Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors to visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a special presentation on the solar system on Saturday, June 11 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. It is open to adults and families with children ages six and older.

On June 11, visitors will experience a two part program that highlights the new, groundbreaking Solar System Walking Trail, located near the Trailside Center. The exhibit, which opened to the public in April, is the first of its kind in New Jersey.

“This unique program offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the wonders of the universe,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “It is a tremendous opportunity for residents to experience Union County’s new, trailblazing Solar System Walk in the Watchung Reservation.”

To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside. The fee is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-County residents. 

The program on June 11 begins with NASA Volunteer Outreach Ambassador and member of the NJ Astronomical Association, Paul Cirillo, who will take you on a Journey through the Solar System.  Paul Cirillo’s engaging presentation will include the latest astronomical images from observatories both on and off the Earth.

Afterwards, participants will take a guided Space Walk Through the Park on Union County’s new Solar System Walk, led by Trailside Naturalist volunteers.  The volunteers will help visitors experience the scale of the solar system with new interpretive signage and audio guides.

The Solar System Walk is open daily from dawn until dusk. Four audio guides offer inspiring and educational content for all age groups about the Solar System, the atmosphere and the structure of the Earth.  Every step of the walk represents a million miles in space. To activate the Audio Guide, visitors can scan the QR code with their cell phone using a QR Scanner App, or visit www.x-trails.com/audio-guide to download the guides.

The STEM-oriented audio guides feature the following:

The Solar System Experience for all ages, Go on a tour of the Solar System all the way to the furthest known planet, Neptune.

A mission to Mars for ages 4+ Climb up and join Astro, Comet and Professor Edwin Horatius Quintus Van Oort, on a mission to the red planet Mars.

A voyage to Saturn for ages 7+ Join commander Steve ‘the Zoom’ McRocket, Anna and Ben on a daring voyage to Saturn

A Comet’s Journey for all ages Follow the journey of comets and asteroids across the Solar System as you walk back to the Sun.

This new, innovative trail is in partnership between Trailside Nature and Science Center and X-Trails, a company which specializes in outdoor astronomical observation and STEM-related activities. “We are excited to be part of Union County’s Trailside Science Center’s latest development and hope it will add another dimension to an already excellent facility,” said Roni Waserman, founder of X-Trails.

For more information about this program or other upcoming activities at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside is run and maintained by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about Union County parks and facilities, including information about the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

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.

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“LGBTQ: Say it!” Gallery Exhibit Opening on Friday, June 3

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the opening of LGBTQ: Say It!, an art exhibit hosted by Atelier Rosal Gallery located at 74 E. Cherry Street in Rahway on Friday, June 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“This Pride Month, we have given artists a platform to speak their minds and tell their stories through their talent and work,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “This is one of many Pride Month events planned throughout the month of June and we welcome everyone to come and enjoy this exhibit at Atelier Rosal Gallery in Rahway, throughout the upcoming weeks.”

The exhibit, presented in partnership with the City of Rahway, will be on display until July 9, will be an open and safe dialogue by, for and about the LGBTQ community.

Artists’ work will portray a broad spectrum of cultural, political, social and personal anecdotes through paintings on canvas, photography and works on paper. Themes include the challenges on an individual and societal level with hate crimes and current anti LGBTQ legislation as well as the embracement of gender expression and strength of the LGBTQ community.

The opening reception will be June 3rd from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and there will be an additional event on June 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. featuring leaders from LGBTQ organizations.

For information on Atelier Rosal Gallery, visit atelierrosal.com/.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves 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 Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the signing of a formal agreement to acquire a vacant property located at 735-737 Springfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights. The property will become part of the Passaic River Parkway county park. Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“We are coming to the successful conclusion of a long process, which will result in an improvement in public access to open space as well as a benefit for habitat preservation in Union County. The Springfield Avenue parcel will help complete the Passaic River Parkway as a connecting greenway between three municipalities and beyond,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“The Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund received overwhelming support when it was first established by popular referendum more than 20 years. We are very proud to carry on its mission of expanding and preserving open space in Union County.” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is Chair of the Trust Fund.

“The support of the Township of Berkeley Heights was an important factor in the process, and it has been a real pleasure working together to expand and improve the Passaic River Parkway. This new acquisition is a rare opportunity to restore land for public parks in our densely developed area. ” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. 

“It’s been a long road that has brought us here today. I want to thank the County for their vigilance and recognition of the importance of keeping the former Berkeley Caterers property as green space. This is a big win for our Township,” said Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney.

The Springfield Avenue property consists of a 1.349 acre site adjacent to the Passaic River on one side. Two other sides are bordered by Union County’s Passaic River Parkway, a preserved greenway that runs along the Passaic River through New Providence and Summit as well as Berkeley Heights.

