Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County voters who need in-person assistance with matters pertaining to the 2020 General Election can visit the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield during regular weekday business hours. In addition, both offices are open on selected Saturdays prior to Election Day, November 3.

Office visitors must follow all COVID-19 prevention rules, including masks and social distance.

“The additional Saturday hours will help ensure that Union County voters can access the information they need in order to participate in this important election cycle,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My staff is also available by phone and email to assist voters with any questions or concerns they may have.” 

The County Clerk’s Annex Office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 and on the following two Saturdays, October 24 and 31.

The Main Office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31.

For more details on office hours and locations, visit the County Clerk online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

For more information on the 2020 General Election visit the County Clerk’s election website, unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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

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Michael Shephard and Union County VO-TECH Share $50,000 Award

Contact: David Connerty-Marin
207-831-3313
david.connertymarin@gmail.com

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J.—An automotive technology teacher from Scotch Plains has been named a winner of the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $50,000 as part of $1 million awarded to 18 trades teachers nationwide today.

Michael Shephard, who teaches automotive technology at Union County Career and Technical Institute in Scotch Plains, will receive $50,000—including $35,000 for the school’s skilled trades program and $15,000 for him personally. He joins 14 other Prize winners, who each received $50,000, and three Grand Prize winners, who each received $100,000 as part of the annual prize.

“This year has been one of the toughest on record for skilled trades teachers as they switch between in-person, remote or blended learning—all while trying to do their life’s work of preparing the next generation of tradespeople,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “At a time when tradespeople are more essential than ever, so is trades education. We are honored and grateful to have the chance to shine a spotlight on these teachers’ amazing work.”

Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Gwendolyn Ryan said:  “Mr. Shephard brings valuable industry experience, great enthusiasm for Career and Technical Education, and a love of learning to the Automotive Technology students at the Union County Career and Technical Institute,” said .  We rely on industry partners to provide meaningful support of our programs.  We are grateful both for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools’ partnership and for recognizing Mr. Shephard for the commitment he has made to our students.  We could not be more proud of his initiative, his creativity and of this accomplishment!” 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “We congratulate Mr. Shephard for receiving this award and we thank Harbor Freight Tools for Schools for their partnership. We also thank Mr. Shephard for his commitment to his students and excellence in vocational education. Now more than ever, we must continue to develop the skills of our students who wish to work in vocational fields and deliver essential services.”

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, the founder of national tool retailer Harbor Freight Tools, to recognize outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the teachers who inspire students to learn skills to prepare for life after graduation. As recent research from JFF (formerly known as Jobs for the Future) and funded by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools found, students who “concentrate” (or take multiple trades courses as part of a program) are more likely to graduate than their peers. Upon graduation, students are prepared for either further education or work in fields that routinely rank among the hardest jobs to fill and that have come to be widely recognized as “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Trades teachers are educating and developing the tradespeople of the future,” Smidt said.  “Many of the students in their classes today will become—as soon as next spring—the workers who keep our critical care infrastructure, our communication networks, our homes and cars up and running. The prize is our way of saying thank you to their teachers.”

Michael Shephard teaches automotive technology at Union County Career and Technical Institute in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He has taught at UCCTI for four years. Shephard’s students learn how to rebuild engines by running diagnostics and performing repairs. During his time teaching, Shephard has expanded his program to include a third year, during which students fix customer cars. In the shop, Shephard teaches students according to their learning styles, using the Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) method. Upon completion of his program, 90 percent of Shephard’s students earn an Automotive Service Excellence certificate.

For a list of all 18 winners and finalists, click here.

Grand Prize winners will each receive $100,000, with $70,000 going to their public high school skilled trades program and $30,000 to the individual skilled trades teacher behind the winning program. The 15 Prize winners will each be awarded $50,000, with $35,000 going to their public high school program and $15,000 to the teacher. Because of school, district and/or state policy regarding individual cash awards, the schools of two teachers will receive the entire prize winnings. Cash awards given to schools will support winning teachers’ skilled trades programs. Individual winnings can be used however the winner wishes.

