Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present Housing with Hope, an exhibit of artworks by the residents of Springfield Senior Citizen Housing in Springfield, New Jersey at the Commissioner’s Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The gallery is open during regular weekday business hours and on alternate Thursday evenings when the Commissioner Board is in session.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank our seniors for sharing their artwork with the Union County community. Their paintings form a colorful, vibrant exhibit that shines with beauty and grace,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would also like to thank Housing with Hope for their dedication to connecting seniors with new friends and activities.” 

All of the artworks for the exhibit were created by Springfield Senior Citizen Housing residents during a group “Golden Arts” art class organized by the nonprofit organization Housing with Hope, as part of its Seniors Day Out series. The instructor for the class was Danielle Corso of Art Chick Designs, LLC.

The artists on exhibit are Lan Tian Fan, Joanne Hodges, Yulan Jim, Runnian Li, Isabel Lusolo, Vanda Milovc, Christopher Ortiz, Lanying Qin, Maureen Thomas, Ma Xiu Ying, Yuqin Wang, Dora Yaynberg, Esperanza Zambrano and Yufeng Zhuang.

Housing with Hope cultivates community partnerships to enrich the lives of seniors through engaging events, activities, supportive services, and housing that is affordable for those on a fixed income. Seniors Day Out programs are offered free of charge. For more information visit housingwithhope.org.

For more information about Art Chick Designs visit facebook.com/artchickdesignsllc.

The Seniors Day Out art class was made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all activities and programs of the Office, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, call 908-558-2550 (relay users dial 711), or visit ucnj.org/cultural.

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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 invites families and bird lovers of all ages to come and enjoy “Who is That at My Feeder,” an interactive indoor/outdoor learning experience featuring local bird species, at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 9:00 am. The event is free of charge.

“Here in Union County, we have over 6,700 acres of parks and open space filled with various types of wildlife,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many different types of birds are found in our community, and identifying them is a fun and educational exercise for all ages.”

This exciting and informative lecture, presented by Peter Axelrod, will discuss birds commonly found at feeders in Union County backyards.

Axelrod, a nature enthusiast since age 5, has volunteered in avian population studies, wild bird rehabilitation, habitat restoration, wildlife education and leading birding ventures throughout New Jersey in partnership with NJ Audubon, Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and the Raptor Trust.

Pre-registration is required and can be done by visiting ucnj.org/birdwatching23 and using the secure portal.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is Union County’s Environmental Education Center, located in the Watchung Reservation, a 2,143-acre preserve containing woodlands, fields, lakes, streams and more than 60 miles of hiking trails. Trailside houses 4,500 square feet of interactive, state-of-the art exhibits, including a towering 34-foot American beech tree exhibit that fills the building’s atrium. The Center also features classrooms that look out on the Reservation, a multipurpose room, a library, children’s discovery room and a 250-seat auditorium.

Trailside welcomes walk-in visitors to view the exhibits free of charge every day except Mondays and major holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about Trailside and its event calendar, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside. More information about activities in Union County Parks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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 proud to announce an expansion of the ARRIVE Together program, as part of Commissioner Board Chairman Sergio Granados’s “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative for 2023. ARRIVE Together is a statewide mental health crisis response program coordinated in Union County through the Offices of Union County Prosecutor Bill Daniel and Union County Sheriff Pete Corvelli.

“Stepping Up to Mental Health” is an initiative that has been at the forefront of my “Building a Stronger Union County” theme for 2023. I would like to thank Prosecutor Daniel, Assistant Prosecutor Tiffany Wilson, and Sheriff Corvelli for the success of the program here in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Thanks to their efforts, we are able to expand the program to additional municipalities and improve mental health crisis response in the Union County community.”

ARRIVE Together launched in Elizabeth, Linden and Roselle Park last year, following an initial pilot program in Cumberland County spearheaded by the New Jersey State Police.

The new expansion of the program brings ARRIVE Together to the additional Union County municipalities of Plainfield, Westfield, Cranford, Berkeley Heights, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Mountainside and New Providence.

All together the Union County program now includes 11 municipalities, the most of any county in New Jersey.

“When we saw the success of the the pilot program last year, I knew I wanted to work together with Chairman Granados and the Commissioner Board to expand the program to benefit more residents in need, across our entire county,” said Prosecutor Daniel. “The experience of working alongside mental health professionals complements and enhances the training received by police officers.”

The ARRIVE Together program provides individuals in crisis with help as quickly and effectively as possible. When 9-1-1 is called relating to a mental health crisis, the program sends response teams consisting of local police officers who are trained in crisis intervention, along with mental health professionals who can help de-escalate the situation and avoid the use of force.

The ARRIVE Together teams also follow up later to ensure the person is receiving the help they need. In addition, the program provides for teams to connect with individuals in their community who may benefit from outreach efforts.

For information on more mental health resources and services all Department of Human Services activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs or call the Action Line, 908-677-5405.

