The Union County Human Relations Commission invites residents, organizations, community members, and student volunteers to participate in the World Cup A.C.T. Day of Action on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Downs Hall, Kean University in Union.
Participants will learn how to help prevent human trafficking during the FIFA 2026 World Cup through a day of awareness, training, outreach, and collaboration.
The Day of Action includes breakfast and an Action Awareness Fair, human trafficking awareness training, a survivor leader panel, and SOAP outreach to hotels and motels in Union, Essex, Hudson, and Bergen Counties.
All participants will receive breakfast, lunch, and a T-shirt. Student volunteer opportunities are available for ages 13 and older at the Action Awareness Fair.
After the Day of Action, participants are invited to relax and have fun at the NJ Freedom Gala from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.
More information and gala tickets are available at WorldCupACT.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 seasonal recycling program will continue in June, featuring a variety of events designed to help residents recycle unwanted, expired, or hazardous items and to promote sustainable waste management practices in the community.
“I want to encourage anyone who is considering getting involved but hasn’t taken the next step to join us in this initiative. Your participation in our recycling program is vital in shaping a safer, greener, and more habitable future for our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Our complete seasonal recycling schedule is available on our website, and the drop-off process is easy and convenient.”
Union County offers free mobile paper shredding events from March through October, giving residents a secure and convenient way to dispose of personal documents on-site. Events run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until trucks reach capacity. Residents are encouraged to participate in the following June shredding events:
Wednesday, June 3rd: Clark Public Works Facility (Behind Police Department, use Wilson Road for access), 315 Westfield Avenue, Clark
Sunday, June 14th: Plainfield High School (Arlington Avenue lot), 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield
Union County’s paper shredding events are for sensitive and personal documents only, including legal, medical, and financial records. No businesses are allowed to participate. Junk mail, advertisements, magazines, and all other waste papers not considered sensitive or confidential should be recycled through a municipal recycling program.
Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other items prior to the event (staples are permitted). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.
Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in June, providing residents with various opportunities to responsibly recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The next scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, June 4th & Saturday, June 20th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:
Rahway: Rahway River Park (service yard across from swimming pool), 3 Parkway Drive
Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Sunday, June 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at UCNJ, in parking lots 5A/5B, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. 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 bulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint), medical sharps, and welding gas/oxygen cylinders will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry out latex paint at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, cat 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 trunk.
For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycling/ 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. 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. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Union County’s prestigious Aaa bond rating, the highest possible rating awarded by the agency.
The rating was issued in connection with the County’s 2026 bond issuance and reflects confidence in Union County’s strong financial management, stable fiscal outlook, conservative budgeting practices, and strategic long-range planning. The Aaa designation is the highest rating awarded by Moody’s and signals exceptional creditworthiness and financial strength.
“Maintaining the highest possible bond rating is a reflection of the confidence that continues to be placed in Union County’s leadership and financial direction,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “As we continue investing in infrastructure, public services, parks, and community improvements, we remain committed to doing so responsibly and strategically. This rating demonstrates that Union County continues to prioritize smart, long-term investments that improve quality of life for our residents while protecting taxpayers.”
A Aaa bond rating allows the County to secure lower borrowing costs and more favorable financing terms, helping reduce long-term expenses for taxpayers while supporting critical capital projects and countywide improvements.
“This recognition speaks to the hard work happening across county government every day,” said Ed Oatman, Union County Manager. “We take a very thoughtful and responsible approach when it comes to managing taxpayer dollars while continuing to invest in the services, programs, and improvements our residents count on. This achievement is also a credit to our Department of Finance, along with our financial advisors, auditors, departments and partners, whose professionalism and dedication help keep Union County on strong financial footing.”
Union County has continued to invest in infrastructure modernization, park improvements, public facilities, public safety initiatives, recreation programs, and other essential county services while maintaining responsible financial reserves.
