The Union County Board of County Commissioners is launching the Storm-Related Emergency Home Repair Grant Program to assist senior homeowners affected by the severe storms that hit the region on July 3rd and July 14th.
This grant is available to Union County residents aged 62 and older who own and occupy a single- or two-family home that sustained damage from the recent storms. Eligible low- to moderate-income homeowners can receive up to $10,000 in funding to help cover necessary repairs—and the grant does not need to be repaid.
“After such devastating weather events, it’s vital that our seniors feel safe and supported in their own homes,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This program is a direct investment in their recovery and in the stability of our communities. We want to make sure no one is left behind.”
To qualify, homeowners must be current on their mortgage and property taxes. Once an application is submitted, an inspection will be conducted to determine the scope of repairs needed, and a cost estimate will be prepared to establish the grant amount.
For homeowners who may need additional support beyond the $10,000 grant, Union County also offers the Home Improvement Program, which provides interest-free loans with no repayment required until the property is sold or transferred. This program is available to all income-eligible residents, regardless of age.
For more information or to begin the application process, please visit www.ucnj.org/storm or by contacting Development Directions, LLC at (732) 382-8100.
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 13th.
“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 13th 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.
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:
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!
Union County is excited to announce its second annual inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive National Night Out, meticulously planned and researched to ensure a welcoming experience for everyone. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.
This collaborative effort between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Union County Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Department, and UCNJ reflects months of dedicated planning and intention-setting to create a truly all-inclusive event. Our teams have thoroughly researched best practices for accessibility and sensory-friendly amenities, consulting with experts and community advocates to ensure every detail caters to diverse needs.
The event, held at UCNJ, will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, with a strong focus on thoughtful inclusion:
Thoughtfully Designed Activities for All
Interactive Activities: Enjoy a photo booth, an oversized Connect Four game, a Bubbles Corner, and a Silent Disco specifically designed to offer a unique auditory experience that can be adjusted to individual preferences. Meet the police canines, explore various rescue vehicles at our Touch-a-Truck station, and get a chance to see McGruff the Crime Dog. Each activity has been evaluated for its potential sensory impact and adapted to be more accommodating.
Food and Drinks: Indulge in delicious treats from Rita’s Italian Ice Station.
Informational Tables: Gather valuable resources from representatives including Union County Public Information, UCNJ Admissions, Kean University, UCPO Welcome Headquarters & Volunteer Station, UCPO Table, ARRIVE Together/CIT, Blue Envelope/Special Needs Registry, Autism New Jersey, Inroads to Opportunities, The Arc, ICMS (Integrated Case Management Services), Children’s Specialized Hospital, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. These organizations are present to offer support and information tailored to the diverse needs of our community.
Sensory Support Stations: We’ve dedicated significant effort to create specific zones designed to provide comfort and engagement. These stations will offer temporary tattoos, face painting, coloring sheets, activity sheets, color and calm books for caregivers, and electronic displays in a common area that are visually engaging without being overstimulating.
Movement and Play: Participate in interactive and movement-based games, enjoy a plastic can toss game, plastic Jenga, a Police Q&A spinning wheel, and navigate an obstacle course designed with various abilities in mind.
Relaxation and Support: A designated quiet zone will be available for those needing a break from the main activities, complete with social stories to help individuals understand and navigate the event environment.
“Our commitment to an all-inclusive and sensory-friendly event has guided every step of our planning process, from vendor selection to activity design. We believe that by focusing on these crucial elements, we can truly create a “One of a Kind, Inclusive Celebration for All” in Union County where every single member of our community feels welcomed, safe, and celebrated,” says Prosecutor William Daniel. “We’ve spent countless hours planning and researching, working alongside our partners to ensure that every detail, from the quiet zones to the interactive activities, is designed with all-inclusiveness and sensory friendliness at its core. This isn’t just an event; it’s a deliberate statement of our commitment to accessibility and unity.
“Last year, Union County was the first in the nation to host an inclusive and sensory-supportive National Night Out,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “It was such a stellar success, and brought together so many incredible members of our community, that doing it again in 2025 was a foregone conclusion. I am so proud to lead a Commissioner Board that cares so much about sensory friendliness and thinks about it as an aspect of everything we do as a county government, and I can’t wait to see everyone at this event!”
“National Night Out is meant to build positive relationships between law enforcement, emergency responders, and the people they serve. For many people with disabilities and those with sensory and communication differences and needs, these types of events can be inaccessible or overwhelming,” said Adrienne Robertiello, ACDS, Interim Autism Program Coordinator, Specialized Health Educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital. “The Union County National Night Out for Everyone grew out of a shared goal to make this night welcoming for all. This initiative was developed with the expertise at Children’s Specialized Hospital, our family-centered approach, and our community partners. This collaboration has developed a model for what inclusion can look like at community events and highlights the importance of safety, access, and belonging for everyone.”
