The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet with experienced professionals who can offer expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available at all dates in March to provide support in Spanish.
“Our ASK kiosks are staffed by friendly professionals who are eager to provide seniors and caregivers with the most up-to-date information and resources, ensuring that this community has access to all programs and services available,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I also want to remind residents that our kiosks are free and walk-in friendly; no appointment needed.”
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 March:
Thursday, March 6th
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad St., Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, March 13th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, March 18th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, March 25th
Hillside Public Library
1409 Liberty Avenue, Hillside
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“Our Office on Aging is dedicated to ensuring that our senior community feels supported in this new chapter, and more importantly, that they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We welcome all seniors and caregivers to attend the next free “ASK” event to learn how this program can benefit them, their family, or loved ones.”
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 atucnj.org/dhs/aging.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises that the U.S. Department of State has ceased issuing passports with the “X” gender marker, which prior to January 20, 2025, was available to non-binary individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female. As a result, applications submitted with an “X” gender marker have been placed on hold by the Federal Government.
On February 11, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio further instructed State Department staff to assign a male or female sex designation to transgender passport applicants already submitted. If sufficient evidence of biological sex at birth is not provided, applications will be suspended until appropriate documentation is submitted.
For individuals currently holding passports with an “X” gender marker, we recommend contacting the U.S. Department of State for guidance on obtaining a new passport with a male or female designation. For further information or assistance regarding the recent policy change, please contact the U.S. Department of State or visit their official website at www.state.gov.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi acknowledges the challenges this policy shift may present to our community members who have already applied through one of her Office’s two locations for a passport. “While our Office does not have the authority to override these Federally mandated changes, we stand in solidarity with those affected and regret any inconvenience caused. This action, which began via a Presidential Executive Order, is beyond our jurisdiction,” she added.
The Union County Clerk’s Office remains committed to assisting Union County residents with their passport needs. We provide passport services in two locations on a regular basis, in Elizabeth and Westfield. Services are by appointment only due to a significant increase in demand for passports. The hours and locations are listed below:
Westfield
300 North Avenue East
Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday – 8:00am to 7:30pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 1:00pm
Elizabeth
2 Broad St #115
Monday through Friday – 7:30am to 3:30pm
Please visit Union County Passport Appointments to schedule an appointment or call our main office in Elizabeth at 908-527-4966. We encourage applicants to review the required documentation prior to their appointment to ensure a smooth process. Detailed information can be found on our website: http://ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce a new partnership with Helpsy, a leading sustainable clothing and textile recycling company, to launch a County-wide used clothing and accessory recycling program. This initiative, set to launch in the City of Plainfield, the Township of Scotch Plains, and the City of Summit, aims to reduce waste, support environmental sustainability, and provide residents with an easy and accessible way to recycle unwanted clothing and accessories.
“As part of my 2025 Chairwoman’s initiatives, Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress, we are proud to prioritize environmental sustainability through innovative programs like this new partnership with Helpsy,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “This initiative provides our residents with a simple and convenient way to recycle unwanted clothing and textiles, reducing waste and contributing to a healthier planet. Union County has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, and this year, we are doubling down on our commitment to creating a greener future for our communities.
Helpsy will supply designated drop-off bins for used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens —regardless of condition—as long as these items are dry and odor-free, helping to divert them from local landfills. The collected items will be repurposed for resale, reuse, and recycling. Residents can drop off their items for free at the following locations:
Plainfield
Plainfield Transfer Station
95 Rock Avenue
908-226-2518
Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
(drop-off until 2:45 pm)
Scotch Plains
DPW Yard
2445 Plainfield Avenue
908-322-6700 x 243 or 244
Thursdays 7:00 am to 2:00 PM
Summit
Summit Transfer Station
40 New Providence Avenue
908-273-6404
Tuesday – Friday 7:30 am to 3:45 pm
Saturday 7:30 am to 4:45 pm
Helpsy, a certified B-Corp and Public Benefit Corporation, is a recognized leader in sustainable clothing recycling. Their mission is to keep textiles out of landfills while promoting environmentally friendly practices. Helpsy kept over 31 million pounds of clothing, shoes, and other items from entering the waste stream, which is equivalent to 100 items of clothing every minute.
The launch of this program is part of Union County’s continuous efforts to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and encourage responsible consumption. Union County encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to declutter and recycle their unwanted textiles in a responsible and eco-friendly manner.
For more information on the program and a list of drop-off locations, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling. For more information on Helpsy, please visit www.helpsy.com.
The Echo Lake Dog park will be temporary closed for an installation of a new shade structure from Monday, February 24th to Monday, March 3rd – weather dependent. We will keep you updated when the dog park reopens.
