We will post our 2024 schedule as the season approaches.
Category: Public Info
Default category for all normal press releases
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, August 31, 2023, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (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.
- Elizabeth – Clarkson Av., Elizabeth/Essex Sewage Authority,
- Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., Orchard Ter., Union Ave.
- Linden – Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Miner Ter., Tremley Pt. Area,
- New Providence – Possum Way
- Plainfield – St. Nicholas Blvd.
- Rahway – Allen St., Broad St., Donald Ave., Fulton St., Price St. Area, Central Ave., Hedin Pl., Riffle Ave., Revoir Dr., Madison Hill Rd.
- Roselle Park – Beechwood Ave. Area, W. Colfax Ave., Pinewood Ave., Woodside Ave.
- Roselle – Pine St., Oakley St.
- Scotch Plains – Seneca Rd. Area, Hill Top Rd., South Ave.
- Springfield – Cottage Ln. Area, Evergreen Ave.
- Summit – Summit Recycling Center
- Union – Vaux Hall Rd., Whitewood Rd., Clermont Ter., Fairway Dr., Tinkettle Turn
- Winfield – Union County Parkway
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. Projects related to local history, the arts and humanities are eligible for consideration for funding in the HEART Grant funding program.
“We are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program. These grants are a testament to our commitment to preserving our local history, fostering the arts, and promoting the humanities in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We invite our non-profit organizations, individual artists, and scholars to seize this opportunity and bring their creative visions to life. Together, we can continue to enrich our community and strengthen the cultural fabric that makes Union County so special.”
The HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) program serves as a catalyst for Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities.
Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets, writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more. Organizations can request a grant of up to $3,000, with a 25% cash match required for any amount over $1,000. Individuals can request up to $1,000, with no cash match required.
All projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well-being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.
“In 1998, we established the HEART Grant program with the aim of nurturing a vibrant arts and cultural landscape in Union County,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board. “Over the years, this initiative has garnered tremendous enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate yet another season of dynamic programming that will bring enlightening, educational, and entertaining experiences to thousands of our residents.”
Activities must take place in 2024 between January 1st and December 31st to be considered for funding. Applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County. The online application deadline for first-time applicants is Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The full application must be completed by Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Hard copies are no longer being accepted.
The HEART Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To receive the 2024 HEART Grant guidelines, visit ucnj.org/ cultural or email HEARTGrant@ucnj.org. For more information of all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs call 908-558-2565 (NJ Relay users dial 711).
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This series of events, aimed at showcasing and exploring the diversity of the Hispanic Culture, will include live music, movie nights, arts & crafts and much more.
“It is my privilege to celebrate the vibrant and multi-faceted culture that makes up the Hispanic Community with our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “As a Hispanic leader in public service, I am honored to advocate for the hard-working individuals who make up approximately one-third of Union County. Please join me in celebrating this rich heritage by participating in these upcoming events, see you there!”
Hispanic Heritage Month’s calendar of events kicks off with the Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, September 15th at 4:45 p.m. Guest speakers will notably include Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Commissioner Lourdes Leon, and the Consul General of El Salvador, Ariel Valle.
The full schedule of events includes:
Friday, September 15th
4:45 p.m. – Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony
Union County Courthouse – 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth
6:30 p.m. – Union County Residents: Meet & Greet Your Local Hispanic Civic Organizations
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) – 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
8:00 p.m. – Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) – 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Free Limited Tickets Available, Visit www.ucnj.org/hhm to reserve today
Wednesday, September 27th
6:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night- Playing: Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse
Hubbard Middle School – 661 West 8th Street, Plainfield
Thursday, October 12th
12:00 p.m. – Hispanic Leadership Event
Marelyn Rivera, NJ Department of State, Executive Director for Hispanic Policy, Research & Development
Union College of Union County – 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
Saturday, October 14th
2:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Family Fun Day
(Rain date Sunday, October 15th)
Free Live Music, Arts/Crafts, Food Trucks
Warinanco Park, Roselle/Elizabeth
5:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night
Playing: Vivo
Warinanco Park, Roselle/Elizabeth
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying Thursday morning, August 31, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the 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.
Cities
- Berkeley Heights – Coolidge Dr., Wilson Dr., Harrison DR., Webster Dr., Harding Dr.
- Clark – Hill Crest Dr., Lawrence Pl., Thomas Dr., Armstrong Dr., Kennedy Dr., Miller Ave., Riverside Dr., Emeral Pl., Norwood St., Florence Dr.
- Fanwood – La Grande Ave.
- Plainfield – Brookside Pl., Geraud Ave., Jefferson Ave.
- Scotch Plains – Frank St., Round Hill Rd., Wedgewood Way, Nepawin Ln., Crabapple Ln.
- Westfield – Grandview Ave.
City Parks
- Plainfield – Milt Campbell
County Parks
- Plainfield – Cedar Brook
The Union County Board of County Commissioners recognizes this September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by hosting a free webinar for all Union County Residents. The webinar, titled “Supporting Someone in Emotional Distress”will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb on September 13th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
“Recognizing the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing mental distress and knowing how to offer assistance can potentially make a significant difference in their life. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and increasing awareness about the connection between emotional distress and thoughts of suicide, we hope to provide support to those in need and guide them towards a path of recovery,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all residents to make the most of this valuable resource and participate in the upcoming webinar.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year. Undergoing one (or multiple) stressful conditions, such as a demanding job, challenging home life, or traumatic life event, have been linked to making some people more susceptible to this illness. This webinar will offer the education, awareness, and resources on how to support someone experiencing emotional distress.
