Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services joyously welcome all residents with disabilities and special needs and their loved ones to attend the Annual “Skating with Santa” event on December 14^th at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle.

“Ice skating is a beloved seasonal activity we enjoy sharing with our friends and family, creating lasting memories both on and off the rink,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Bring a friend and bundle up in your coziest winter clothes as we gather together for this free and exciting event to celebrate the winter months ahead. I can’t wait to see you all there.”

The Skating with Santa event is scheduled for Saturday, December 14^th, at Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle and will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants can also enjoy warm pretzels, and hot chocolate. Additionally, children ages 12 and under will receive a holiday present, generously donated by the Moving NJ Forward Foundation, a Union County-based organization.

Attendance at the Skating with Santa event is free, but registration is required. To register, please visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Our Skating with Santa event is a fun filled program that brings the entire family together to enjoy time on the ice, and make lasting memories,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “I am grateful to our dedicated partners, Elizabeth Public Schools, Elizabeth Fire and Police Departments, and the Moving NJ Forward Foundation, for their ongoing commitment in bringing the holiday spirit to our community and creating a fun, welcoming experience for our children.”

This event is hosted 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, and in partnership with the Moving NJ Forward Foundation.

The Moving NJ Forward Foundation is a community-based non-profit founded in 2022 led by President Fernanda Correia. Their mission is to raise awareness and strengthen educational efforts about social justice issues, not only within the local community but also on a national scale. The organization’s commitment to promoting equity and justice is evident through its initiatives and collaborations within the Union County community.

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

To view the announcement on YouTube, click here.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of its official “Explore Union County” app, now available for free download through the App Store and Google Play. The app, part of Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiatives, comes stocked with tons of useful content for residents.

“Explore Union County is a great new way to discover more about our community, and an accessible tool to keep up with everything Union County has to offer,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Whether it’s a new park upgrade, cultural event, election information, or just the phone number you need to ask the right person a question, we’ve got you covered!”

Explore Union County launches with critical tools including a news tab, events calendar, parks and recreation directories, recycling and election shortcuts, Commissioner and administration contact directories, push notifications for countywide updates, and links to social media pages.

The app also includes a handy reporting function that residents can use to send feedback about issues and corresponding photos directly to County administration. With the user’s permission, the tool can also use GPS data to inform the County of the exact location where the issue was reported from. Users can also submit feedback on the Explore Union County app itself.

“This app is for the benefit of our community—and that means it’s going to get better the more feedback we get,” added Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded. “Once you’ve downloaded, feel free to use the App Feedback tool to share your opinions with us, and we’ll consider them for future updates. Thank you!”

For more information, residents are encouraged to visit ucnj.org/explore.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation invite all county residents to ring in the holiday season on the ice rink with Santa Claus at “Celebrate the Season,” Union County’s annual celebration at Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 8^th.

“Ice skating at Warinanco Sports Center at Celebrate the Season is the perfect way to kick off this holiday season,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The festive songs and treats, visits from Santa, and the spirit of togetherness are a sure way to spread the holiday magic throughout our community. I hope to see you all there!”

This year’s Celebrate the Season will be taking place in three sessions within the hours of 11:00am to 6:00pm:

Session 1

11:00am-1:00pm

Session 2

1:30pm-3:30pm

Session 3

4:00pm-6:00pm

Skaters will be able to see Santa along with his elves, sing holiday carols as they skate, and enjoy snacks available for purchase in the cafe. Admission is $8.00 per person and includes entry for 2 hours, a skate rental, one hot chocolate and one cookie per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance at warinancopark.com and will not be available at the door. Everyone entering the building will need a ticket, whether or not they will skate, however, children under 2 are free. Space is limited to 275 people.

The Warinanco Sports Center is located in Warinanco Park, off St. Georges Avenue. For more information about this event, please visit warinancopark.com or call 908-298-7850. To learn more about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and the activities they offer, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is now seeking volunteers for the 2025 Master Gardener training program, beginning in January. Residents who are interested in horticulture and gardening can gain valuable skills, make new connections, and become valuable assets to the community by joining the Master Gardeners of Union County.

