Category: Public Info

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites families with children and teens living with autism and other sensory sensitivities to apply for the 2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp. The free summer camp is coordinated each year by the Department of Human Services through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs and is uniquely tailored to provide children ages 12 to 16 and young adults ages 17 to 21 an inclusive and fun outdoor experience. The Sensory Friendly Summer Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during the week of August 18th through August 22nd, and will be held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“The Commissioner Board and I are immensely proud to continue providing programs like our Sensory Friendly Camp for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This camp gives our youth and teens with special needs the opportunity to fully enjoy our open spaces and take part in enriching recreational activities without the stigma or barriers. Instead, we focus on offering all the accommodations and support necessary to ensure they have an enjoyable summer experience.” 

At the Sensory Friendly Summer Camp, campers will spend a week investigating the natural world using their senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch. They will also have the opportunity to experience the Sensory Friendly Trail and learn about the plants and animals that live in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. Each day, campers will develop an appreciation for the natural world through nature walks, hands-on activities, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and captivating stories. They will also have the chance to meet live animals, spend time outside each day, and experience all of the beauty that nature has to offer.

“Under my chairmanship in 2018, Union County established the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs – the first of its kind in New Jersey – and we’ve continued to lead with purpose ever since,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “This summer camp is all about giving kids and teens a chance to just be themselves – to explore, have fun, and feel included. It’s about creating meaningful moments in a space where every child is welcomed and supported.”

Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of fleeing, aggressive, or threatening behavior, who require restraints to manage or stop behaviors, or who require 1:1 staffing.

“The Department of Human Services is proud to continue offering programs that give parents access to a free and inclusive camp experience for their children,” said Debbie Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “We are dedicated to providing recreational opportunities that foster a welcoming atmosphere for participants and strengthen their sense of community.”

Please note that space is limited, and the application does not guarantee enrollment. In order to ensure compatibility and accommodate individual needs, the camp administration will conduct interviews prior to admission. The administration reserves the right to determine whether they can adequately meet the needs of the applicants.

To apply for the 2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call the Office at 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce its annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony, taking place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. This annual celebration recognizes the rich history, heritage, and ongoing contributions of the Portuguese-American community in Union County and beyond.

“Our Portuguese-American community has played a vital role in shaping Union County’s cultural identity, economic growth, and civic strength,” said Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “From small businesses and places of worship to community organizations and public service, the impact of Portuguese heritage is deeply rooted in our county’s story. We are proud to raise this flag in recognition of that legacy.”

This year’s program will kick off with welcome remarks by Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, and then led by Commissioner Sergio Granados, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Joining him for the ceremony will be local officials, community leaders, and representatives from several Portuguese-American organizations.

“As a proud Portuguese-American, it has been one of the greatest honors of my time as Commissioner to elevate and celebrate the stories of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “This event isn’t just symbolic — it’s personal. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents, and empowering the next generation to lead with pride in who they are and where they come from. As I prepare to complete my final year on the Board, I remain committed to ensuring our cultural identity is recognized and respected, not just today — but every day.”

The evening will include the singing of the national anthems of both the United States and Portugal by Margarete DeJesus of Our Lady of Fatima Church, and remarks from Commissioner Granados and invited guests including Katherine Soares, Chair of PALCUS, and Maria Carvalho, President of the Portuguese Instructive Social Club.

“As a proud native of Elizabeth and Chairwoman of the PALCUS Board of Directors, it is a deep honor to once again join in this annual celebration of our heritage through the Portuguese flag raising in Union County. This tradition is a powerful reminder of the rich contributions Portuguese-Americans have made to our communities, especially here, where our culture, values, and history are woven into the very fabric of multiple municipalities within our county. Today, we not only raise a flag — we uplift a legacy of hard work, resilience, and unity.”

The flag raising is one of several events celebrating Portuguese heritage throughout Union County, including:

Arraial at the Portuguese Instructive Social Club (P.I.S.C.) – May 31 & June 1, 600 Grove Street, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Portugal Day Parade – June 1 at 2:00 PM, starting from Union Square and ending at P.I.S.C.