A video presentation about the ARRIVE Together program in Union County is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/AZ_QMl5Nj6Q​.

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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 Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters of important information leading up to the June 6, 2023 Primary Election.

As a result of legislative redistricting in New Jersey, following the 2020 Census, the following towns have been reassigned to a new legislative district: Cranford: District 22; Hillside: District 28; Kenilworth: District 20; and Roselle Park: District 22.

The Union County secure ballot drop boxes are open and ready to accept vote by mail ballots. The secure ballot drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7; available to voters 24/7 and the ballots are picked up by a bi-partisan team, pursuant to state guidelines, with a police escort.

To check to ensure you ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website. A complete list of secure ballot drop boxes in Union County can be found at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

“Voting drop boxes provide easier means for residents to cast their votes early while still ensuring the voter’s right to a secret ballot,” said Ms. DiRado. “These drop boxes were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and have proven to be highly popular with residents looking to cast a Vote-by-Mail ballot.”

The complete list of election districts and certified polling places is also available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

As a result of redistricting, two new elections districts have been created: New Providence District 12 and Springfield District 15. Also, six election districts have new polling locations.

All voters affected by the legislative district changes, election district changes or polling place changes will receive a post card notification.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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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 invites gardening enthusiasts to stock up on plants, seedlings and other supplies at the 32nd annual Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale.

The Spring Garden Fair takes place this year on Sunday, May 21, rain or shine, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Union County Demonstration Garden, located by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“We thank the Master Gardener volunteers for their dedication to civic service and for sharing their expert guidance with the Union County residents and visitors. Proceeds from the Spring Garden Fair go to fund horticulture educational programs for youth and adults,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

As always, admission to the Spring Garden Fair is free, and parking is also free. Visitors are advised that all sales are cash only. All proceeds go to fund civic activities of the Master Gardeners, including raising and donating fresh produce and cut flowers to local food pantries and health care agencies, community beautification and education, support for the 4-H youth development program, and a Union County Sustainable Sciences student scholarship..

Among the hundreds of plants and seedlings offered for sale, the Spring Garden Fair features deer resistant, drought tolerant and fragrant plants that thrive in Union County, including many easy-to-grow plants for beginner gardeners. The Spring Garden Fair is also known for a large selection of herbs and tomatoes.

The 2023 Spring Garden Sale also features Rutgers soil test kits for sale and free gardening fact sheets composed by Rutgers faculty.

Master Gardener “Garden Helpline” volunteers will be available to answer gardening questions, and the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control will have an educational display. 

Free parking is located nearby at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot and the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation. Additional free parking is available in the Loop playground area, located a short walk away on the other side of the Trailside Center.

Visitors are advised to bring a small wagon to convey their purchases. Pets are not permitted at the Garden Fair.

The Spring Garden Fair is organized each year by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, an all-volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board.

Anyone with an interest in gardening and volunteer service can apply to become a certified Master Gardener volunteer. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. A training and certification course is provided by experts with the Extension.

The next training course will be begin in January 2024. For more information visit the Master Gardeners website at mastergardeners-uc.org  or call the Extension offices in Westfield at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2).

For information about all Extension programs supported by the Commissioner Board, visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County programs related to gardening, sustainability and nature conservation visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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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Update May 19, 2023: Please note, this event has been canceled due to inclement weather. Following is the original press release.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to invite all residents to our Touch-A-Truck Event on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Rahway River Park, located on St. Georges Avenue in Rahway.

“This is a great, family-oriented event to attend with an exciting day of discovery and adventure for all visitors, said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.”All of these vehicles are showcased for all guests to touch explore and get close to, even adults have a great time. I hope to see all of you in attendance!”

The Union County Touch-A-Truck event will offer visitors the opportunity to explore a range of vehicles, including those from the Union County Departments of Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. In addition, those attending will be able to get a ride on a monster truck – Webslinger, which will be one of the most popular attractions of the event.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite summer foods and snacks at the ShopRite Fill the Grill Food Truck, which will be offering complimentary samples. Other vendors will be on hand to offer ice cream and snacks for purchase.

Admission is free to children ages 6 and under, and is $5.00 per person for all other attendees. The event is set to run from 11am to 5pm, making it a perfect opportunity for families to spend a fun-filled day together.

For more information on Touch-A-Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit our website at www.ucnj.org/parks.

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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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Director, The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites bird watchers and nature fans of all ages to tune into Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream at ucnj.org/falcon, where they can follow along as two adult peregrine falcons raise four newly hatched chicks in their nest, located on the roof of the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth.

“We are very proud to continue partnering with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, to connect our Union County community – and communities all over the world — with the experience of these magnificent birds, helping to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

The Courthouse Tower nest has been occupied by a pair of peregrine falcons every year since 2006. The pair in residence this year is watching over four young chicks, called eyases, which hatched at the end of April.

