Category: Public Info

In recognition of Black History Month 2024, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to a series of engaging events in February, highlighting key historical and cultural themes in African-American history. This year’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” focuses on Black contributions to music, visual media, and more.

“The theme for this year’s Black History Month is a significant one,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The arts are critical to understanding the Black experience through history; from struggle and pain, to hope and joy. As always, Union County is dedicated to providing enjoyable learning experiences that are unique, engaging, and family-friendly.”

The month-long series begins on Thursday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m. with a raising of the Pan-African flag, also known as the Black Liberation flag, at the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event will not require registration.

“It’s not that long ago that proudly displaying symbols of Black culture in public was unthinkable,” said Commissioner Rebecca Williams. “By continuing our flag raising tradition, we hope to inspire our residents to be proud of their heritage, a central part of their identity.”

The series continues on Wednesday, February 14^th at 12:30 p.m. with a virtual Lunch and Learn presentation. The featured speaker will be Professor Shawn Smith, a photographer and filmmaker who currently also serves as an adjunct professor at Essex County College. Professor Smith teaches Studio Art, along with History of African-American Cinema, Art Appreciation, Photography, Interactive Multimedia Design, Game Design, and Animation Design. Registration for the Zoom is required at www.ucnj.org/bhm. 

“Professor Shawn Smith offers a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Black history,” said Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “His academic experience has covered virtually every corner of that world and we are excited to learn a lot from him. Shawn is a natural fit for our Lunch and Learn series, which is a fun and relaxed way to learn during the work day.”

The County’s Black History Month 2024 event lineup will conclude on Thursday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. with a special Jazz Night concert. The event, held at the Union County Performing Arts Center Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway, will star the Bob DeVos Quartet featuring Lance Bryant. The event will also include the presentation of the 2024 Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Registration is required to receive a free ticket at www.ucnj.org/bhm.

“We have been eagerly awaiting for the Hamilton Stage to reopen ever since Hurricane Ida,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Jr., “and now that that day has come, we’re ready to host more incredible community events in this modern, multi-purpose space. It’s a fitting way to continue the celebration of UCPAC’s 95th anniversary, which highlights the rich artistic tradition in both the City of Rahway and Union County.”

Throughout the month, residents can also expect weekly social media content featuring the “Divine Nine” historically Black fraternities and sororities. To receive more information on the entire Black History Month event lineup, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/bhm or contact Judith Guest, Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, at judith.guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

In recognition of Arbor Day 2024, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to provide free trees for local schools.

“For us, Arbor Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a commitment to the environment and the well-being of our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Planting trees is not just an act; it is a legacy we leave for generations to come. Arbor Day embodies our shared commitment to nurture the roots of a sustainable future, one tree at a time.”

Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding. In addition to the tree giveaway, the Commissioner Board also sponsors an annual Arbor Day poetry contest, provides municipalities with tree-for-tree matching grants, and supports the Master Tree Stewards volunteer tree conservation program.

This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the Flowering Eastern Redbud. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall. The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

The deadline for free tree requests is March 22^nd. Trees are limited. Schools may contact Andrea Staten, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management, andrea.staten@ucnj.org or 908-789-3659 to request a tree.

For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Wednesday, April 10^th and Thursday, April 11^th.

“The free tree giveaway and initiatives, just like the other Arbor Day poetry contest we are creating, showcase our dedication to fostering a greener and more vibrant Union County,” said Commissioner James Baker, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board. “We hope that participating in this Arbor Day program inspires our youth to continue helping to cultivate a greener, healthier world.”

Arbor Day has been a National Observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees.  This year Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 26, 2024. To find out more about the value of trees in urban communities, use the free, user-friendly iTree online tool developed by the U.S. Forestry Service, the Arbor Day Foundation and other partners. Visit iTreeTools.org for details.

For more information about the 4-H and Master Tree Steward programs, contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers 4-H agent, 908-654-9854 or jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No experience is needed to join the Tree Steward program. A training course is held each year, featuring guided walks in area parks and nature preserves.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Commissioner Board and is headquartered in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. For information on all Extension programs, including Master Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards, and the 4-H youth development program visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.

In recognition of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to sponsor the annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest for students in Union County. The deadline for entry is March 8, 2024.

“In the rhythmic verses of poetry, we find a unique way to celebrate Arbor Day and highlight the significance of trees,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Arbor Day Poetry Contest invites students to weave words that capture the essence of trees, their benefits, and the harmony they bring to our environment. I encourage all students to join us in this contest.”

Participation in the Arbor Day Poetry Contest is organized through the schools. Each school in Union County has received information on entering their students in the contest. For additional information, principals and staff can contact Andrea Staten, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at andrea.staten@ucnj.org  or 908-789-3659.

The poetry contest offers students of Union County, currently enrolled in grades 4 through 8, an opportunity to obtain a greater understanding of Arbor Day by encouraging them to portray the importance of trees in the natural environment and man-made landscapes, by focusing on the benefits, beauty, and contributions of trees to our communities.

All poems received will be categorized by grade and judged.  One winner will be chosen for first, second, and third place at each grade level.  The winners will be invited to attend an awards ceremony on April 24^th at 6:00 p.m., and will be publicly recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

“The Arbor Day Poetry Contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to express their appreciation for the vital role trees play in our lives and communities,” said Commissioner James Baker, the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board. “The presence of trees significantly enhances the quality of life in our region and this contest is just another way to celebrate Arbor Day and a valuable occasion for everyone to acknowledge and appreciate the crucial role that trees play.”

