County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a full slate of free outdoor movies, music and fun for the whole family in Union County parks this summer. The events continue throughout July and August with the Summer Arts concert series beginning on July 6 and the Family Flix movie series beginning on July 12.

“We are all excited to welcome everyone to enjoy the Union County tradition of outdoor entertainment and family activities in our beautiful parks this summer. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the outdoors in a community setting with friends, family and neighbors,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

All Summer Arts concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free yoga session welcoming to all, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.

The series will take place in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside each Wednesday throughout July, including:

• July 6: Pure McCartney — a six-piece tribute band from New Jersey that takes pride in all of the detail behind Paul McCartney’s music, including meticulous recreations of his work in Wings and The Beatles, as well as his solo recordings.
• July 13: Rhyme & Reason — a loving a tribute to the music of the Dave Matthews Band, “formed by fans, for the fans.”
• July 20: Rob Paparozzi’s Juke Joint — this versatile New Jersey-based performer has collaborated in blues, rock, jazz, pop and country with the leading lights of music in America including B.B.King, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper and Dolly Parton among others.
• July 27: Black Dog — a proud tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin including the masterpieces “Dazed and Confused,” and “Stairway to Heaven,” along with hidden gems on B-sides, and the intimate acoustic tones of “Going to California,” “Friends,” and “That’s the Way.”

In August, the Summer Arts series moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark each Wednesday for three more shows:

• August 3: We May Be Right — this powerhouse ensemble delivers an electrifying performance for audiences of all ages as they authentically re-create the music of one the greatest rock and roll keyboardists, “Piano Man” Billy Joel.
• August 10: Dead On Live — A note-for-note celebration that recreates important and beloved periods in the Grateful Dead’s long and illustrious, and stylistically diverse career, with plenty of jamming and improve in keeping with Grateful Dead spirit.
• August 17: Pink Floyd USA Experience — This riveting performance draws from five iconic albums — Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall — with award winning light, laser and multimedia effects.

Union County’s beloved Family Fun & Flix series will take place each Tuesday evening in July and August at Warinanco Park in Roselle. Family fun activities for each event begin at 7:30 with a kids’ dance party, and the movies will unspool at dusk.

The Family Fun & Flix series includes the all-time favorites:

• July 12 – Encanto
• July 19 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
• July 26 – Soul
• August 9 – Sing 2

Family Fun & Flix will also include a screening of Luca in August (date and location to be determined).

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

SITE IS MORE INTERACTIVE, USER FRIENDLY AND INFORMATIVE

The Union County Department of Human Services announced today that the Division on Aging/ADRC has launched its redesigned website offering the public a streamlined site that is easier to use, with simpler navigation, new content, and interactive features. The website address is https://ucnj.org/dhs/aging/.

Among the many useful items the redesigned website features:

• A more intuitive, user friendly redesign with a new look and feel
• A streamlined menu bar that simplifies navigation
• Interactive abilities allowing documents to be downloaded or saved onto desktops
• Easy to read information boxes and program breakdowns

“The new site improved its navigation to easily connect visitors to any information they need under the Division of Aging,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “These changes make this section of the website much more accessible and easy to read on both a computer and mobile devices, so guests no longer have to search layers of links to find what they are looking for.”

“We incorporated more prominent tabs to simplify navigating the site, giving residents the option to save time and assist in expediting their questions or visit to our sites,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “The page will continue to be updated regularly with the most up-to-date information.”

“The Division on Aging recognizes the changing landscape and the need to access information quickly, easily, and accurately. We hope this new design and information-sharing platform reaches all of those individuals looking for assistance and ultimately discovering who we are and how we can help, and our dedicated, professional staff remain available to answer your calls,” said Natalie Zarrillo, Executive Director, Division on Aging.

The Union County Division on Aging is one of the State’s 21 designated Area Agency on Aging, tasked with connecting State, County and local government communities and residents through advocacy and innovation. It is the recognized lead agency for ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Connection), the statewide system that coordinates access to services, care management and support services for older adults and the disabled.

The office is responsible for leading the charge in providing information, referral and assistance to older adults, their caregivers, provider agencies and the general public who are in need of services and supports in Union County.

