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Union County LGBTQ+ Affairs Office & Surrogate’s Office partner to host Empowerment Hour honoring LGBTQ+ Family Day

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that its free virtual series for the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, returns on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom for a lively and educational discussion about adoption in the LGBTQ community.

To honor the unofficial LGBTQ+ Family Day this August, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is collaborating with the Union County Surrogate’s Office for this special edition of Empowerment Hour, focused on building families and protecting their legacies.

“Our LGBTQ Empowerment Hour sessions have become a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect, support, and educate one another. Each session is filled with engaging topics, valuable resources, and relatable stories from community members,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you want to quietly listen and take the information in, or join in on the discussion and share your story, all are welcome to tune in this August for yet another powerful episode.”

According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, same-sex couples are four times more likely to adopt children than heterosexual couples.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs have partnered with the Union County Surrogate’s Office to discuss this important topic on the latest Empowerment Hour, live on Zoom. The event will showcase the adoption services offered by the Union County Surrogate’s Office and provide guidance on how to safeguard valuable family assets through estate planning.

“The LGBTQ couple’s journey to parenthood is uniquely different and comes with challenges, and we hope that what we’ll discuss in this episode will better prepare you to embrace this next chapter with confidence,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “This isn’t only about creating a family, but also about sharing your love and commitment, and building a lasting legacy with your partner. We want to encourage you to embrace every step of this adventure, knowing you have the resources and tools in place to build a successful future together.”

The LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour will be live-streamed on the County of Union Facebook Page. Questions will be taken via Zoom and within the comments section on Facebook. To participate in the discussion, please register at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

“The Surrogate’s Office is happy to collaborate with the Office of LGBTQ  Affairs on passing along vital information to our LGBTQ couples and community,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “When it comes to matters of adoption, it is important that you and your partner are as informed and well-prepared as can be, and I look forward to sharing with you how the Surrogate’s office can serve you during this exciting and life-changing moment.” For more information, please contact Robert Charkowsky, from the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, call (908)-527-4273 or email LGBTQ@ucnj.org.

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Seniors Seeking Assistance Can “ASK” Questions At Neighborhood Libraries This August

The Union County Board of County Commissioners welcomes seniors and caregivers to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available at upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in August. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on two dates in August to provide support in Spanish.

“Our senior community faces numerous challenges that can impact their quality of life. That is why, more than ever, it is essential for seniors and caregivers to have access to services and programs, such as our Aging Services Kiosk,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This senior-focused initiative has dedicated over nine years to empowering seniors with a wealth of information and resources. I invite you to visit an ASK event this August and discover how this program can serve you.”   

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various 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 kiosk, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in August:

Thursday, August 14th

(Bilingual staff available)

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street

Westfield, 07090

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 20th

(Bilingual staff available)

Hillside Public Library

1409 Liberty Avenue

Hillside, 07205

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, August 28th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“Our ASK events are staffed by knowledgeable experts who act as a true support system for seniors. They take the time to listen, address your questions, help with form completion, and connect you with the latest resources available,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker.

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.

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911 is for Emergencies Only

During severe weather events, please only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Call 911 if:

  • Someone is trapped or in danger
  • There’s a medical emergency
  • Lives are at immediate risk

Do NOT call 911 to report:

  • Street flooding
  • Power outages
  • Downed trees with no injuries

Unless someone is trapped or in danger, non-life threating issues should be reported to your local public works or utility company.

Help keep emergency lines open for those who truly need it. Stay safe and stay informed!

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Union County Launches Emergency Home Repair Grant Program for Seniors impacted by July Storms

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is launching the Storm-Related Emergency Home Repair Grant Program to assist senior homeowners affected by the severe storms that hit the region on July 3rd and July 14th.

This grant is available to Union County residents aged 62 and older who own and occupy a single- or two-family home that sustained damage from the recent storms. Eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners can receive up to $10,000 in funding to help cover necessary repairs—and the grant does not need to be repaid.

“After such devastating weather events, it’s vital that our seniors feel safe and supported in their own homes,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This program is a direct investment in their recovery and in the stability of our communities. We want to make sure no one is left behind.”

To qualify, homeowners must be current on their mortgage and property taxes. Once an application is submitted, an inspection will be conducted to determine the scope of repairs needed, and a cost estimate will be prepared to establish the grant amount.