The property was formerly occupied by the Berkeley Catering venue. After the business closed in 2018, Mayor Devanney invited Union County Manager Oatman to tour the site and consider its future use as County parkland.

Open space preservation has been a priority for generations of Union County residents. Union County is one of the very first counties in the U.S. to establish its own park system, beginning with a set of five parks encompassing 2,000 acres in the 1920’s. Through continued support from the public, the system has grown to include 36 parks and more than 6,760 acres hosting a range of activities for the public, as well as nature conservation and historic preservation.

Acquisitions over the past 20 years have been supported by the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, established by referendum in the year 2000.

Final closing on the property is expected in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Union County parks system visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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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. 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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters who are using a Vote-by-Mail ballot that they can monitor the status of their ballots online, by using the free “Track My Ballot” portal provided by the Division of Elections in the New Jersey Department of State.

“The Track My Ballot portal provides voters with transparency and clarity regarding the Vote-by-Mail process, and we encourage all Vote-by-Mail users to sign up for this free service,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Voters can access the Track My Ballot portal by following the “Track My Ballot” link on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

The Track My Ballot portal enables Vote-by-Mail users to see if their ballot has been received and accepted. Voters can access the system at any time on a 24/7 basis.

When the Vote-by-Mail ballot is received by the Board of Elections, Track My Ballot will indicate “received.” On or shortly after Election Day, Track My Ballot will indicate if the ballot was accepted.

In case of a rejected ballot, the voter is provided with an opportunity to cure their ballot. They will receive a letter from the Board of Elections with instructions on how to proceed.

Vote-by-Mail users are reminded that the counting of both Vote-by-Mail and in-person ballots will begin after the polls close on Tuesday, June 7.

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, 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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A drive-thru event in Union and one walk-up event in Plainfield to provide residents with food in the upcoming weeks

The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in June to aid those affected by COVID-19.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-Thru

Saturday, June 25, 2022

• 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County has held over 80 food distributions since the start of the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Over 35,000 households within Union County have benefitted from this assistance as they continue to deal with food insecurity resulting from the pandemic.”

“Though the world is recovering as we slowly return to post-pandemic normalcy, Union County recognizes that we must continue to help our residents however we can, and these food distributions have provided millions of meals to families in need,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and all volunteers for their continued partnership.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that the County Clerk’s Elections Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours this Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the 2022 Primary Election. The extended hours are offered on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed.

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 7.

“Voters who apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the Elections Offices in Elizabeth or Westfield can fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure lock box at the site,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This ‘One-Stop’ service is a convenient and user-friendly way to ensure your voice is heard on Election Day.”

Voters using the One-Stop service must provide a New Jersey driver’s license or New Jersey identification card with their photo, name, address and signature if they wish to leave their ballot with staff at the Elections offices, as required by state law.

Voters have until Monday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m. to obtain a Vote-by-Ballot in person at the County Clerk’s offices.

The Elizabeth office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth. To access the Elections Office during special Saturday Vote-by-Mail hours, voters must use the rear entrance of the Courthouse on Elizabethtown Plaza. The Election Office is located in Room 113.

The Westfield office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Street and lot parking are available, and mass transit is nearby.

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, 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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Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

 

Today, Undersheriff Dennis Burke retired from the Union County Sheriff’s Office after more than 27 years of service. His retirement was marked with a traditional walkout ceremony on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

Also in attendance were Commissioners Sergio Granados and Lourdes Leon as well as County Manager, Ed Oatman and Deputy County Manager, Amy Wagner.

 

Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is announcing that Farmers Market vouchers for eligible Union County seniors will be distributed only by mail. Each eligible senior can obtain five, $6-dollar vouchers for a total of $30.00 to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at Farmers Markets that display the black and yellow WIC (Women, Infants and Children) posters.

“Good nutrition is important and the County of Union is excited to offer a safe and convenient way for our seniors to increase their consumption of healthy foods through these vouchers,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I encourage anyone interested, who meets the requirements, to register.”

To be eligible, seniors must be age 60 and older. A single person’s annual income cannot exceed $2,095 per month and a couple’s combined income may not exceed $2,823 per month.

 “The Board of Commissioners is proud to support the Farmers Market Voucher Program, which not only supports local farming but it helps provide easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Union County’s senior residents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “I hope that our eligible seniors take advantage of this program – it’s a great source for our community each year.”

Eligible seniors can request a voucher application form by calling the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226. The Division on Aging office is open on weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Requests can also be submitted after hours and on weekends, by leaving a voice message including name, address, and phone contact, or by emailing the information to Kathleen Malkiewicz, Nutrition Program Director, at kmalkiewicz@ucnj.org or at 908-527-4877.