PACA of Union Flag Raising – June 10 at Union Town Hall

PACA “Dia de Portugal” Celebration – June 15 at 1034 Jeanette Ave., Union

All members of the public are invited to attend the County’s Portuguese Flag Raising ceremony and join in honoring the vibrant Portuguese culture that continues to thrive in Union County.

For more information about Union County events and programs, visit www.ucnj.org.

Bilingual Poll Workers Especially Needed

Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through at least 8:15 p.m., after the close of the polls. The Primary Election is held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.  Serving as a poll worker in the 2025 Gubernatorial Election is a great way to be involved in the democratic process!

Any Union County resident who is 16 years or older, can apply to become a poll worker.  Union County residents who are 18 years or older shall be registered to vote.

No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory, in-person training session. Prospective poll workers can apply online or by using a paper application form.

To apply online, visit the Union County Board of Elections at www.ucnj.org/pollworker. To receive a paper application, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite residents to participate in a Plant Swap and Shop event on Thursday, June 12^th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in the Scout Camping Area of the Watchung Reservation at Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

This special event gives Union County residents the opportunity to swap up to three distinct invasive plants from their own gardens in exchange for up to three native plants, free of charge. In addition to the swap, attendees can shop a wider variety of native plants offered by Toadshade Native Plant Nursery.

“We’ve seen continued success with our Plant Swap and Shop, and we’re excited to bring it back with new options for 2025,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “It’s a fun, hands-on way to help residents remove invasive species from their gardens and encourage the growth of beneficial native plants that support our local ecosystems. Local events like these can have big environmental impact, and we’re proud to promote sustainability in our community.”

Invasive plants are non-native species that harm the environment by outcompeting native plants for space and resources. They reproduce quickly and thrive in a wide range of conditions. Invasive plants often lack natural predators or competitors, which allows them to spread unchecked. Over time, they can take over an area and crowd out all other species, creating a single-species environment that greatly reduces biodiversity.

Residents are invited to bring up to three invasive plants of different species and exchange them for up to three native plants, all at no cost. This year’s event will feature a new selection of native plants available for swapping, including Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Blue Lobelia /Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica), Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Lanceleaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia lanceolata), Cliff Stonecrop (Sedum glaucophyllum), and Bucks County Magenta Violet (Viola sororia selection).

Pre-registration for the Plant Swap and Shop is required and limited to 100 participants. Those interested are encouraged to sign up early at www.ucnj.org/plant-swap to secure a spot.

In addition to the plant swap, participants will have the opportunity to shop for native plants at the event. Pre-ordering through the Toadshade website at www.toadshade.com is strongly recommended for the best selection.

For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: “Plant This, Not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 12th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation joyously invite residents, families, and friends to our annual Touch-A-Truck event, taking place on Sunday, May 18th, at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.  The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Touch-A-Truck is always an exciting adventure for the whole family; with a variety of vehicles to explore, hayrides through the park, food trucks, and child-friendly activities, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for both the young, and the young at heart,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Don’t miss out on this free event. I can’t wait to see you all there!”

Union County’s Touch-A-Truck event is the ultimate hands-on experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of trucks and cars, including those from the Union County Departments of Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. Additionally, guests will be able to take a hayride through a portion of the park, and inflatable attractions will be available for children to enjoy. 

All visitors are welcome to take part in a special Disc Golf demonstration presented by the Oak Ridge Disc Golf Club.

Food trucks will be on-site with a variety of food, drinks, and snacks available for purchase to all guests. Admission is free.

For more information on Touch-A-Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks. 

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the 2025 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit has officially opened its annual tour at the Springfield Public Library, located at 66 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. The exhibit will be on display through June 9, 2025, during the library’s regular hours.

“This exhibit is a powerful reminder of the creativity and potential of our youth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We are proud to support platforms that elevate student voices, celebrate their artistic expression, and provide opportunities to share their work with our communities. Congratulations to all of the exhibiting students—you are truly inspiring.”

The exhibit features a curated selection of visual art created by talented middle and high school students who participated in the 2025 Union County Teen Arts Festival. This annual two-day celebration of creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts is held at UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey’s Cranford campus. Several pieces in the exhibit have also been selected for display at the prestigious New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival, taking place this June at Middlesex County College.

