County of Union, New Jersey

Bilingual Poll Workers Needed in Union County

The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.

“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.

For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

spanish-releases

EL CONDADO DE UNION INICIA LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE LA NUEVA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE ROSELLE PROYECTO DE RENOVACIÓN Y AMPLIACIÓN

Esta tarde, el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados, junto con el Presidente del Senado, Nicholas P. Scutari, el Senador Joseph Cryan, el Asambleísta Reginald Atkins, la Presidenta de la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca Pública de Roselle, Georgette Bradshaw, y el Alcalde de Roselle, Donald Shaw, hablaron en la ceremonia inaugural del Proyecto de renovación y ampliación de la Biblioteca Pública de Roselle. También asistieron los Comisionados del Condado de Union, miembros de la Autoridad de Mejoras del Condado de Union, miembros de la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca Pública de Roselle y miembros del Consejo de Roselle.

Las bibliotecas no son solo para proporcionar libros; tienen que ver con el acceso a la información, la comunidad, los espacios públicos, los centros de trabajo, la fuerza laboral, el aprendizaje y la alfabetización, y las oportunidades de crecimiento personal y profesional”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados. “Me gustaría agradecer a la Autoridad de Mejoras del Condado de Union, al Estado de Nueva Jersey y al Municipio de Roselle por trabajar en colaboración con el Condado de Union en este proyecto. Es a través de nuestra sólida asociación que podemos crear un lugar que servirá como un centro para que los residentes y vecinos de Roselle se reúnan y aprendan, exploren o interactúen entre sí. Tengo muchas ganas de ver el proyecto terminado”.

La Biblioteca Pública de Roselle anunció sus planes para un importante proyecto de renovación y expansión para actualizar su edificio de casi 90 años y atender mejor las crecientes necesidades de la comunidad. Con una mayor demanda de servicios bibliotecarios, el edificio actual está más allá de su capacidad debido al espacio limitado y al diseño obsoleto.

Los fondos para este proyecto de $16 millones provienen de una subvención de la biblioteca estatal de $5.5 millones; $6.5 millones de los fondos de Bonos del Municipio de Roselle y $4 millones de los Fondos Legislativos del Estado, que se otorgaron al Condado de Union, que luego se otorgaron al Municipio de Roselle para este proyecto.

“Siempre estamos buscando formas de ayudar a nuestros municipios en todo el estado y, por supuesto, aquí en el Condado de Union. Para ayudar a compensar los problemas de la cadena de suministro, trabajando con la UCIA, pudimos obtener $4 millones de dólares en subvenciones, y estoy muy orgulloso de poder contribuir con esta importante inversión en el futuro de Roselle”, dijo el Presidente del Senado, Nicholas P. Scutari. “Esta biblioteca es una muestra de nuestro compromiso de trabajar con esta Administración y Ayuntamiento; con el espíritu de colaboración, podemos lograr grandes cosas para nuestros residentes sin costo adicional para los contribuyentes”.

Los planes propuestos exigen una adición de 15,400 pies cuadrados, así como la renovación del edificio existente, incorporando servicios de biblioteca tradicionales con tecnología, infraestructura y recursos modernos. Esto permitirá que la Biblioteca Pública de Roselle brinde programación, recursos y servicios bibliotecarios que garantizarán el bienestar y el éxito de la comunidad durante muchos años. La adición también incluye una nueva sección de Servicios para Jóvenes que abarca zonas para adolescentes y niños, con una sala de programas y pequeñas salas de estudio en el segundo piso recién construido. La adición del primer piso contiene una entrada principal accesible, tecnología ampliada, colecciones para adultos y áreas de reunión flexibles y salas de usos múltiples. Hay un ala separada con salas de programas. Estas áreas brindan más libertad para expandir la sólida programación comunitaria de la biblioteca, que abarca desde alfabetización temprana hasta clases de computación para adultos mayores.

“Este proyecto es un testimonio de la importancia de las bibliotecas públicas y su papel en el fomento de la participación, la educación y el crecimiento de la comunidad”, dijo el Senador Joseph Cryan, Distrito Legislativo 20. “La Biblioteca Pública de Roselle ha sido durante mucho tiempo una institución atesorada, y esta expansión garantizará que continúe sirviendo como un recurso vital para las generaciones venideras”.