For homeowners who may need additional support beyond the $10,000 grant, Union County also offers the Home Improvement Program, which provides interest-free loans with no repayment required until the property is sold or transferred. This program is available to all income-eligible residents, regardless of age.

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Enjoy a Night of Beatles Music from Hey Bulldog in Oak Ridge Park on August 13

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a free evening of live music with Hey Bulldog – The Beatles Experience in Oak Ridge Park on Wednesday, August 13th.

“The music of The Beatles continues to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Hey Bulldog captures their timeless spirit and adds a new, fresh energy to their songs. We’re thrilled to welcome them to Oak Ridge Park during the Summer Arts Festival for a night of dancing, singing, and coming together, Beatles-style.”

Hey Bulldog is a group of New Jersey musicians who came together in 2004 for a casual Beatles jam on John Lennon’s birthday and haven’t looked back since. What started as a one-night gig quickly turned into the band, composed of guitarist/singer Pete Horvath, guitarist/singer Tommy Strazza, bassist/singer Gerry Rosenthal, drummer/singer Jeff Fernandes, and singer/percussionist Pat Bridge, packing bars, parties, and events all over Central Jersey. Unlike a typical Beatles tribute act, they don’t dress in costume or copy songs note for note. Instead, they bring their own rock, psychedelic, and jam-band energy to the music. Their goal is to celebrate some of the greatest music ever written and make sure everyone has a great time.

The concert begins at 7:30pm on Wednesday, August 13th at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. A free yoga class by Alluem Yoga in Cranford will be offered before the concert at 6:30pm. Hot dogs and ice cream will be available for purchase. All Summer Arts Festival events are free and open to the public. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Crossroads, located at 78 North Avenue in Garwood.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival is provided with support from the Union County Education Association. For more information about the Summer Arts Festival, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer25 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

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Mosquito Control Spraying Wednesday Morning, July 30th

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Wednesday morning, July 30, 2025, 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
  • Cranford – Nomahegan, Mohawk
  • Garwood – Unami
  • Hillside – Conant
  • Mountainside – Echo Lake,
  • Plainfield – Cedar Brook,
  • Rahway – Rahway
  • Roselle – Warinanco
  • Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Municipal Parks

  • Linden – Memorial Field
  • Plainfield – Milt Campbell
  • Rahway – Flannagan
  • Union – Biertuempfel
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Union County’s Recycling Program for Residents Continues in August

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to continue offering seasonal recycling opportunities in August. Residents are welcome to participate in this free annual program, which provides a safe and secure way to dispose of personal documents, scrap metal, and hazardous household items at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“Our recycling program offers residents an easy and effective way to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Any amount of recycling, no matter how small, can make a difference. Properly disposing of waste, unwanted, or expired items not only protects our wildlife and civilians, but also keeps these materials out of landfills. It’s a collective step in the right direction, and one we are committed to facilitating for our community.”

Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the upcoming mobile paper shredding event, taking place on Saturday, August 16th,from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. All documents are shredded on-site, and the shredded paper is taken to a recycling facility for processing. The event will conclude before 1:00 p.m., should the trucks fill up first.

This event is part of Union County’s annual paper shredding program, which runs each year from March through October. The shredding events are open to all residents, regardless of their municipality, and are intended for the disposal of personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in August, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, August 7th, and Saturday, August 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

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

Accepted items include refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, and other metal household goods. The scrap metal program runs on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, April through November.

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only.  Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.

Union County Recycling Programs are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) funds, which are applied for and received by the County of Union.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community.

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Weather Alert – Extreme Heat


Stay safe with these tips:

  • Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Limit outdoor activity – Reschedule strenuous tasks to early morning or evening
  • Dress appropriately – Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
  • Check on others – Look out for seniors, neighbors, and vulnerable individuals
  • Cool down – Use air conditioning or visit a local cooling center
  • Know the signs – Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke

📞 Heat-related emergencies? Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stay cool and stay safe, Union County!

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Union County National Night Out for Everyone: A One of a Kind, Inclusive Celebration for All

Union County is excited to announce its second annual inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive National Night Out, meticulously planned and researched to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

This collaborative effort between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Union County Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and UCNJ reflects months of dedicated planning and intention-setting to create a truly all-inclusive event. Our teams have thoroughly researched best practices for accessibility and sensory-friendly amenities, consulting with experts and community advocates to ensure every detail caters to diverse needs.

