Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce that applications to the 2026 Local Arts grant program are now being accepted. The Union County Local Arts Program, known as “LAP,” supports arts programming produced by both arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving residents of Union County.

“Our Local Arts grant program provides necessary funding and support to these organizations so they can remain focused on developing the inclusive projects, quality artistic programs, and cultural events Union County is known for,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I strongly encourage eligible organizations that offer arts programming to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

The Local Arts Program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Two types of grants are available under this program:

• General Operating Support grants are available to nonprofit arts organizations. The maximum request is $15,000, and the request cannot exceed 40% of the organization’s projected 2026 budget.
• Special Project grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations (including nonprofits, libraries, and units of local government) to fund a specific arts project, such as a performance series. The maximum request is $5,000. Matching funds are required.

“Local art events offer more than just entertainment for our residents; they contribute to the vibrancy and cultural legacy of this community,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “I’m looking forward to seeing the great work that our awardees come up with in 2026!”

Arts activities must take place in Union County during 2026. Applications must be completed online using the Grant portal. Funds will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming. The deadline to submit a completed LAP application is September 24, 2025.

Full details, including eligibility requirements, are outlined in the Local Arts Grant 2026 Guidelines.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs administers the Local Arts Grant, as well as the History Grant and the HEART Grant. Guidelines for all three grant programs are available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities/.

A Grant Workshop including a Q&A will be held on Thursday, August 7, from 3:00–4:30 pm on Zoom, offering information and guidance about the three grant programs. Register to attend the Grant Workshop at https://ucnj.org/cha-workshop/.

For questions about the Local Arts program, or to obtain the link to the grant portal to begin an application, contact the LAP Grant Coordinator, Martha Sturm at msturm@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Wednesday morning, August 6, 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

• Linden – Wheeler
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Municipal Parks

• Linden – Memorial Field
• Rahway – Flannagan
• Westfield – Tamaques

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

“Our senior community faces numerous challenges that can impact their quality of life. That is why, more than ever, it is essential for seniors and caregivers to have access to services and programs, such as our Aging Services Kiosk,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This senior-focused initiative has dedicated over nine years to empowering seniors with a wealth of information and resources. I invite you to visit an ASK event this August and discover how this program can serve you.”   

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 August:

Thursday, August 14th – Westfield Memorial Library
Bilingual staff available
550 East Broad Street
Westfield, 07090
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, August 20th – Hillside Public Library
Bilingual staff available
1409 Liberty Avenue
Hillside, 07205
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, August 28th – Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“Our ASK events are staffed by knowledgeable experts who act as a true support system for seniors. They take the time to listen, address your questions, help with form completion, and connect you with the latest resources available,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker.

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 excited to announce that its free virtual series for the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, returns on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom for a lively and educational discussion about adoption in the LGBTQ community.

To participate in the discussion, please register at ucnj.org/lgbtq

To honor the unofficial LGBTQ+ Family Day this August, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is collaborating with the Union County Surrogate’s Office for this special edition of Empowerment Hour, focused on building families and protecting their legacies.

“Our LGBTQ Empowerment Hour sessions have become a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect, support, and educate one another. Each session is filled with engaging topics, valuable resources, and relatable stories from community members,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you want to quietly listen and take the information in, or join in on the discussion and share your story, all are welcome to tune in this August for yet another powerful episode.”

According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, same-sex couples are four times more likely to adopt children than heterosexual couples.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs have partnered with the Union County Surrogate’s Office to discuss this important topic on the latest Empowerment Hour, live on Zoom. The event will showcase the adoption services offered by the Union County Surrogate’s Office and provide guidance on how to safeguard valuable family assets through estate planning.

“The LGBTQ couple’s journey to parenthood is uniquely different and comes with challenges, and we hope that what we’ll discuss in this episode will better prepare you to embrace this next chapter with confidence,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “This isn’t only about creating a family, but also about sharing your love and commitment, and building a lasting legacy with your partner. We want to encourage you to embrace every step of this adventure, knowing you have the resources and tools in place to build a successful future together.”

The LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour will be live-streamed on the County of Union Facebook Page. Questions will be taken via Zoom and within the comments section on Facebook. To participate in the discussion, please register at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

“The Surrogate’s Office is happy to collaborate with the Office of LGBTQ  Affairs on passing along vital information to our LGBTQ couples and community,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “When it comes to matters of adoption, it is important that you and your partner are as informed and well-prepared as can be, and I look forward to sharing with you how the Surrogate’s office can serve you during this exciting and life-changing moment.” For more information, please contact Robert Charkowsky, from the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, call (908)-527-4273 or email LGBTQ@ucnj.org.

During severe weather events, please only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Call 911 if:

• Someone is trapped or in danger
• There’s a medical emergency
• Lives are at immediate risk

Do NOT call 911 to report:

• Street flooding
• Power outages
• Downed trees with no injuries

Unless someone is trapped or in danger, non-life threating issues should be reported to your local public works or utility company.

Help keep emergency lines open for those who truly need it. Stay safe and stay informed!

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a free evening of live music with Hey Bulldog – The Beatles Experience in Oak Ridge Park on Wednesday, August 13^th.

“The music of The Beatles continues to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Hey Bulldog captures their timeless spirit and adds a new, fresh energy to their songs. We’re thrilled to welcome them to Oak Ridge Park during the Summer Arts Festival for a night of dancing, singing, and coming together, Beatles-style.”

Hey Bulldog is a group of New Jersey musicians who came together in 2004 for a casual Beatles jam on John Lennon’s birthday and haven’t looked back since. What started as a one-night gig quickly turned into the band, composed of guitarist/singer Pete Horvath, guitarist/singer Tommy Strazza, bassist/singer Gerry Rosenthal, drummer/singer Jeff Fernandes, and singer/percussionist Pat Bridge, packing bars, parties, and events all over Central Jersey. Unlike a typical Beatles tribute act, they don’t dress in costume or copy songs note for note. Instead, they bring their own rock, psychedelic, and jam-band energy to the music. Their goal is to celebrate some of the greatest music ever written and make sure everyone has a great time.

The concert begins at 7:30pm on Wednesday, August 13^th at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. A free yoga class by Alluem Yoga in Cranford will be offered before the concert at 6:30pm. Hot dogs and ice cream will be available for purchase. All Summer Arts Festival events are free and open to the public. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Crossroads, located at 78 North Avenue in Garwood.

The Union County Summer Arts Festival is provided with support from the Union County Education Association. For more information about the Summer Arts Festival, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer25 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Wednesday morning, July 30, 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
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Mohawk
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant
• Mountainside – Echo Lake,
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook,
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Municipal Parks

• Linden – Memorial Field
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Rahway – Flannagan
• Union – Biertuempfel

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to continue offering seasonal recycling opportunities in August. Residents are welcome to participate in this free annual program, which provides a safe and secure way to dispose of personal documents, scrap metal, and hazardous household items at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“Our recycling program offers residents an easy and effective way to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Any amount of recycling, no matter how small, can make a difference. Properly disposing of waste, unwanted, or expired items not only protects our wildlife and civilians, but also keeps these materials out of landfills. It’s a collective step in the right direction, and one we are committed to facilitating for our community.”

Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the upcoming mobile paper shredding event, taking place on Saturday, August 16th,from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. All documents are shredded on-site, and the shredded paper is taken to a recycling facility for processing. The event will conclude before 1:00 p.m., should the trucks fill up first.

This event is part of Union County’s annual paper shredding program, which runs each year from March through October. The shredding events are open to all residents, regardless of their municipality, and are intended for the disposal of 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 August, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, August 7th, and Saturday, August 16th, 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 next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. 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.

Union County Recycling Programs are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) funds, which are applied for and received by the County of Union.

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.

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!