This webinar is presented to you by the Union County Department of Human Services and in partnership with the organization, Caring Contact. Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.
The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at www.ucnj.org/spmzoom
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone. This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.
For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/
The Union County Board of County Commissioners are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to fellow Commissioner Alexander Mirabella on his recent appointments to prominent leadership roles within the National Association of Counties (NACo).
“Commissioner Mirabella has been a steadfast advocate for Union County and New Jersey as a whole, and his new positions emphasize his dedication to serving his constituents at both local and national levels,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I wish him the best of luck in his new appointments and have no doubt that his passion and tireless work ethic will continue to bring people together and make a positive change not only to us here in Union County but to all those he will collaborate with across the nation.”
Since his initial appointment as the NACo Board of Directors New Jersey representative in 2020, Commissioner Mirabella has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing the interests of his constituents and collaborating with leaders across the nation to address common challenges. His dedication to public service has been further highlighted by his participation as one of only fifteen commissioners selected from across the country to join the NACo Economic Mobility Leadership Network (EMLN). This esteemed two-year program, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focuses on an in-depth study of economic mobility in the United States. Commissioner Mirabella’s involvement in the EMLN is a testament to his proactive approach to finding innovative solutions to promote economic equity and mobility.
“It is a great honor to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of NACo. I am very pleased to represent all of New Jersey and bring our concerns and questions to a national level,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella. “Serving on the Economic Mobility Leadership Network has been very rewarding, and I have incorporated my learnings into how I can be a better leader for the people of Union County. I am very grateful that NACo President, Mary Jo McGuire, appointed me to two leadership positions as Vice Chair of the Finance, Pension and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee and the International Economic Development Task Force.”
Commissioner Mirabella’s dedication to public service and commitment to enhancing the lives of his constituents exemplify the ideals that the National Association of Counties upholds. As he assumes his new roles within the Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee and the International Economic Development Task Force, we are confident that he will continue to represent the interests of Union County and New Jersey with distinction and diligence.
NACo President Mary Jo McGuire expressed her enthusiasm for Commissioner Mirabella’s appointments, stating, “As President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), it is my pleasure to appoint you to the committees in the attached letter He was chosen because my goal is to build a talented and committed leadership team for NACo. Our strength at NACo is in our members and your active involvement. As we move forward together, now is the time for county leaders to connect, inspire, and lead.”
For more information about NACo and Commissioner Al Mirabella’s appointments, please visit the NACo website at www.naco.org and the Economic Mobility Leadership Network at www.naco.org/resources/signature-projects/economic-mobility-leadership-network.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, August 22, 2023, 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 – Esposito, Oak Ridge
- Cranford – Nomahegan
- Garwood – Unami
- Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
- Linden – Wheeler
- Mountainside – Echo Lake
- Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
- Rahway – Rahway
- Roselle – Warinanco
- Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
- Union – Lighting Brook
City Parks
- Hillside – Sanford
- Linden – Memorial
- Union – Biertuempfel, Rabkin
Please note
This post was updated to reflect the correct day of the week of the spraying
This Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 7:30pm, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present the final installment of its Summer Arts 2023 concert series: AFRO DOMINICANO. For the first time, the County will present this outdoor concert experience at Warinanco Park, which sits between Elizabeth, Linden, and Roselle. The concert is free for everyone to attend and will follow a free yoga lesson, which begins at 6:30pm and will be led by Roselle’s very own Ohmies Yoga Studio.
“I am truly excited to have the last concert of our Summer Arts Concert series at Warinanco Park for the first time ever,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I know this band will draw in a large crowd with their fun beats and high energy and I invite all residents to join us. It’s a great opportunity to wrap up your summer and experience a free night out with friends and family. See you there!”
AFRO DOMINICANO hails from New York City, and plays an exciting fusion of Latin soul, Dominican folkloric music, punk, and reggae, among other genres. In recent years, they have played showcases through NAMM, the World Music Institute, and more. The band was also a finalist in NYC’s Music Under New York Inaugural Riders’ Choice Award, in which subway riders voted for their favorite buskers.
Attendees for both the yoga lesson and concert are asked to bring their own blankets, mats, and/or lawn chairs.
For more upcoming programs in Union County Parks, please visit ucnj.org/parks
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, August 17, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 PM to Midnight (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.
Cities
- Berkeley Heights – Coolidge Dr., Dorset Rd., Harrison Dr., Harding Dr., Rutherford Rd., Springfield Ave., Webster Dr., Wilson Dr.
- Clark – Devon Ln., Dorset Dr., Emerald Pl., Hayes Ave., Holland Dr., Jupiter St., Miller Ave., Riverside Dr.
- Cranford – Albany Ave., Bloomingdale Ave., Carole Ct.
- Elizabeth – Elizabeth/Essex Sewage Authority, Union Ave., S. 1st St.
- Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St., Rutgers Ave. Area
- Linden – Minor Ter., Tremley Pt. Area, W. Elm St., W. Price St.
- New Providence – Possum Way Area
- Plainfield – Brookside Pl., Madison Ave.,
- Rahway – Crescent Dr., Elston St., Lakeside Dr., Leesville Ave.
- Scotch Plains – Clarks Ln., Frank St., Nepawin Ln., Pheasant Ln., Pinehurst Ave., Round hill Rd., Wedgewood Way, Myrtle Ave., Seneca Rd., Sycamore Ave.
- Springfield – Cottage Ln. Area
- Union – Allen Ave. Area
- Westfield – Overhill St., Rahway Ave., Armory, Summit Ave., Area
County Parks
- Cedar Brook
- Rutgers