“Union County has maintained the highest possible Aaa bond rating from Moody’s for almost a decade. Aaa ratings are not achieved overnight,” said Bibi Taylor, Director of Finance. “They are built through years of careful budgeting, strong oversight, responsible reserve management, and adherence to sound financial policies. Moody’s affirmation reflects the County’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability, and long-term financial planning.”
For more information about Union County government and services, visit www.ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters to make a plan to vote in the upcoming Primary Election. Election Day is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Voters may cast their ballot through in-person Early Voting, in person on Election Day, or by Mail-In Ballot.
Eligible voters for the Primary Election include registered Democrats, Republicans, and Unaffiliated voters. Any registered 17-year-old who will be 18 years old on or before the General Election on November 3, 2026 is also eligible to vote in the Primary Election.
“In every election, voters have an opportunity to make their voices heard and participate in the democratic process,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “We encourage all eligible residents to review their voting options, make a plan ahead of time, and take advantage of the convenient ways to cast a ballot.”
In-Person Early Voting
In-Person Early Voting will take place Tuesday, May 26 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. Polls will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There are 10 Early Voting sites throughout Union County located in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Elizabeth, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Scotch Plains, and Union Township (2 locations). Any eligible Union County voter may cast their ballot at any Early Voting location and will receive the correct ballot for their municipality.
Election Day Voting
Election Day voting will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters casting ballots on Election Day must vote at their assigned polling location.
Mail-In Ballot Voting
Voters who have received a Mail-In Ballot are encouraged to return it using one of the County’s secure ballot drop boxes. Democratic voters, Republican voters, and first-time Unaffiliated voters may obtain a Mail-In Ballot from the
Union County Clerk’s Office through 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Union County has at least one secure ballot drop box located in every municipality. Ballot drop boxes are available 24 hours a day through the close of polls on Election Day at 8:00 p.m. Ballots are collected in accordance with state guidelines by bipartisan teams of Board of Elections employees accompanied by a police escort.
Voters may also return their Mail-In Ballot through the mail and are encouraged to allow at least seven days for delivery.
Ballots may also be returned in person to the Union County Board of Elections at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth or to the Union County Clerk’s Offices located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Voters returning a ballot in person must present a valid New Jersey-issued identification card or driver’s license.
For a complete list of Early Voting locations, updated polling locations, and secure ballot drop box addresses, visit or call 908-527-4123.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend the 2026 Native Plant Swap & Shop on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation, located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
This special event gives Union County residents the opportunity to swap up to three invasive plants from their own gardens in exchange for up to three native plants, free of charge.
“Native plants play an important role in supporting pollinators, improving biodiversity, and strengthening the health of our local environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this help residents learn more about environmentally friendly gardening practices while also creating an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy one of Union County’s beautiful park spaces.”
Union County residents will be eligible to swap up to three invasive plants from their property in exchange for up to three native plants at no cost. Examples of invasive species accepted during the event include Japanese Barberry, Pachysandra, Butterfly Bush, English Ivy, Periwinkle, Garlic Mustard, and more. Native plants help support pollinators, birds, and local wildlife while promoting healthier ecosystems throughout Union County.
Residents must pre-register to participate in the plant swap portion of the event at https://ucnj.org/plant-swap/. Registration is limited to 100 participants. Out-of-county residents are welcome to attend and shop for plants, though only Union County residents are eligible to participate in the plant swap.
In addition to the swap, attendees will have the opportunity to shop for native plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm & Native Plant Nursery. Pre-orders are recommended through the nursery’s website at www.toadshade.com. Representatives from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, including members of the Union County Chapter, will also have an informational table at the event to provide educational resources and guidance on native plants and environmentally friendly landscaping practices.
For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: “Plant This, not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 11th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend a special presentation examining the Revolutionary War Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield through historic maps, pension records, archaeological discoveries, and firsthand accounts from those who experienced the conflict.