A limited number of vouchers are available and applications will be evaluated on a “first-come first-served” basis.

Participating Farmers Market in Union County are located in:

• Cranford (Dreyer Farms, 831 Springfield Avenue)
• Elizabeth (Elizabeth Avenue Farmers’ Market, Union Square between Elizabeth Avenue and High Street)
• Kenilworth (455 Boulevard)
• Linden (301 N. Wood Ave.)
• Plainfield (Watchung Avenue and East 6^th Street, across from City Hall)
• Rahway (Rahway Farmer’s Market, at NJ Transit Train Station Plaza
• Roselle Park (Roselle ark Farmers’ Market, at Chestnut Street and East Grant Avenue)
• Scotch Plains (Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market, Municipal Parking Lot at 430 Park Avenue)
• Springfield (66 Mountain Avenue)
• Summit (Park & Shop #2, at Maple Street and DeForest Avenue)
• Union (Town Hall, 1976 Morris Ave.)
• Westfield (NJ Transit Railroad Station, North Avenue Parking Lot)

For more information about the Farmers’ Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Division of Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226, or visit online at ucnj.org/aging. Please note that in-person services may be limited or modified due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

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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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that the County run spray grounds and pool will open for the summer season on Saturday, May 28^th.

“Union County is home to several spray grounds and a pool that our residents can use during the hottest months of the year,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We encourage residents of all ages to come out and enjoy these family friendly facilities as we begin the summer season.”

The County pool and spray grounds will be open on weekends and Memorial Day through June 27^th. On June 27, all County-run facilities will operate 7 days a week.

Wheeler Park Sprayground, Linden

May 28, 29, 30 & June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 (7 days a week starting June 27) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Union County Pool:

May 28, 29, 30 & June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 (7 days a week starting June 27) from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, Rahway River Park, Rahway

Residents can visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/pools/ for details on admissions fees.

Union County spray grounds and pools are run and maintained by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about Union County parks and facilities, including information about the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

For more information about programs offered by Union County, please visit ucnj.org.

 

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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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to join in the celebration of Pride Month 2022, with community activities scheduled all throughout the month of June.

“This year our Pride Month calendar includes a mix of activities from just plain fun to cultural enrichment, education, networking and awareness-raising,” said Chair Rebecca Williams. “We hope everyone can join with us in celebrating our LGBTQ community and renewing our commitment to equal rights and equal justice.”

“We are proud to celebrate our Union County community as one that honors diversity, equality, and respect for the dignity of every person, during Pride Month and throughout the year,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is the Board’s liaison to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

Sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and organized through the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, this month-long series of events includes:

Union County Pride Flag Raising

Wednesday, June 1^st at 1PM – 2PM

Union County Courthouse (2 Broad St, Elizabeth)

Live streamed on the County Facebook

LGBTQ: Say It Gallery Exhibit

Friday, June 3^rd from 6PM – 10PM opening night

Atelier Rosal, 74 East Cherry Street, Rahway

Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway

SAGE Table Community Lunch

An intergenerational lunch to share stories and connect our community

Sunday, June 12^th from Noon – 3PM

Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Ave, Plainfield

Presented in partnership with the City of Plainfield and SAGE

Registration Required: Register Online

LGBTQ+ Trivia Night

Thursday, June 16^th from 6PM – 9PM

Please note the change of date

The Tavern at Ash Brook, 1210 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

Registration Required: Register Online

Union County Pride in the Park, Plainfield – GRAND OPENING OF NEW INCLUSIVE PARK SPACE

Saturday, June 18^th from 12PM – 4PM

Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park (Plainfield)

Queer Empowerment Hour: We Say Gay, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws and patchwork legal protections across the country

Monday, June 20^th at 7PM

Virtual discussion

Registration Required: Register Online

LGBTQ+ Professionals Mixer

Date changed to Thursday, July 28th 6pm to 9pm

The Watt, 1403 Irving Street, Rahway

Presented in partnership with the Rahway SID

Registration Required: Register Online

Love is Love Celebrating National Coming Out Day Youth Dance (Ages 13+)

Date changed to Friday, October 7th 24 6PM – 8PM

Warinanco Sports Center, Roselle/Elizabeth

Registration Required (student ID required at check in)

NOTICE: all participating students will need to be dropped off and picked up by legal guardian, with consent form.

Registration Required: Register Online

Head Over Heels the musical

Thursday, June 30^th at 7PM

Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway

General Admission – Free Tickets Available by reservation: Call the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org to reserve.

Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway and Rahway Social Justice Commission

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves 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 Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.