Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in June to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. 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 several dates in June to provide support in Spanish.

“Our ASK events are held year-round to ensure that all older adults in our community, along with their caregivers, have access to vital resources and feel supported as they navigate these later stages of life,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage all seniors and caregivers who have not yet had the opportunity to attend, to visit one of our ASK events in June for a completely free consultation with one of our friendly experts.”

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 June:

Wednesday, June 11th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 18th

(Bilingual staff available)

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, June 24th

(Bilingual staff available)

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, June 26th

Hillside Public Library

1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The Commissioner Board is proud to continue working hand in hand with the Division on Aging in our shared goal of empowering the senior community in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “Whether you need help filling out forms, accessing healthy meals, transportation support, or anything else, we’re here to assist you in any way we can.”

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the expansion of its textile recycling program. In addition to the original municipalities of Plainfield, Summit, and Scotch Plains, the county will now be collaborating with the Township of Cranford. This partnership aims to develop more sustainable solutions for reducing clothing and textile waste in our community.

“Since launching our textile recycling program a few months ago, we have already significantly reduced waste in our county, demonstrating the positive outcomes we can achieve when we come together to create a greener, more environmentally responsible community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our collaboration with Cranford further expands our network of drop-off locations for recycling unwanted clothing and other items, making it easier and even more convenient for residents to participate in this innovative program.”

In February, Union County partnered with Helpsy, a leading sustainable clothing and textile recycling company, to launch a program that allows residents to drop off unwanted clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens in any condition.  Plainfield, Summit, and Scotch Plains have been working with the County in the administration of this program (https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2025/02/18/union-county-launches-county-wide-sustainable-textile-recycling-program/), since its onset.

Since its launch, Union County, Helpsy, and partner municipalities have successfully diverted over 23,000 pounds of textiles from the waste stream.

The new Helpsy drop-off location for unwanted items is now set up at the Cranford Conservation Center, located at 210 Birchwood Avenue, between Orange Avenue and Cranford Avenue. The Center operates on Wednesdays from 9:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Saturdays from 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., and Sundays from 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Helpsy extends the useful life of clothing by connecting clothes to the best end use: reuse or recycling (https://www.helpsy.com/).  Helpsy is a certified B Corporation and a Public Benefit Corporation with a mission to keep clothes out of the trash and to create honorable work.   

For more information regarding this Union County recycling program and other programs, please visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning homepage at https://ucnj.org/recycling/.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, June 5, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (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.

Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Camptown Dr. Area

Clark – Kennedy Dr., Fairview Rd., Ridge Rd., Avon Rd., Byron Pl., Emerald Pl.

Fanwood – Fanwood D.P.W.

Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St. Area,

Kennilworth – Michigan Ave., Dorset Dr. Area

Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave.

Plainfield – Jefferson Av. Area.

Rahway – Leesville Av. Area, Elston St. Randolph Av., Elizabeth Av., Donald Ave. Area,

Roselle – Pine St., Holly Dr., Cherry St., Birch Dr. Area, Path by RXR Tracks

Scotch Plains – Frank St., White Oak Rd., Pheasant Ln., South Ave.

Springfield – Riverside Dr., Washington Ave., Battlehill Ave., Joanne Way

Summit – Kent Pl., Summit Recycling Center

Union – Hickory Rd., Rahway Ave., Fairway Dr.

Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr., Seafoam Ave.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Thursday morning, June 5 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 Pk.
• Linden – Memorial Pk.
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.

To watch the intro video by Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon click HERE.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of its free summer swim lesson program at the Rahway River Park Pool, offered in partnership with The Gateway Family YMCA. The program runs from July 1 through August 21, 2025, and includes age-specific classes for children ages 3 to 12, seniors age 65 and older, and adult water exercise participants.

“Learning how to swim is a critical life skill that every child should have access to—regardless of background or income,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes Leon. “By offering these lessons at no cost, we’re not only helping kids and seniors stay safe and active, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure every Union County resident has the chance to thrive. This is what equitable, community-centered government looks like.”

Class sizes are limited to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Youth and senior swim classes are capped at 6 participants per session, while the adult water exercise class is capped at 30 participants.

