Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents and visitors of all ages to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of National Trails Day at the Watchung Reservation on Saturday, June 2, where the County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center will host four different guided hikes and an Adopt-a-Trail volunteer activity along with special programs throughout the day for all ages. The event is free, and ample free parking is available.

This year marks the 50^th Anniversary of the National Trails System Act, signed into law by President Johnson on October 2, 1968.

“Preserving, protecting and sharing the legacy of Union County’s public parks and nature preserves is a top priority for the Freeholder Board,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage everyone, especially those who have never hiked our trails before, to come to the Watchung Reservation and enjoy these unique and enriching experiences, guided by experts from our Trailside Nature & Science Center.”

“During this time, as our country engages in a debate over the future of our national parks, it is all the more important to recognize and celebrate the value of recreation and nature conservation in all of our public lands,” added Chairman Granados.

Participants in National Trails Day can choose any of four themed hikes, each lasting approximately 45 minutes to one hour:

12:30: Sensory Awareness – Investigate one of our many trails using yours senses of sight, sound, smell and touch.

1:30: Geocaching – Learn all about this popular outdoor recreational activity and have fun on a geocaching scavenger hunt.

2:30: Learn to Lead – Find out how to read trail blazes and take turns leading the group on one of our marked trails.

3:30: Birding 101 – Discover the basics of birding and how to use binoculars.  Learn to identify local birds by sight and sound.

Throughout the day, participants can visit educational displays at the Trailside Nature and Science Center hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited of Scotch Plains, the Summit Environmental Commission, and the Rutgers Wildlife Society. 

Participants can also meet live reptiles native to the Watchung Reservation such as a painted turtle, box turtle and milk snake during “Reptile of the Hour.”

The National Trails Day celebration also includes children’s activities, crafts, nature touch tables and giveaways throughout the day. 

The Adopt-a-Trail activity will take place rain or shine from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will learn how to repair a section of trail bed and remove invasive plants. Tools and a continental breakfast will be provided. Trail work participants must be seven years of age or older and children must be accompanied by an adult, and pre-registration is required by contacting bkelly@uncj.org.

Union County’s park system includes 36 distinct parks that encompass nearly 6,200 acres, from small neighborhood parks to the nearly 2,200-acre Watchung Reservation, the crown jewel of the Parks system and home to the Trailside Nature & Science Center, Watchung Stable, Lake Surprise and The Deserted Village of Feltville.

Union County was one of the first counties in the U.S. to establish its own system of parks, beginning in the 1920’s. Trailside was added to the Watchung Reservation in the 1940’s.

“Trailside also marks a first, as it is the first natural history museum established in New Jersey,” said Chairman Granados. “Today Trailside reaches thousands of residents and visitors every year with important messages about our natural heritage and environmental stewardship.”

For more information about National Trails Day and other activities at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit online at ucnj.org/trailside.   

The Trailside Nature & Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, at 452 New Providence Road.

Quick links to more information about Trailside, Union County parks, and all of Union County’s environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection

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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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that the rainbow flag will fly for the first time at the Union County Courthouse in recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride Month. A public Pride Flag Raising Ceremony event is planned for Monday, June 4 at 1:00 P.M. on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse on Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“Raising the rainbow flag at our County Courthouse is a significant symbol of inclusion and support for the LGBTQ community in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is an honor to invite LGBTQ individuals, allies, elected officials and community leaders from throughout the county and the state to join us for this historic event.”

Demonstrating the Freeholder Board’s commitment to stand with LGBTQ individuals, advocacy groups and supporters to advance equality, the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony is an invitation to everyone—near and far—to join us in celebration, awareness and advocacy.

The ceremony will feature a performance of “This is Me” (from the Greatest Showman) by students of Elizabeth’s Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Acapella Chorus, proudly coordinated by counselors of the YES (Youth Enrichment Services) Program.

“Now more than ever, in the face of daunting challenges for the LGBTQ community at the national level, the unity found through Pride events is essential to advancing the equal rights movement,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Freeholder’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

The “Pride Flag” was popularized as a symbol of the gay community by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978 at the request of LGBT-rights activist Harvey Milk, who challenged Baker to create “an insignia of pride capable of affirming social independence.” In the late 1980’s Baker noted the meaning the Pride Flag has come to signify when he said, “The flag is an action – it’s more than just the cloth and the stripes. When a person puts the Rainbow Flag on his car or his house, they’re not just flying a flag. They’re taking action.” Today, the Pride Flag is globally used to further the movement towards equal rights.