Titled “The American Revolution in Union County: Using Maps, Pension Records, and Archaeological Finds to Illuminate the Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield,” the program will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center Theater.
“As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, it is important that we continue telling the stories that shaped our communities right here in Union County,” said Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield were defining moments in our nation’s fight for independence, and programs like this help connect residents to that history in a meaningful and personal way. We are proud to support opportunities that preserve these stories and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made on the very ground we walk today.”
The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, fought in June 1780, were among the last major military confrontations in New Jersey before the Revolutionary War shifted to the southern colonies. This digital exhibit and discussion reexamines the battles while centering the experiences of individuals often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary War narratives, including local militiamen, women on the home front, and New Jersey residents who defended their communities during the conflict.
Using personal correspondence, Hessian journals, orderly books, Revolutionary War pension applications, and archaeological findings, the presentation will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of how the battles unfolded across landscapes that remain familiar to Union County residents today.
The program will feature presentations from historian Nicole Skalenko, geosciences lecturer Geoffrey Fouad, Monmouth University Provost and anthropology professor Dr. Richard Veit, and Kean University history professor Dr. Jonathan Mercantini. Together, the presenters will explore how modern research methods and technology are helping uncover new perspectives on New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history.
“One of the goals of our Union County 250th Anniversary Committee is to bring history to life in a way that feels accessible and relevant to today’s residents,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This exhibit does exactly that by blending scholarship, technology, archaeology, and personal stories to paint a fuller picture of the people who experienced these battles firsthand. It reminds us that history is not something distant — it happened here in our neighborhoods, and its impact still echoes through our communities today.”
Nicole Skalenko holds a master’s degree in American history from Rutgers University and specializes in the military and political history of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Geoffrey Fouad is a lecturer of geosciences at Hunter College whose work focuses on interdisciplinary applications of geographic information systems. Dr. Richard Veit serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Monmouth University and is widely recognized for his work in archaeology and New Jersey history. Dr. Jonathan Mercantini is Acting Associate Provost for Special Projects and Professor of History at Kean University and serves on the New Jersey Historical Commission.
The event is free and open to the public.
Earlier this year, Union County launched a countywide event calendar allowing municipalities, historical organizations, and authorized community groups to submit commemorative programs and events for approval and inclusion as part of the ongoing 250th Anniversary celebration. Residents can explore upcoming activities, learn more about the initiative, and submit related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar at www.ucnj.org/250. For additional updates and celebration news, residents are also encouraged to follow Union County on our app and social media pages.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.
For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join in celebrating Portuguese Heritage Month during the County’s annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in front of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
“Union County is proud to celebrate the generations of Portuguese-Americans who have helped shape our communities through their hard work, traditions, values, and civic involvement,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this are an important reminder that the strength of Union County comes from the many cultures and communities that continue to contribute to its history and future.”
The ceremony will recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Portuguese-American community throughout Union County and beyond. The program will feature remarks from community leaders, cultural recognition, and the raising of the Portuguese flag alongside the American flag in front of the Courthouse.
“As a proud native of Elizabeth and Chairwoman of the PALCUS Board of Directors, I am honored to participate once again in the annual Portuguese flag raising here in Union County,” said Katherine Soares. “This ceremony continues to serve as a meaningful tribute to the generations of Portuguese-Americans whose contributions have helped shape our communities. Across multiple municipalities in our county, our heritage is visible in the traditions we maintain, the values we share, and the lasting impact of our presence. Today is about more than a symbolic flag raising—it is a recognition of a community built on perseverance, unity, and a deep sense of pride in where we come from and what we continue to build together.”
As part of the celebration, the dome of the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in green, red, and gold in recognition of Portuguese Heritage Month from the flag raising until the date of the parade on Sunday, June 7th.
The event is being held in partnership with local Portuguese-American organizations and community leaders, including representatives from PALCUS and the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee.
