Category: Public Info

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.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next free scrap metal recycling drop-off events of 2023 will take place in May. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“These free drop-off sites provide our residents with a convenient way to dispose of old, broken or unwanted metal goods, while also helping to conserve valuable resources. We encourage everyone to bring their scrap metal to our drop-off locations for recycling,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County’s scrap metal drop-off locations will be open on Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two sites:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Complex, 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.

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, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program is contact-free. For the safety of everyone, residents must arrive in a vehicle and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where it is easily accessible. Staff on site will remove the items from vehicle.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 17.

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

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.

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

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 16 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2023 Primary Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, June 6.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

To download voter registration forms in English or Spanish from the Union County Board of Elections website, visit at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

Eligible Union County residents can also register to vote online. To register online, visit the New Jersey Division of Elections at voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Voters who register online will receive a confirmation from notice from the County Commissioner of Registration. If the online application contains errors or is incomplete, the voter will be provided with instructions to correct it.

The Union County Board of Elections office, located at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. The Board of Elections Office will also remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms on Tuesday, May 16, the day of the voter registration deadline.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen

• You will be 18 years old by the next election

• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election

• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction

• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents and visitors to join us in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The national observation aims to increase outreach and education about mental health, helping to remove stigma and improving access to care.

“While Mental Health is nationally recognized in the month of May, it is a topic I think should be focused on all year round; that is why my “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative has been at the forefront of my 2023 Chairman’s “Building a Stronger Union County” theme,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Mental Health can affect anyone you know – it is something that is very common and should be brought to light. The effects not only impact the individual but also family, friends and co-workers and that is why breaking down the barriers to care is so important. Taking the first step is key and I encourage all of our residents to call our Department of Human Services to find out about the many programs and resources Union County has available.” 

Almost half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some time in their life, according to the latest research. The research also shows that with early and effective treatment, individuals with mental health conditions can recover.

During May and beyond, the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Union County Department of Human Services will provide a series of programs and services for Union County residents seeking mental health information and resources, including:

• Observing Mental Health Action Day on May 18. On this day, all Union County residents and visitors are asked to wear green as a sign of encouragement and empowerment to take action on mental health, whether for themselves, for their loved ones, or for their communities.
• Distributing information ribbon cards to raise mental health awareness and link residents with local mental health services.
• Organizing free educational mental health webinars for the public throughout the year.
• Hosting a public, round-table discussion with mental health providers to explore solutions to emerging and current needs.
• Providing four or more mental health first aid trainings for human services staff.

The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse also advises anyone facing a mental health crisis to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support and referral to resources. The 988 number connects to an existing network of mental health service providers, organized through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In New Jersey, the free NJ Mental Health Cares hotline, 1-866-202-HELP (4357), is also available to provide emotional support every day of the week, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Individuals who are concerned or curious about their own mental health can use a free, anonymous online screening tool offered by the organization Mental Health America, at screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools.

Residents who are interested in helping to raise awareness about mental health can also visit Mental Health America for guidance and resources, at mhanational.org/mental-health-month/outreach#individual.

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

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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 next free, secure paper shredding events of 2023 will be held in Hillside and Berkeley Heights

Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to two free paper shredding events in May, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. One event will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Hillside Pool, located at 1209 Central Avenue in Hillside.  The other event will take place on Saturday, May 13 at the Berkeley Heights Municipal Building located at 29 Park Avenue in Berkeley Heights.

“Our paper shredding events help to conserve resources and prevent identity theft, too. It’s one of our most popular programs, and we encourage everyone to participate,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County’s free shredding events take place every month from March to November, rain or shine. Each event begins at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Ample signage is posted at the drop-off sites with directions for drivers. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

For the complete schedule and 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.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the municipal recycling coordinator.  If the documents are business related, the Bureau of Recycling and Planning can help you with options on how to shred this material. 

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

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

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the 2023 Union County Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit, featuring 133 original works, on display in Scotch Plains at Union College of Union County, now through May 31.

