Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to inform all residents of the reopening of Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” outdoor movie series. On July 11, 2023, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, will kick off the series at 7:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“We are very excited to bring back our summer movie nights in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This a free, fun way to spend time with your family and friends, embrace the summer nights and let our parks be the backdrop to a great movie. I look forward to seeing you there.”

The fun begins with a family-friendly dance party before each movie at 7:30 p.m. and the movies will start promptly at dusk. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to save a spot on the lawn. Movies will be shown on a weather-permitting basis.

The 2023 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule is:

• Puss In Boots: The Last Wish: July 11, 2023 – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania: July 18, 2023 – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• Sonic The Hedgehog 2: July 25, 2023 – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• Minions: The Rise of Gru: August 8, 2023 – Kawameeh Park, Union

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invite residents to a Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which will celebrate the 33^rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“The Summer Festival is a joyous occasion that aims to foster inclusivity, empower individuals with disabilities, and provide a fun atmosphere for families to enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This event is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the valuable contributions made by people with disabilities. I hope to see you all there!”

The event will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

The festival will feature a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages and abilities. Attendees can look forward to inflatable rides, music, games, crafts, and a captivating magic show. With a focus on accessibility, all areas of the event will be designed to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the festivities.

Admission to the Summer Festival is free of charge; however, we kindly request attendees to register in advance. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg 

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.

To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are delighted to announce, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Building a Stronger Union County” initiative, the installation of new water filling stations in several parks across the County of Union. These modern and innovative fountains, equipped with advanced features, such as a Water Bottle Filling Station, an ADA Compliant Drinking Fountain and a Pet Fountain, aim to provide residents and visitors with convenient and sustainable access to refreshing drinking water.

“These new water filling stations exemplify the County’s dedication to promoting sustainability, fostering a healthier lifestyle, and implementing cost-saving measures for our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “By installing these stations, we not only are working on safeguarding our environment but also acknowledging the challenges faced by families dealing with escalating inflation costs. It presents a practical solution that allows families to save money while enjoying activities and sports in our wonderful parks and playgrounds. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing public spaces, the County of Union plans to expand the installation of additional fountain stations at various locations in the future, ensuring an even greater number of communities can enjoy these exceptional amenities.”

The following park locations will now feature Elkay’s cutting-edge water filling stations:

• Warinanco Park – Roselle
• Rizzuto Park – Union
• Rahway River Park – Rahway
• Cedar Brook Park – Plainfield
• Nomahegan Park – Cranford
• Briant Park – Summit

Produced by Elkay, a renowned leader in water solutions, these water filling stations are designed to meet diverse needs, featuring the following components:

• Water Bottle Filling Station: This feature promotes sustainability and encourages the use of reusable bottles, reducing plastic waste. It allows users to conveniently refill their water bottles on the go, making it easier to stay hydrated while enjoying the parks.
• ADA Compliant Drinking Fountain: Ensuring inclusivity, these fountains comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, providing accessible drinking water for individuals with disabilities.
• Pet Fountain: The addition of a pet fountain caters to the needs of furry friends accompanying their owners to the parks. This feature offers a refreshing drinking solution for pets, promoting their well-being and enhancing the overall park experience for families.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the newly installed water filling stations in the above-mentioned parks and enjoy the convenience and benefits they offer.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org. For more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is happy to inform residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program will continue in July. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to air conditioners to tire rims, and railings, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“Union County’s commitment to sustainable living continues with the extension of our free scrap metal recycling drop-off program,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “From household appliances to tire rims, we accept a wide variety of metal goods at two convenient locations in Cranford and Rahway. Remember to stay updated on our recycling programs by downloading the Recycle Coach mobile app. By working together, we can continue to make a positive impact on our environment.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, July 6 and Saturday, July 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.  The next scrap metal events, after the July events, will take place on Thursday, August 3^rd and Saturday, August 19^th. Residents must remain in their vehicles 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 air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

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. Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to join in the celebration of Pride Month 2023 at their Pride in the Park Celebration.

