Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners cordially invites seniors and their caregivers to visit their local “ASK” services kiosk this March. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet experienced professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Moreover, bilingual staff will be present at several events to offer support in Spanish.

“The ASK services kiosk plays a strong, supportive role in our mission to provide our senior community with the most accurate and reliable information and resources that they can count on,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We urge you to take advantage of this program and visit the Aging Services Kiosk nearest you.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging. It offers older 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 the ASK kiosks 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:

Tuesday, March 12th

Cranford Public Library

224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, March 27^th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Elizabeth Main Public Library

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

“It makes us incredibly proud to know the ASK program is approaching its 8^th year of providing a wealth of information and services to our beloved senior community,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “Visit your local library to learn more about this convenient and friendly service.”

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new series of acrylic painting workshops for adults will take place this spring on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“We are thrilled to offer our residents the opportunity to explore their artistic potential in the relaxing and breathtaking ambiance of Watchung Reservation through creative workshops like these,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage you to make your reservation today and prepare to be inspired. I hope to see you there.”

There will be a total of three workshops, each focusing on a different nature theme:

March 9^th – Beautiful Flowers

April 13^th – Scenic Landscapes

May 11^th – Terrific Trees

The workshops will be taught by artist and long-time Elizabeth resident, Dario Scholis. Born in Quito, Ecuador, Mr. Scholis began painting at a young age. He graduated from the School of Fine Arts at the Central University of Quito and later attended the Corcoran School of Arts in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Scholis has taught art to adults and children of all abilities for over 20 years. In recent years, he has created interactive art projects emphasizing the importance of recycling and caring for the environment. Join Mr. Scholis as he teaches the basics and benefits of using acrylic paint. Using nature as their subject, participants will let their creativity flow as they produce one-of-a-kind works of art to take home.

Attendees must be age 18 or older. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page. The fee is $20 per person per class and includes all materials.

Aside from 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.

For more information about the adult art workshops or other upcoming programs and events 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 is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, now on display at the Elizabeth Public Library. The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit features visual art works selected to serve as an exemplary representation of the artistic talent in Union County.

“We are proud to support our young artists and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Participating in the arts boosts the development and well-being of our youth, setting the stage for lifelong learning. Celebrate these young artists by visiting the exhibit as they share their work with us.”

The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is located on the 3rd floor of the Elizabeth Public Library, located at 11 South Broad Street, and will run from February 21 until March 27, 2024. Artworks displayed in the exhibition were chosen from submissions by students participating in their local county teen arts festivals. These pieces were then nominated for inclusion in the touring exhibit. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours, which can be found visiting the library website at http://www.elizpl.org or by calling 908-354-6060.

Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board, said, “As a community, it’s vital that we recognize the talents of our young people. Visitors to the exhibit not only support and celebrate young artists, but also encourage future generations to explore their own artistic potential.”

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the Union County Teen Arts Festival and Exhibits.  For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone, 908-558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce its free virtual series for the LGBTQ+ community, OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour with host Micayla Mirabella, returns this February 21^st at 7:00 p.m. with a powerful topic – African American LGBTQ Arts and Culture: Connecting to Holistic Health, Wellness, and Healing. The virtual, hour-long conversation is part of a monthly series that explores an array of LGBTQ+-specific themes, stories, and experiences to inform, educate, and connect the community.

“The Commissioners and I proudly support the Queer Empowerment Hour Series and its mission to make Union County a more inclusive and accepting environment for our residents through these open discussions,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I encourage you to attend our free virtual series and join in on the conversation.”

This OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour session begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the County of Union Facebook page. Questions are taken via Zoom and within the comments section on Facebook. This month’s episode will discuss the influence of the African American LGBTQ+ community on the arts and culture and its deeper connection to the health and well-being of our community. Featured guest panelists include Danielle Earle, Drew Giddings, and Danielle King.

Danielle Earle is a Digital Media and Filmmaking Teacher at Orange High School in Orange, NJ, and has worked professionally in the film industry for the last 14 years. She serves as a board member for the Newark LGBTQ+ Center, a Committee Member of Educators 4 Equality/Garden State Equality, an Essex County Education Association LGBTQ+ Committee Member, and a SOGI (sexual orientations and gender identities) Committee member. Danielle’s exceptional advocacy work for the LGBTQ+ community has earned her recognition and awards. Recently, she was acknowledged as an Equality Champion by the NJEA and NEA.