El proyecto de biblioteca propuesto es rentable y sus elementos de diseño aspiran a cumplir con las certificaciones LEED y crear un entorno sostenible y fácil de usar que respalde un uso de energía más eficiente. Al incorporar una infraestructura adaptable, el edificio también tiene la flexibilidad inherente para satisfacer las futuras necesidades tecnológicas.

“Esta biblioteca representa una visión progresista para el municipio de Roselle y estoy muy contento de que el alcalde y su administración, el consejo municipal, la autoridad de mejoras del Condado y nuestros socios en el gobierno estatal hayan podido ayudar a que esa visión se haga realidad. ”, dijo el asambleísta Reginald Atkins del Distrito Legislativo 20.

“Este fue un gran día para Roselle. Así es como se ve el progreso. La prueba está aquí con nuestros gobiernos estatales, del condado y locales que se unieron para impulsar este proyecto”, dijo el alcalde de Roselle, Donald Shaw. “Este proyecto es la realización del tremendo potencial de Roselle, la realización de lo que todos somos capaces de hacer cuando nos unimos. Este es un buen gobierno en el trabajo y estoy muy orgulloso de vivir en un municipio que se centra en el progreso y se centra en la comunidad”.

“La Biblioteca Roselle se esfuerza por informar, educar, enriquecer, entretener y empoderar a nuestra comunidad al brindar acceso a una amplia y diversa variedad de información, actividades y servicios”, dijo Georgette Bradshaw, Presidenta de la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca Pública de Roselle. “Esta expansión y renovación duplicará con creces el tamaño de la biblioteca. Qué testimonio para el gobierno de nuestro condado, la UCIA, el gobierno municipal y la Legislatura estatal que, en un momento en que las bibliotecas de todo el país están siendo atacadas por el recorte de fondos o la limitación de sus ofertas, aquí en el condado de Union nos estamos expandiendo. Gracias en nombre de la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca Pública de Roselle”.

Este proyecto fue encargado para ser diseñado y construido por los profesionales que trabajan para la Autoridad de Mejoras del Condado de Union y está respaldado por fondos recaudados por el Municipio de Roselle, Condado de Union y de la Ley de Bonos de Construcción de Nueva Jersey, administrados por la Biblioteca Estatal de Nueva Jersey. .

La Biblioteca Roselle está ubicada en 104 West 4th Avenue en Roselle, NJ. Para obtener más información, llame a la Autoridad de Mejoras del Condado de Union al 908-527-4250.

spanish-releases

SE NECESITAN TRABAJADORES ELECTORALES BILINGÜES EN EL CONDADO DE UNION

La Junta Electoral del Condado de Union busca trabajadores electorales bilingües para el Día de las Elecciones Primarias el martes 6 de junio de 2023 y el Día de las Elecciones Generales el martes 7 de noviembre de 2023. Además de recibir un estipendio de $300.00 por el día, los trabajadores electorales realizan una valioso servicio cívico al ayudar a garantizar que todos los votantes elegibles puedan ejercer su derecho al voto el día de las elecciones.

“Los trabajadores electorales bilingües son especialmente útiles en nuestra comunidad, por lo que alentamos a todos los que hablan un segundo idioma, específicamente español, a participar en este importante servicio cívico”, dijo la Administradora de la Junta Electoral, Nicole DiRado.

Cualquier residente del Condado de Union que tenga 18 años o más y esté registrado para votar en el Condado de Union puede calificar para convertirse en un trabajador electoral.

No se necesita experiencia. Antes del día de las elecciones, cada nuevo trabajador electoral debe asistir a un curso de capacitación en persona.

Se recomienda a las personas interesadas en convertirse en trabajadores electorales que presenten su solicitud ahora para reservar un lugar.

Para obtener más información y obtener un formulario de solicitud, visite la página de recursos para trabajadores electorales en la página de la Junta Electoral, ucnj.org/pollworker

Para solicitar un formulario de solicitud por correo, llame a la Junta Electoral al 908-527-4236 o envíe un correo electrónico a pollworker@ucnj.org.

Para obtener toda la información de la Junta Electoral del Condado de Union, visite en línea a ucnj.org/boe

Public Info

Union County to Host Sip Your Way to Financial Success Event

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce a special event for women looking to take charge of their financial futures, titled: Sip Your Way to Financial Success.

“The Sip Your Way to Financial Success event will provide a fun and informative setting for women to learn about financial planning and wealth management. We hope this event will empower and inspire women to take charge of their financial lives,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is a remarkable opportunity for attendees to network with other women in Union County, share laughs and learn about the information they need to make great economic decisions.”