The Mission of the Union County Division on Aging is to provide and assist in the provision of services to older adults and caregivers of older adults in Union County, in order to improve the quality of their lives, such as:

• Promoting awareness of services available
• Addressing the changing needs and concerns as the population becomes more diverse
• Maximizing the use of resources in order to serve the older adults of Union County with equity
• Planning for future demographic changes as the older adult population grows at an unprecedented rate

To view the new website or for more information on any programs or services offered by the Division of Aging/ADRC please visit https://ucnj.org/dhs/aging/ or call 908-527-4870.

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Union County residents are advised that Union County’s free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at Downs Hall on the Kean University campus will close at the end of June. The testing and vaccination services will continue at other locations around the County.

“Kean University has been a steadfast partner since the earliest days of the outbreak more than two years ago, and we continue to work together on pandemic response and preparedness,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We encourage everyone who needs a free COVID-19 test or vaccine to visit our other locations.”

The last day for COVID-19 testing at Downs Hall will be Monday, June 27, 7:00am-12:00pm.  Testing will continue to be offered at the Union County clinic in the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

The last day for vaccinations at Downs Hall will be Friday, June 24, 3:00pm-7:00pm.  Vaccinations will continue to be offered at the Warinanco Sports Center and at the Union County clinic at Plainfield High School, in Plainfield.

Home-bound residents can make an appointment to be vaccinated at home by calling the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours.

In addition, the Union County mobile vaccination and testing clinics will continue to visit various locations throughout the County.

For more information about Union County’s testing and vaccination services, including locations and hours of operation, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free Union County vaccine program now includes ages 6 month to 5 years.

Union County, NJ – June 23, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program is expanding to accommodate the recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 6 months to 4 years, and the Moderna vaccine for ages 6 months to 5 years.

Children ages 5 to 11 are also eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot, five months after their previous shot.

“The COVID-19 virus is still active, and we encourage everyone in the Union County to protect themselves, and their loved ones, by following the latest guidance on eligibility for vaccines and booster shots,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The following vaccination schedule applies to clinics run by Union County, beginning on June 21:

Tuesdays at Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive in Roselle: Pfizer for ages 6 months to 4 years and Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years old. Please note these are the only vaccines available at this location on Tuesdays. Hours of operation are 8:30am-12:30pm and 3:00pm-7:00pm

Thursdays at Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive in Roselle: Pfizer for ages 5 and up, Moderna for ages 18 and up, and Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up. Please note these are the only vaccines available at this location on Thursdays. Hours of operation are 3:00pm-7:00pm.

Saturdays at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield: all vaccines are available at this location. Hours of operation are from 9:00am-12:00pm. Please note that Pfizer for ages 6 months to 4 years and Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years will be also be available at this clinic, beginning on July 2.

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.

Walk-ups for booster shots for ages 5-11 are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites but appointments are encouraged.

For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics, testing program, and emergency food distribution events for households facing food insecurity during the pandemic, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, June 23, 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

Towns

• Clark – Featherbed Ln.
• Fanwood – LaGrande Ave., South Ave.
• Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., John St.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd (County Yard).
• Linden – Tremley Pt. area
• Plainfield – Jefferson Ave.
• Scotch Plains – Raritan Rd. (Vo-Tech), U.C.DPW yard.
• Springfield – Tree Top Dr., Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., S. Springfield Ave. (St. James Church)
• Union-Audrey Ter., Vaux Hall Rd., Everette Cir., N. Elaine Ter., W. Chestnut St., Morris Ave. (Interlux)
• Winfield – Union County Parkway

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge Pk.
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook Pk. , Green Brook Pk.,
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa Pk.

Free, secure paper shredding events to be held in Scotch Plains & Rahway

Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding events, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next two events will take place during on June 25 in Scotch Plains and on July 7 in Rahway.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we encourage everyone to participate in our 2022 recycling programs,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Each shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks are filled to capacity.

The mobile paper shredding locations are:

• Saturday, June 25: Union County Vo-Tech, West Hall/Police Academy Parking Lot, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
• Thursday, July 7: Rahway River Park, Rahway, parking lot adjacent to Park Service Yard (off St. Georges Avenue)

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

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

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.

For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For more 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County residents with old metal gutters, fencing, or appliances to dispose of can bring these items and more to free scrap metal recycling drop-off sites in July. The scrap metal recycling program is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and takes place twice each month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca Williams. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

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.

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, July 7 and Saturday, July 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two free drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 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.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, August 4 and Saturday, August 20.

Please note that Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free.

Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

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

For more 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.