Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to come to Union County’s ASK community events in May, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided.

Bilingual staff will be present at all of these events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“The ASK program brings our knowledgeable staff to local libraries and community centers, to make it easier for seniors, family members and care givers to find out about resources and programs in Union County. If you have any questions about services for seniors, please come to an ASK event near you,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their caregivers.

The ASK program provides Union County residents with a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services for seniors and caregivers. The program brings professional staff from the Division on Aging to local public libraries and other community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed. The following three ASK events scheduled for May 17, 19 and 22:

Wednesday, May 17th

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, May 19

Roselle Library

129 Chestnut St.

Roselle, 07203

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, May 22nd

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection for information on upcoming ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County. Call 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. The Division is one of 622 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.   

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next free scrap metal recycling drop-off event of 2023 will take place on Saturday, May 20, in Rahway River Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as part of Union County’s regular series of free drop-off events for a wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds.

Residents are advised that, for the May 20 event only, scrap metal drop-off in Rahway River Park will take place at the swimming pool parking lot. Signs will be set up directing drivers to the scrap metal location.

“We encourage everyone to use our scrap metal drop-off locations to help save valuable resources and cut down on waste,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Drivers with scrap metal to drop off should use the St. Georges Avenue to enter the park.

Drivers who arrive at 11:00 a.m. or later are advised that traffic in and around the park may be heavier than usual, due to the “Touch a Truck” event taking place in Rahway River Park from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Union County’s free scrap metal recycling program is conducted twice a month from April to November.

The next two scrap metal recycling events will take place on Thursday, June 1 in Cranford at the emergency services complex, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, and on Saturday, June 17 in Rahway River Park. For the June 17 event, scrap metal recycling will take place at its regular location in the service yard at the park.

For more details about the scrap metal program and all Union County recycling programs, visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycle.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all photography enthusiasts, from beginner to experienced, to join the “Nature Photography for Everyone” workshop on Saturday May 13, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site.

“Photography is a powerful and creative way to communicate. We hope the nature photography workshop will inspire Union County residents and visitors to spend time in our public parks, learn about the natural ecosystems around us, and share their photographs with family, friends, and the community at large,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Nature Photography for Everyone is part of the adult program series at Trailside, for ages 18 and up. There is a fee of $10 per person for Union County residents and $12 per person for non-county residents. Pre-registration is required through Union County’s secure registration page, secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The workshop will be conducted by Union County photographer Jacki Dickert, who will share her spots for finding interesting wildlife and lovely scenery, best practices for photographing animals and landscapes and tips for creating compelling compositions.

Ms. Dickert’s photographs have been showcased in galleries throughout New Jersey and published in magazines, online blogs and on book covers. She was recently awarded first place in in the Ansel Adams photography contest at the Fenimore Art Museum in New York and had her work selected for display at the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport. She is an active member of the Camera Naturalist Photo Club and speaker and judge for the NJ Federation of Camera Clubs and other arts organizations, including the annual Union County Teen Arts Festival.

An exhibit of Ms. Dickert’s photographs, titled “Scenic and Wild Union County,” is currently on display at Trailside through June 1. Following the photography workshop on May 13, Ms. Dickert will be available for a meet and greet reception of her work and to answer any questions.

Trailside is open daily for walk-in visitors to view the exhibits free of charge, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except for Mondays and holidays.

For more information about all programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670. An overview of all programs and activities in the Union County park system 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.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present Housing with Hope, an exhibit of artworks by the residents of Springfield Senior Citizen Housing in Springfield, New Jersey at the Commissioner’s Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The gallery is open during regular weekday business hours and on alternate Thursday evenings when the Commissioner Board is in session.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank our seniors for sharing their artwork with the Union County community. Their paintings form a colorful, vibrant exhibit that shines with beauty and grace,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would also like to thank Housing with Hope for their dedication to connecting seniors with new friends and activities.” 

All of the artworks for the exhibit were created by Springfield Senior Citizen Housing residents during a group “Golden Arts” art class organized by the nonprofit organization Housing with Hope, as part of its Seniors Day Out series. The instructor for the class was Danielle Corso of Art Chick Designs, LLC.

The artists on exhibit are Lan Tian Fan, Joanne Hodges, Yulan Jim, Runnian Li, Isabel Lusolo, Vanda Milovc, Christopher Ortiz, Lanying Qin, Maureen Thomas, Ma Xiu Ying, Yuqin Wang, Dora Yaynberg, Esperanza Zambrano and Yufeng Zhuang.

Housing with Hope cultivates community partnerships to enrich the lives of seniors through engaging events, activities, supportive services, and housing that is affordable for those on a fixed income. Seniors Day Out programs are offered free of charge. For more information visit housingwithhope.org.

For more information about Art Chick Designs visit facebook.com/artchickdesignsllc.