“Union County’s continued support of our events is incredibly meaningful to the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee and to the Portuguese-American community as a whole,” said Nicholas Almeida, President of the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee. “It is a tremendous honor to raise the Portuguese flag alongside the flag of the United States of America in front of our Union County Courthouse – a powerful symbol of the pride we have in both our Portuguese heritage and our American identity. By working together, we not only strengthen community partnerships throughout Union County, but also help preserve and celebrate Portuguese-American culture and traditions for future generations both here in Elizabeth and across the county. It is important that we continue to honor and remember those who came before us and built this community, while also inspiring younger generations to carry our culture and traditions proudly into the future.”
Residents are also encouraged to participate in additional Portuguese Heritage Month celebrations and community events taking place throughout the month, including:
Portuguese Flag Raising – June 5 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth
Soccer Shootout – June 6 at Warinanco Park, Roselle
Arraial Festival – June 6 at 5:00 p.m., Portuguese Instructive Social Club, 600 Grove Street, Elizabeth
Portugal Day Parade – June 7 at 2:00 p.m., beginning at Union Square in Elizabeth
PACA of Union Flag Raising and Community Celebration – June 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Portugal Day Mass – June 10 at 8:00 p.m., Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark
For more information about the Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony and upcoming county events, visit www.ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit will begin its countywide tour at the Springfield Public Library, located at 66 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. The exhibit will be on display May 21 through July 2, 2026 during the library’s regular operating hours.
The exhibit features a selection of visual artwork created by middle and high school students who participated in the 2026 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day celebration of creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts held at UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey’s Cranford campus. Several featured works have also been selected for display at the 2026 State Teen Arts Festival, which will be held in June at Middlesex College.
“The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is a wonderful reflection of the creativity, imagination, and talent that exists throughout Union County,” said Joseph C. Bodek. “These students have dedicated themselves to their craft, and this exhibit gives our community the opportunity to celebrate their hard work while encouraging the next generation of artists, storytellers, and creative thinkers.”
In celebration of the student artists, an opening reception will be held at the Springfield Public Library on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Following its Springfield debut, the exhibit will continue touring through early 2027 with scheduled stops in Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and at the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The 2026 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit includes the following student artists:
Berkeley Heights Columbia Middle School Alyeena Sternberg Governor Livingston High School Addison Miller and Milagros Romero
Clark Arthur L. Johnson High School Kate Gonzalez and Melanie Kwok Carl H. Kumpf Middle School Cassy Le Mother Seton Regional High School Alyssa Monel and Eunice Odubanjo
Cranford Cranford High School Alivia Boone and Nicole Wilson Lincoln School CAP Nuno Carvalho Lincoln School CAP Maya Andersen and Logan Weber Orange Avenue School Gabriella Mott
Elizabeth Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy Sabrina Alvarado and Genesis Salas Paro Elmora School #12 Isabel Dieguez Herrera Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy Hannah Bolhano, Jahlaya Pedro and Jasmie Ulat JVJ STEM Academy Hector Perez and Alexander Taveras Joseph Battin School #4 Nathan Persaud Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy Crystal Mercado Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Sarai Vargas Victor Mravlag School No. 21 Benjamin Afonso and Edward Afonso William F. Halloran School No. 22 Margarete Perez
Garwood Lincoln School Avery Lee and Lucy Leonard
Kenilworth David Brearley High School Victoria Rodrigues
Linden Linden High School Chari Theodore and Clerma Romelus McManus Middle School Olivia Wlodyka Soehl Middle School Mariah Jordan
Mountainside Deerfield School Kennedy Moore
Plainfield Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies Middle School Juarez Pineda
Roselle Abraham Clark High School Joseline Castillo Grace Wilday Middle School Briana Mejia Chacon
Roselle Park Roselle Park High School Michael Aguanno and Isabella Rodriguez Roselle Park Middle School Mina Rodriguez
Springfield Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School Noa Kandel Jonathan Dayton High School Maya Jaffe and Julissa Santamaria
Scotch Plains Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Alexsia Matos
Union Union High School Frederich Tan
The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the Department of Parks & Recreation to highlight and encourage the exceptional artistic talent of Union County teens. The program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information about Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs and services, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202, call (908) 558-2550, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users should call 711.
