County of Union, New Jersey

Meet Two Extraordinary Women Who Chronicled the American Revolution in Verse

En celebración del Mes Nacional de la Poesía la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a los amantes de la poesía y entusiastas de la historia Americana a que asistan an “Women Poets of the Revolution / Mujeres Poetas de la Revolución” una conferencia gratis de los trabajos de of Annis Boudinot Stockton y Phillis Wheatl organizado por Dr. Mary McAleer Balkun, Profesora de Inglés en Seton Hall University, el evento se llevaráa a cabo en la Biblioteca de New Providence, situada en 377 Elkwood Avenue en New Providence el martes, 26 de abril a las 6:00 p.m.

Este evento es gratis y presentado por la Oficina de Asustos de Cultura y Patrimonio del Condado de Union. El espacio es limitado y se require inscripción previa, para reservar donde sentarse al ucnj.org/cultural.

“El Mes Nacional de la Poesía es la más grande celebración literaria en el mundo, y estamos muy orgullosos de proporcionar a la comunidad del Condado de Union con una oportunidad de participar y aprender sobre las contribuciones de dos importantes mujeres en la poesía de la history Americana,” dijo la Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams.

Las primeras poetas Americanas Annis Boudinot Stockton y Phillis Wheatley procedían de completamente diferentes entornos, para ofrecer sus puntos de vista únicos como testigos presenciales de la Revolución Americana, durante un período en la historia en que las mujeres como figuras literarias eran invisibles.

Stockton nació en el círculo social de élite privilegiado de Princeton, New Jersey. A diferencia de muchas mujeres de su tiempo, tuvo tanto la oportunidad como la inclinación de dedicarse al arte de escribir. Ela estaba produciendo poesía sofisticada a la edad de 16 años. A la edad de 21 años se casó con el abogado Richard Stockton, un firmante de la Declaración de Independencia. Cuando estalló la Guerra Revolucionaria, Annis Stockton apoyóal Ejército Continental con fondos recaudados de la publicaciónn de su poesía,en los que document episodios clavede la Guerra y conmemoró el liderazgo de George Washington.

Wheatley fue secuestrada de su hogar en Africa y traída a las Colonias como una niña esclava en 1761. A la edad de 14 años era una estudiante consumada de los clásicos Griegos y Romanos, a la vez que la literatura Inglesa, astronomía y geografía. En el 1770 era una poeta aclamada . Cuando su primera colección de poemas fue publicado en 1773, ella fue ona de las dos mujeres en America de tener imprimido un libro de poesía, y fue la primera mujer Negra de tener un libro publicado en America.

Dr. Balkun es una Profesora de Inglés y Directora de la Facultad de Desarrollo de Seton Hall University en South Orange. Ella recibió su Doctorado de New York University, y tiene una Maestría de Seton Hall University y un Bachellor de Jersey City University. Sus logros incluyen el 2017 Premio Steven J. Rosen Mentor Award de la Asociación de Inglés de New Jersey , y la Medalla 2016 Bernard J. McQuaid por Servicio Distinguido de Seton Hall University.

El Mes de la Poesía Nacional es un Proyecto de la Academía de Poetas Americanos.. Desde su comienzo en abril del 1996 el Mes Nacional de la Poesía ha crecido a un evento celebrado por decenas de de millones de lectores, estudiantes , K–12 maestros, bibliotecarios, librerias, curadores de eventos literarios, editoras, familias y poetas cada año, significando la importancia de la poesía en la vida humana a lo largo del mundo. Para más detalles visite poets.org/national-poetry-month.

Las Mujeres Poetas de la Revolución es financiada en parte por un subsidio de la Comisión Histórica de New Jersey, una División de Asuntos de Cultura en el Departamento de Estado. Para más información sobre otros eventos de historia presentados por el Condado de Union, pueden ponerse en contacto con John Prescott, Coordinador del Programa de Historia en la Oficina de Asuntos de Cultura y Patrimonio del Condado de Union al 908-436-2912 o al jprescott@ucnj.org.

La Oficina de Asuntos de Cultura y Patrimonio es parte del Departamento de Parques y Recreación del Condado de Union. Para información sobre programas de la Oficina, visite ucnj.org/cultural, o culturalinfo@ucnj.org, también pueden llamar al 908-558-2550.