The financial readiness workshop is being presented by margFINANCIAL and Securian Financial. Residents are invited to attend the event, enjoy a bite to eat and sample great wines, while mingling with other remarkable women.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of information about how to strategically manage your finances,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This event is designed to make women feel comfortable and build their confidence about their finances. Participants will have the opportunity to meet other women of all backgrounds in order to grow their networks. I encourage women to come, invite a friend and register today.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hill Tavern, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth, NJ.

Participants must be 21 and over to attend. Tickets are $20.00 and guests should purchase and register at www.ucnj.org/women. Space is limited.

Public Info

Union County Breaks Ground on New Roselle Public Library Renovation & Expansion Project

Earlier this afternoon, Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, along with Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees President Georgette Bradshaw and Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Roselle Public Library’s renovation and expansion project. Also in attendance were Union County Commissioners, members of the Union County Improvement Authority, members of the Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees and Roselle Council Members.

“Libraries are not just about providing books; they are about access to information, community, public spaces, workforce job centers, learning and literacy, and opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank the Union County Improvement Authority, the State of New Jersey, and the Borough of Roselle for working collaboratively with the County of Union on this project. It is through our strong partnership that we are able to create a place that will serve as a hub for Roselle residents and neighbors to come together and learn, explore or engage with each other. I am looking forward to seeing the completed project.”

The Roselle Public Library announced its plans for a major renovation and expansion project to update its almost 90-year-old building and better serve the community’s growing needs. With increased demand for library services, the current building is beyond its capacity due to limited space and outdated design.

The funding for this $16 million project comes from a $5.5 million State Library Grant; $6.5 million from the Borough of Roselle Bond funds and $4 million from the State Legislative Funds, which were awarded to the County of Union, which was then awarded to the Borough of Roselle for this project.

“We are always looking for ways we can help our municipalities across the state and, of course, here in Union County. To help offset supply chain issues, working with the UCIA, we were able to secure $4 million dollars in grant funding – and I am so proud that we could contribute this significant investment in Roselle’s future,” said Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari. “This library is a sign of our commitment to working with this Administration and Borough Council; in the spirit of collaboration, we are able to achieve great things for our residents at no additional expense to taxpayers.”

The proposed plans call for a 15,400 square foot addition, as well renovation of the existing building, incorporating traditional library services with modern technology, infrastructure, and resources. This will enable the Roselle Public Library to provide programming, resources, and library services that will ensure the well-being and success of the community for many years to come. The addition also includes a new Youth Services section encompassing both teen and children’s zones, with a program room and small study rooms on the newly built second floor. The first floor addition contains an accessible main entrance, expanded technology, adult collections, and flexible meeting areas and multipurpose rooms. There is a separate wing with program rooms. These areas provide more latitude to expand the library’s strong community programming, which ranges from early literacy to senior computer classes.

“This project is a testament to the importance of public libraries and their role in fostering community engagement, education, and growth,” said Senator Joseph Cryan, 20th Legislative District. “The Roselle Public Library has long been a treasured institution, and this expansion will ensure that it continues to serve as a vital resource for generations to come.”

The proposed library project is cost-effective and its design elements aspire to meet LEED certifications and create a sustainable, user-friendly environment that supports more efficient energy use. By incorporating adaptable infrastructure, the building also has the inherent flexibility to meet future technology needs.

“This library represents a forward-thinking vision for the Borough of Roselle and I’m so glad the Mayor and his administration, the Borough Council, County Improvement Authority, and our partners in the State Government were able to help see that vision to fruition,” said Assemblyman Reginald Atkins of the 20^th Legislative District.

“This was a great day for Roselle. This is what progress looks like. The proof is here with our State, County, and local governments who joined together to push this project forward,” said Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw. “This project is a fulfillment of Roselle’s tremendous potential, the fulfillment of what we are all capable of when we come together. This is good government at work and I’m so proud to live in a Borough that is focused on progress and focused on community.”

“The Roselle Library strives to inform, educate, enrich, entertain and empower our community by providing access to a vast and diverse array of information, activities and services,” said Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees President Georgette Bradshaw. “This expansion and renovation will more than double the size of the library. What a testament to our county government, the UCIA, the Borough government and the State Legislature that when at a time when libraries around the nation are under attack by having their funding cut or their offerings limited, here in Union County we’re expanding. Thank you on behalf of the Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees.”

