-accessible via ramp at the entrance. Snyder Academy is wheelchair-accessible by elevator located on the Caldwell Ave. side (north side) of the building.
Convenient parking available at the parking garage on Caldwell Place, across from Snyder Academy.
• Tours of Woodruff House (dating to 1735) and Eaton Store (dating to 1900) and their period furnishings:
• In homage to the Woodruff apple orchards, Mini Apple Festival includes the sale of fresh apples, cider, apple turnovers, apple-cider donuts and hot dogs
• Early 1900s antique car on display
• Visit the barn to see the Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit of memorabilia from local baseball legend Phil Rizzuto
• Pick up a brochure with map to take a self-guided tour of nearby historic Evergreen Cemetery
• Tours of this house, which dates to circa 1760 and was expanded and altered over the years
• Special exhibits
• John Sileo of the Tri-State Historical Education Simulations will discuss a Revolutionary War battle that was fought nearby, with discussion augmented by a miniature diorama showing the battle’s actions with hundreds of hand-painted soldiers
• Browse and shop at the restored Levi Cory House (circa 1818) next door
• 19th-century tools exhibited outside include a restored hay wagon, laundry implements including a hand-crank ringer, foot-powered tool-sharpening wheel, and ice plow
• Tour the interior of this restored house, furnished to represent a typical mid-1800s New Jersey farmhouse, and displaying fascinating artifacts — some dating to before the American Revolution
Saturday only:
Guided Cemetery Tour (free) at New Providence Presbyterian Church, across from Salt Box at 1307 Springfield Ave., departing 1 pm and 2 pm (registration required): Learn the history of this cemetery and visit the graves of founding families and Revolutionary War soldiers on this guided 45-minute tour. Limit 20 per tour. To register and request confirmation, email NPcemeterytours@gmail.com, with name, preferred time and number of people. Meet 10 minutes before start time on the sidewalk by church parking lot. Sturdy shoes recommended, due to uneven ground.
Explore the Mason Room Archives of New Providence Historical Society: View local maps, photos, newspapers, personal journals and records in the Mason Room, located at the rear of New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Ave., New Providence.
Park on the street for Salt Box; in church lot for Presbyterian Church cemetery tour; or in the Library lot for visiting the Mason Room.
Plainfield — Drake House Museum & Historical Society of Plainfield
• Interior tours on rotating basis (limit 4 people per tour)
• Drake House Film Festival: a series of short videos shown on an ongoing basis (weather permitting, videos may be shown outdoors); subjects include artifacts, dance, and history; some feature drone footage.
• Information about the search for the Blue Hills Militia Post
Masks required indoors and will be available on site.
Grounds and 1st floor of building are wheelchair-accessible.
Parking lot on site; enter lot at traffic light.
Saturday only: 11 am – 3 pm
Two exhibits on view nearby at Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Ave.:
• “A Photographic Journey through Union County History,” photographs by Nancy Ori, on view in the Anne Louise Davis Room
• “Beef, Iron and Wine: Late 19th- and Early 20th-Century Pharmacy & Medicine in Plainfield,” an exhibit of bottles from the Historical Society of Plainfield’s collection, on view in the main lobby
• Take a guided tour of this 1928 venue led by movie/theater historian and author Irv Hyatt, to include: the history of this restored theater; back stage; demonstration of the historic Wurlitzer organ with its sound effects and various connected instruments (such as drums, cymbals, xylophone); and a Projectionist with 40 years’ experience will explain the projection and movie system
Building is wheelchair-accessible. Accessible parking spaces at rear of building.
Parking available on street or behind the theatre. Or use spacious parking lot nearby at Hamilton Theater on Hamilton St.
Roselle — Abraham Clark House
101 W. 9th Ave., Roselle
732-221-7211
• Exhibits and artifacts focus on the life of Abraham Clark and the history of Roselle
Ample street parking available.
Roselle Park — Roselle Park Historical Society & Museum
9 W. Grant Ave., Roselle Park
• Exhibit exploring the history of Roselle Park — the founding families, mayors and Borough Councils through the years; with timelines about the railroads that helped develop this borough
Ground-level building entrance is wheelchair-accessible (no steps).
Free street parking available nearby, and metered parking across the street.
• Representatives will give external tours of the house restoration and describe this location’s significance on the Battle of Short Hills Historic Trail
• Tour this Colonial-era house and learn about the family who lived here during the American Revolution, and what life was like for the 13 Osborn children — two of whom fought in the war
• Feature program “The 18th-Century Child at Work & Play” — Children worked hard in the 1700s, but also found time to play. Explore the collection of hands-on 18th-century toys. Play a game of quoits and 9-pin bowling.
• Make a colonial hat, then wear it for a photo-op as you pose with colonial children cut-outs
Park in the Municipal lot behind town hall or on street.