Class Schedule & Details:

Youth Beginner Classes (ages 6–12 & 3–5)

Held Thursdays: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21

• 9:05 AM – 9:45 AM: Ages 6–12
• 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM: Ages 3–5
• 10:35 AM – 11:15 AM: Ages 6–12

Youth Basic Classes (ages 3–5 and 6–12)

• Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19:
  • 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12
• Thursdays, July 3 – August 21:
  • 9:05 AM – 9:45 AM: Ages 3–5
  • 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12

Senior Swim Classes (age 65+)

• Tuesdays, July 1 – August 19:
  • 6:00 PM – 6:40 PM
• Thursdays, July 3 – August 21:
  • 9:50 AM – 10:30 AM

Adult Water Exercise (all adults)

• Wednesdays, July 2 – August 20:
  • 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM
  • Maximum of 30 participants per class

Classes will be held at Rahway River Park Pool, located in Rahway, NJ. Registration is required and will be available online later this month. Residents are encouraged to sign up early due to limited space in each class.

To qualify, participants must reside in low-income households and provide proof of eligibility during enrollment. Acceptable qualifying criteria include participation in programs such as TANF, SNAP, the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start or Early Head Start, WIC, Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, Pell Grants, or living in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Seniors aged 65 and older automatically qualify. Please note: registration will not be confirmed without proof of eligibility.

To view updated registration details and sign up when available, please visit: ucnj.org/swim. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

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, June 7th, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“There’s nothing like Rhythm & Blues by the Brook to kick off the summer in Union County. It’s a celebration of music, culture, and community—and every year, it brings people together in such a powerful way,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “From legendary artists to family-friendly fun, this event has something for everyone. I’m looking forward to dancing, singing, and making memories with all of you in Cedar Brook Park!”

This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be co-headlined by R&B icon Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics and Ruben Studdard. Prior to forming The New Stylistics in 2004, Russell enjoyed a remarkable career as the lead singer of The Stylistics, performing globally recognizable songs that include “Break Up to Make Up,” “Betcha By Golly, Wow,” and Grammy-nominated classic, “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Partnering with new, talented band members, Thompkins built upon his previous success, taking the R&B sensation The New Stylistics to soaring new heights.

American Idol season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard, will also be gracing the stage with his performance titled “My Tribute to Luther.” Known for his velvety, soulful voice, Ruben has enjoyed a flourishing career since his American Idol beginnings, releasing a Platinum debut album, “Soulful” in 2003, and seven studio albums in total. The R&B singer rose to fame with beloved tracks “Flying Without Wings” and “Sorry 2004,” and earned a Grammy nomination for his moving performance of “Superstar.”

Nineties hip-hop duo Black Sheep (“The Choice is Yours,” “Flavor of the Month”) and Latin ensemble David Cedeño & His Orchestra (“Cuando Manda El Corazón”) will also be performing. DJ Bookeem returns as this year’s Master of Ceremonies.

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, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Kids Zone challenge course and inflatable attractions area will be available for children from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Guests are welcome to explore the food and vendor marketplace throughout the event to purchase their favorite summer treats and refreshments. 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 2025, 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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the upcoming June 10^th Primary Election will be mailed out on Tuesday, May 27^th and Wednesday, May 28^th. Voters are encouraged to review and familiarize themselves with the sample ballot in advance before casting their vote.

“The sample ballot is an essential tool for voters to understand their choices and be fully prepared on Election Day,” said Clerk Rajoppi.

A sample ballot helps voters see which offices are being contested and who is on the ballot for each. Sample ballots also provide the location of your polling place on election day, early voting sites and their hours, and instructions for use of the machines.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that its seasonal recycling programs for 2025 will continue in June. Residents are welcome to take part in this free annual program, which allows for the safe and secure disposal of personal documents, scrap metals, and hazardous household items at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“Our free recycling events are an easy and convenient way for residents to responsibly remove unwanted, expired, and even hazardous items from their homes, vehicles, and working spaces while helping to protect the environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage residents to join us in our efforts to maintain a safe and clean community by taking advantage of this valuable resource.” 

Residents are invited to securely dispose of personal documents at the following mobile paper shredding events, held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The events will end before 1:00 p.m., should the trucks fill up first.

• Wednesday, June 4th: Clark Public Works Facility (Behind Police Department- use Wilson Road for access), 315 Westfield Avenue, Clark
• Saturday, June 14th: Plainfield High School (Arlington Avenue Lot), 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield

All documents are shredded onsite for maximum security, and the program is open to all residents, regardless of their municipality. The shredding events are intended for 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 June, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, June 5th, and Saturday, June 21st, 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 Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Sunday, June 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at Union County Vo-Tech, West Hall/ Police Academy Lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. 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.

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. 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.

Back-to-back events in June highlight inclusivity, celebration, and community unity

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to celebrate Pride Month by hosting their annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony and the return of last year’s successful Pride 5K and Fun Color Run, two major events this June that will uplift the LGBTQ+ community and bring residents together in support of equality, visibility, and joy.