A public reception honoring the student artists will be held at the Springfield Public Library on Thursday, May 22, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Following its stay in Springfield, the exhibit will continue traveling through early 2026, with stops at the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth and public libraries in Cranford, Elizabeth, Linden, and Plainfield. Admission is free and open to the public.

“This program not only showcases the artistic achievements of our students, but it also brings their work into local spaces where it can be appreciated by residents across the county,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. “The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is a celebration of imagination, discipline, and talent—and we thank the students, teachers, and families who help bring it to life each year.”

The 2025 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit features work by students from the following schools and municipalities:

Berkeley Heights

Columbia Middle School

Madison Howard-Rawles

Governor Livingston High School

Jane Geddis and Milagros Ramos

Clark

Carl H. Kumpf Middle School

Jiah Jeremiah

Mother Seton Regional High School

Anubha Baijpai, Jada Belin, Nia Harris, Kayla Hughes, and Mia Sivy Kelly

Cranford

Cranford High School

Maria Kuchurhura, Kathryn Campbell, and Elima Kahlivk

Hillside Avenue School

Gabriella Coakley

Lincoln School

Lily Pachana

Lincoln School CAMP

Lee Capers, Zoey Pinheiro, and Dylan Umali

Orange Avenue School

Sophia Golding

Elizabeth

Chessie Dentley Roberta Academy

Crisbell Pauta and Kaylee Valdez

Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy

Daniel Mateo & Zoe Gomez

Elmora School #12

Camila Ticona

Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy

Anasemo Adn, Melany Teixiera and Rosalie Villalba-Molina

JVJ STEM Academy

Victoria Johnson

John E. Dwyer Technology Academy

Jorge Caballero-Oroman

Joseph Battin School #4

Joshua Bueno

L’Ourverture-Lafayette

Deborah Pintado

Madison-Monroe

Yarielis Hierro

Terrence C. Reilly

Leslie Bibiano

Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy

Sheryl Lasprilla

Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy

Olivia Bailey

Victor Mravlag

Benjamin Afonso, Edward Afonso, and Demetri Melachrinos

William F. Halloran

Samantha Cermena

William Halsey Academy

Ruth Milfort and Erica Maria Rodriguez

Woodrow Wilson School

Dora Flores

Kenilworth

David Brearley High School

Madison Bennet and Ariela Rosado

Linden

Linden High School

Mia Gotowski and Arden Rosemond

McManus Middle School

Penina Riemenschneider

Soehl Middle School

Carlos Del Busto Alves

Mountainside

Deerfield Schools

Hana Barboiu

New Providence

New Providence Middle School

Astrid Isem Pacay

Springfield

Florence M. Gaudineer

Camila Ticona

Jonathan Dayton High School

Ren Versoza

Scotch Plains

Union County Vo-Tech High School

Emily Remy

Union

Union High School

Liana Brown-Bateman, Jochebed Quaye, and Anaisa Rodriguez

The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated each year by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks & Recreation, to highlight the exceptional artistic talents of local teens and encourage continued engagement in the arts.

For more information about Cultural & Heritage Affairs programs and services, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; call (908) 558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that beginning Thursday, May 15th, Farmers Market vouchers will be available for eligible Union County seniors. Each eligible senior can obtain a $40 e-benefit card to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating Farmers Markets.

“Challenges like fixed incomes, limited resources, and rising costs can impact our senior community’s ability to access quality, nutritious food. Through this program, we aim to ensure fresh, nutrient-rich foods sourced from our local farmers are available to those in need,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I encourage all seniors who meet the requirements to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

To be eligible, seniors must be 60 years of age or older. A single person’s monthly income may not exceed $2,413 per month, and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $3,261 per month.

Eligible seniors can apply by calling the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on or after May 15, 2025. A limited number of vouchers are available, and applications will be evaluated on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

“Our Farmers Markets not only offer a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, but also serve as a popular gathering place for our community. This voucher program gives our seniors an easy and convenient way to socialize and engage with their community while accessing healthy food and supporting local agriculture,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.

For more information about the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, or any other senior services provided by the Division on Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.