Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, June 16, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).
Check below and see if your town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control at 908-654-9873.
Cities
Berkeley Heights – Columbia Ave., Nancy Pl., Berkeley Ave.
Grand opening of new, inclusive Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield.
The Union County Commissioner Board invites all families and friends to enjoy Pride in the Park, an afternoon of all-ages fun outdoor festivities in celebration of the opening of Tëmike Park, a new inclusive LGBTQ+ space located at the northern end of Union County’s Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield that features design elements welcoming to youth of all identities and abilities.
Pride in the Park is organized through the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs and will take place on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the event is free and no pre-registration is required.
“Cedar Brook is a jewel in the crown of the Union County Parks system, and it shines all the more brightly with the addition of the new Tëmike Park, the first-of-its-kind inclusive public space in our area,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We welcome all to come and enjoy.”
“Tëmike Park is a beautiful green space that represents our commitment to building a community that celebrates diversity, equality, and respect for the dignity of every person throughout the year as well as during Pride Month,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is the Board’s liaison to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
The Pride in the Park festivities include all-day art activities for teens, crafts for children, lawn games, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQ resource organizations, allies and advocates, along with a full schedule of special events:
Official Ribbon Cutting at noon
Drag Queen Story Hour at 12:30 p.m., with Harmonica Sunbeam
Drag Dance-Off at 1:30 p.m. featuring Lady Keyante
What’s the Word at Pride Slam Poetry at 2:30 p.m., hosted by the Association for the Creative and Performance Arts, featuring Nourish Cruz
Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring their own snacks and beverages.
Additional Pride Month activities hosted by Union County in June include:
LGBTQ+ Trivia Night
Thursday, June 16th from 6PM – 9PM
Please note the change of date
The Tavern at Ash Brook, 1210 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
LGBTQ+ Professionals Mixer: Rescheduled to take place in conjunction with the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee meeting on July 28 at The Watt in Rahway, from 6pm to 9pm.
Youth Pride Dance (Ages 13+): Rescheduled to Friday, October 7 from 6pm to 8pm at Warinanco Sports Center.
Head Over Heels the musical
Thursday, June 30th at 7PM
Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway
General Admission – Free Tickets Available by reservation: Call the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org to reserve.
Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway and Rahway Social Justice Commission
Cedar Brook Park is one of the original parts of the Union County parks system, established in the 1920’s as one of the few county-based park systems in the U.S. Representing the legacy of famed landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, Cedar Brook hosts both active and passive uses including team sports, tennis, handball, playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas and the historic Shakespeare Garden. For a park map visit https://ucnj.org/parks-activities/
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.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.
The Union County Commissioner Board invites trivia fans to test their knowledge and join in celebrating Pride Month with an evening of fun at LGBTQ Trivia Night, taking place on Tuesday, June 16, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at The Tavern at Union County’s Ash Brook Golf Course, 1210 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Bring your best LGBTQ+ history and pop culture knowledge to LGBTQ Trivia Night. Picture rounds, music rounds, plenty of random facts and interesting tidbits are all included. Participants can enjoy showing off what they know or just being the one with a lucky guess.
The event is free but individual or team pre-registration is required online at unioncountynj.wufoo.com.
“Trivia Night is a celebratory brain-teaser that shines new light on the people, history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are very proud to host the event at Union County’s Ash Brook public golf course,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
“Trivia Night is a fun and enlightening way to enjoy an evening out and join in our series of Pride Month programs,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is the Board’s liaison to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
Other upcoming Pride Month 2022 events sponsored by the Commissioner Board include:
Union County Pride in the Park, Plainfield – GRAND OPENING OF NEW INCLUSIVE PARK SPACE
Saturday, June 18th from 12PM – 4PM
Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park (Plainfield)
Queer Empowerment Hour: We Say Gay, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws and patchwork legal protections across the country
Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway
General Admission – Free Tickets Available by reservation: Call the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org to reserve.
Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway and Rahway Social Justice Commission
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.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.
The County of Union is proud to announce that County Manager Ed Oatman was inducted into the national honor society Pi Alpha Alpha, in a ceremony last night, Thursday, June 9, 2022.
“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, we would like to congratulate Ed on this great honor,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Ed is such a remarkable person with a true compassion and commitment to our community, both within the County and at Kean University. There is no one better deserving of this induction and his role as a public leader truly represents that.”