The Seniors Day Out art class was made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all activities and programs of the Office, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, call 908-558-2550 (relay users dial 711), or visit ucnj.org/cultural.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites families and bird lovers of all ages to come and enjoy “Who is That at My Feeder,” an interactive indoor/outdoor learning experience featuring local bird species, at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 9:00 am. The event is free of charge.

“Here in Union County, we have over 6,700 acres of parks and open space filled with various types of wildlife,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many different types of birds are found in our community, and identifying them is a fun and educational exercise for all ages.”

This exciting and informative lecture, presented by Peter Axelrod, will discuss birds commonly found at feeders in Union County backyards.

Axelrod, a nature enthusiast since age 5, has volunteered in avian population studies, wild bird rehabilitation, habitat restoration, wildlife education and leading birding ventures throughout New Jersey in partnership with NJ Audubon, Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and the Raptor Trust.

Pre-registration is required and can be done by visiting ucnj.org/birdwatching23 and using the secure portal.

Trailside Nature & Science Center is Union County’s Environmental Education Center, located in the Watchung Reservation, a 2,143-acre preserve containing woodlands, fields, lakes, streams and more than 60 miles of hiking trails. Trailside houses 4,500 square feet of interactive, state-of-the art exhibits, including a towering 34-foot American beech tree exhibit that fills the building’s atrium. The Center also features classrooms that look out on the Reservation, a multipurpose room, a library, children’s discovery room and a 250-seat auditorium.

Trailside welcomes walk-in visitors to view the exhibits free of charge every day except Mondays and major holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about Trailside and its event calendar, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

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.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce an expansion of the ARRIVE Together program, as part of Commissioner Board Chairman Sergio Granados’s “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative for 2023. ARRIVE Together is a statewide mental health crisis response program coordinated in Union County through the Offices of Union County Prosecutor Bill Daniel and Union County Sheriff Pete Corvelli.

“Stepping Up to Mental Health” is an initiative that has been at the forefront of my “Building a Stronger Union County” theme for 2023. I would like to thank Prosecutor Daniel, Assistant Prosecutor Tiffany Wilson, and Sheriff Corvelli for the success of the program here in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Thanks to their efforts, we are able to expand the program to additional municipalities and improve mental health crisis response in the Union County community.”

ARRIVE Together launched in Elizabeth, Linden and Roselle Park last year, following an initial pilot program in Cumberland County spearheaded by the New Jersey State Police.

The new expansion of the program brings ARRIVE Together to the additional Union County municipalities of Plainfield, Westfield, Cranford, Berkeley Heights, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Mountainside and New Providence.

All together the Union County program now includes 11 municipalities, the most of any county in New Jersey.

“When we saw the success of the the pilot program last year, I knew I wanted to work together with Chairman Granados and the Commissioner Board to expand the program to benefit more residents in need, across our entire county,” said Prosecutor Daniel. “The experience of working alongside mental health professionals complements and enhances the training received by police officers.”

The ARRIVE Together program provides individuals in crisis with help as quickly and effectively as possible. When 9-1-1 is called relating to a mental health crisis, the program sends response teams consisting of local police officers who are trained in crisis intervention, along with mental health professionals who can help de-escalate the situation and avoid the use of force.

The ARRIVE Together teams also follow up later to ensure the person is receiving the help they need. In addition, the program provides for teams to connect with individuals in their community who may benefit from outreach efforts.

For information on more mental health resources and services all Department of Human Services activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs or call the Action Line, 908-677-5405.

A video presentation about the ARRIVE Together program in Union County is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/AZ_QMl5Nj6Q​.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters of important information leading up to the June 6, 2023 Primary Election.

As a result of legislative redistricting in New Jersey, following the 2020 Census, the following towns have been reassigned to a new legislative district: Cranford: District 22; Hillside: District 28; Kenilworth: District 20; and Roselle Park: District 22.

The Union County secure ballot drop boxes are open and ready to accept vote by mail ballots. The secure ballot drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7; available to voters 24/7 and the ballots are picked up by a bi-partisan team, pursuant to state guidelines, with a police escort.

To check to ensure you ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website. A complete list of secure ballot drop boxes in Union County can be found at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

“Voting drop boxes provide easier means for residents to cast their votes early while still ensuring the voter’s right to a secret ballot,” said Ms. DiRado. “These drop boxes were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and have proven to be highly popular with residents looking to cast a Vote-by-Mail ballot.”

The complete list of election districts and certified polling places is also available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

As a result of redistricting, two new elections districts have been created: New Providence District 12 and Springfield District 15. Also, six election districts have new polling locations.

All voters affected by the legislative district changes, election district changes or polling place changes will receive a post card notification.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites gardening enthusiasts to stock up on plants, seedlings and other supplies at the 32nd annual Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale.