Arbor Day has been a national observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, April 26, 2024.

For quick links to all environmental programs and services hosted by Union County visit The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connection.  

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite seniors and their caregivers to the upcoming ASK community events for February. At these events, attendees can meet face-to-face with skilled professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Additionally, bilingual staff will be on hand at several events to provide support in Spanish.

“The ASK program is intended to provide peace of mind to our senior citizens and caregivers,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We want our elderly residents to be aware that they do not have to navigate this season of life in the dark and to explore all of the possibilities available to them. To receive assistance from one of our trained professionals, we encourage you to attend the next ASK Event near you.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging and Disability Resources. It offers seniors aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue for Union County residents to discover valuable programs and services. This program brings Division on Aging professionals to local public libraries and community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and caregivers connect with a variety of services including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in February:

Thursday, February 8th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Friday, February 9th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 14th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Elizabeth Public Library– Main

11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, February 23rd

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street, Westfield

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The ASK Program is an avenue through which we provide our senior community with valuable information, tips, and assistance that can help build confidence for the future,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We urge our elderly and caregivers to attend one of our local ASK Events to learn more about this convenient and friendly service.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudakis proud to announce that the new Surrogate’s Court Office in Westfield for probate and administration services is now open. This expansion is part of the Surrogate Hudak’s 2024 initiatives, aimed at enhancing accessibility for Union County residents.

“This development reflects our dedication to making Surrogate Court services more convenient for Union County residents,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “Probate and administration services are essential for families experiencing loss. By adding a second location in the western half of Union County, our staff can make assistance with these emotional processes more straightforward and easier to access.”

The Surrogate will offer Probate and Administration services in the new Westfield Office, located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue. Appointment-only service will be available on Tuesdays. Residents can conveniently schedule probate and administration appointments through the Surrogate’s Office website, https://ucnj.org/surrogate,  or by contacting the Elizabeth office directly at 908-527-4280. The office hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm, and the last appointment will be accepted at 3:15pm.

“I thank the Union County Board of County Commissioners for their support of this initiative. Their partnership and commitment to our vision plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smoother process for Union County residents.”

The launch of the Westfield office is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and increase accessibility to Surrogate’s Court services. The Surrogate looks forward to advancing the mission of ensuring efficient probate and administration procedures for all Union County residents.

Do you like to hike?  Are you interested in spending more time outdoors?  Looking for a way to give back through volunteering?  Think about becoming a Trail Steward!

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are looking for volunteers to bolster the ranks of its Adopt-A-Trail Program.  Each Trail Steward adopts a section of trail in the Watchung Reservation or in any other Union County park. 

“Walking or hiking on trails in the Union County Park System has been the most popular activity in our parks since they were built over a hundred years ago,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.  “Changes in lifestyle since the pandemic have resulted in a dramatic increase in trail use and trail users of every kind – including hikers, joggers, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts – visit our parks by the thousands every day.  Though our park and trail maintenance staffs work hard to keep trails and paths in good condition, it is an overwhelming task.  The Watchung Reservation alone has over sixty miles of trails.  Volunteer Trail Stewards help the County keep the trails safe and clean for use by others.” 

Trail Stewards walk their adopted trail at least four times each year, picking up litter and fallen branches, clearing leaves from storm culverts, and cutting back vegetation.  They report larger problems, such as erosion or downed trees, to be dealt with by County staff or the volunteer Chain Saw Crew. 

Anyone 18 or older who is interested in becoming or continuing as a Trail Steward is invited to an orientation meeting on Saturday, January 27, from 9:00 am to noon, at Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.  A simple online registration for the meeting is available at the Trail Stewards tab at:  https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The Adopt-A-Trail Program is administered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For additional information, contact the Division of Park Environmental Services at 908-789-3683 or email park.env.services@ucnj.org.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, such as the Adopt-a-Trail and Adopt-a-Park programs and the popular Peregrine Falcon Cam, are available at The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connection/.

Monday, March 11, 2024 from 6:30pm-8:30pm:

Training Expectations to Share with Participants:

• Participants MUST log onto training as individuals, not in groups
• Participants should use a laptop or desktop computer when possible – phones and tablets are permitted but discouraged
• Participants should have their cameras on when possible
• Participants are expected to take part in polls and conversations
• Participants are expected to arrive on time

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite seniors and their caregivers to the upcoming ASK community events in January. At these events, attendees can meet face-to-face with skilled professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Additionally, bilingual staff will be on hand at several events to provide support in Spanish.

“Our Division of Aging is strongly committed to supporting our elderly community and their caregivers through the ASK program, providing invaluable information, resources, and in-person assistance through these live events,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are aware that our seniors and caregivers have questions and may be hesitant to ask for support, or unaware of the existing programs and services available to them. I encourage all Union County seniors and their caregivers to attend one of our ASK events this January.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging and Disability Resources. It offers seniors aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue for Union County residents to discover valuable programs and services. This program brings Division on Aging professionals to local public libraries and community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in January:

Wednesday, January 10^th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, January 17^th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, January 24^th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Elizabeth Public Library– Main

11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, January 26^th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, January 30th

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street, Westfield

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The ASK program is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable professionals that are eager to assist our seniors, their families and caregivers in a variety of ways,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “My fellow Commissioners and I are proud to support a program that is tremendously essential to the well-being of our esteemed elderly community.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.