Please Note Updated Information Below from May 21, 2026. Please Review All Information on this Page.
Latest Information
Union County’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list application period has been rescheduled and will now open on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. through the Union County Section 8 website. The program will continue accepting 500 applications.
Applications must be submitted online only. Residents are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and application details in advance.
The change in date was made to help ensure the application process is as accessible as possible for all individuals interested in applying.
Only one application per household will be accepted and duplicate applications may result in disqualification. Applications cannot be submitted prior to Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., and accessing the website before that time will not allow applicants to apply.
Applications must be submitted online only.
Please do not contact Development Directions LLC to request a paper application, as paper applications will not be available or accepted.
Notice is hereby given that the Union County Housing Choice Voucher Program, also named Section 8, is opening their waiting list and will be accepting 500 applications on Friday May 22, 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM (updated information above) on the Union County Section 8 website.
Only one application per household will be accepted. Duplicate applications will be rejected.
Union County has adopted the following preferences: Union County Residents, seniors, disabled, domestic violence, income target, veterans and working. Supporting documentation that will confirm the applicant’s eligibility for a preference needs to be uploaded along with the complete application.
Eligibility Requirements:
Be at or below the income limits posted on the Union County Section 8 website.
Must be 18 years of age at the time of application.
Eligibility for federal housing assistance is limited to U.S. citizens and noncitizens who have eligible immigration status. Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 prohibits HUD from making financial assistance available to ineligible noncitizens. PHAs require that families provide proof of citizenship.
Información más reciente
El plazo de inscripción en la lista de espera del Programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda (Sección 8) del Condado de Union se ha reprogramado y se abrirá el lunes 1 de junio de 2026 a las 9:00 a. m. a través del sitio web de la Sección 8 del Condado de Union. El programa seguirá aceptando 500 solicitudes.
Las solicitudes deben presentarse únicamente en línea. Se recomienda a los residentes que revisen por adelantado los requisitos de elegibilidad y los detalles de la solicitud.
El cambio de fecha se ha realizado para garantizar que el proceso de solicitud sea lo más accesible posible para todas las personas interesadas en presentar una solicitud.
Solo se aceptará una solicitud por hogar y las solicitudes duplicadas pueden dar lugar a la descalificación.
Las solicitudes no pueden presentarse antes del lunes 1 de junio de 2026 a las 9:00 a. m., y el acceso al sitio web antes de esa hora no permitirá a los solicitantes presentar su solicitud.
Las solicitudes deben presentarse únicamente en línea. Por favor, no se ponga en contacto con Development Directions LLC para solicitar un formulario en papel, ya que no habrá formularios en papel disponibles ni se aceptarán.
Apertura de la lista de espera del Programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda (Sección 8) del Condado de Union Por la presente se notifica que el Programa de Vales de Elección de Vivienda del Condado de Union —también conocido como Sección 8— abrirá su lista de espera y aceptará 500 solicitudes el viernes 22 de mayo de 2026, a partir de las 9:00 a. m. (Consulte la información actualizada arriba.), a través del sitio web de la Sección 8 del Condado de Union.
Todas las preguntas relacionadas con la lista de espera pueden dirigirse a Robin Snyder o a Georgette Corvelli. Las consultas pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a robin@developmentdirectionsllc.com y gcorvelli@ucnj.org.
Solo se aceptará una solicitud por hogar. Las solicitudes duplicadas serán rechazadas.
El Condado de Union ha adoptado las siguientes preferencias: residentes del Condado de Union, personas mayores, personas con discapacidad, víctimas de violencia doméstica, personas que cumplen con el nivel de ingresos establecido, veteranos y personas con empleo. La documentación de respaldo que confirme la elegibilidad del solicitante para una preferencia debe adjuntarse junto con la solicitud completa.
