Category: Public Info

The Union County Board County Commissioners invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Commissioner Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“Sensory Friendly Theater provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances in a beautiful theatre, while providing a relaxed, judgement-free environment. We are delighted to welcome the series back to Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 2021 Sensory Friendly Theatre series kicks off on Sunday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m. with the interactive “Bubble Trouble” show presented by the Master of Bubbles himself, Jeff Boyer.

On Sunday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre will bring the beloved ballet classic The Nutcracker, to the Union County community, performed by the American Repertory Ballet.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of Chairman Mirabella. It follows guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

During each of the Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

COVID-19 prevention rules are in effect at the venue and may be viewed online at ucpac.org/covid-19.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to Union County’s 13th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event. The ceremony will take place Friday, Oct. 8th, at 1:00 p.m., on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“We are proud of the achievements of Italian Americans who have made amazing contributions in all facets of our daily lives,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is emceeing the program. “Today we recognize the hard work and dedication of Italian-Americans across our great nation and especially within Union County.”

Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded will be the Featured Speaker at the flag raising.

Anthony Bengivenga, 2^nd Vice President of UNICO National will be joined by Bob Bengivenga, UNICO’s District X Governor at this year’s event.  April Bengivenga, President of the Plainfield UNICO chapter will also participate in the program along with Robert Tarte, President of the Westfield UNICO Chapter and William Schievella, President of the Italian American Police Society of NJ.

The County will honor UNICO National, UNICO District X, the Plainfield Chapter of UNICO, the Westfield Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American Police Society and other local UNICO chapters with a resolution to be presented during the event.

UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization whose chapters and members engage in promoting and defending Italian culture and heritage, as well as providing scholarships, engaging in community service and other philanthropic endeavors. UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO chapter work to organize and co-sponsor Union County’s Columbus Day event.

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served after the program outside the historic Union County Courthouse. All those who are attending are urged to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 protocols.

Paid parking is available in the Midtown area at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck No. 6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Job seekers and employers can find the perfect match at the next hire-on-the-spot job fair sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, October 5, at the Center Court of the Jersey Gardens Mall located at 651 Kapkowski Court in Elizabeth. The job fair will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Nike, Bed Bath and Beyond, Adidas, Marshalls, Kate Spade, and Ralph Lauren are among the many firms seeking to hire qualified employees at the October 5 job fair.

“These job fairs are part of our efforts to ensure that qualified Union County job seekers can connect with the right employers more quickly and effectively. We encourage everyone to come and participate,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our residents and our business community both need to rebuild after the COVID-19 crisis, and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida has added to the challenges. As we work to recover in Union County, we have been putting together these Job Fairs to make it easy for businesses and those looking for employment to connect at convenient locations,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board.

“On behalf of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank the County of Union for their continued partnership in support of economic advancement in our area. Job Fairs like these are a great opportunity to help our local businesses find quality applicants while also helping our residents find new employment opportunities, this is truly a collaborative effort as we move forward together in these difficult days,” said Jennifer Costa, President of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce.

The October 5 job fair is also sponsored by Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, American Job Center, and the Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Job seekers who plan to attend the October 5 event must use the online form at https://ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair/ to pre-register. Attendees are advised to bring their resumes and wear attire appropriate for interviews.

Vendors who would like to participate can also pre-register at https://ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.  Tables, chairs, table cloths, and water will be provided, and there will be a private area for interviewing purposes. An indoor concession stand will be open for the purchase of food.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks are optional for fully vaccinated Job Fair attendees. Those who are unvaccinated must wear masks and observe social distance.

For questions, or to seek transportation to and from the job fair, please call 1-888-845-3434.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Bring any gun, in any condition, and receive up to $250 – no questions asked!

Union County, NJ – Union County residents with unwanted guns in their possession can earn up to $250 per weapon by participating in the upcoming Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program, scheduled for Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Three convenient locations will be available for those turning in guns.

No questions will be asked, and guns in any condition will be accepted. All persons turning in a gun may do so anonymously.

“We will take any gun, regardless of how it came into your possession. Amnesty buyback programs are needed now more than ever, as communities in New Jersey and across the country face a new wave of deadly gun violence,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”

“Gun buyback programs are an important opportunity for the community and law enforcement to collaborate on an initiative to reduce violent crime,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “We encourage Union County residents to participate in the gun amnesty program on October 23rd and decrease the number of unwanted firearms in their communities.”

The buyback locations for the October 23 event are:

Elizabeth: Master’s Table Christian Fellowship, 207-211 Bond Street

Plainfield: Shiloh Baptist Church, 515-521 West Fourth Street

Westfield: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 506 Westfield Avenue

As a reminder, each location will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 23, on a walk-in basis. No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and no questions will be asked.

Participants in the Union County Amnesty Gun Buyback program may bring up to three weapons for reimbursement.

Those arriving on foot should convey their weapon in a sturdy, closed container. Persons arriving by car must keep the container in their trunk while in transit.

To reduce the risk of theft or mishap, participants are also advised to proceed directly to the drop-off location, without making any stops for errands or social calls.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed at these events. Please be prepared to wear a mask indoors.

The Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program is supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Westfield.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters who wish to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot that they can apply for one in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth. They can also fill out their ballot during the same visit and cast it in a secure drop-off box at the office, or take it with them to fill out later.

“We encourage voters to come to our offices and use our convenient ‘one-stop’ service, which enables voters to go through all the Vote-by-Mail steps in one visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a reminder, Vote-by-Mail ballots can also be returned by mail or deposited in any of the official, secure drop boxes in Union County, including one located at the entrance of our Westfield office.”

