Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to Warinanco Park on Saturday, July 19th, for a night of classic Freestyle music featuring TKA, Judy Torres, and Soave at 4:00 p.m.

“Freestyle music has deep roots in Hispanic and Latino communities across New York and New Jersey, and it’s a sound that brings people together,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “These artists gave a voice to a generation and created a soundtrack for so many lives. We’re excited to bring that energy back to Warinanco Park and invite families of all ages to come dance, sing, and celebrate.”

Get ready for a night of nonstop throwbacks in Warinanco Park on Saturday, July 19th at 4:00pm as these Freestyle hitmakers take the stage. TKA will headline the event with crowd favorites like “Maria,” “Come Get My Love,” and “Scars of Love.” Joining them is the “Queen of Freestyle,” Judy Torres, whose songs like “No Reason to Cry” and “Come Into My Arms” continue to light up the dance floor. Rounding out the lineup is Soave, whose major hit “Crying Over You” became part of the soundtrack of the Freestyle music genre. Together, they’ll bring a night full of legendary anthems and performances you won’t want to miss! Food trucks and ice cream will also be on site for purchase.

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the Union County Immunization Clinic has officially been renamed the Union County Family Clinic, reflecting its expanded mission to provide a broader range of public health services to eligible residents.

“As Chairwoman, I’m proud that Union County continues to meet our residents where they are—especially our most vulnerable families,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “With this expanded access to wellness visits and TB testing, the Union County Family Clinic is helping to close critical gaps in care and create healthier, more resilient communities.”

The first phase of the expansion includes free wellness visits for uninsured children under age five residing in Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Hillside, Roselle, and Scotch Plains. These municipalities have shared service agreements with the Union County Office of Health Management, designating Union County as their local health department.

In addition, free tuberculosis (TB) testing is now available for uninsured individuals, offering a vital public health service to those who need it most. These new services are made possible through a partnership between the Union County Department of Human Services, the Division of Social Services and the Union County Department of Public Safety, Division of Health, and are funded through the Union County Immunization Clinic, whose evolution into the Family Clinic model continues to drive expanded access to care.

“Now more than ever, we need to make sure our residents—especially those without insurance—have access to the health care they deserve,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This expansion is not just about new services—it’s about meeting people where they are and removing barriers to care. It’s one more step in our County’s commitment to providing direct, compassionate services that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The County extends its sincere appreciation to Medical Director Dr. Kamran Tasharofi for his leadership, and to the many staff and partners who made this expansion possible, including:

• The Board of County Commissioners and County Manager for their ongoing support and vision
• Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Assistant Director, Karen Dinsmore, Union County Department of Human Services/Division of Social Services
• Director Dennis Burke, Union County Department of Public Safety
• Carolyn Sorge, Office of Health Management
• The dedicated clinic staff and team members across multiple departments

This initiative marks the beginning of broader efforts to address local health care needs. The County will continue evaluating community feedback and usage trends to guide future phases of clinic expansion.

Appointments are required. Ribbon cutting and scheduling information will be announced soon. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit www.ucnj.org/clinic or contact the Union County Family Clinic at 908-965-3627.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that individuals interested in running for their local board of education should be aware of a new requirement regarding nominating petitions. As of February 3, 2025, a bill signed by the Governor increases the number of required signatures from 10 to 25. All school board election petitions must now include 25 valid signatures.

Candidate nominating petitions must be filed with the County Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00pm on Monday, July 28, 2025. Clerk Rajoppi strongly encourages prospective candidates to file early, so her office can review petitions and alert candidates to any issues or errors in advance of the deadline.

A video guide on how to file is available now at www.unioncountyvotes.com. The County Clerk’s Office is located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113 in Elizabeth. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. For more information, contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Parks Department anticipate a partial reopening of the Echo Lake Dog Park onThursday, July 10, 2025. While we know many residents are eager for full access, this limited reopening is necessary to comply with state conservation requirements and allow new grass to continue growing.

Both the large and small dog park areas will be open in a reduced capacity. Temporary fencing has been installed to section off areas still under restoration.

Please be aware of the following temporary conditions:

• 🐶 Entrances have changed — please follow on-site signage to access each area.
• 🚫 ADA accessibility to the large dog area is currently unavailable during this phase.
• 🚱 No water source is available in the large dog area — please bring your own water for your pets.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue making progress toward a full reopening.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Wednesday morning, July 9, 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

• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Garwood – Unami
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake
• Rahway – Rahway

Municipal Parks

• Linden – Memorial Field
• Rahway – Flannagan

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to launch the 2025 Summer Arts Festival with Never Say Goodbye, a Bon Jovi tribute band, performing live at Echo Lake Park on Wednesday, July 9.