Eyases are known as voracious eaters. They are expected to double their weight within a week. In three weeks, they are ten times their size at birth.

At six weeks, they will begin learning how to fly. Visitors to ucnj.org/falcon can watch their progress on a camera located outside of the nest.

Along with the free livestreams, the new Falcon Cam website includes:

• Educational resources for teachers to download and use in their classrooms.
• Information on how to help this bird of prey, which is still on the New Jersey Endangered Species List.
• A clickable link that enables members of the public to ask questions about peregrine falcons and get answers from a wildlife biologist.
• A behind the scenes look at the installation of new cameras and microphones from the top of the County Courthouse.
• Updated photos and videos.

Peregrine falcons were common in New Jersey and other states east of the Mississippi River until the 1950’s, when the pesticide DDT began to take its toll. DDT was finally banned in 1973. By then, peregrine falcons had disappeared from New Jersey and the entire eastern United States, and they were put on the federal Endangered Species list.

The falcons did not begin to make a comeback in New Jersey until the 1980’s, when conservationists launched a successful reintroduction program.

Union County became involved in the conservation effort in 2005, when a pair of peregrine falcons tried to establish a nest on the roof of the Courthouse Tower. They were most likely attracted by the commanding views of the surrounding area, but the attempt was thwarted by windy conditions.

To help ensure success if the falcons tried again, Union County worked with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation, to install a nesting box at the same location.

Two falcons did take up residence in the nesting box in 2006, but activity inside the nest remained a mystery until 2016, when Union County worked with its two partners to install web cams and set up free livestream on the County website.

Since then, keeping watch for a new clutch of eggs to hatch has become a rite of spring for Union County residents of all ages, and visitors from all over the world.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about Conserve Wildlife Foundation visit conservewildlifenj.org.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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 reminds residents that the next free scrap metal recycling drop-off events of 2023 will take place in May. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“These free drop-off sites provide our residents with a convenient way to dispose of old, broken or unwanted metal goods, while also helping to conserve valuable resources. We encourage everyone to bring their scrap metal to our drop-off locations for recycling,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County’s scrap metal drop-off locations will be open on Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two sites:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program is contact-free. For the safety of everyone, residents must arrive in a vehicle and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where it is easily accessible. Staff on site will remove the items from vehicle.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 17.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

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.

For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

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The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 16 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2023 Primary Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, June 6.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

To download voter registration forms in English or Spanish from the Union County Board of Elections website, visit at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

Eligible Union County residents can also register to vote online. To register online, visit the New Jersey Division of Elections at voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Voters who register online will receive a confirmation from notice from the County Commissioner of Registration. If the online application contains errors or is incomplete, the voter will be provided with instructions to correct it.

The Union County Board of Elections office, located at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. The Board of Elections Office will also remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms on Tuesday, May 16, the day of the voter registration deadline.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen

• You will be 18 years old by the next election

• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election

• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction

• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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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 encourages residents and visitors to join us in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The national observation aims to increase outreach and education about mental health, helping to remove stigma and improving access to care.

“While Mental Health is nationally recognized in the month of May, it is a topic I think should be focused on all year round; that is why my “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative has been at the forefront of my 2023 Chairman’s “Building a Stronger Union County” theme,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Mental Health can affect anyone you know – it is something that is very common and should be brought to light. The effects not only impact the individual but also family, friends and co-workers and that is why breaking down the barriers to care is so important. Taking the first step is key and I encourage all of our residents to call our Department of Human Services to find out about the many programs and resources Union County has available.” 

Almost half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some time in their life, according to the latest research. The research also shows that with early and effective treatment, individuals with mental health conditions can recover.

During May and beyond, the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Union County Department of Human Services will provide a series of programs and services for Union County residents seeking mental health information and resources, including:

• Observing Mental Health Action Day on May 18. On this day, all Union County residents and visitors are asked to wear green as a sign of encouragement and empowerment to take action on mental health, whether for themselves, for their loved ones, or for their communities.
• Distributing information ribbon cards to raise mental health awareness and link residents with local mental health services.
• Organizing free educational mental health webinars for the public throughout the year.
• Hosting a public, round-table discussion with mental health providers to explore solutions to emerging and current needs.
• Providing four or more mental health first aid trainings for human services staff.

The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse also advises anyone facing a mental health crisis to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support and referral to resources. The 988 number connects to an existing network of mental health service providers, organized through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In New Jersey, the free NJ Mental Health Cares hotline, 1-866-202-HELP (4357), is also available to provide emotional support every day of the week, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Individuals who are concerned or curious about their own mental health can use a free, anonymous online screening tool offered by the organization Mental Health America, at screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools.

Residents who are interested in helping to raise awareness about mental health can also visit Mental Health America for guidance and resources, at mhanational.org/mental-health-month/outreach#individual.

For information on all Department of Human Services activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs or call the Action Line, 908-677-5405.

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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.