Requisitos de elegibilidad:
Tener ingresos iguales o inferiores a los límites de ingresos publicados en el sitio web de la Sección 8 del Condado de Union.
Tener 18 años de edad al momento de presentar la solicitud.
La elegibilidad para la asistencia federal de vivienda se limita a los ciudadanos estadounidenses y a los no ciudadanos que poseen un estatus migratorio elegible. La Sección 214 de la Ley de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario de 1980 prohíbe al HUD poner asistencia financiera a disposición de no ciudadanos que no sean elegibles. Las Autoridades de Vivienda Pública (PHA) exigen que las familias presenten pruebas de ciudadanía.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite residents and friends to kick off the summer season at Rhythm & Blues by the Brook. The fun-filled afternoon event returns to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, May 30th, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “From fantastic music to food trucks and family, there’s always something for everyone, and our entire County family is looking forward to this celebration of community and culture. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by hip-hop legend Kool Moe Dee. A member of Treacherous Three, one of the original Old School hip-hop crews, as well as a solo performer, he is also recognized as one of the earliest and most skilled battle emcees, evolving the battle rap subgenre. He is ranked #33 on About.com’s 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987-2007), was the winner of the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Back on the Block” with Quincy Jones, and is the first rapper to receive the NAACP Image Award. In addition, he was nominated for an additional Grammy, an MTV Video Music Award, and two Soul Train Awards. Kool Moe Dee is also the author of “There’s a God on the Mic” (2003), and has appeared in films such as “Beat Street,” “Panther,” “The New Guy,” Takeshi Kitano’s “Brother” and the Britney Spears movie “Crossroads.”
The festival will also feature Kenny Bobien, the Newark-native “King of Gospel House Music.” From his first hit, “You Are My Friend” (2004) through the present day, Bobien’s voice has been synonymous with house/club anthems by Louie Vega, Dennis Ferrer, DJ Spen, Kerri Chandler and more—and he plays equal parts pastor and performer on stage, spreading the word through his ministry of music.
Further, the legendary radio personality, media voice, and multiplatinum-selling R&B artist Miss Jones will grace the Rhythm and Blues stage. Known for her dynamic presence on PIX11 News and YouTube’s Jonesy in the Morning, listeners recognize her from classics like “Punish Me” with Big Pun, “Sugar Hill” with AZ, “Two Way Street” and more. Her performance will feature Taana Gardner and Fonda Rae.
Nu Men of Soul will also be taking the stage at Rhythm and Blues. Founded in New Jersey in 2004, the four-piece, premier R&B tribute vocal group delivers silky harmonies, smooth choreography and authentic soul sound that’s “just like the record.” Founded by Kareem D. Lewis, they have performed everywhere from New Jersey to the Bahamas, and are looking forward to delivering the golden era of R&B to Union County residents with precision, passion and class.
Finally, our returning Master of Ceremonies for Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will be DJ Bookeem, a local favorite who has made waves throughout the tri-state area. Spinning the best in R&B, funk, house, hip hop, reggae, top 40, and old school, DJ Bookeem has been featured on the Wendy Williams show, on 107.5 WBLS New York, and more—and has graced the Rhythm and Blues stage for years.
The event will feature a full afternoon of activities, including a Health & Wellness Fair, presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Union County and Upper Middlesex County, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Kids Zone full of activities will be available for children from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Guests are welcome to explore the food trucks and vendor tents throughout the event, which will have a wide variety of goods available for purchase. Additionally, the popular Car and Motorcycle Show Spectacular, presented by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment, will return for another year of engaging car enthusiasts.
For full schedule details and updates on Rhythm & Blues by the Brook 2026, please visit ucnj.org/randb.
For more information about all events and activities in Union County Parks, please visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at ucnj.org/parks, call 908-527-4900 or email parksinfo@ucnj.org.