“The Master Gardener program offers residents the chance to learn practical horticultural skills they can apply at home and share with neighbors and friends while also benefiting the community through their volunteer efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This program is exceptional, and we are pleased to continue supporting its growth. We encourage gardeners of all experience levels to apply and join this wonderful community.”

This year, Union County will be participating in a pilot program for the Rutgers Master Gardener Volunteer Training. Orientation Zoom meetings will be hosted by Rutgers for residents interested in becoming Master Gardeners. These sessions provide an opportunity for applicants to learn more about the program before joining.

Residents who wish to participate in the 2025 training program must register and attend at least one of the virtual orientation sessions, which are offered twice a week until the beginning of December. You can register at njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/. 

Orientation session space is limited to 40 participants for each session, allowing plenty of time and opportunity for questions and discussion.  Register today by visiting to secure your spot in an orientation session.

“By engaging in volunteer work, participants gain a deeper understanding of the positive impacts their contributions have on our environment and the community at large,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “The Master Gardener Program is one of the many volunteer opportunities offered in Union County. I encourage residents to look into the program and attend an orientation session to find out if it’s a good fit for them.”

Classes will be held on Wednesday mornings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.  The new course will feature horticultural training with an emphasis on the volunteer aspects of being a Rutgers Master Gardener.  The classroom is conveniently located by the 1.5-acre demonstration garden and greenhouse at Trailside, maintained by Master Gardeners.

Additional information for applying to the program in Union County will be provided to those who attend the orientation session. You will be asked to complete an application form. The Master Gardeners of Union County will be accepting 25 students into the 2025 Program.   

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer program offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Agriculture Experiment Stations and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with the Union County Board of County Commissioners.  It is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Berkeley Heights, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects.

For questions or more information on the 2025 Master Gardener Training Program, call 908-654-9854 ext. 2 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rutgers-cooperative-extension-of-union-county/.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces an online Veteran Grave Registration Database and search engine her office has compiled as an aid to veteran families, genealogists, historians and others searching for the resting place of a veteran.

“This database includes more than 43,000 veterans, the majority Union County and New Jersey residents, who served in one of 23 wars and conflicts ranging from 1776 to 2003. The database is a treasure trove of well-known and lesser known conflicts ranging from the American Revolution and Whiskey Rebellion to the Banana Wars and Iraq War,” the Clerk said.

“These veterans are buried in 43 cemeteries in Union County, 122 cemeteries outside of Union County, and 62 cemeteries out of state. Other burial locations include those At Sea, Unknown and Medal of Honor honorees. We are excited to present this research tool to veterans’ families,” Ms. Rajoppi said, “some of whom may not know where their relative is buried.”

“Although this is not a complete database of all veterans from Union County, it includes archived collections of veteran graves the county has amassed over the years. In older cemeteries where engravings on gravestones are eroded or undecipherable, it is especially helpful to rely on a record which notes who is buried there.”

Ms. Rajoppi said the search page, entitled “Veteran Grave Registration Database” is located on the County Clerk’s website at www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate by using either a name, war, branch of service, birth year, death year or cemetery. Any of these fields can be used to search.

“We are excited to uncover some little-known data and format it in a way that is accessible to so many. We always honor our cherished veterans by remembering them and connecting them to family and friends,” the Clerk said, “and it seems even more appropriate than we introduce this program on the eve of Veteran’s Day.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is welcoming all Union County residents to take part in the last scrap metal recycling drop-offs for the 2024 season on Thursday, November 7th and Saturday, November 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., rain or shine. 

“As we continue wrapping up our recycling programs for the year, I want to reaffirm to our residents that Union County is committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable future year-round,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Recycling plays a pivotal role in reducing waste, preserving our ecosystem, and maximizing resources. We encourage all residents to participate and make use of this free service.”  

Union County residents have the opportunity to attend the final disposal events by visiting either of our two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth

• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Residents from any Union County municipality can bring scrap metal to either of these sites. To receive scheduled alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, residents are invited to download the free Recycle Coach mobile app. 

Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area, or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include unwanted pots and pans, air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chair/wire), freezers (doors must be off, by law), refrigerators (door must be off by law) stoves, tire rims, toasters, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), wire hangers and drained lawnmowers.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that, in advance of this year’s Veterans Day holiday, the Union County Courthouse and other county buildings will be lit with green bulbs from November 6 to November 11, 2024, as part of the nationwide Operation Green Light for Veterans initiative. This annual effort unites counties in showing support for military veterans and increasing awareness about the challenges they face.

“Lighting our buildings green symbolizes our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As we participate in Operation Green Light, we extend our gratitude and reinforce our commitment to supporting our veterans with accessible resources and a welcoming community.”

Operation Green Light is led by the Union County Office of Veteran’s Services, highlighting local, state, and federal programs designed to support veterans and their families. This year, residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate by changing one of their home’s or office’s light bulbs to green. Whether an exterior light that neighbors can see or an interior bulb that sparks conversation, every green light shines a spotlight on our veterans’ service and resilience.

“Each year, we take a moment to reflect on the profound contributions our veterans have made in safeguarding our freedoms,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans Affairs Committee. “We invite residents to share their green lights on social media using #UCNJOperationGreenLight, showing the strength of our community’s gratitude.”

For more information about Union County’s programs for veterans, please contact the Union County Office of Veteran’s Services at W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org or 908-527-4918.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2024 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is currently on view at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch, located at located at 11 South Broad Street.  This year’s exhibit is a selection of 21 works selected from the 2024 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day event celebrating creativity in the literary, performing and visual arts held at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

“We’re proud to support these talented young artists and invite residents to experience the energy and vision they bring to the arts,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit reminds us all that creativity has no boundaries, and art is for everyone.”

The Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, now on display at the Elizabeth Public Library Main Branch, has made its way across the County, inspiring audiences at each destination. Visitors can enjoy the exhibit in Elizabeth through January 10, 2025, after which it will make its final stop at the Plainfield Public Library. Admission is free and open to the public.

The 2024 Teen Arts Tour includes the following exhibiting students:

Berkeley Heights

Governor Livingston High School

Sophia Castrovinci

Cranford

Cranford High School

Madison Cardona

Lincoln School CAP Program

Anthony Scherer

Elizabeth

Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy

Valentina Ocampo

Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy

Angelina Correia

JVJ STEM Academy

Andy Medina

J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy

Maria Galarza

John E. Dwyer Technology Academy

David Mateo Garavito Ariea

Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy

Halley Lowe Cabreja and Vanessa Ponce

Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy

Keziah Hanson

Kenilworth

David Brearley High School

Laura Limon

Linden

Linden High School

Lenara Osborn

New Providence

New Providence High School

Ava Cominsky

Plainfield

Plainfield Academy of Arts

Emanuel Perry

Roselle

Abraham Clark High School

Trinity Moore and Carla Torres

Roselle Park

Roselle Park High School

Anna da Silva and Emma Lantiqua

Scotch Plains

Union County Academy of the Performing Arts

Maria Thomas

Union County Vo-Tech High School

Anthony Granados

The Union County Teen Arts Festival & Touring Exhibit is coordinated each year by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks & Recreation. For information about all Cultural & Heritage Affairs programs and services, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay service users should call 711 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to visit their local Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) during the month of November. The monthly event is an opportunity for residents to engage with experienced professionals and learn about valuable senior programs and resources that are available in Union County. Bilingual staff will be present on all designated dates in November to offer assistance in Spanish.

“Our ‘ASK’ events are designed to offer support and peace of mind to our senior community and their caregivers. We understand that seniors often have questions and can benefit from guidance during this stage of life. Our expert staff is here to provide that support in an easy and convenient way,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I welcome seniors and caregivers to attend the next ‘ASK’ event near them to learn how this program could benefit them or their loved ones.”

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 November:

Thursday, November 7th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, November 12th

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, November 14th

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, November 20th

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad St., Westfield

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“We are proud to support the Division on Aging in this popular program, which has already provided significant benefits for seniors over the years, and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will continue to have on the senior community in the future,” said Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.

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.