Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Freeholder Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“The sensory friendly theatre allows residents, families, and children to enjoy all of the excitement that comes with live theatre while feeling comfortable in an environment tailored to their specific needs,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is childhood favorite Max and Ruby: Musical Playdate. There will be two performances on Sunday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission includes a character parade in the theater, which will take place 15 minutes prior to the 1:00 p.m. show and after the conclusion of the 2:30 PM show.

On Sunday, November 24 at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre will present the beloved ballet classic Nutcracker, performed by the American Repertory Ballet.

 The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012. It is designed according to guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. It has been supported by the Freeholder Board every year since then.

For each of the Sensory Friendly performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at the performances. For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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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 provides special “Reel in and Recycle” bins for the safe disposal of broken or unwanted fishing line, to prevent birds and other wildlife from becoming entangled. The bins are located at popular fishing spots in Union County parks. If one is not available, please carry out your unwanted gear and dispose at home.

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Union County, NJ – The mild fall weather continues to attract anglers to lakes and ponds in Union County parks, and now they have a convenient way to safely dispose of used fishing line. Specially designed “Reel in and Recycle” bins are now located at several popular fishing spots throughout the County parks system.

The new bins are part of an effort to reduce litter in local waterways. They are designed to collect monofilament fishing line, the most commonly used form of fishing line on the market today.

“The new Reel in and Recycle bins provide anglers with a convenient place to dispose of unwanted monofilament fishing line, enabling them to help keep local waterways clean and free of debris that can harm marine life,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “In addition, the line will be collected and recycled into new products.”

Either by accident or through neglect, monofilament line frequently makes its way into local lakes, ponds, and streams, where it entangles fish, turtles, birds and other wildlife. Monofilament fishing line can take more than 600 years to decompose, making it one of the most persistent forms of pollution in waterways.

“The Reel in and Recycle program will help reduce the harm caused by discarded fishing line and improve the habitat for wildlife, while providing an opportunity for the public to learn about the hazards of monofilament line,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. “We hope the new bins will inspire visitors in County parks to learn about the impacts of litter in our parks and understand how they can be part of the solution.”

The new Reel in and Recycle bins are being installed at Briant Park (Summit), Cedar Brook Park (Plainfield), Echo Lake Park (Mountainside), Lenape Park (Cranford), Nomahegan Park (Cranford), Milton Lake Park (Rahway), Sperry Pond (Cranford), Seeley’s Pond (Mountainside), and Warinanco Park (Roselle).

The collected fishing line will be will be sent to the Berkeley Conservation Institute. Since 1990, the organization has recycled more than 9 million miles worth of fishing line into raw plastic pellets, which can be used to make new products including tackle boxes, spools for line, and fish habitats.

Reel in and Recycle is part of Union County’s comprehensive portfolio of recycling programs. For information on all recycling events and initiatives organized or supported by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling.

For quick links to all Union County environmental activities and services, including a directory of County parks, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connect.

Please note that fishing in Union County parks is governed by New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife regulations. A state-issued fishing license is required for those 16 and older.

Photo caption: Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski joined Union County Engineering, Public Works & Facilities Management Director Joseph Graziano and Union County Recycling & Planning Bureau Chief JoAnn Gemenden at  a recently installed “Reel in and Recycle” bin at the fishing dock in Nomahegan Park in Cranford. The new bins in Union County parks are part of an effort to reduce litter in local waterways. They are designed to collect monofilament fishing line, the most commonly used form of fishing line on the market today. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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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 Freeholder Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados this morning joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli in congratulating the winners of the Union County Sheriff’s Office 9th Annual Pistol Competition at the Sheriff’s range in Springfield. Officer Richard Brattole of the Union County Sheriff’s Office won first place. Sgt. Sean Dougherty of the Union County Police Department took second place. Lt. Carlo Caparruva of the Union County Sheriff’s Office took third place. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams, Freeholder Andrea Staten and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada joined State Senator Nicholas Scutari and Union County Manager Ed Oatman at a performance of the renowned play, “The Colored Museum,” at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Freeholder Board sponsored this special event as part of a nationwide effort to commemorate the 400th year anniversary of the first Africans who were forcefully brought to the United States as slaves. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Freeholder Andrea Staten attended the 1st Annual Oktoberfest in Roselle Park and visited with Mayor Joseph Signorello and Second Ward Councilman Joe Petrosky.​

Union County, NJ — The Deserted Village of Feltville will be open to visitors on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 with special history events featuring free hayrides, colonial games, children’s activities, guided tours and a special presentation on the houses that make up the village.

The Deserted Village is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. It will be open from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 as part of the Four Centuries In A Weekend celebration of historical sites across Union County. 