The Induction Ceremony was held in Hynes Hall at Kean University, where Mr. Oatman was chosen for his continued service and commitment to Union County and the Kean University community.
“Congratulations to Trustee Oatman, who has been a public service leader not only with the County but also here at Kean as a member of our Board of Trustees,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet. “His ability to connect the University and the County on initiatives ranging from COVID-19 testing to social services to food drives benefits our students, our employees and all of the communities we serve. We are lucky to have him.”
Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is a National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA recognizes outstanding undergraduate as well as graduate students in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. As of 2012, PAA has 162 chapters at NASPAA member schools, and is growing every year.
“I am grateful to have been nominated and inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society of my alma mater,” said Ed Oatman, County Manager. “When I started my journey into the public sector, there was nothing more important to me than to giving back to others, so I try to incorporate that in both my professional career and everyday life. I would like to thank the PAA Executive Board members for recognizing me.”
Mr. Oatman has more than 20 years of governmental experience. He is the 12th top executive under the County Manager form of government. Oatman has responsibility for the day-to-day operations and budget of a 21-municipality government with approximately 2,800 full-time employees. Oatman has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Kean University and currently serves on the Kean University Board of Trustees.
Five-month waiting period from last COVID-19 vaccination applies.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that children ages 5 to 11 are eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot, five months after their previous shot. The booster shots are available at Union County’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Roselle and Plainfield and are free of charge.
“The Commissioner Board has been working diligently since the beginning of the outbreak to provide our residents with safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are available, regardless of income or health insurance. Please protect yourself, your loved ones and our community, and get vaccinated,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
Booster shots for ages 5 to 11 are available at the following Union County vaccination clinics:
Roselle: Thursdays at the Warinanco Sports Center at One Park Drive, in Warinanco Park from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Plainfield: Saturday mornings at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Walk-ups for booster shots for ages 5-11 are welcome at both sites but appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment create an account or log into an existing account through Union County’s vaccination portal, ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call 908-613-7829.
COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for other age groups are currently available at the following Union County clinics as follows:
Downs Hall at Kean University in Union
Fridays 3pm to 7pm
Moderna, J & J, Pfizer (Ages 12 and up); No pediatric Pfizer
Pfizer only (ages 5 and up) Pfizer boosters available (ages 5 and up)
No other vaccines offered
Plainfield High School in Plainfield
Saturdays 9am to 11am
All Vaccines, including Pediatric Pfizer offered.
Boosters available.
Union County’s mobile vaccination clinics will also be visiting various locations throughout the summer. The schedule for June includes Union, Linden, Elizabeth and Plainfield. Additional locations will be announced soon. For details and schedule updates visit ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page.
All COVID-19 vaccines are available at the mobile clinics.
Union County is also continuing to offer free COVID-19 testing at various locations. For details about the testing program visit ucnj.org/covid19/testing/covid19testing.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, June 9, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).
Check below and see if your Town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control: 908-654-9873
Cities
Berkeley Heights – Emerson La., Beechwood La., Water La., Appletree Row, Cedar La., Janet La.
Clark – Featherbed La., Oakridge Rd. (Town pool area)
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that United States Navy Veteran W. Geoff Smith has been appointed as Coordinator for the Union County Office of Veterans Services.
“We appreciate our veterans, our active duty members of the Armed Services, and their families, and we are committed to reaching out, communicating, listening, and understanding. Geoff and his staff are there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs assistance in navigating the complex system of military benefits and programs,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
The Office of Veterans Services is staffed by Veteran Service Officers, who are accredited by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to providing one-on-one assistance, the Office of Veterans Services conducts outreach and community programs, including Union County’s annual donation of American flags, which are placed on thousands of military graves in cemeteries across the County each Memorial Day by local veterans’ organizations and members of the Commissioner Board.
Upcoming events include a golf clinic for veterans with disabilities, to be held at The Learning Center at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth on Saturday, September 10. In association with the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, the clinic assists in rehabilitation and well-being through the medium of golf and related activities.
The Office of Veterans Services also coordinates the Commissioner Board’s designated parking space program for veterans. Designated spaces are located at the Administration Building in Elizabeth, the Colleen Frasier Building in Westfield, Rahway River Park in Rahway, Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains, Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park in Roselle, the Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, and the 9-11 Memorial at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
To contact the Office of Veterans Services call 908-527-4918 during weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org.