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En El Condado De Union Lideramos El Camino Como El Primer Condado En El Estado Con Entrevistas De Servicios Sociales En CáPsulas

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que el Condado de Union se convirtió en el primer condado del estado en proporcionar a los residentes con entrevistas en cápsulas que tienen la capacidad de conducir entrevistas para asistencia pública a través de video conferencia, en una cápsula aislada, a prueba de sonido multifunctional.

Este nuevo servicio es administrado por el Departamento de Servicios Humanos, quien ha recibido fondos de la Ley CARES del Departamento de Estado de Servicios Humanos, División de Desarrollo de Familia.

“El Condado de Union ha sido pionero en adopter y proporcionar la tecnología más actualizada y gracias a fondos federales de la Ley CARES, estamos a la vanguardio en el uso de estos módulos para brindar servicios esenciales, mientras mantenemos seguros a nuestros residentes,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams. “Tuve la oportunidad de hacer un recorrido por estas cápsulas y estoy feliz de ver que estamos satisfaciendo las necesidades de las familias del Condado de Union, de la manera más segura y mejor que Podemos.”

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union incluyendo la Presidenta Rebecca Williams y el Comisionado Sergio Granados, James Baker, Lourdes Leon y Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, tuvieron la oportunidad de hacer un recorrido por las oficinas de Servicio Social para ver estas cápsulas en acción.

“Siendo el primero en el Estado de New Jersey en proporcionar a nuestros residentes y trabajadores sociales con la capacidad de conducir entrevistas para asistencia pública vía video conferencias es un gran logro,” dijo el Comisionado Sergio Granados, enlace con la Junta Asesora de Servicios Humanos. “Estas cápsulas son un enfoque innovador para asistira individuos y familias con los servicios que necesitan, mientras mantienen complete privacidad y discreción y maximizar las medidas de salud pública no solo para nuestros clientes sino también para nuestro personal.”

El Departamento tiene 20 cápsulas para entrevistas, que van desde multiples tamaños incluyendo una sola persona, tamaño familiar y accessible a discapacitados. Al entrar en el modulo los clientes son recibidos por un trabajador social que se encuentra en su propia oficina . El cliente puede ver y hablar con el trabajador social, quien a su vez puede ver al cliente y responderle vía un CISCO DX-80 Monitor usando WEBEX un programa de conferencias. Las cápsulas tienen iluminación LED y todo el aire dentro de la cápsula gira para actualizarse cada 70 a 100 segundos. Como resultado cada nuevo usario, se encontrará con aire fresco cada vez que ingrese a la cápsula.

Mientras estas cápsulas están ubicadas en el edificio de Servicios Socialees, 342 Westminster Avenue en Elizabeth, son completamente móviles para ser usadas en multiples espacios. El Departamento de Servicios Humanos también transferirá cápsulas a su ubicación en Plainfield, situada en 200 West Second Street, para asistir a los residentes en el otro lado del Condado.

El Condado de Union está comenzando la próxima fase de este programa innovador que trabaja con la compañía de inducción auditivo de quejas de ADA para instalar enlances de audición infrarrojas para trasmitir señales de audio de asistencia auditive a las cápsulas accesibles para discapacitados.

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El Condado de Union Anuncia Distribuciones de Alimentos de Emergencia en Abril y Mayo

Dos eventos de Auto-Servicio y uno para Peatones en Elizabeth en las próximas semanas

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union le informa a los residentes de los eventos de distribuciones de alimentos para los residentes del Condado de Union en Abril y Mayo para ayudar a los afectados por la pandemia del COVID-19.

Sábado, 9 de abril, 2022

8:00 a.m. – KEAN University en Union
Auto-Servicio

Sábado, 30 de abril, 2022

10:00 a.m. –Estacionamiento del Elizabeth High School ( frente al 600 Pearl Street) en Elizabeth)
Peatones solamente

Sábado 14 de mayo, 2022

8:00 a.m. – KEAN University en Union
Auto-Servicio

Las distribuciones de alimentos están abiertas a todos los residentes del Condado de Union. Los alimentos son distribuidos por orden de llegada, no se necesita previa inscripción. Estos eventos se llevan a cabo llueva o brille.

“El Condado de Union ha llevado a cabo aproximadamente 80 distribuciones del alimentos desde el comienzo de la pandemia,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca L. Williams. Estamos orgullosos de proporcionar asistencia a más de 35,000 hogares en el Condado de Union mientras continúan teniendo inseguridad alimenticia debido a la pandemia.”