This project was entrusted to be designed and built by the professionals working for the Union County Improvement Authority and is supported by funds raised by the Borough of Roselle, County of Union and from the New Jersey Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.

The Roselle Library is located at 104 West 4^th Avenue in Roselle, NJ. For more information, please call the Union County Improvement Authority at 908-527-4250.

spanish-releases

EL Condado de Union Proporciona Asistencia Bilingue para Personas Mayores en Busca de Servicios en Mayo

– La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a las personas mayores y a sus cuidadores a asistir a los eventos comunitarios ASK del Condado de Union en mayo, y reunirse en persona con personal profesional para obtener orientación experta sobre programas y recursos para personas mayores. También se proporciona ayuda para completar formularios.

Personal bilingüe estará presente en todos estos eventos para ofrecer asistencia en español.

“El programa ASK lleva a nuestro personal capacitado a las bibliotecas y centros comunitarios locales, para facilitar que las personas mayores, los miembros de la familia y los cuidadores se enteren de los recursos y programas en el Condado de Union. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre los servicios para personas mayores, venga a un evento de ASK cerca de usted”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados.

ASK son las siglas de Aging Services Kiosk, un programa del Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Union a través de la División de Recursos para Personas Mayores y Discapacitadas, que atiende a personas mayores de 60 años y sus cuidadores.

El programa ASK brinda a los residentes del Condado de Union una forma amigable y conveniente de obtener información sobre programas y servicios útiles para personas mayores y cuidadores. El programa trae personal profesional de la División sobre el Envejecimiento a las bibliotecas públicas locales y otros centros comunitarios.

El personal de los eventos ASK puede ayudar a las personas mayores y a los cuidadores a conectarse con una variedad de servicios que incluyen comidas a domicilio, atención de relevo, atención domiciliaria, atención diurna para adultos y servicios de apoyo para los cuidadores.

Cualquier adulto mayor o cuidador que resida en el Condado de Union puede visitar cualquier evento de ASK, independientemente dela ciudad donde resida.

No es necesario cita previa ni inscripción previa. Cinco eventos ASK se llevarán a cabo en el mes de mayo:

Jueves, 4 de mayo

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Lunes, 8 de mayo

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Miércoles, 10 de mayo

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, 07027

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Miércoles, 17 de mayo

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunes, 22 de mayo

Plainfield Public Library

800 Park Avenue

Plainfield, 07060

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Comuníquese con la Conexión de Recursos de la División sobre el Envejecimiento y la Discapacidad para obtener información sobre los próximos eventos ASK y cualquier otro servicio para personas mayores en el Condado de Union. Llame gratis al 1-888-280-8226 o visite en línea en ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

El objetivo de la Conexión de Recursos de la División sobre el Envejecimiento y la Discapacidad es promover el bienestar, la independencia, la dignidad y la elección de las personas mayores y sus familias, de acuerdo con una iniciativa estatal adoptada por el Condado de Union en 2012. La División es una de las 622 Agencias del Área sobre el Envejecimiento establecido en todo el país bajo la Ley Federal de Estadounidenses de Edad Avanzada.

spanish-releases

EL CONDADO DE UNION SERÁ ANFITRIÓN DEL EVENTO DE VINO, MUJERES Y RIQUEZA

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union desea anunciar un evento especial para mujeres que buscan hacerse cargo de su futuro financiero, titulado: Vino, Mujeres y Riqueza.

“El evento Vino, Mujeres y Riqueza brindará un entorno divertido e informativo para que las mujeres aprendan sobre la planificación financiera y la gestión de patrimonio. Esperamos que este evento empodere e inspire a las mujeres a hacerse cargo de sus vidas financieras”, dijo el Comisionado Presidente Sergio Granados. “Esta es una oportunidad extraordinaria para que los asistentes se relacionen con otras mujeres en el Condado de Union, compartan risas y aprendan sobre la información que necesitan para tomar grandes decisiones económicas”.

El taller de preparación financiera está siendo presentado por margFINANCIAL y Securian Financial. Los residentes están invitados a asistir al evento, disfrutar de un bocado y degustar excelentes vinos, mientras se mezclan con otras mujeres notables.

“Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a nosotros para una noche de información sobre cómo administrar estratégicamente sus finanzas”, dijo la Comisionada Vicepresidenta Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Este evento está diseñado para que las mujeres se sientan cómodas y desarrollen su confianza sobre sus finanzas. Las participantes tendrán la oportunidad de conocer a otras mujeres de todos los orígenes para hacer crecer sus redes. Animo a las mujeres a que vengan, inviten a una amiga y se registren hoy”.

