County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
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!
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
“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.
Updated 7/23/2025
This traffic pattern will remain in place for up to 4 weeks while emergency repairs are made to stabilize the road and prevent further erosion. Heavy traffic delays are expected, especially during peak hours.
Motorists are strongly advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible, including the nearby I-78 exit ramp.
Union County has declared this a work emergency and is working closely with NJDOT, NJDEP, Somerset County, and local officials to complete repairs as quickly and safely as possible.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, July 24, 2025, 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.
Over the past several weeks, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and I have heard from many residents, advocates, and community members who voiced concerns about the future of the Union County Jail property. We appreciate everyone who took the time to attend meetings, reach out, and make their voices heard.
The original resolution simply authorized the County to explore interest through a Request for Proposals (RFP)—a standard and responsible step to evaluate potential uses for a property of this scale. The goal was to gauge the market and identify options that could benefit the community and the County as a whole. While one inquiry did reference the possibility of detention-related use, we quickly recognized that such a direction would not align with Union County’s values. Given the troubling reports we’ve seen nationwide about ICE detaining not only individuals with criminal charges, but also everyday people simply trying to build better lives, we cannot support any outcome that risks putting people in jeopardy. This process was never about immigration detention, and we remain firmly opposed to any such use.
We received various informal inquiries in response to the County’s intent to issue an RFP, with a wide range of ideas coming in from various sectors. However, the RFP has not been finalized or issued, and as such, no formal proposals have been submitted to date. The majority of inquiries had nothing to do with ICE or detention-related uses. Unfortunately, what began as a standard exploratory process led to widespread speculation and protests based on scenarios that were neither proposed nor intended. To be clear, no official exploration of potential uses has taken place, as the RFP process has not yet begun.
As County Manager, I have a duty to pursue opportunities that serve the best interests of Union County—financially, socially, and morally. We are continuing with the RFP process, but we want to be absolutely clear: the RFP will include language that prohibits any use of the site as a private detention facility, such as an ICE facility, immigration detention center, or similar operation. Those uses are off the table.
This process is about planning responsibly for the future—taking a thoughtful approach that prioritizes transparency, public input, and the long-term needs of our residents. On behalf of the Commissioner Board and myself, we thank everyone who engaged in this discussion and hope we can now move forward with a shared understanding of the facts and a collective focus on what’s best for Union County.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing overview information and guidance on three 2026 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.
Organizations planning 2026 public programming related to the arts, history, culture or education are welcome to register for this workshop to learn about these funding opportunities. Municipal government offices and libraries can also register. The HEART grant is also open to individuals, who are welcome to register. All three grant programs require that programming take place during January 1 through December 31 of the 2026 calendar year.
The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for each grant program will be provided.
“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history, and to present many valuable arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop advises what is required to apply for these grants.”
The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Register for the Q&A Workshop at https://ucnj.org/cha-workshop/. For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County are proud to announce another bountiful season from their Sharing Garden, where dedicated volunteers have donated fresh, locally grown produce to help address food insecurity throughout the county.
“We are immensely proud of our Master Gardeners, who have generously volunteered their time and effort through this program to support those in need within our community. Thank you for not only placing nutritious food on the tables of so many families, but for bringing hope for the future of this great county,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon.
Located at the Demonstration Gardens in Watchung Reservation, the Sharing Garden has produced and donated more than 31,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables since its founding in 2002. All produce is distributed to 13 agencies throughout Union County, including local food pantries, shelters, and community organizations serving families in need.
This volunteer-powered garden is tended by certified Rutgers Master Gardeners—community members trained in sustainable horticulture through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Sharing Garden operates in partnership with Union County and reflects a shared commitment to supporting local residents through education, service, and environmental stewardship.
Volunteers are active in the garden for a full nine months of the year. Seeding begins in our greenhouse in mid-March and planting in the raised garden beds starts in mid-April. Produce harvesting and distribution kicks off in June and lasts through the end of October. Early crops include beets, turnips, lettuce, scallions and bok choy. Summer crops include peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, summer squash, zucchini, carrots, collards, basil, and Swiss chard.
“Every tomato, carrot, and pepper harvested here represents a small act of care and community,” said Terry Moore, Sharing Garden Coordinator. “We grow more than just food—we grow hope.”
“The Sharing Garden is a shining example of what happens when passionate volunteers and public support come together for the public good,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support this initiative, which not only provides healthy food to our neighbors in need, but also nurtures a culture of giving, learning, and environmental responsibility.”