The 2020 prize drew more than 600 applications from 48 states and included three rounds of judging, each by an independent panel of experts from industry, education, trades, philanthropy and civic leadership. The application process, which included responses to questions and a series of learning modules, was designed to solicit each teacher’s experience, insights and creative ideas about their approach to teaching and success in helping their students achieve excellence in the skilled trades. All learning modules are available here.

In July, the field was narrowed to 50 finalists. The 32 finalists who were not named winners today will receive $1,000 gift cards from Harbor Freight Tools. Additionally, given the challenges teachers are facing due to COVID-19, teachers who applied for the prize but did not advance to become finalists were eligible to receive $100 gift cards from Harbor Freight Tools.

About Harbor Freight Tools for Schools

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation, established by Harbor Freight Tools founder Eric Smidt, to advance excellent skilled trades education in public high schools across America. With a deep respect for the dignity of these fields and for the intelligence and creativity of people who work with their hands, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to drive a greater understanding of and investment in skilled trades education, believing that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs and a workforce our country needs. Harbor Freight Tools is a major supporter of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program. For more information, visit us at HarborFreightToolsforSchools.org and Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Participants must observe rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, October 24, at the Nokia campus in New Providence, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

Use GPS address 600 Mountain Avenue & Ryder Way, New Providence 07974 and follow signs to the event.

“The Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella.

Fireworks and ammunition are among the many different types of hazardous materials that will be accepted at the October 24 event.

Car tires will also be collected. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Participants must be Union County residents and must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
• Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
• Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
• Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
• Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste events provide Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on October 24 visit ucnj.org/recycle.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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Must register online beginning Monday, October 19^th at 9 a.m. to reserve spot

The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to present Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes in a drive-in concert on Saturday, October 24^th, 7 p.m. at the Union County Vocational Technical Schools Campus on 1776 Raritan Road.

Those interested in attending must reserve a spot for the free show online at www.ucnj.org/concert-register . First-come, first-served as spots will go fast. The registration link goes live on Monday, October 19^th, beginning at 9 a.m.

“Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are one of New Jersey’s most iconic rock acts and a favorite of so many fans around the world,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are excited to once again present them live and we are looking forward to an amazing show.”

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have previously performed in Union County, with their last appearance being at Union County’s Musicfest concert in 2011 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Playing a classic blend of searing rock, soul, and blues accompanied by a solid guitar sound and a blistering horn section, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have recorded more than 30 albums and toured all over the world during the past five decades. They are, along with close friend and frequent collaborator Bruce Springsteen, and later, Bon Jovi—the creators of the legendary Jersey Shore sound.

Some of their biggest hits include: “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town,” “The Fever,” “This Time It’s For Real,” “Talk To Me” and their definitive fun-time cover of “We’re Having A Party,” and with Springsteen, “It’s been a Long Time.”

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

Union County, NJ – Some Union County voters will receive letters from the Union County Board of Elections over the coming weeks to advise them of signature deficiencies in their Vote-by-Mail ballots. Under New Jersey State law, voters who receive a “cure” letter have the opportunity to update their signature in order for their vote to be counted in the November 3 General Election.

“The ballot curing process is a new feature of elections in New Jersey. In some instances, a voter may have forgotten to sign their certificate envelope, or perhaps their signature has changed over time.  This process is aimed at ensuring that a voter is not deprived of exercising their right to participate in an election,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.

Voters who receive a cure letter are advised to read the instructions carefully, fill it out and return the form as soon as possible. A self-addressed, postage prepaid envelope is included in the mailing.

“The Union County Board of Elections will only send official, election mail. It is important to open any mail sent from our office,” DiRado advised.

To view instructions for using a Vote-by-Mail ballot correctly, visit the Election Board online at ucnj.org/boe/make-sure-your-vote-by-mail-ballot-is-counted-2.

Instructions are also available at unioncountyvotes.com.