Special events during the weekend include the debut performance of Storied Boards at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Storied Boards is a one-woman show through which four houses share their memories and experiences of being and becoming homes. Through their stories of coming home, being home, missing home and going home, they reveal secrets, dreams, celebrations and sorrows.

“We are happy to be hosting the debut performance of Storied Boards at the Deserted Village of Feltville,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Ms. Gaulke’s research skills and talent as an actress and storyteller have been bringing historical figures to life in an entertaining and educational way. I am intrigued to see how she will now bring the fireplace in House #7 to life as well. De la Selva’s murals are integral to plans now being drawn for restoration of that house, and we would love for people to know more about them.”

Throughout the weekend, visitors can take self-guided tours or enjoy a narrated hayride that runs continuously during the weekend, rolling past most of the buildings and through the grounds of the village.

The ghost of David Felt will be available at the General Store to converse with visitors, describing the factory town he built in 1845 to house a printing mill and the 175 people who worked in his mill, on his farm, his store and school. At 2:00 p.m. each day, Mr. Felt will provide a 20-minute long armchair tour on the porch of the store.

The General Store will also feature historical exhibits along with nostalgic candy, snacks, toys and games for sale. Picnic tables are available for those packing a lunch.

At 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, a special archaeology activity will enable visitors to learn how an “X” on the ground yielded a great assemblage of artifacts at the site, and also revealed an interesting social history. The activity will be led by Matthew Tomaso, Dr. Richard Veit, and Carissa Scarpa, professional archaeologists who have conducted archaeological investigations at the Deserted Village.

Another highlight is the beautifully restored circa-1882 Masker’s Barn carriage house. Outside the Barn, visitors can sit with the ghost of Frank Malloy and roast marshmallows at the campfire ring.

“Storied Boards” was written by and will be performed by Laurie MacDonnell-Gaulke, an actress/storyteller who specializes in creating historical portrayals of real people with real stories to tell.  Using primary sources whenever possible, she strives to present each character in a historically, culturally and socially accurate manner.

With “Storied Boards,” Laurie has chosen parts of each of the four houses to be the characters. One of those houses is a former Feltville mill workers’ house in which Roberto de la Selva, a Nicaraguan artist, painted murals on the plaster walls in 1927.  The fireplace in House #7 will share tales of events to which it has borne witness.

All activities for the Four Centuries weekend are rain or shine, and most are free of charge.

Enter the Deserted Village via Cataract Hollow Road, off of Glenside Avenue (GPS 1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights).  Wear warm clothes and sturdy walking shoes.

For additional information about the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park, visit ucnj.org/dv.

Information about over 30 other Four Centuries in a Weekend sites is available from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs online at ucnj.org/4c.

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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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Mountainside, NJ – A section of the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail will be closed from November 12 through 15 due to routine scheduled maintenance.  

The Sensory Trail, which officially opened in August 2018, is a 0.3 mile ADA accessible loop with a central gazebo. It is designed to provide sensory stimulation and interaction while meeting the physical, social and cognitive needs of different age groups.

For more information, please call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – This weekend, on Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20, Union County celebrates the annual Four Centuries in a Weekend history event, when dozens of historic sites and museums open their doors to the public free of charge, from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. Many of the sites are within walking distance of mass transit routes, and this year’s event will once again feature special trolley and shuttle bus service to some of the sites.

“Four Centuries is a good opportunity to learn about the rich history of our county, and it is also a chance to explore some of the transportation alternatives available to County residents and visitors,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Kean University will provide free trolley service to the Liberty Hall Museum historic site on October 19 and 20.

The Borough of Mountainside will provide a free shuttle from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, where Union County is hosting tours and activities for young and old alike, including free hayrides and children’s games.

The Mountainside shuttle will also stop at the Miller-Cory Museum, the Reeve Cultural and History Center, and Mountainside’s Deacon Hetfield House.

Mass transit options, by rail and bus, are available through NJ Transit.

For complete details about Four Centuries In A Weekend visit online at ucnj.org/4C (scroll down for transit and shuttle information), or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711) or culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. More information about all Parks and Recreation activities is available online at ucnj.org/parks, or call 908-527-4900.

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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 Division of Emergency Medical Services is hiring per diem Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Interested applicants can attend an open application event on Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 PM, and on Saturday, October 26, at 9:00 AM.

Prospective candidates can submit their application and sit for a pre-employment written test, skill stations and interview, all in the same visit. Registered candidates will receive additional details by email. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Please visit ucnj.org/ems-apps to pre-register and for additional details.

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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that  sample ballots for the November 5 General Election can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through the Union County Votes app, a free download for all mobile devices.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter after the close of voter registration, approximately 10 days before the election.

“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 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 all County Clerk programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

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