El evento se realizará el miércoles 10 de mayo de 2023 a partir de las 6:00 p.m. hasta las 8:30 en Hill Tavern, ubicado en 3 Golf Drive en Kenilworth, NJ.

Los participantes deben tener 21 años o más para asistir. Los boletos cuestan $ 20.00 y los invitados deben comprar y registrarse en www.ucnj.org/women. El espacio es limitado.

Para más información, visite www.ucnj.org/women.

Public Info

Union County Provides Bilingual Assistance for Seniors Seeking Services in May

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. Five ASK events will be held in May:

Thursday, May 4th

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, May 8th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, May 10th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, 07027

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, May 17th

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 PM – 2:00 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Public Info

Explore Union County’s Wild Earth Fest at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, April 30

This free event will be held indoors due to expected rain.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors of all ages to meet live animals, enjoy fun outdoor activities, celebrate wildlife and learn about environmental conservation at Wild Earth Fest, hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center on Sunday, April 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Trailside is located in Union County’s scenic Watchung Reservation nature preserve, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“Wild Earth Fest raises awareness about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship here in the Union County community and globally, too,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is a unique event that combines fun activities with new opportunities to learn and interact with our natural surroundings.”

Admission to Wild Earth Fest is $5.00 per person seven years and older. Children six years old and younger are free. No pre-registration is required.

Wild Earth Fest 2023 features ongoing activities, crafts and displays throughout the event, highlighted by a sea creature touch tank from Jenkinson’s Aquarium, a petting zoo from Swift Farms, live music by the group Acoustic NRG, an event-wide exhibit of Trash to Treasure Recycled Art, Trailside’s outreach van with a touch table and giveaways, and an obstacle course from Child’s Play Challenge Courses with “course crusher” challenges for all ages.

New this year, Wild Earth Fest also welcomes an electric vehicle display from the nonprofit organization New Jersey Electrical Vehicle Association. Members of the group will be on site to share their EV experiences and answer any questions.

A rock wall climb, a giant inflatable slide, and an Earth Day Play area with skee-ball, hoops, volleyball and other games made from ordinary recyclable items are among the other activities.

Wild Earth Fest also includes a schedule of special presentations:

Unique Creatures (11:30 a.m.): Learn about some of the most interesting animals from all over the world and meet live reptiles, mammals, birds and insects up close.
Kids in Motion (12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.): Join DJ Jo Jo Russell in a fun and active musical adventure.
Water Magic (1:30 p.m.): Join Science Magician Mr. Fish for “a fun and engaging magic show centered around water and water conservation at 1:30 p.m.
Skyhunters in Flight (12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.): Meet live birds of prey, learn about the sport of falconry, and see an aw-inspiring flight display courtesy of Falconer Brian Bradley and his amazing birds.
Trashaganza (2:00 p.m.): Enjoy a performance with musical instruments made from recycled materials, try your hand at making instruments, and join the Trashaganza Musical Parade through Wild Earth Fest. Trashaganze is sponsored by Union County Clean Communities to raise awareness about the importance of Reuse, Recycle, Reduce.

Vendors and exhibitors include the New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association, Toadshade Wildflower Farm, Friends of the Great Swamp, Native Plant Society of NJ, Labo Refillery, Oats & Soaks, Lee’s Bees, Planet B, Union County Master Gardeners, 4-H Master Tree Stewards, the NJ Mycological Society and more.

Green-themed art and gifts will also be available for purchase as well as food and snacks.

For more information about Wild Earth Fest and other upcoming programs and events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information about all recreation, arts, and cultural programs and activities visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Public Info

Union County Offers Free, Secure Shredding for Personal Documents, April 22

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to the next free paper shredding event, taking place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield. The event will take place in the Arlington Avenue Parking lot, rain or shine.

“We bring our mobile paper shredding events to different sites around the county, to help ensure that residents have convenient access to a way to securely dispose of their sensitive documents. Our free paper shredding service helps to prevent fraud and identity theft, and we also recycle the shredded paper to help conserve valuable resources,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County’s free shredding events take place each year from March to November, bringing a mobile paper shredding truck to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident can bring their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events, regardless of their home town.

Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity. All events are rain or shine.

The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. 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. Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.

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.

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