Cranford Calendar
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations in Union County to attend a free workshop on compliance with accessibility and inclusion guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The workshop, titled “Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA,” will take place on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, Roselle.
The workshop is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. It is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations may also attend.
“The ADA was a landmark piece of legislation when it was signed into law in 1990, and there are still many opportunities to make progress on its mandate for inclusion and accessibility,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to offer this educational resource to our grant awardees and other non-profits.”
“Inclusivity, Accessibility, and the ADA” features a panel discussion including:
- Robert Carr, former Director of Programs and Services/ADA Coordinator for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance
- Sean Dineen, Chairman of the Union County Board on the Disables and Doctor of Letters in Counterinsurgency and Disability Inclusion, Drew University 2017
- Kevin Illing, Chairman of the Union County Paratransit System Board
The event is free but online pre-registration is required through the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
For more information about the event call 908-558-2550.
The emergency drive-up and walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 originally scheduled for Saturday, December 5th, has been rescheduled due to weather concerns. The distribution will now be held Sunday, December 6, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Warinanco Park, located in Roselle. The distribution will take place at the Skating Rink located within the park and residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.
The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.
The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce.
“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This combination drive-up and walk-up distribution allow those in Union County to pick up food even if they don’t have access to a car.”
“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues, and food insecurity, we continue to work to provide everyone with support,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market for their partnership in this effort.”
Residents wishing to pick up food can arrive in a vehicle or walk-up to the distribution site.
Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up.
This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise, masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.
Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.
For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.
To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit https://www.
To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit http://www.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present “Concert in the Park,” a free musical celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring the Hector Morales Salsa Band on Saturday, October 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. outdoors at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.
The first 150 participants will receive a free food voucher for use at the concert.
The free concert caps a month of Hispanic Heritage Month activities sponsored by the Commissioner Board, including the raising of the County’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage flag at the County Courthouse in Elizabeth, a family movie night double feature at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, a family fun day at Rahway River Park in Rahway, and a countywide virtual art exhibit.
“The Commissioner Board is proud to support Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage people from all walks of life to unite in the enjoyment of cultural events, in recognition of the leading role of the Hispanic community throughout Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
“It is fitting to conclude our series of Hispanic Heritage Month in Union County with music, the great uniter of people all over the world,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “I am proud to be one of almost 200,000 Hispanic residents that make Union County a wonderful place to live, and I welcome this opportunity to share Hispanic culture throughout the community.”
“As a Cuban-American woman, I am proud to work with my colleagues on the Commissioner Board to help foster appreciation for the diverse cultures that contribute so much to the Union County community,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We are all looking forward to a wonderful event.”
In addition to showcasing the Hector Morales Salsa Band, Concert in the Park will feature an awards ceremony recognizing the contributions of three outstanding members of the Hispanic community in Union County: George A. Castro II, owner of the Premier Homes real estate firm in Roselle Park; Juanita Vargas, Vice President of Programs and Operations at United Way of Greater Union County; and Union County Undersheriff Amilcar “Mickey” Colon.
Food trucks will be on-site and residents are welcome to bring their own picnic.
Union County residents seeking to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus can use Union County’s free vaccination service, available at the site from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. COVID-19 tests will also be available free of charge to Union County residents.