• Tours this historic site, which was the first black-owned country club in the United States (ongoing tours with presentations)
• Documentary film “A Place for Us,” about the history of the Black-owned Shady Rest and about John Shippen, the first African-American professional golfer to play in the US Open
• The John Shippen Museum
• Arts and crafts for children
• FREE mini-golf
• Mini-golf putting contest — with prizes
• Light refreshments
Saturday only:
• Presentation about the history of horses and horseback-riding at The Shady Rest — plus a horse on site, and horseback-riding opportunities from 2 to 4 pm
Sunday only:
• Live jazz music performance in the Grand Ballroom by Andrew Wagner
• Thurman and Ruby Simmons will be on hand to discuss the history of John Shippen in the John Shippen Museum
Building is wheelchair-accessible. Accessible parking spaces on site.
Parking lot on site.
Springfield — Cannon Ball House/Hutchings Homestead
• Self-guided tour of the first floor of this Colonial home that survived the Revolutionary War, featuring 18th-century artifacts in the library, parlor, dining room and colonial kitchen
• Docents from the Springfield Historical Society will answer questions
• Exhibit features the century-old, antique wedding gown of a prominent Springfield bride
• Battle of Springfield booklets, maps and 225th Anniversary memorabilia available for sale.
Saturday only:
• Members of the Brigade of the Revolution will tell stories of life as a colonial-era soldier in the days leading to the 1780 Battle of Springfield during the Revolutionary War
Entrance via rear door is just one step up, but building is not wheelchair-accessible by ramp.
Limited on-site parking; enter building via rear door.
• Museum offers something for history lovers of all ages: period furniture and decorative items; a painting by the Hudson River School’s Worthington Whittredge; Colonia-era kitchen complete with hearth; a Franklin stove; and a library of local history
• Archives include photos, building histories, genealogy records, thousands of local obituaries, maps, postcards and more
• Retail shop offers handmade items and gifts with local themes
• Garage houses an antique fire truck and serves as a mini museum for the Summit Fire Dept.
Research room and entire archives are wheelchair-accessible via ramp from gravel parking lot; remainder of the museum is one step up.
Ample free parking on the street, or park in the gravel lot on site.
• Historic public garden, education resource center, and living history museum featuring Wisner House and other outbuildings on 13.5 acres of pastoral lawns, woodland trails, a glacial bowl and historic gardens
• Free guided horticulture and history tours depart at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm from the Visitor’s Center
• History exhibit featuring photographs and artifacts from the Wisner, Reeves and Reed families
• Buildings include galleries, classroom/workshop space in the historic carriage house, and a library housing a collection of historic documents, photos and books
• Beacon Signal Fire #10, a replica of the original Revolutionary War beacon, was recently installed
• Explore the Wildflower Trail, and learn about the history of the historic daffodils here
Buildings are wheelchair-accessible. Gardens and grounds are wheelchair-accessible in some areas. Map and Guide available at Visitors Center provides details.
Park on site, across the street or in surrounding residential area (observe parking regulations).
• Guided tours of this grand Colonial Revival estate built in 1908, with a facade resembling the White House, a lavish entry hall, a ballroom, and a ladies’ secret bath tucked beneath the staircase
Parking lot on site.
Summit — Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
138-142 Broad St., Summit
• Tour of the church buildings and grounds, focusing on Rev. Dr. Florence S. Randolph, the activist and spiritual leader who advocated for justice, equality and equity, civil rights, and women’s suffrage
Building is wheelchair accessible.
Parking lot at rear of church. Street parking also available.
• Tours of this historic parsonage site led by student docents from Union schools
• Appearance by Rev. James Caldwell, portrayed by Meridoc Burkhardt
• New exhibit: “Hannah’s At-home Dress,” created by Gail Alterman, Costume consultant, Assistant to the FIT Textile Conservator
• New exhibit: “Local Heroes of the Revolution” created by Michael Yesenko, historian and author
• Family/children’s activities include: create a tricorn hat and/or a colonial-style bonnet; make “church” dolls; play colonial and native-American games
• Shop the vintage book sale
Building is wheelchair accessible. On-street parking and municipal lot one block away.
• Informal docent-led tours of this fully furnished circa-1740 farmhouse
• Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this site will showcase 18th-century cuisine with a demonstration of authentic colonial-era open-hearth cooking, using period recipes and techniques
• Herb and kitchen gardens
Park in lot or on surrounding side-streets.
Westfield — Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center
• Tour this meticulously decorated and maintained circa-1875 Italianate Victorian-era residence
• Special exhibit about the Westfield origins of Children’s Specialized Hospital
• Self-guided walking tour of the grounds includes gardens, an arboretum, and a “fairy house” hunt
Saturday only:
• Annual Westfield Historical Society AppleFest celebration held outdoors, with music and children’s games
Many activities are outdoors and wheelchair-accessible, however the building interior is not wheelchair-accessible. Interior can be seen online via a virtual tour.
Street parking available.
Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.
The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information about all Cultural and Heritage programs, including grant opportunities, visit ucnj.org/cultural.
For information about all programs and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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.