The Spring Garden Fair takes place this year on Sunday, May 21, rain or shine, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Union County Demonstration Garden, located by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“We thank the Master Gardener volunteers for their dedication to civic service and for sharing their expert guidance with the Union County residents and visitors. Proceeds from the Spring Garden Fair go to fund horticulture educational programs for youth and adults,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

As always, admission to the Spring Garden Fair is free, and parking is also free. Visitors are advised that all sales are cash only. All proceeds go to fund civic activities of the Master Gardeners, including raising and donating fresh produce and cut flowers to local food pantries and health care agencies, community beautification and education, support for the 4-H youth development program, and a Union County Sustainable Sciences student scholarship..

Among the hundreds of plants and seedlings offered for sale, the Spring Garden Fair features deer resistant, drought tolerant and fragrant plants that thrive in Union County, including many easy-to-grow plants for beginner gardeners. The Spring Garden Fair is also known for a large selection of herbs and tomatoes.

The 2023 Spring Garden Sale also features Rutgers soil test kits for sale and free gardening fact sheets composed by Rutgers faculty.

Master Gardener “Garden Helpline” volunteers will be available to answer gardening questions, and the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control will have an educational display. 

Free parking is located nearby at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot and the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation. Additional free parking is available in the Loop playground area, located a short walk away on the other side of the Trailside Center.

Visitors are advised to bring a small wagon to convey their purchases. Pets are not permitted at the Garden Fair.

The Spring Garden Fair is organized each year by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, an all-volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board.

Anyone with an interest in gardening and volunteer service can apply to become a certified Master Gardener volunteer. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. A training and certification course is provided by experts with the Extension.

The next training course will be begin in January 2024. For more information visit the Master Gardeners website at mastergardeners-uc.org  or call the Extension offices in Westfield at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2).

For information about all Extension programs supported by the Commissioner Board, visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County programs related to gardening, sustainability and nature conservation visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Update May 19, 2023: Please note, this event has been canceled due to inclement weather. Following is the original press release.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to invite all residents to our Touch-A-Truck Event on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Rahway River Park, located on St. Georges Avenue in Rahway.

“This is a great, family-oriented event to attend with an exciting day of discovery and adventure for all visitors, said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.”All of these vehicles are showcased for all guests to touch explore and get close to, even adults have a great time. I hope to see all of you in attendance!”

The Union County Touch-A-Truck event will offer visitors the opportunity to explore a range of vehicles, including those from the Union County Departments of Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. In addition, those attending will be able to get a ride on a monster truck – Webslinger, which will be one of the most popular attractions of the event.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite summer foods and snacks at the ShopRite Fill the Grill Food Truck, which will be offering complimentary samples. Other vendors will be on hand to offer ice cream and snacks for purchase.

Admission is free to children ages 6 and under, and is $5.00 per person for all other attendees. The event is set to run from 11am to 5pm, making it a perfect opportunity for families to spend a fun-filled day together.

For more information on Touch-A-Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit our website at www.ucnj.org/parks.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Director, The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites bird watchers and nature fans of all ages to tune into Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream at ucnj.org/falcon, where they can follow along as two adult peregrine falcons raise four newly hatched chicks in their nest, located on the roof of the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth.

“We are very proud to continue partnering with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, to connect our Union County community – and communities all over the world — with the experience of these magnificent birds, helping to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

The Courthouse Tower nest has been occupied by a pair of peregrine falcons every year since 2006. The pair in residence this year is watching over four young chicks, called eyases, which hatched at the end of April.

Eyases are known as voracious eaters. They are expected to double their weight within a week. In three weeks, they are ten times their size at birth.

At six weeks, they will begin learning how to fly. Visitors to ucnj.org/falcon can watch their progress on a camera located outside of the nest.

Along with the free livestreams, the new Falcon Cam website includes:

• Educational resources for teachers to download and use in their classrooms.
• Information on how to help this bird of prey, which is still on the New Jersey Endangered Species List.
• A clickable link that enables members of the public to ask questions about peregrine falcons and get answers from a wildlife biologist.
• A behind the scenes look at the installation of new cameras and microphones from the top of the County Courthouse.
• Updated photos and videos.

Peregrine falcons were common in New Jersey and other states east of the Mississippi River until the 1950’s, when the pesticide DDT began to take its toll. DDT was finally banned in 1973. By then, peregrine falcons had disappeared from New Jersey and the entire eastern United States, and they were put on the federal Endangered Species list.

The falcons did not begin to make a comeback in New Jersey until the 1980’s, when conservationists launched a successful reintroduction program.

Union County became involved in the conservation effort in 2005, when a pair of peregrine falcons tried to establish a nest on the roof of the Courthouse Tower. They were most likely attracted by the commanding views of the surrounding area, but the attempt was thwarted by windy conditions.

To help ensure success if the falcons tried again, Union County worked with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation, to install a nesting box at the same location.

Two falcons did take up residence in the nesting box in 2006, but activity inside the nest remained a mystery until 2016, when Union County worked with its two partners to install web cams and set up free livestream on the County website.

Since then, keeping watch for a new clutch of eggs to hatch has become a rite of spring for Union County residents of all ages, and visitors from all over the world.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about Conserve Wildlife Foundation visit conservewildlifenj.org.

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.