“We are proud to once again partner with the County of Union and the Prosecutor’s Office to support this important community event. Now in its second year, the County’s National Night Out for Everyone continues to be a powerful way to strengthen the connection between law enforcement and residents. As an open-access community college, we are committed to meeting students where they are. We serve students of all abilities, and we are especially proud to support such an inclusive and welcoming event,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.
National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Union County’s event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local law enforcement, learn about valuable resources, and celebrate our diverse community in an inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive environment.
Union County National Night Out for Everyone promises to be a unique and memorable event for all. Join us as we celebrate community, safety, and inclusion!
This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. More information can be found at ucnj.org/ucnno.
Over the past several weeks, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and I have heard from many residents, advocates, and community members who voiced concerns about the future of the Union County Jail property. We appreciate everyone who took the time to attend meetings, reach out, and make their voices heard.
The original resolution simply authorized the County to explore interest through a Request for Proposals (RFP)—a standard and responsible step to evaluate potential uses for a property of this scale. The goal was to gauge the market and identify options that could benefit the community and the County as a whole. While one inquiry did reference the possibility of detention-related use, we quickly recognized that such a direction would not align with Union County’s values. Given the troubling reports we’ve seen nationwide about ICE detaining not only individuals with criminal charges, but also everyday people simply trying to build better lives, we cannot support any outcome that risks putting people in jeopardy. This process was never about immigration detention, and we remain firmly opposed to any such use.
We received various informal inquiries in response to the County’s intent to issue an RFP, with a wide range of ideas coming in from various sectors. However, the RFP has not been finalized or issued, and as such, no formal proposals have been submitted to date. The majority of inquiries had nothing to do with ICE or detention-related uses. Unfortunately, what began as a standard exploratory process led to widespread speculation and protests based on scenarios that were neither proposed nor intended. To be clear, no official exploration of potential uses has taken place, as the RFP process has not yet begun.
As County Manager, I have a duty to pursue opportunities that serve the best interests of Union County—financially, socially, and morally. We are continuing with the RFP process, but we want to be absolutely clear: the RFP will include language that prohibits any use of the site as a private detention facility, such as an ICE facility, immigration detention center, or similar operation. Those uses are off the table.
This process is about planning responsibly for the future—taking a thoughtful approach that prioritizes transparency, public input, and the long-term needs of our residents. On behalf of the Commissioner Board and myself, we thank everyone who engaged in this discussion and hope we can now move forward with a shared understanding of the facts and a collective focus on what’s best for Union County.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, July 24, 2025, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
Berkeley Heights – Grant St. Area, Mead St., Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr.
Clark – Avon Rd., Eton Pl., Kennedy Dr., Ridge Rd., Riverside Dr., Emerald Pl.
Cranford – W. Grant St., MyrtleSt., LudlowAve., Carpenter Pl.
Hillside – Westminster Ave. Area., Aldine St Area, Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., John St.
Kenilworth – Dorset Dr. Area, Blvd., Water Co. Rd., Michigan Ave.,
Linden – Range Rd.,Tremley Pt. area,
New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy.
Plainfield – Jefferson Ave., 1st St., Astor Pl., Reeves Ter., Wiley Ave., 2nd St., 3rd St., McCrea Pl.
Rahway – Elston St., Randolph Ave., Leesville Av.
Roselle Park – Gant St., Hawthorne St., Columbus Pl.
Scotch Plains – Jerusalem Rd., Stoneleigh Dr., Brandywine Ct., South Av. and North Av. Hetfield Av.
Springfield – Green Hill Rd., Springfield Rd., Skylark Rd., Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., Cottage Ln.
Union – DerbraWay, Allen Ave., Jockey Hollow Way, Rahway Ave., Gifford Ct. Area
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing overview information and guidance on three 2026 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.
Organizations planning 2026 public programming related to the arts, history, culture or education are welcome to register for this workshop to learn about these funding opportunities. Municipal government offices and libraries can also register. The HEART grant is also open to individuals, who are welcome to register. All three grant programs require that programming take place during January 1 through December 31 of the 2026 calendar year.
The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for each grant program will be provided.
“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history, and to present many valuable arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop advises what is required to apply for these grants.”
The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, 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.
Register for the Q&A Workshop at https://ucnj.org/cha-workshop/. For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