“Union County is proud to host this celebration as a testament to our commitment to equality, acceptance, and respect for all individuals said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, the first of its kind in the State of New Jersey, continues to pave the way for advocacy and action, ensuring that the voices of the LGBTQ+ community & their allies are heard and empowered. We invite everyone to join us at this wonderful celebration; we hope to see you there!”

Union County Pride in the Park, will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. This free, family-fun event will feature kick-ball tournaments, arts and crafts, games, a DJ & decades dance parties, food trucks, local non-profit organizations and informational tables, followed by an outdoor movie presentation of “Strange World” at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m.

Registration is required for teams looking to participate in the kickball tournaments at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

In case of inclement weather, please visit our County website www.ucnj.org or visit our social media pages for updates.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to invite children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the “Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park” series. The series takes place every Thursday evening during July and August from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The next session will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

“Union County believes in the power of inclusion and we are especially excited for another summer of fun at our Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Fostering imagination and creativity, this spray park was created where residents of all abilities can come and play. These evenings are a great way for families to come out and enjoy time with their children. I can’t wait to see you all there soon!”

The Special Needs Night at Wheeler Park series is organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services. The program takes place at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden, and continues each Thursday through July and August.

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. Residents should visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg to register.

In case of inclement weather, visitors can check Union County’s website at ucnj.org, or the Union County Facebook page for weather-related updates and closures.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents with overseas travel plans that the U.S. Department of State is continuing to experience extended wait times for processing passport renewals and new passport applications.

“There has been a dramatic increase of people traveling this summer with a concurrent increase in passport applications,” said Joanne Rajoppi. “In addition, before you make travel plans, please be sure to check the expiration date on your passport. Most countries will not admit travelers with passports that will expire within six months, so be sure that your renewal is completed before the six-month period begins.”

The State Department is experiencing a wait time of 10-13 weeks for passport renewals and 7-9 weeks for expedited renewals. The same waiting period applies to new passport applications.

Residents can make an appointment online for the Elizabeth or Westfield office, with several options including daytime, evening and Saturday hours. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth and the annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a minimal fee of $10.00 each. To make an appointment at either location, please visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/ and click “Make an Appointment Online.”

For the latest updates on passport wait times at the State Department, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Department of Parks & Recreation would like to alert you to a situation that may impact your planned use of a park facility in the next few days. Due to dry conditions, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has set the fire danger rating for northern New Jersey to VERY HIGH. In addition, the Forest Fire Service has imposed Stage 3 campfire restrictions. Per that designation, all campfires and cooking fires are temporarily prohibited. This prohibition applies to both wood and charcoal fires. Cooking is only allowed on an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. The Stage 3 campfire restriction does not automatically expire if we experience any rainfall. The restriction can only be changed by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. We regret any impact this situation will have on your planned activity.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to come to the free “Native Plant Swap and Shop” event on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and swap up to three invasive plants for a matching number of colorful, beneficial native plants, free of charge. Additional native plants will also be available for sale at the event. The event takes place in the Watchung Reservation at the Scout Camping Area, located near the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“The Swap and Shop event is a fun way to learn about the value of native plants in our local ecosystem. Everyone with a yard or garden can help preserve and protect butterflies and other valuable pollinators, by taking out invasive species and replacing them with native plants,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Residents who plan to participate in the swap must pre-register online at ucnj.org/plant-swap. The swap is limited to 100 registrants. All other attendees are welcome on a walk-in basis. There is no charge for admission. Attendees can arrive any time after 5:30 and stay as long as they like.

Expert naturalists will be on site to provide guidance and information on gardening with native plants.

Examples of invasive plants to bring for the swap are: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy and Chinese silvergrass. For accurate identification the invasive plants should be dug up recently and brought to the event in a sealed bag or box, with their entire roots included.

The native plants offered for swap include Cardinal Flower, Dense Blazing Star, Blue False Indigo, Joe Pye Weed, Foxglove Beardtongue, Swamp Milkweed and Orange Coneflower. 

The Toadshade Wildflower Farm will also be on site with native plants for sale during the event. Participants who plan to make a purchase are advised to pre-order for pickup through the Toadshade website, toadshade.com.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside. More information about activities in Union County Parks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.