Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the final show of this year’s Summer Arts Concert Series: Taylor Nation, coming to Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Saturday, August 17th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This energetic Taylor Swift tribute band will bring the excitement of a live Taylor Swift concert to the park, offering fans of all ages the chance to relive and sing along to the global superstar’s biggest hits.

“We’re excited to offer a day of music that families and young people in our community will really enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Taylor Nation brings the energy and excitement of a Taylor Swift concert to Oak Ridge Park, and we encourage everyone to join us for a fun and memorable experience together.”

In addition to the incredible music, families can look forward to a variety of activities for kids, including inflatables, craft stations, and delicious food trucks including treats from Cold Stone Creamery and Rita’s Italian Ice. The event will capture the same lively atmosphere as our recent The Little Mermen concert, ensuring a fantastic time for people of all ages.

Taylor Nation, led by the dynamic Melody Ebner, will take concertgoers on a journey through Taylor Swift’s iconic musical eras. Whether you’re a lifelong “Swiftie” or a newcomer, this concert promises an immersive experience that captures the essence of a live Taylor Swift performance. From “Love Story” to “Shake It Off” and beyond, expect a show filled with energy, emotion, and plenty of sing-along moments.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends, pack a picnic, and enjoy a day of music, activities, and unforgettable memories. This concert promises to be a memorable experience for all.

As the Summer Arts Concert Series wraps up with this exciting finale, Union County is already looking forward to the next big event: the 2024 Union County Fall Festival. Residents are invited on September 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark for a day packed with live performances from multiple bands, a microbrewery garden, and a diverse array of food trucks. For more information about the Fall Festival, visit ucnj.org/fall24.

For more information and updates on Union County events, visit www.ucnj.org/calendar. For additional details on Union County Department of Parks and Recreation activities and programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the County of Union is now accepting donations for its annual school supply drive, which will run from August 8th through September 2nd for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Residents may donate items online or in person at one of the designated collection sites.

“Having access to essential school supplies is vital for the academic success of our students. By equipping our children with the necessary tools, we empower them to thrive and achieve their full potential,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We take great pride in this initiative, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions of our residents. We encourage you to join us in supporting our students and donate today.”

Key items sought through donations include earbuds, single-subject spiral notebooks, plastic pocket folders, No. 2 pencils, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, 1-oz. hand sanitizers, glue sticks, sticky notes, highlighters, 12-inch rulers, pink erasers, and children’s scissors.

Residents may donate items in person at one of the following collection sites:

• Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ
• Union County Public Safety Building, 400 North Ave East, Westfield NJ
• Union County Engineering, Facilities, and Public Works Management Building, 2325 South Ave, Scotch Plains

Residents who wish to participate online may visit our Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/unioncountyschooldrive24.

For additional information on the Union County School Supply Drive, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator at 908-527-4388 or by email at Judith.guest@ucnj.org.

For more information on programs and events hosted by the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, please visit ucnj.org/community-engagement-diversity/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to a free scrap metal recycling drop-off event on Saturday, August 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event will take place at two collection sites in Cranford and Rahway and will be held twice a month from April to November.

“I want to encourage all residents who haven’t yet participated to consider joining our recycling efforts. By disposing of your unwanted scrap metal items, you can significantly reduce waste in your homes and the environment while also giving these items the chance to be repurposed,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We appreciate your support and hope to see you at one of our participating locations this August.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted on Saturday, August 17th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth

• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from Union County residents may be brought to either of these sites. Union County’s Scrap Metal events will continue next month on Thursday, September 5th and Saturday, September 21st. To receive schedule alerts and stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area, or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

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

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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Rizzuto
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, DiFilippo, Rutgers
• Kenilworth – Black Brook
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel

Town Parks

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood
• Rahway – Madison Av., Maddsen Field
• Union – Biertuempfel, Zimmerman

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises all students who are Union County residents attending schools outside of Union County this fall to immediately apply for their vote-by-mail ballot to ensure they are received in time for the 2024 Presidential Election. Vote-by-mail ballots will be available for mailing on or about September 21^st. There is no option to vote by email.

“Your participation in the democratic process through voting is critical. With the presidential election fast approaching, it’s important to exercise your right to vote and contribute to shaping the future of our country,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I strongly urge all college students to apply for their mail-in ballot as soon as possible so their ballots can be sent in the first wave of mailings.”

Applications for vote-by-mail ballots can be downloaded at unioncountyvotes.com. Completed applications must be sent through the mail or brought to the County Clerk’s Elizabeth or Westfield offices.

All signatures on the vote-by-mail application and ballot envelope are validated through a voter registration system. No one other than the voter may sign either the application or the ballot envelope.

Voters who prefer the County Clerk’s One-Stop service can come to the Elizabeth or Westfield office and apply for their ballot in person. Once received, they can complete it and place it in the inner envelope, fill out the info, then put it in the outer envelope and mail it. They may also deposit it in a secure drop-box on-site, all in the same visit. Privacy booths are located at the offices for voters to fill out their ballots.

Due to Post Office delays, ballots must be mailed back and received no later than election day (Tuesday, November 5^th) in order to be counted.

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.