“We’re kicking off the Summer Arts Festival with a bang—and who better to get the party started than a Bon Jovi tribute band right here in the heart of New Jersey?” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you first heard Bon Jovi when the songs were new or became a fan later in life, their music is the perfect soundtrack for summer, especially here in the Garden State.”

Formed in 2003, Never Say Goodbye began by playing local venues and has since toured across the country. The band features Woodbridge native and lead guitarist Petey Vee as Richie Sambora, and vocalist Jesse Samay as Jon Bon Jovi, backed by a group of top-tier industry musicians. Together, they deliver a set packed with authentic Bon Jovi hits spanning over four decades.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on July 9 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. A free yoga class by Satsang Yoga in Westfield will be offered before the concert at 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs and ice cream will be available for purchase. All Summer Arts Festival events are free and open to the public.

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents with disabilities and special needs, friends, and families to attend the 2025 Summer Fair for Disabilities and Special Needs. The event will take place on Sunday, July 27th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle.

“Our inclusive summer fairs are always fun-filled, joyful celebrations that bring our community together to relax, connect, and make lasting memories in a welcoming space,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This year’s fair is especially meaningful as we mark 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. It’s a time to honor the voices, experiences, and advocacy of our residents with disabilities, who have shaped Union County into a stronger, more inclusive place for all. I hope to see you there!”

July is Disability Pride Month, a national observance that celebrates the achievements, strength, and diversity of people with disabilities. This year’s observance also commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a groundbreaking civil rights law passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination and expand access across all areas of public life.

“Our work to expand inclusive programming is personal to me and to so many families across Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “This fair is more than a celebration—it’s a demonstration of our commitment to equity and access. Through our Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, we’re not just planning events, we’re building a culture of belonging where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life.”

The Summer Fair will feature a wide range of attractions for all ages and abilities, including carnival-style games, inflatables, face painting, a photo booth, and a petting zoo. Light refreshments will be available at designated stations throughout the venue.

The event is one of several initiatives led by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services. The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs offers year-round programming designed to empower, support, and engage individuals and families through accessible recreation, education, and advocacy.

Admission to the 2025 Inclusive Summer Fair is free, but registration is required. To register online, please visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

For more information about the Summer Fair or other events hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Thursday morning, July 3, 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
• Hillside – Conant
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Lenape, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel
• Summit – Bryant

Municipal Parks

• Clark – ALJ High School Campus
• Linden – Memorial Field
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Union – Biertuempfel
• Westfield – Tamaques

Programs Support Youth Recreation, Community Greening, and Historic Preservation

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Open Space Grant programs: Kids Recreation, Greening Union County, and Preserve Union County. These grant opportunities are available to all 21 municipalities and are designed to promote outdoor recreation, environmental sustainability, and historic preservation across the County.

“These grant programs reflect our commitment to improving quality of life in every corner of Union County,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “By investing in our parks, public spaces, and historic landmarks, we’re not only enhancing the daily lives of our residents—we’re also building stronger, more connected communities. Whether it’s a new playground for local kids, more trees in our neighborhoods, or restoring a cherished piece of our history, these programs ensure that every municipality has the tools to grow, thrive, and preserve what makes them unique.”

The 2025 programs include:

Kids Recreation Grant – Supports the development and improvement of local recreational facilities and programs that directly benefit children.

Greening Union County Grant – Provides funding for municipalities to plant trees and enhance green spaces, contributing to cleaner air and more resilient communities.

Preserve Union County Grant – Offers matching funds to restore and protect historic buildings and sites that contribute to Union County’s cultural heritage.

“When we support projects that get kids outside, bring green infrastructure into our neighborhoods, and preserve the places that ground us in our history, we’re making a long-term investment in the health and identity of our communities,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Open Space Trust Fund. These grants give local leaders the tools to turn great ideas into real results. I’ve seen firsthand how much impact even a single project can have—and I’m excited to see what our municipalities will bring forward this year.”

Applications for all three programs are now open and must be submitted by August 30, 2025. To learn more and access the application portal, visit https://ucnj.org/trust-fund-grants/.

Funding for these programs is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. For more information, please contact Angelica Cedeno, Deputy Administrator, at acedeno@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2279.