The event, held at UCNJ, will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, with a strong focus on thoughtful inclusion:

Thoughtfully Designed Activities for All

  • Interactive Activities: Enjoy a photo booth, an oversized Connect Four game, a Bubbles Corner, and a Silent Disco specifically designed to offer a unique auditory experience that can be adjusted to individual preferences. Meet the police canines, explore various rescue vehicles at our Touch-a-Truck station, and get a chance to see McGruff the Crime Dog. Each activity has been evaluated for its potential sensory impact and adapted to be more accommodating.
  • Food and Drinks: Indulge in delicious treats from Rita’s Italian Ice Station.
  • Informational Tables: Gather valuable resources from representatives including Union County Public Information, UCNJ Admissions, Kean University, UCPO Welcome Headquarters & Volunteer Station, UCPO Table, ARRIVE Together/CIT, Blue Envelope/Special Needs Registry, Autism New Jersey, Inroads to Opportunities, The Arc, ICMS (Integrated Case Management Services), Children’s Specialized Hospital, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. These organizations are present to offer support and information tailored to the diverse needs of our community.
  • Sensory Support Stations: We’ve dedicated significant effort to create specific zones designed to provide comfort and engagement. These stations will offer temporary tattoos, face painting, coloring sheets, activity sheets, color and calm books for caregivers, and electronic displays in a common area that are visually engaging without being overstimulating.
  • Movement and Play: Participate in interactive and movement-based games, enjoy a plastic can toss game, plastic Jenga, a Police Q&A spinning wheel, and navigate an obstacle course designed with various abilities in mind.
  • Relaxation and Support: A designated quiet zone will be available for those needing a break from the main activities, complete with social stories to help individuals understand and navigate the event environment.

“Our commitment to an all-inclusive and sensory-friendly event has guided every step of our planning process, from vendor selection to activity design. We believe that by focusing on these crucial elements, we can truly create a “One of a Kind, Inclusive Celebration for All” in Union County where every single member of our community feels welcomed, safe, and celebrated,” says Prosecutor William Daniel. “We’ve spent countless hours planning and researching, working alongside our partners to ensure that every detail, from the quiet zones to the interactive activities, is designed with all-inclusiveness and sensory friendliness at its core. This isn’t just an event; it’s a deliberate statement of our commitment to accessibility and unity.

“Last year, Union County was the first in the nation to host an inclusive and sensory-supportive National Night Out,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “It was such a stellar success, and brought together so many incredible members of our community, that doing it again in 2025 was a foregone conclusion. I am so proud to lead a Commissioner Board that cares so much about sensory friendliness and thinks about it as an aspect of everything we do as a county government, and I can’t wait to see everyone at this event!”

“National Night Out is meant to build positive relationships between law enforcement, emergency responders, and the people they serve. For many people with disabilities and those with sensory and communication differences and needs, these types of events can be inaccessible or overwhelming,” said Adrienne Robertiello, ACDS, Interim Autism Program Coordinator, Specialized Health Educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital. “The Union County National Night Out for Everyone grew out of a shared goal to make this night welcoming for all. This initiative was developed with the expertise at Children’s Specialized Hospital, our family-centered approach, and our community partners. This collaboration has developed a model for what inclusion can look like at community events and highlights the importance of safety, access, and belonging for everyone.”

“We are proud to once again partner with the County of Union and the Prosecutor’s Office to support this important community event. Now in its second year, the County’s National Night Out for Everyone continues to be a powerful way to strengthen the connection between law enforcement and residents. As an open-access community college, we are committed to meeting students where they are. We serve students of all abilities, and we are especially proud to support such an inclusive and welcoming event,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Union County’s event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local law enforcement, learn about valuable resources, and celebrate our diverse community in an inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive environment.

Union County National Night Out for Everyone promises to be a unique and memorable event for all. Join us as we celebrate community, safety, and inclusion!

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. More information can be found at ucnj.org/ucnno.

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Extended Swim Time for Seniors & Individuals with Special Needs

Starting August 5, 2025, the Senior Swim and Swim for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs program will have new extended hours to give participants more time in the pool!

🕙 New Hours:

Tuesdays | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

We’re excited to offer an extra 30 minutes for relaxation, exercise, and fun!