Early voting is already under way in Union County, and all voters are advised to return their Vote-by-Mail ballots as soon as possible.

The following early voting options are available to all voters:

• Send the Vote-by-Mail ballot by U.S. Postal Service (postage is prepaid)
• Deposit it in any one of 22 official Board of Elections ballot drop boxes located throughout Union County. All drop boxes are available on a 24/7 basis, and are under camera surveillance 24/7. All ballots are picked up daily by a bipartisan team from the Board of Elections.
• Hand deliver it to the Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices. Hand-delivery requires signing a register and showing New Jersey identification.
• Designate a ballot bearer to hand deliver it (instructions are printed on the ballot).

Voters can also exercise all of these options on Election Day, November 3, until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. The Board of Elections and County Clerk’s offices will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day for voters choosing to hand deliver their ballots.

In addition, on Election Day a limited number of polling places will be open for in-person voting. Voters can hand deliver their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place. Voters who come to their polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a paper provisional ballot to use.

ADA-accessible voting machines will be available only for voters with disabilities that prevent them from using a paper ballot.

For more details about voter options for the 2020 General Election, visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123. All email and phone messages will be returned.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, October 17^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Union County Vocational Technical High School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union and Village Super Market.

Feeding America projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“The Freeholder Board wants to continue to accommodate those in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We will continue to host food distributions in order to provide assistance to as many residents as possible in union County that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“This drive-thru distribution is just one way that we continue to offer assistance. We strive to provide our residents with the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations to attend a free online workshop, “Social Media Marketing for Non-Profits,” on Tuesday, October 27 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Jessica Maarek, owner of the social media marketing agency Red Root Marketing, will present the workshop via Zoom.

“Union County is pleased to be offering this professional development session to grantees and other non-profits. It will provide hands-on tools that community-oriented organizations can quickly put into action in today’s media landscape,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Online registration for the workshop is required. Please go to https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/social-media-marketing-for-non-profits/ to register.

Participants will learn specific ways to optimize their social media platforms, effective methods for engaging their community in meaningful ways, and how to plan and create compelling content. Resources and tools will be provided.

This workshop is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations may also attend.

The workshop is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the event please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550. The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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 Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that Union County is participating in the #LightUpMBC campaign to raise awareness about stage IV metastatic breast cancer. On Tuesday afternoon, October 13, and throughout the month of October, the County Administration Building will display lights in pink, teal and green to help advocate for the campaign. The #LightUpMBC campaign is a project of the Moore Fight Moore Strong initiative with the nonprofit research and support organization METAvivor.

Stage IV MBC is an incurable form of breast cancer that is estimated to kill over 42,000 Americans this year.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the #LightUpMBC campaign, by providing the Administration Building to serve as one of the campaign’s 115 landmarks in all 50 states and around the world,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With this display, we reaffirm our support for the efforts to prevent and treat breast cancer, and our support for the #LightUpMBC message of renewal, hope, and healing represented by the colors pink, green, and teal.”

October 13 is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, recognized by the New Jersey State Senate and several local governments through the state. Laura Inahara, Executive Director of Moore Fight Moore Strong, explains, “The 115 landmarks that will illuminate this year represent the 115 lives lost every day to MBC in the U.S.  We hope that #LightUpMBC will not only spread awareness and raise funds, but also inspire people to truly want to make a difference for people living with MBC.”

All of the landmarks can be viewed across the globe via the #LightUpMBC Live virtual benefit at 8pm EST on October 13th through @METAvivor Facebook Live and www.metavivor.org.  Musical performers include John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls and David Bryan of Bon Jovi, who is also a Tony Award winner.

A #LightUpMBC Social Media Challenge has been established and those wishing to participate are asked to answer the question:  Who lights up your life?  and publicly share a photo and/or story of someone who inspires them by posting on their social media channels with the donation link www.metavivor.org/LightUpMBC  and the hashtags #LightUpMBC #METAvivor.  By nominating friends to participate, you can help raise funds for MBC research. 