In addition to the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on June 4, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is hosting Union County’s first Light Up The Night TEEN PRIDE (the alternative prom) on Friday, June 15 at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway, as well as the 2^nd annual Family PRIDE CommUNITY Picnic on Saturday, June 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway. For more information about these events visit ucnj.org/pride.

Union County’s Pride Month events are organized by the Office of LGBTQ Services. Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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Will Allow For Bridge’s New Jersey-Bound Span To Open Monday Morning

The New Jersey-bound lanes of the Goethals Bridge will be closed this weekend, May 18 to 21, to accommodate construction work that will allow the bridge’s westbound span to open no later than early Monday morning, May 21.

The bridge’s current New Jersey-bound lanes will be closed beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 18, and will reopen no later than 4 a.m. Monday, May 21. 

The closing will allow the existing ramps – which now serve New Jersey-bound traffic on the eastbound span – to be realigned  to the westbound structure.  During the closing, travelers heading into New Jersey will be diverted to the Outerbridge Crossing or the Bayonne Bridge.  The bridge’s New York-bound lanes will not be impacted.

To receive real time traffic updates, travelers should register for Bridge and Tunnel Alerts atwww.paalerts.com, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org or www.511NJ.org.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Alexander Mirabella present resolutions to local residents honoring those who served in the military and those who provide services to military veterans while expressing gratitude during Military Appreciation Month. Those honored are: Joe O’Neil who is the President of Benner’s Auto Body in Cranford, members of the New Jersey Veterans Network, the Union High School JROTC –Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Josue Jaramillo and U.S. Navy Operations Specialist Jorge Vasquez, now a Sgt. in the Union County Sheriff’s Office. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada present a resolution to Elizabeth Councilman Frank Cuesta recognizing and commending him for his efforts with Elizabeth’s Promise Awards Inc. Elizabeth’s Promise is a non-profit organization that dedicates one hundred percent of its gross proceeds to the college-related costs of deserving Elizabeth high school seniors. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders marks International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHOT) today, May 17, and sends a message of solidarity against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and all forms of hate facing LGBTQ people in our communities and across the globe.

This year’s IDAHOT theme is “alliances for solidarity,” because progress is possible together.  The Freeholder Board calls upon the people of Union County to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of all people.

For many people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), community environments where we live, learn, work, play and pray are unsafe and unwelcoming spaces.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homophobia (and other forms of bias hate) can affect one’s physical and mental health, including increased risk of depression and suicide. Homophobia can also result in limiting access to high quality health care, and negatively affect income and employment status.

Today, we recognize IDAHOT to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBTQ communities locally and worldwide – which in turn provides an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance and advance equal rights.

May is National Community Action Month which was created by the Community Action Partnership to highlight Community Action Agencies’ role in helping low-income individuals and families to move out of poverty and achieve economic security.

During National Community Action Month and throughout the year, Community Action Agencies put a human face on poverty while helping people and changing lives.  For 54 years they have advocated for limited-income citizens without a voice, so that they may enter the middle class and reach for the American dream, replacing their despair with opportunity.  Community Action builds and promotes economic stability as an essential aspect of enabling and enhancing stronger communities, which in turn promotes self-sufficiency, ensuring that all Americans are able to live in dignity.  Community Action has enhanced the lives of hundreds of people in Union County and millions of people across America by providing essential, life-changing services and opportunities such as housing, job training and placement, nutritional services; health care, energy assistance, linkages to entitlement and workforce development programs; and behavioral health counseling for substance abuse and mental health.

National Community Action Month is an opportunity to call attention to poverty-related problems.  As Community Action Agencies are showcasing their programs, they are also giving local residents—many who are unaware of the poverty in their communities—a first-hand look at the struggles low-income families face and how Community Action programs help them.

In honor of National Community Action Month, Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, The Gateway Family YMCA, PROCEED, Inc. and The Salvation Army of Elizabeth will join Community Action Agencies across the country in hosting events and activities in the month of May.  For over 50 years, Community Action Agencies have assisted millions of low-income Americans in achieving financial stability through a variety of programs.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for the June 5 Primary Election are now available on the Union County Votes mobile app for Apple and Android devices, and on the County Clerk’s election website at unioncountyvotes.com.