“The Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit provides both non-professional and professional artists with an opportunity to share their creative vision and insights with the Union County community and the public at large. We are very proud of our senior artists and we encourage everyone to come and view the exhibit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

The public is invited to view the exhibit in the Conference Center of Union College of Union County, located in the Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Visitors should proceed to the third building on the right upon entering the campus from Raritan Road. Ample free parking is available.

The exhibit is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday It is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays.

The annual Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit showcases artworks created by Union County residents, age 60 and above. Both professional and non-professional artists are included. Artworks include a variety of media categories including acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture and crafts.

Awards for outstanding entries in each media category for the 2023 Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit were selected by independent adjudicators, the professional artists Jo-El Lopez and Barbara Wallace.

The Best in Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Elizabeth Gillin of Westfield for her oil painting titled “Costumes of East Asia.” Best in Show by a Non-professional Artist was awarded to Toru Ishiyama of Cranford for his Mixed Media artwork titled “Chrysler Building.”

First-place artworks will advance to the state level, to be exhibited at the 2023 New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show in East Windsor this fall.

The Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit is coordinated and presented by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, with funding provided by 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, email msturm@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 are excited to announce the Union County Means Business “The Future of Work,” Networking Breakfast & Panel Discussion event on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 8:30 AM at Kean University’s Donald R. Conklin Conference Center, located at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union, NJ.

“I encourage  everyone to come out and join us for an insightful discussion on the future of work, as we bring together Union County business owners, employees, and experts to share their experiences and viewpoints,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is an exciting opportunity and another way that Union County continues to work to provide our residents with information and resources to help their businesses grow and thrive.”

“The Future of Work” panel discussion is proudly hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. As part of the ongoing outreach efforts, this event presents a unique opportunity for the community to come together and engage in a stimulating conversation about the future of work.

The panelists for the event will include Union County business owners, employees, and business resource experts, who will share their perspectives on various topics related to the evolving landscape of work. The discussions will cover crucial areas such as finding quality employees, strategies to lower fringe benefit costs, and the future work environment that includes the growing trend of hybrid working and work-life balance.

This event will provide the audience with valuable insights and practical strategies that can help them navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing nature of work. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the unique experiences and expertise of the panelists through engaging discourse and interaction, empowering them to better plan for the future of work in their own professional endeavors.

Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of County Commissioners that aims to support economic growth and business development in Union County, New Jersey. Through various programs and events, Union County Means Business provides resources, information, and opportunities for businesses to thrive and contribute to the local economy. For more information, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.

Registration is now open at www.ucnj.org/ucmb, and attendees will also enjoy a complimentary breakfast at this thought-provoking event. Seats are limited, so securing your spot today is recommended. Stay tuned for upcoming details on the event, including the list of panelists and the full agenda.

For more information, please contact, Jeff Brooks, Union County Means Business at 908-659-7412 or you can email him at Jeffrey.brooks@ucnj.org.

Please note the address has been corrected to 1075 Morris Avenue.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Ballet will perform Princess Aurora’s Wedding for audiences with sensory sensitivities and their families on Sunday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, as part of the Commissioner Board’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre provides young audiences and their families with a supportive environment in which to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances. The series is designed for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities, as part of our efforts to reach out and include all residents in the cultural life of the Union County community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Tickets are available online for $8.00 per person from the Performing Arts Center, at ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre. For accessible seating, call the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

Princess Aurora’s Wedding is an excerpt from the classic fairy tale and ballet The Sleeping Beauty, with music by the renowned composer by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This Sensory Friendly Theatre performance includes a storyteller to help bring the characters to life.

Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during all Sensory Friendly Theatre performances. For complete details visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

For information and updates regarding COVID-19 policies at UCPAC visit ucpac.org/covid-19.

The Commissioner Board has been hosting Sensory Friendly Theatre at the Performing Arts Center since 2012. The series showcases exciting live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

More information about Union County’s programs and resources for residents with special needs is available through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/opdsn.

For information about all arts and cultural programs hosted by the Commissioner Board, visit the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation, at ucnj.org/cultural.

For information and updates on Union County COVID-19 services visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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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.