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is stage 4 breast cancer, for which there is no cure. Over 627,000 people die each year globally from MBC, with over 42,000 dying each year in the U.S. alone (115 per day).  Metastatic breast cancer spreads mostly to the bones, liver, lungs and the brain, causing MBC patients to be in treatment for the rest of their lives – with only 22% of U.S. MBC patients living longer than 5 years. 20-30% of early stage breast cancers recur as stage 4 MBC. 98% of all breast cancer related deaths are from MBC, yet less than 5% of overall breast cancer funding is currently allocated to researching metastatic breast cancer.

For more information on METAvivor and to donate, visit www.metavivor.org/lightupmbc and follow on @METAvivor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/metavivor and Instagram @metavivor

For more information on Moore Fight Moore Strong, visit www.MooreFightMooreStrong.com and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MooreFightMooreStrong  and Instagram @moorefightmoorestrong

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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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Each year, the Freeholder Board’s annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit showcases original work created by county residents aged 60 and above. The 2020 exhibit comprises 124 works of art entered by both professional and non-professional artists.

This year’s exhibit can be viewed online at www.ucnj.org/senior-art. All artwork images were submitted directly by the artists.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the artwork created by our senior citizens each year, and this year we are very pleased to present this exhibit virtually, enabling these talented artists to share their work with everyone in the community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Professional artists Barbara Wallace, Joseph Borzotta and Alina Marin-Bliach served as jurors, designating awards in each media category.

All entries awarded First Place honors will advance to the state level, to represent Union County in the 2020 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show.

The artworks awarded first place cover a wide variety of media and materials by professional and non-professional artists, including:

• Eileen Bonacci (Oil Painting)
• Dante Bonardi (Watercolor)
• Lynda DuBois-Jackson (Craft)
• Marcia Haller (Acrylic Painting)
• Janice Metzger (Printmaking)
• Nancy Ori (Photography)
• Leona Seufert (Digital/Computer Art)
• Barbara Uhr (Pastel)
• Roberta Zlatkin (Mixed Media)
• Anne Castellano (Pastel)
• James Colangelo (Craft)
• William Connolly (Drawing)
• Stephanie Dexter (Oil Painting)
• Nancy Fine (Mixed Media)
• Robert Gasson (Acrylic Painting)
• Deborah Mainiero (Sculpture)
• Anne Occi (Watercolor)
• Catherine Varnelas-Smith (Digital/Computer Art)
• David Weisbrod (Photography)

“Afternoon in Amsterdam,” an oil painting by professional artist Eileen Bonacci, was awarded Best of Show by a Professional Artist.

A sculpture by Deborah Mainiero, “Abstract Flower,” was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist.

The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and 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 the virtual art gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents of all ages to take a self-guided stroll along Union County’s Sensory Friendly Trail on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy nature in the beautiful Watchung Reservation during the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk at Trailside Nature & Science Center. As visitors make their way along the trail, they will encounter a dozen different pieces of colorful eco-art made from recycled plastic water bottles. 

“Through this unique event, visitors will have the opportunity to view these unique, creative art pieces as they learn about our natural environment and the importance of recycling,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each piece of recycled art is made out of hundreds of recycled plastic bottles, with over four thousands used in total to complete the project. This free outdoor exhibit shows visitors how artists can use recycled or reused to make attractive pieces of art, turning every day trash into imaginative treasures.

The Sensory Friendly Trail is a 0.3 mile ADA accessible loop with a central gazebo. The trail is designed to provide tactile experiences and create new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while learning about natural heritage in Union County.

The trail winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired.

The Sensory Friendly Trail also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

Raised garden beds also add seasonal color to this multi-dimensional experience, providing visitors with additional opportunities to use their senses of sight, smell and touch.

Masks are strongly recommended and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

In-person activities in Union County Parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside Visitor Center is closed to the public until further notice.

Please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for more information about the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk or other nature programs and activities for all ages.

For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.