More details about the Office are available online at ucnj.org/veterans.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the third annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
“The raising of the Juneteenth flag gives us the opportunity to educate the public about the history, power, resilience, and unbroken spirit of Black Americans over the course of the month of June,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I have a strong connection to Juneteenth, as my dad was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, and much of my family still lives there. I am thankful to be a part of Union County, where we continue to commemorate and honor this very special date in history.”
The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.
Juneteenth is among the longest-running celebrations of emancipation in the United States, though its place in popular culture was obscured by segregationist policies during the 20th century. As recently as last year, interest in Juneteenth has surged as a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their foundational role in the nation’s history from the arrival of the first slave ship from Africa in America in 1619, up to the present day.
“All are welcome to join Union County’s annual program on Juneteenth, and to participate in the observance of the federal holiday,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “As a County and as a nation, we all can celebrate African American culture, while recognizing the need to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for a more just society that upholds liberty and justice.”
At the Union County flag raising, there will be solos by Adrienne Sykes, Twanda Porterfield-Muslim and Rhyan Brown of the NJ Orators, will read the General Order No. 3, which was announced by Union General Gordon Granger and his troops after they traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce this order on June 19th, 1865, which now went on to be celebrated as Juneteenth. The people were informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.
Rhyan Brown is a 15-year-old rising junior, who attends Kent Place School in Summit. In additional to participating in various activities at school, Rhyan joined the Plainfield Chapter of the New Jersey Orators when she was just seven years old. To date, she has earned several Medals of Excellence at their winter and spring orators’ competitions.
“In every culture and every community, people gather to celebrate the good things about their lives and backgrounds,” said Commissioner James Baker. “For me, and many in this community, Juneteenth is one of those celebrations. This is a great month to come together as brothers and sisters, celebrate our diversity, and learn to appreciate and respect how far we have come and the history behind Juneteenth.”
In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Union County is co-sponsoring several local events in celebration of Juneteenth. Later that evening at 7:00 p.m., there will be a live concert at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, featuring a performance by The Purple Madness, a Prince experience, with Bobby Miller. This concert is free for all.
For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, contact James Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board at jpellettiere@ucnj.org or 908-527-4140.
In celebration of Pride Month 2022, Union County residents of all ages are invited to attend the 2022 SAGE Table LGBTQ Community Lunch, a free intergenerational event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with SAGE and the City of Plainfield. The event will take place on Sunday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, located at 724 Park Avenue in Plainfield.
Attendance is free of charge but pre-registration is required online through the Union County Office of LGBTQ affairs, at ucnj.org/lgbtq.
“The Community Lunch is a welcoming, joyous event that engages young and old alike to combine their unique energy and their personal stories to inspire, empower, and build new community connections,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
“Sharing a meal is a time-honored way to relax and enjoy new companions in a social setting, and we are very proud to partner with SAGE and the City of Plainfield in this event,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, the Commissioner Board liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.
The Union County event is part of a program under the national SAGE organization, designed to draw the community closer together to share their story and a meal.
The program started in 2017 as a way to fighting isolation in the LGBTQ+ community through the power of intergenerational connections.
Poet Nourish Cruz will be the featured guest at the Union County SAGE Table LGBTQ Community Lunch, to offer stories through poetry and welcome attendees to share their experiences.
Attendees are welcome to share their stories in any way they choose. They can speak extemporaneously, read entries from a journal, or share short stories and poems of their own composition or written by others. All ages are encouraged to share and participate.
Nourish Cruz is an author and LGBTQIA and diversity advocate. Poetry samples are available online at vocal.media/authors/nourish-cruz.
SAGE is a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ elders, building welcoming communities and keeping LGBTQ+ issues in the national conversation since 1978. More information is available at sageusa.org.
To connect with the Union County Office for LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/lgbtq online or contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at dnewbury@ucnj.org or 908 527-4742.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that United States Navy Veteran W. Geoff Smith has been appointed as Coordinator for the Union County Office of Veterans Services.
In celebration of Pride Month 2022, Union County residents of all ages are invited to attend the 2022 SAGE Table LGBTQ Community Lunch, a free intergenerational event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with SAGE and the City of Plainfield. The event will take place on Sunday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, located at 724 Park Avenue in Plainfield.