“The mobile app and website enable voters to see their sample ballots quickly and conveniently on their computers, laptops and other devices,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As always, my office is also mailing sample ballots by U.S. Post to each eligible voter.”

Ms. Rajoppi also reminded Union County residents that any registered voter can cast their vote early for any reason, by using a Vote-By-Mail ballot.

Voters should allow 3-5 business days to mail their ballot back in time to be counted on Primary Day.

Voters can also use the County Clerk’s convenient One-Stop service to fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure collection box, all in the same visit.

Under a new state law, voters who opt to use the One-Stop service will need to show a New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey ID that provides their name, address and photo.

For complete details on all County Clerk election services, including Vote-By-Mail deadlines and extended office hours for One-Stop service, call 908-527-4996, download the free Union County Votes app or visit online at unioncountyvotes.com.

 

For additional services including passports and land records visit the main County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

 

 

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Please note: due to the weather forecast, tonight’s concert originally located at Echo Lake Park is now MOVED INDOORS to the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center, at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

Come an enjoy an evening with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at this beautifully restored 1920’s era former vaudeville hall. Concert begins at 7:30 sharp (sorry, no yoga tonite).

More information on the Union County Performing Arts Center: ucpac.org.

Orchestra will kick off Union County’s Summer Arts Festival Series with program featuring Broadway favorites, opera overtures and more

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are pleased to announce the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) will kick off the 57^th annual Summer Arts Festival Concert Series at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Friday June 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

Settle in under a starry sky and enjoy glorious Broadway songs and rousing opera overtures with the NJSO. Watch the fireflies dance along to the overture from Crazy for You and catch a glimpse of a shooting star during Rossini’s fiery overture to William Tell.

The show is free, and visitors are urged to pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments and snacks will also be available from vendors. As with all festival concerts throughout the Summer, attendees can also participate in Union County Get Fit Yoga program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in the healthy activities for the entire family. In the event of rain, the concert (only) will be held on the same date and time at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.

“What a great way to kick off our summer of music with New Jersey’s own Orchestra bringing live symphonic music to our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “We encourage our residents to enjoy the music under the stars, and a memorable night of classical entertainment.”

Named “a vital, artistically significant musical organization” by The Wall Street Journal, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) embodies that vitality through its statewide presence and critically acclaimed performances, education partnerships and unparalleled access to music and the Orchestra’s superb musicians.

The NJSO presents classical, pops and family programs, as well as outdoor summer concerts and special events throughout the state. For more information about the NJSO, please go to http://www.njsymphony.org/

The other free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series are scheduled for Wednesday nights throughout July in Echo Lake and then in August at Oak Ridge Park in Clark:

Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

June 22 New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

July 11th Black Dog (The Led Zeppelin Tribute)

July 18th 5 Against 1 (Tribute to Pearl Jam)

July 25th The Vinny’s / Katfish Lucy

Oak Ridge Park, Clark

August 1st JoBonanno & the Godsons of Soul

August 8th American Rapture

August 15th Brother John Brown (The Woodstock Era)

August 22nd Dead On Live (The Grateful Dead Experience)

Pool to open Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28th

The Union County Freeholder Board announced today that the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in Rahway River Park in Rahway will open Memorial Day weekend, the pool’s earliest opening date ever.

“We are pleased to be offering our residents an increased recreational opportunity by extending our pool schedule this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank our County Manager Ed Oatman and our Parks Director, Ron Zuber and his staff for working efficiently and quickly to have Ulrich Pool open so that our families and residents who are out and about on the holiday weekend can enjoy this great facility.”

Ulrich Pool will be open from 12-5 p.m., May 26th (Saturday), 27th (Sunday)  and May 28^th (Monday). The pool will then open from noon-5 p.m. on weekends–June 2,3,9,10,16 and 17.  Beginning June 24th the pool will operate on a seven-day-a-week schedule, Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday hours, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The pool will close on Labor Day, September 3^rd. Anyone wishing information can call the pool during its operating hours at: 732-381-4045.

Daily admission is: Youth (17 and under)/Seniors (62 and over) $4 for in-county residents and $8 for out-of-county residents; adults $5 for in-county-residents, and $10 for out-of-county residents.

The pool is named in honor of the former Union County Freeholder, Walter E. Ulrich, a resident of Rahway who served on the Board in the ‘60s and ‘70s.