Mountainside – The McCaster family of Plainfield once again enjoyed toasting marshmallows and drinking cocoa around a warm campfire after searching for signs of winger on a Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt during Trailside Nature & Science Center’s annual February Festivities last year. This year programs will be offered on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Families are invited to participate in the Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt and/or learn how syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree in The Journey of Sap to Syrup. Two special programs featured this year: Fantasy, Illusion & Magic with Joe Fisher and Lasermania, a dazzling laser light show set to current hits guaranteed to bring the house down. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for all programs. Programs are recommended for ages four and older. To register visit ucnj.org/trailside for the complete listing of programs, times and descriptions. Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road and is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites families to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Saturday, February 15th for “February Festivities” – a winter series of indoor and outdoor family fun programs taking place during President’s Day Weekend.
“February Festivities at Trailside offers a wide variety of entertaining and engaging programs designed to delight residents of all ages,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Along with special programs like February Festivities, Trailside is open year-round for visitors to walk through and explore the exhibits. All families are welcome to visit Trailside and join us for a fun winter day.”
This year, the February Festivities programs will include:
9:30 A.M. or 12:30 P.M. – The Journey of Sap to Syrup – Visitors will see how real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing. Weather-appropriate dressing is strongly encouraged.
11:15 A.M. – Fantasy, Illusion & Magic – Adults and children can enjoy a performance filled with magic, audience participation, comedy, and excitement in this live show featuring magician Joe Fischer. No strollers allowed in the auditorium.
1:30 P.M. – Lasermania – Join Prismatic Magic’s Lasermania and dive into the wonderful world of laser light. Enjoy a dazzling laser light show set to a compilation of current musical hits guaranteed to bring the house down.
2:30 P.M. – Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt – Investigate the winter woods for buck rubs, bird nests, and bright, red berries. Visitors will warm up around a campfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows as we review our wintry findings.
The programs are recommended for families with children ages four and older. Pre-registration is required for all sessions. To register, please visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow link to Union County’s secure online registration page. The fee per person, per program is $8.00 for Union County residents and $10.00 for non-county residents.
Aside of special programs and events, Trailside welcomes all visitors free of charge every day from 10:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M., except for Mondays and major holidays.
Please note: Trailside will be closed on Monday, February 17th, in observance of President’s Day.
For more details about “February Festivities” and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection
For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that they are seeking residents who would like to apply to volunteer with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center provide guidance and support for victims of sexual violence.
“We are seeking compassionate individuals in Union County who are willing to volunteer their time and support survivors of sexual violence through the Union County Rape Crisis Center,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our dedicated volunteers provide crucial guidance and empathy to those in need, offering vital support during a difficult time. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of survivors and foster a community that stands against sexual violence.”
The spring training dates will take place from March 4, 2025 to April 29, 2025 (subject to change) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bilingual volunteers are also welcomed and encouraged to register.
While no previous experience in counseling is required, all those interested must:
Be a Union County Resident
Be at least 18 years of age
Have personal mode of transportation (own car)
Have a valid driver’s license
Undergo a personal interview
Participate in a 40+ hour, state mandated training program
Once trained, Rape Crisis Center volunteers answer calls to the Rape Crisis Center hotline as certified Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates. They also provide medical or legal guidance in person by accompanying victims at hospitals, police departments, courtrooms and other locations related to the aftermath of sexual violence.
Training sessions are held at the Rape Crisis Center offices, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
The Union County Rape Crisis Center is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual & Family Support Services and has been serving Union County residents since 1984. All volunteers are trained, mentored, and supported by professional Union County staff.
If interested and for more information about the volunteer experience, please contact the Union County Rape Crisis Center at (908) 233-7273 or via email rcc@ucnj.org by: February 28, 2025.
The County of Union is expected to receive a wintery mix between tonight, Wednesday February 5th and tomorrow, Thursday, February 6th
We would like the opportunity to once again remind all employees that the County of Union offices do not close during major weather or storm events.
As is the County of Union’s practice, if anyone feels they cannot safely travel to work during these possible weather events, please consider using vacation or personal time to stay home. If a State of Emergency affecting the County of Union is declared during a weather event, employees will be permitted to use their available sick, vacation, personal or comp time for their absence as per resolution 2014-481. If no accrued leave time is available, employees may take the day without pay.
To ensure all County of Union employees can easily access information during such weather events, we will utilize all media channels below to ensure redundancy and availability:
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present artwork from three local artists, Mansa Mussa, Brian Branch Price and Lydia Watson, in celebration of Black History Month in an exhibit at the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza. Gallery hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, weekdays. The exhibit will be displayed through February 28, 2025.