The County Clerk’s office in Westfield is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East. Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The County Clerk’s office in Elizabeth is located in the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Approximately 42,000 voters in Union County automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot by U.S. Post. Other Union County residents who wish to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot can obtain theirs in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield. Voters can also receive an application in the mail by contacting the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

In addition, voters can download a Vote-by-Mail application from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or from the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Vote-by-Mail is one of three options that Union County voters can use this year to cast their vote in the General Election:

1. Use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. In addition to early voting, Vote-by-Mail ballots can returned on Election Day, November 2. Drop boxes will be open until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. Ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by midnight on November 2.
2. Vote early in person, by using any one of the seven central early voting polling places in Union County.
3. Vote on Election Day in person, at the local polling place assigned to the voter.

For more details, including the locations of drop boxes and polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com or use the Union County Votes app.

For more information about all County Clerk election services visit unioncountyvotes.com, use the Union County Votes app, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes back adults and high school seniors to participate in outdoor nature talks at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside this fall.

“The popular Trailside Talks series is back, offering outdoor opportunities to learn and connect with the beautiful fall landscape of the Watchung Reservation”, said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each talk is led by a Trailside naturalist, instructing in the context of the Watchung Reservation landscape.  A variety of warblers and hawks fly through or over the Watchung Reservation during their autumn migration.  Drawing on this environment for inspiration, on Saturday, October 9, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. a talk on Passing Passerine Photography will be offered.  Bring your camera and use your favorite camera lenses to enjoy a bird-focused photo tour of select sections of the Watchung Reservation.  Rain Date:  Sunday, October 10.

On Saturday, November 13 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. the talk will focus on Threatened Species of the Watchung Reservation.   New Jersey is home to many extraordinary forms of wildlife, some of which call the Watchung Reservation home.   However, some of these animals have begun to disappear in recent years.   The talk will highlight these species, with an attempt to find a few in the Reservation.  Rain or Shine

Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column). The fee is $10 per person for Union County residents and $12 per person for Non-County residents.

Program will be held all outdoors.  Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

For more information about the Trailside Talks, outdoor nature activities for families, children and seniors hosted by Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The $200 stipend applies to poll workers in Union County on Election Day 2021, on Tuesday, November 2.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year still have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $200 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. Both experienced and new poll workers must attend a paid, mandatory training session, as electronic poll books will be used for the first time on Election Day.

Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form.

To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at ucnj.org/boe.

To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email ucboe@ucnj.org.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month continues with Family Fun Day at Rahway River Park in Rahway on Sunday, October 3, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The free festivities are open to all Union County residents, including a full slate of live music, arts and crafts, horseback rides, and a live DJ.

Residents can also visit Union County’s mobile COVID-19 unit on site, which will be providing free vaccinations and testing from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Family Fun Day is a great opportunity for the entire community to come out and celebrate our rich, diverse heritage,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“A day of healthy outdoor activity is the perfect way to close out the summer season while enjoying the art and music of Hispanic culture in our community, and we encourage everyone to come,” said Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon.

“At Family Fun Day, audiences can enjoy live performances across a range of different styles and ethnicities that reflect the energy brought to Union County by Hispanic culture,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Family Fun Day builds on the Commissioner Board’s theme of unity for our 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month activities, which began with the first ever raising of the Hispanic Heritage flag at the County Courthouse on September 15.”

The first 150 arrivals will be provided with free food vouchers for use at the event. Attendees can also purchase food and ice cream from trucks on site, or bring their own picnic.

The performance schedule includes:

1:00 p.m. — Edison Pereya, Latin Classical Guitar

1:30 p.m. — Peruvian Folkloric Dance

2:00 p.m. — Step into Salsa with Priscilla & Vicky

2:30 p.m. — Esperanza Azteca, Mexican Dance and Song

3:30 p.m. — Latin American Guitar with Lily Sanchez Ruiz.

Family Fun Day is funded in part by the Commissioner Board 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.

Hispanic Heritage Month in Union County will continue with a free concert at Warinanco Park in Roselle on Sunday, October 16, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

For more information about events and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or see the calendar listing at ucnj.org/calendar.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s Great Pumpkin Sail at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside will go on sale at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 4. Tickets will be available online only at ucnj.org/reserve.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is an entertaining tradition here in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please bring your own jack-o-lanterns and join us as we illuminate Echo Lake with pumpkins.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail will take place on November 1 with three sessions scheduled. The first session will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the second session will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the third session will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for this event are sold on a per-family basis. One ticket will cover up to six family members.

Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a limit of two tickets per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents, and $16 per ticket for out-of-county residents. Please purchase only one ticket per family of six.

Please note that each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.

Space is limited; attendees are advised to purchase tickets early.

Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.

In case of bad weather, the rain date will be November 3^rd.

For further information, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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New Job Fair is a partnership between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Westfield Corporation and the Town of Westfield.

Union County, NJ – Job seekers in Union County have another opportunity to explore job opportunities with local businesses at the upcoming Job Fair on Wednesday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Town of Westfield Town Hall, located at 425 East Broad Street in Westfield.

Interviews may be offered on the spot and proper attire is strongly recommended.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in working in Westfield to attend the job fair and meet with prospective employers in person, in a supportive and friendly environment,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The September 29 Job Fair is part of an ongoing series of events supported by the County, aimed at helping employers and job seekers connect with each other. We are looking forward to another successful event,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Workforce Development Board.

Pre-registration is required online through the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks must be worn by all participants, regardless of their vaccination status.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.