Drew Giddings has worked with over 100 organizations and causes over the years and has spent the last 20 years leading programs and fostering relationships with the non-profit, philanthropic, and faith-based sectors nationwide.  He is considered a mentor, connector, and justice steward within the community. He currently serves on the Kings Daughters’ Day School Board of Trustees and the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors.

Danielle King has over 10 years of experience in health education, and has built long-term partnerships with donors and established sustainable programs during her tenure. She is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a Rutgers alumna. She currently serves as the Development Manager of the RWJUH Babs Siperstein PROUD Center and has notably raised the number of LGBTQ+ patients visiting the facility from 120 to 1,800 through outreach and networking with outside organizations. She is a Board member of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey’s Community Action Cancer Board as well as a member of the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

“The vibrant and rich African American culture has had a profound impact on American society and its artistic expression. It is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the enduring and healing influence of the arts on our ancestors, which continues to resonate with us today,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.  “The arts offer us a source of inspiration, empowerment, comfort, and healing. In this discussion, we will focus on the LGBTQ individuals within the African American Community, and how their courage to break barriers and express themselves artistically despite obstacles continues to inspire and restore us.”

To participate in this informative discussion, please register at: ucnj.org/lgbtq. Queer Empowerment Hour is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, and in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

For dates, times, or more information on upcoming Queer Empowerment Hour meetings, please contact the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs at 908-527-4897 or visit our website at: ucnj.org/lgbtq.

In remembrance of the landmark Supreme Court Case “Gibbons v. Ogden”, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be hosting a special event called, “Gibbons v. Ogden: Its Continuing Importance 200 Years Later.” The event will feature a presentationby the Richard Hughes Professor of Law at Seton Hall University, Edward Hartnett, and will be held on Monday, March 4^th from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Courtroom of Honorable Lisa Miralles Walsh (A.J.S.C.) on the 1^st Floor Tower of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth.

“As a native Elizabethan, I enjoy sharing with my family and fellow residents the connections that our cities have to famous cases like “Gibbons v. Ogden”. Union County’s rich, historical background not only makes it a great place to live and work but also a wonderful location to provide our growing families with a diverse and fascinating education. There is so much history here for us to explore together,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Join us in commemorating this momentous anniversary with Professor Hartnett. I hope to see you all there.”

Professor Edward A. Hartnett earned his A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard, and his J.D. degree from New York University. During his time at NYU, he was elected to The Order of the Coif, a prestigious academic society that recognizes law students for their exceptional scholarship achievements.

He has been a faculty member at the Seton Hall School of Law since 1992. Over the years, he has authored articles in leading law journals such as Boston College Law Review, Constitutional Commentary, Columbia Law Review, Duke Law Journal, Michigan Law Review, New York University Law Review, Notre Dame Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Texas Law Review, and William & Mary Law Review.

He specializes in Constitutional Law and Federal Courts with an emphasis on the history and practice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a co-author of the leading text on practice before the Supreme Court.

“We are honored to have Professor Edward Hartnett joining us as our guest speaker. His vast knowledge in the field of Constitutional Law, particularly his insights on the Supreme Court of the United States, and the important role played by Union County is something we can all benefit from and be proud of,” said Commissioner Bette-Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board. “Learn more about this historic case and join us on March 4^th.”

The case of Gibbons v. Ogden of 1824 was between fellow steamboat owners Aaron Ogden and Thomas Gibbons. In the early 1820s, Ogden operated his steamboats under a State license and in compliance with Robert Fulton and Robert R. Livingston’s monopoly of the steamboat navigation on the Hudson water route. Thomas Gibbons then entered the scene, operating his steamboats in the same water route under a Federal Coast license, violating the State License and monopoly rules.

Ogden took Gibbons to the New York Court of Chancery for the violation and initially won his case. Still, Gibbons swiftly appealed, taking his case to the United States Supreme Court, and ultimately winning his appeal against Ogden. The decision made by the Supreme Court was to uphold the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, and all navigation was freed of monopoly control.