“This exhibit not only highlights the talent of our local artists but also provides a space for storytelling, history, and cultural expression,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We invite residents to visit the Commissioners Gallery and experience these powerful pieces firsthand as we honor Black History Month through the arts.”
Mansa Mussa, a visual artist, arts educator and curator is a photographer who has used the camera to “document the unfolding of human events” in the United States, Caribbean, Africa, Central America and Europe. A Newark native and graduate of New Jersey City University, Mussa currently teaches drawing, printmaking, photography, collage, wearable art, book arts, mask making and iPadology for the Union County Teen Arts Festival, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, the Montclair Museum of Art, and the Newark Museum.
Brian Branch Price, a photographer and Plainfield native, is an American reportage and portrait photographer, whose career has ranged from photojournalism to commissioned fine art projects. A graduate of Howard University, Price’s photographs are in the permanent collections of the Plainfield Public Library, The Harn Museum at the University of Florida and the Major Taylor Museum.
Lydia Watson, the artist behind Watsart is a Plainfield resident whose creations are inspired by the elegance of nature and the delicate balance between precision and emotion. Her artwork blends the intricate details of stippling/pointillism with bold, abstract elements to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Watson believes that art should be accessible for all and offers a variety of prints along with original artworks.
“Art has the power to preserve history, and we are honored to highlight these artists and their work in celebration of Black History Month,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves on the Union County Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board.
The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Commissioners Gallery. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, please contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ relay users dial 711; or E-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and friends to celebrate National Black History Month this February with a series of engaging events that highlight the voices, cultural contributions, and historical significance of African Americans throughout history. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” emphasizes the profound ways that Black Americans have impacted the workforce, from enslaved domestic workers, to agricultural and industrial employees, to leadership roles in modern times.
“The history of Black Americans is one of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of discrimination and the struggle for freedom and equality,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “This February, we honor this journey by reflecting on the profound contributions of the Black community and celebrating its vital role in shaping our shared past. I invite you to join us for vibrant events as we honor this rich culture together.”
The month-long celebration kicked off earlier this afternoon, Monday, February 3rd at 1:00 p.m. with a raising of the Pan-African flag, also known as the Black Liberation Flag, on the front steps of the historic Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
“We proudly raise this flag each year to honor our ancestors and their enduring legacy,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker. “With each wave, we celebrate their strength and contributions, fostering pride in our children and community for generations to come.”
The series continues on Thursday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m. with a jazz performance at Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway. Co-sponsored by the City of Rahway, guests will enjoy a performance by the jazz trio Grown Groovin’, led by multi-instrumentalist and Plainfield native Anthony Nelson, Jr., and featuring musical talents Kenny Davis on acoustic bass and Winard Harper on drums. The event will begin with a presentation of the 2025 Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
The show is free, but registration is required. Each household may reserve up to four (4) tickets while supplies last. For larger group reservations, please contact Judith Guest at the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at 908-527-4388. Seating is first come, first served. Reserve your free tickets today at ucpac.org/events.
The Jazz Performance is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts. This event was organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and held in collaboration with the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC).
“Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements of the past, celebrate the creativity and spirit of the present, and inspire hope for the future,” said Union County Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “This year, as we reflect on the theme of African Americans and labor, we are proud to showcase the talents of Anthony Nelson, Jr. and the Grown Groovin’ trio. Their artistry is a testament to the enduring influence of Black culture and its ability to transcend barriers, build community, and uplift us all. I invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening of jazz, as we come together to celebrate the richness of Black history and the vibrant contributions of the Black community in Union County and beyond.”
The 2025 Black History Month event lineup concludes Wednesday, February 26th at 12:00 p.m. with a special history seminar by secretary-treasurer of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), Ms. Petal Robertson. The event will take place at Union College of Union County, NJ, Victor M. Richel Student Commons area, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. To register for this free event, visit ucnj.org/bhm.
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The Black History Seminar is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. The event was organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and held in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.
“The contributions of Black people, upon whose backs the nation and its economy were built during the era of American enslavement, and which continue today in business, government, the arts, and various other fields, have been crucial in founding and strengthening communities like ours and all across America,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams. “This is a time to reflect on the progress we have made, recharge, and continue forth together on our journey towards equality and justice for all.”
Additionally, the Union County Commissioners will be showcasing inspiring artwork from local Black Artists in an exhibit at the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. Residents and guests may visit the free exhibit Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the month of February.
Residents seeking more information, including a full lineup of events for Black History Month, can visit ucnj.org/bhm.