In addition to the original Sharing Garden, a Sharing Garden Annex was added to increase growing capacity. With the support of county grants and community volunteers, the garden continues to expand and inspire.
Visitors are welcome to explore the Demonstration Gardens on occasional Saturday mornings throughout the summer. Guided group tours may be arranged by calling the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office at (908) 654-9854.
The Sharing Garden is located at the Demonstration Gardens behind the Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ.
For more information about the Master Gardeners program, including how to volunteer, visit www.mastergardeners-uc.org or email mastergardeners@ucnj.org
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Municipal Parks Wednesday morning, July 23, 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
Municipal Parks
The Union County Sheriff’s Department and GoMo Health are proud to announce the launch of a new First Responder Resiliency program—a comprehensive digital initiative designed to address the unique emotional, mental, and physical stressors and traumas experienced by first responders and their families and support networks.
This groundbreaking partnership brings together the behavioral science expertise of GoMo Health with the commitment of the Union County Sheriff’s Department to provide proactive, stigma-free support to officers, dispatchers, fire fighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel.
“First responders face intense challenges every day, often without time or tools to process the trauma they experience,” said Peter Corvelli, Union County Sheriff. “This program is a much-needed resource to protect the mental and emotional health of those who protect us.”
“Mental health is public safety, and we have to treat it that way,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This program reflects a cultural shift—one where we stand firmly in support of our law enforcement officers and emergency responders by meeting them with care, compassion, and real tools to help carry the weight they never asked for but always show up to bear.”
The First Responders Resiliency Program delivers real-time, confidential support through a secure mobile platform, offering:
The First Responder Resiliency program content is tailored to the self-identified needs of each participant. It includes daily lifestyle guidance, wellness screenings, interactive assessments, and bi-directional communication to nurture long-term mental well-being.
By working together, we’re helping first responders feel seen, supported, and empowered,” said Bob Gold, Chief Behavioral Technologist at GoMo Health. “This program was built with their voices, and for their lives.”
The initiative is now available to all Union County first responders and is expected to expand to additional counties across New Jersey in the coming year.
About Union County, NJ Sheriff’s Department
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Union County, NJ, providing a wide range of specialized services to ensure public safety and support community justice. From securing county facilities and managing municipal offender transport to supporting regional terrorism and domestic violence task forces, the department plays a vital role in both local and federal efforts. It operates innovative programs such as the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP), Project Lifesaver, and the Family Violence Unit—the first of its kind in New Jersey—while also providing training through the John Stamler Police Academy and its own Youth Academy.
About GoMo Health
GoMo Health® applies a proprietary, evidence-based science of engagement, BehavioralRx®, to our cloud- based digital therapeutic, Concierge Care®, to actively extend care plans, and provide resources and support to people in their “lived” environments – enhancing outpatient care and impact. This outpatient care delivery model integrates support for psychosocial and physical needs to create personalized, behaviorally based care plans that empower patients in their own care management and healthy decision making. Connecting with patients via its’ Telehealth Triple Play™, GoMo Health uses an intelligent mobile BOT to collect and triage patient data via home medical devices, conduct in-the-moment “conversations”, and gather electronic patient- reported outcomes (ePRO). This has proven to modify behaviors of patients with chronic and complex conditions worldwide, resulting in significant improvement in health outcomes and adherence, and decreased costs of care for providers, hospitals, health plans, employers, and life science companies. For more information about the First Responders Resiliency Program, visit www.gomohealth.com or contact info@gomohealth.com.
Union County has seen severe weather in recent weeks—and while another storm isn’t guaranteed, there is potential for more in the coming days. Union County is actively preparing and maintaining county properties and we encourage residents to take a few simple steps now to prepare at home.
Storm Prep Tips:
✔ Clear leaves and debris from storm drains near your property
✔ Secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and decorations
✔ Charge phones and portable batteries
✔ Check flashlights and stock extra batteries
✔ Avoid parking under trees or in flood-prone areas
✔ Keep important documents in a waterproof container
✔ Fill your gas tank and have some cash on hand, just in case
✔ Don’t drive through flooded roads or large puddles
✔ Stay indoors during heavy winds and rain
✔ Check on your neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities
✔ Only call 911 for true emergencies to avoid overwhelming dispatch
Being proactive can make all the difference. Stay alert, stay safe, and follow Union County for updates.