Union County recognizes the bi-centennial of this significant event in the early history of the United States due to its connection with our area. Thomas Gibbons and Aaron Ogden, both residents of Elizabethtown (now known as Elizabeth), were involved in a court case that dealt with steamboat navigation. This case specifically addressed a water route between Elizabeth and New York City.

This special speaking event is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, please visit ucnj.org/gvo.

This special History program in Union County is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission and is presented by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, and in collaboration with the Union County Bar Association.

For more information about this presentation and other activities and programs of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the annual Wildlife Photography Contest has returned to the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Amateur photographers ages 13 and up are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitat.

“The Wildlife Photography Contest is an exciting event that allows members of our community to showcase their photography skills by capturing the natural beauty of animals in their habitats,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “You can immortalize the furry, winged, crawling, or swimming creatures that inhabit our surroundings through your camera lenses. Have fun expanding your creativity and put your skills to the test. I look forward to seeing your amazing pictures!”

The Wildlife Photography Contest is now accepting submissions. The photographs will be judged by local professional photographers and will be categorized according to age group: Teens, ages 13-17, Adults, ages 18 and up, and Seniors, ages 55 and older. Each photo submitted must be an unframed and un-matted 8″ x 10″ print in either black-and-white or color. The judges will be evaluating entries based on originality, composition, technical excellence, and artistic merit.

The winning entries will be announced at the annual Wild Earth Fest event on Sunday, April 28th, 2024. Wild Earth Fest is an outdoor family event featuring live animals, children’s activities, nature education, food, music, and more.

To obtain a brochure with rules and entry form for the Wildlife Photography Contest, please call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside and go to the events section on the website. Entries must be received or postmarked no later than April 17, 2024.

Aside from 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. For more details about the Wildlife Photography Contest 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 and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the Woodcock Talk & Walk, a PowerPoint presentation and guided indoor/outdoor experience discussing the woodcock on Monday, March 18th at Masker’s Barn at the Deserted Village, and Thursday, March 21st, at Lenape Park. Nature aficionados and bird lovers are invited to join an informative event showcasing the American Woodcock, led by nature enthusiast Pete Axelrod.

“These events give us the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this special bird and highlight the importance of caring for our local ecosystems,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Coming together as a community to learn is crucial, empowering us all to make informed choices for the benefit of our shared natural resources. Join us in appreciating the wonders of nature and inspire everyone to take responsibility for protecting our environment.”

The annual Woodcock Talk & Walk provides seasoned birders and beginners alike with the chance to catch a glimpse of the American Woodcock and learn more about this unusual and elusive bird. The American Woodcock is known by a variety of colorful names including Timberdoodle, Labrador twister, Night partridge, Mudbat, and Bog sucker.  The species is most commonly referred to as the woodcock due to its preference for wooded areas. American Woodcocks are drawn to moist forests and require dense woodland, providing ample cover and food.

In the spring, the bird seeks out forest clearings, abandoned fields spotted with low brush or open fields next to forest edges to serve as courtship sites.  In preparation for mating, male Woodcocks establish individual territories known as singing grounds.

Perhaps the most fascinating attribute of the American Woodcock is the acrobatic courtship displays performed by the males.  As part of their mating ritual, a displaying male on the ground will emit a nasal, buzzing call referred to as a peent, to attract females. He then takes flight and ascends 200 or 300 feet. All the while, musical twittering sounds are made by the male’s wings. Afterwards, he will spiral or zigzag back to the ground while producing a liquid chirp.

Participants are advised to dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight.  The event is free and open to adults and children age 10 and up with an adult. Participants have the flexibility to attend either or both events, but must register online at https://ucnj.org/woodcock-talks-walks/.

Event Details:

• Watchung Reservation Event:
  • Date: Monday, March 18, 2024
  • Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
  • Location: Masker’s Barn at the Deserted Village – 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights

• Lenape Park Event:
  • Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
  • Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
  • Location: Lenape Park – 130 Kenilworth Boulevard in Cranford

Pete Axelrod, an experienced nature enthusiast, will be leading the presentations. With a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Pete has dedicated himself to the study of Wildlife Biology and Natural History Interpretation. His widespread experience includes volunteering in avian population studies, wild bird rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and wildlife education. Pete has also been a leader in birding ventures throughout New Jersey, collaborating with organizations such as New Jersey Audubon, Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and The Raptor Trust.