Please be advised South Ave will be closed from Central Ave in Westfield to Center St in Garwood on Monday. August 5, 2024 for work by private contractor that will take place in the roadway. The closure will take place from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.Local and business traffic will be allowed into the closure from either end up to 607 South Ave in Garwood where the work will take place. Emergency vehicles will not be allowed through the work zone and should plan accordingly.A detour route will be in place diverting traffic around the closure. Motorist who use either South Ave or North Ave should plan alternate routes to avoid delays.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, August 1, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Cities

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, River Rd., Snyder Av., Garfield St., Mt. Carmel Area, Washington St., Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Summit Av., Berkeley Hts. Water Treatment, Park Av., Hamilton Av., Lincoln St., Plainfield Av., Station St., Berkeley Av., Passaic Av., Mt. Carmel Area, Columbia Av.
• Linden – Tremley Point Area, Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av., Miner Ter., Spruce St., Brook St., Furber Av., Pallant Av., Orchard Ter., Raritan Rd.
• New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy., Central Av., Gales Dr. area, Park Dr., New Providence D.P.W.
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., 1^st St., Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., E. Front St., Lealand Av., St. Marks Pl., Netherwood Av., 2^nd Av., Watson Av., George St., North Av., E.th St., Harvey Pl., Hillcrest Av., St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd.,
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Linden Av., Walking Path between Whitter St. and Price St., Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Kearney Av.Jowett Pl., Ward Dr., Desisto Dr., Ross St., Area
• Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., Clay Av., Bender Av., Walking path between Galloping Hill Rd. and Chestnut St.
• Scotch Plains – Ashbrook Dr., Frank St., Cherry Blossom Ln., Lenape way, Raritan Rd., Ashbrook G.C. service yard, Martine Av. Extension, Country Club Ln., Morse Av., Hill Rd., Allwood Rd., Marboro Rd. Area
• Springfield – Cottage La., Oakland Av., Waverly Av., S. Springfield Av.
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center)

County Parks

• Passaic River
• Cedar Brook

Town Parks

• Berkeley Heights – Lower Columbia Park
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that over $25,000 has been awarded to various Union County schools and non-profit organization through the new STEM Educational Growth Grant, aimed at further enriching the impact of garden-based education initiatives. This grant is an extension of the Plant-A-Seed Program and will offer additional resources to 2024 awardees to develop educational programming in agriculture, food science, nutrition, climate-change and sustainability.

“STEM education is essential in schools because it prepares students for future jobs, fostering creativity and critical thinking,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Grant funding helps Union County offer high-quality STEM programs in schools as well as non-profits, ensuring all residents can benefit.”

The STEM Educational Growth Grant is awarded to programs and experiences that enhance understanding and promote educational opportunities to expand awareness of Science, Technology. Engineering and Mathematic initiatives related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability. Examples include science fairs, farm to table cooking demonstrations and activities, lectures and workshops related to agriculture, food science, nutrition, and sustainability.

With this grant opportunity, Union County will continue to invest in STEM-based education that nurtures creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in our youth and communities.

A list of grants awarded to schools and organizations in Union County are as follows:

Cranford:

• Livingston Avenue School – $700
• Hanson Park Conservancy – $1,000

Elizabeth:

• Dr. Antonia Pantoja School No. 27 – $2,000
• William Halloran No.22 – $1,500
• John E. Dwyer – $365
• Woodrow Wilson School No.19 – $500
• JVJ STEM Academy – $1,000
• Dr. Albert Einstein Academy School No. 29 – $1,000
• J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy – $250
• John Marshall School No.20 – $500
• Elmora Community Garden – $964
• Elizabeth Community Center/Prevention Links – $764.43
• Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth – $1,000
• Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey – $750

Hillside:

• AP Morris Early Childhood Center – $250
• Hurden Looker School – $1,000

Linden:

• Linden School No.4 – $250

Plainfield:

• Plainfield High School – $1,500
• Joanne Hollis Garden Resident Association – $1,000
• Richmond Towers – $696

Roselle:

• Inroads to Opportunities – $500

Roselle Park:

• Robert Gordon Elementary School – $1,000
• Sherman Elementary School – $365
• Roselle Park Middle School – $860

Scotch Plains:

• Scotch Plains Community Garden – $850

Springfield:

• Springfield Public Library – $770

Summit:

• Reeves-Reed Arboretum – $353
• Summit Area YMCA – $650

Union:

• Livingston Elementary School – $750
• Battle Hill Elementary School  – $1,000
• Township of Union Community Garden – $525

Westfield:

• Crossroads School – $1,000
• Westlake School – $228.97
• Jefferson Elementary School – $600

“With the support of the Plant A Seed Program, my fellow commissioners and I were inspired by the innovative programs created by our existing gardens in Union County that help promote urban farming, foster community relationships, and has cultivated a love for learning in our youth through hands-on-experiences,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chair of the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund Board. “The expansion of the Plant of Seed Program that I worked to create alongside our Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded through the Office of Open Space will help our educators and residents in Union County continue to create incredible educational program opportunities related to Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). These opportunities will better prepare our community in STEM related challenges in the future and encourages a culture of learning and sustainability.”

The STEM Educational Growth Grant is offered through the Open Space Trust Fund, designed to carry out the Union County Board of County Commissioners’ policies to conserve open spaces, offer recreational opportunities, and preserve historic sites. For more information about the Office, please call 908-558-2278.