Union County will kick off the Pride Month festivities with their annual LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 2nd at 1:00 p.m. on the front steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. This symbolic event will feature powerful speeches from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, Amanda Girardi, Ferlie Almonte, and Dave D’Amico.

Amanda Girardi, owner of Sweet n Fancy Emporium in Cranford, received national attention and overwhelming support after facing boycotts for proudly displaying a Pride flag. Ferlie Almonte, international speaker, author, and 2023 Ms. NJ Senior America, is known for her workshops on resilience, reinvention, and empowerment. Dave D’Amico, Chief Investigator with the Middlesex County Department of Corrections and co-chair of the NJ LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaison Program, is a nationally recognized advocate and educator on bias crimes and LGBTQ+ inclusion in law enforcement.

The celebration continues on Saturday, June 7th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. with Union County’s second annual LGBTQ+ Pride 5K and Fun Color Run at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Participants of all ages and backgrounds are invited to walk, run, or roll in this vibrant celebration of Pride. The 5K is professionally timed and certified, while the Fun Color Run offers a playful experience where participants are doused with eco-friendly colored powder throughout the course. An opt-out option is available during registration for those who prefer to skip the color.

Registration for the 5K is $25 per person in advance and $30 on the day of the event. The non-competitive Fun Run is $15 per person. All registrants will receive a Pride 5K T-shirt while supplies last.

To register, please visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

Both events are designed to promote awareness and unity, while also offering fun, education, and reflection. Resource tables, family-friendly activities, and giveaways will be available at the 5K. For questions, contact Robert Charkowsky, LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator, at lgbtq@ucnj.org or by calling 908-527-4742.

Press release updated with time adjustment for flag raising

Visit ucnj.org/falcon to cast your top four favorite names!

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites nature lovers of all ages to visit the Union County Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon, where they can watch as two adult peregrine falcons raise four chicks in their nest atop the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth. The Union County Falcon Cam is the only live peregrine falcon cam in New Jersey and offers three unique views of the nest and surrounding rooftop area.

“We are very proud to continue partnering with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation to connect our Union County community—and communities around the world—with the nesting habits of these magnificent birds of prey,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Tuning into the Falcon Cam has become a beloved tradition in Union County. It’s more than just a livestream — it’s an educational resource, a conservation tool, and a reminder of the power of community science to connect us all to the natural world.”

This year, the public is invited to help name the four chicks that hatched in mid to late April 2025. Ten tropical fruit-inspired names have been selected in honor of Mango, the current resident male falcon. From May 23 through June 15, everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite four names at ucnj.org/falcon, and learn more about these fascinating birds.

Mango, known for his bright orange legs and feet, has raised chicks at the Courthouse Tower since the Falcon Cam launched in 2016. Over the years, he has had three known mates. His current partner, Frida, is the resident female. Together, they continue to captivate viewers with their care and cooperation as parents.

On May 19, 2025, all four chicks were banded by a New Jersey State Biologist Kathy Clark, who determined that the group includes three females and one male. Banding is a vital conservation tool that helps researchers monitor movement, population health, and survival rates among peregrine falcons.

Tropical fruit name choices include: Coconut, Kiwi, Goji, Guava, Papaya, Olive, Avocado, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, and Lychee.

In addition to the livestream, the Union County Falcon Cam website includes:

• Updates on nest activity
• A timeline of falcon history in Union County since 2005
• Educational materials for teachers
• Information on how to protect this endangered species
• A link to ask questions and receive answers from a wildlife biologist
• Kids’ activities in the “Kids Korner”
• Behind-the-scenes footage of the Falcon Cam installation
• Updated photos, videos, and a fun, falcon trivia quiz

Peregrine falcons were once common in New Jersey, but the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the 1950s devastated their population. After DDT was banned in 1973, peregrines were placed on the federal Endangered Species List. Recovery efforts began in the 1980s, and the species slowly began to return to the state.

Union County joined the conservation effort in 2005, after a pair of falcons attempted to nest on the Courthouse Tower roof. The attempt failed due to windy conditions, but the County partnered with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and Conserve Wildlife Foundation to install a nest box. Falcons returned in 2006, and the addition of live webcams in 2016 brought the falcons’ story to a wider audience.

Today, watching the annual arrival of new chicks has become a springtime ritual for thousands of residents and viewers across the globe.

For more information about Union County nature programs, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center at ucnj.org/trailside.

To learn more about Conserve Wildlife Foundation, visit conservewildlifenj.org.