For more information about the Woodcock Walk & Talk, please visit https://ucnj.org/woodcock-talks-walks/. 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 Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 10^th to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 4^th.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 4, 2024 Presidential Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 10.”

Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a new law that went into effect in 2023 and was updated in 2024:

Any unaffiliated voter, who has opted to receive a vote by mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 4 primary election, must declare their party by May 28, 2024 to receive their vote by mail ballot through the mail. 

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation.  Voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:

• Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
• Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
• Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
• Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.
• To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters to ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 4 primary.

The April 10^th deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls during early voting from May 29^th through June 2^nd, or on June 4^th, Election Day.

Voting will take place at the regular polling locations, which can be found on the Election Board website www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123. The secure ballot drop box for the Westfield Annual School Board Election is located at the Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, and will be open for this election for voters wishing to return their mail-in ballot by using the drop-box.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of Elections advises Westfield Residents that Tuesday, March 26^th is the deadline for voter registration for the April 16, 2024 Annual School Board Election. The election will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Voting will take place at the regular polling locations, which can be found on the Election Board website www.ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123.

The secure ballot drop box for the Westfield Annual School Board Election is located at the Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, and will be open for this election for voters wishing to return their mail-in ballot by using the drop-box.

For full information on the Annual School Board Election and all things related to the Union County Board of Elections, please visit www.ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is pleased to celebrate this year’s Black History Month with the theme of, “African Americans in the Arts,” with a free Jazz performance by The Bob DeVos Jazz Quartet featuring Lance Bryant. The event will provide a unique exploration of jazz music through narration and performance on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center, Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway.

“The theme for this year’s Black History Month is a significant one. By understanding how music had the power to provide comfort and solace during difficult times, while also capturing moments of hopefulness and joy, we can better grasp the African American journey through history,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Commissioner Board and I are proud to honor Black History Month with this free event, and we invite you to join us for a great evening celebrating the Arts.”

This year’s theme “African American and the Arts” will focus on celebrating the dynamic African American culture and its global influence in the arts, music, literature, and film industry. The County of Union is excited to host the Hamilton Stage’s first-time visitors: Bob DeVos and the Bob DeVos Jazz Quartet, along with the talented saxophonist and vocalist, Lance Bryant.

Mr. Lance Bryant is a versatile musician who performs in the New York/New Jersey area. He built an impressive career as an arranger, composer, saxophonist, and singer, and has performed in several orchestras, Broadway shows, and even featured in Spike Lee’s film, Malcolm X. His soulful sound is rooted in his upbringing in the Baptist Church, where he established a spiritual connection to his art, and has been capturing that for audiences ever since. Notably, Lance served as the Director of Instrumental Music at the Fountain Baptist Church in our very own Summit, NJ for six years.

With over 50 years of experience as a guitarist, bandleader, and composer, Bob DeVos developed his signature style – groovy, distinguished, with a full-bodied sound that can effortlessly transition between jazzy blues and Latin funk. Bob had the pleasure of recording and touring with some of the biggest names in the organ jazz industry – Trudy Pitts, Richard “Groove” Holmes & Sonny Stitt, and Jimmy McGriff & Hank Crawford. Notably, he has also recorded for musical legends Frank Sinatra and Gladys Knight.

“It is a great privilege to invite our residents and visitors of Union County to come together to celebrate and learn about its diverse cultures,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board. “Black History Month is a perfect time to recognize and appreciate the exceptional creativity and musical talent of African Americans. It is also an opportunity for us to understand how their legacy still influences our community today.”

The event will also include the presentation of the 12^th Annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian award, which was established by the Freeholder Board, now Commissioner Board, in 2012, as a highlight of Black History Month honoring the former County Freeholder and Rahway resident Chester Holmes, who passed away later that year in 2012. An accomplished civic leader who loved the Union County community, Mr. Holmes was a former police officer, community volunteer and member of the Army National Guard.  He was the owner of his own company, Holmes Security, and a former Rahway Councilman. This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State; and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Admission to this event is free of charge, but tickets are required. To reserve your ticket, please visit: www.ucnj.org/bhm.

To receive more information on the entire Black History Month event lineup, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/bhm or contact Judith Guest, Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, at judith.guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.