“Más de 16 millones de libras de comida han sido distribuídas por el Condado de Union en los últimos dos años, alrededor de 14 millones de comidas,” expresó el Comisionado Sergio Granados quien sirve como enlace a la Junta Asesora de Servicios Humanos . “Le damos las gracias al Village Super Market y Gargiulo Produce por su continua ayuda.”

Todos los participantes en auto-servicio deben mantenerse en sus carros con las ventanas cerradas. Los alimentos serán depositados en el maletero del vehículo por los voluntarios.

Los residentes que van a recoger comida en el evento del Elizabeth High School deben usar máscaras. También deben traer un carrito para cargar las bolsas de comida.

Al llegar se necesita prueba de dirección y además deben indicar cuantas personas viven en su hogar. Los participantes recibirán una caja de comida de frutas y vegetales, y comida enlatada, que pueden mantener a una familia por varios días.

Para información sobre el Village Super Market, visite: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com, y para el Gargiulo Produce visite: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

Public Info

Union County Commissioner Board Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Union County, NJ – April 8, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners celebrates and commemorates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first African-American woman to be nominated and confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice in the 233-year history of the Court, marking Thursday, April 7^th, as a unique and powerful moment in American history.

The Commissioner Board stated: The nomination and confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is a history-making milestone in the progress our nation has made towards realizing the ideal of equality articulated by our nation’s founders.

The Union County town of Hillside has itself become a symbol of that progress, as demonstrated on Monday, April 4^th, when U.S. Senator Robert Menendez chose Hillside as the first and only site in New Jersey for a press conference in support of Judge Jackson’s nomination.

The nomination and confirmation of Judge Jackson is especially meaningful for those of us in New Jersey, who aspire to serve the public in elected office.

Just two years ago, every County Commissioner, no matter what race or gender, was burdened with the colonial-era title of Freeholder, a continuing symbol of the power of white, male American citizens to own property, including slaves.

The Freeholder title stood for centuries as a discouragement to the public service aspirations of young African-American women and other people of color. Finally, it is no more.

We are proud to represent the people of Union County community as a diverse, majority-woman Commissioner Board, and we are proud that the “NJ Nineteen” group of African-American legislators, who are credited with rallying support for the new title, includes Commissioner Dr. Angela R. Garretson among its members.

And, on this historic occasion, we renew our commitment to the people of Union County, who trust us to continue working in the cause of equal dignity, equal respect, and equal rights for all.

“At last night’s Commissioner’s meeting, I made mention of celebrating one of the most moving and powerful moments in American history — the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “In achieving this position, Judge Jackson is all of us, no matter what ethnicity, skin color, sexual orientation, gender, creed, or ability. She is everyone who builds a vision of their future, from one step to the next.”

“On Monday, I was honored to join with Senator Bob Menendez in my home town of Hillside, along with the Reverend Dr. Christopher Michael Jones and other representatives of the community, to celebrate and support the nomination of Judge Jackson,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “So many people have had to overcome obstacles, and Judge Jackson’s appointment proves that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can do anything or be anything you want to be.”

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Public Info

Union County COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution in April and May

Two drive-thru events in Union and one walk-up event in Elizabeth to provide residents with food in the upcoming weeks

emergency food distribution flyer

Union County, NJ – April 4, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in April and May to aid those affected by COVID-19.

Saturday, April 9, 2022 – Holiday Distribution

8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
Drive-Thru

Saturday, April 30, 2022

10:00 a.m. – Elizabeth High School Parking Lot (across from 600 Pearl Street) in Elizabeth
Walk-Up

Saturday, May 14, 2022

8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
Drive-Thru

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County has held approximately 80 food distributions since the start of the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca L. Williams. We are proud to have provided assistance to nearly 35,000 households within Union County as they continue to deal with food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.”

“Over 16 million pounds of food has been distributed by Union County over the last two years, translating into approximately 14 million meals,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Elizabeth are highly encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

Public Info

Meet Two Extraordinary Women Who Chronicled the American Revolution in Verse

Union County, NJ – April 26, 2022 — In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites poetry lovers and American history enthusiasts to attend “Women Poets of the Revolution,” a free lecture on the works of Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatly hosted by Dr. Mary McAleer Balkun, Professor of English at Seton Hall University, at the New Providence Memorial Library at 377 Elkwood Avenue in New Providence on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m.

The event is presented free of charge by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required to reserve a seat at ucnj.org/cultural.

“National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, and we are very proud to provide the Union County community with an opportunity to participate and learn about the contributions of two important women poets in American history,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The early American poets Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatley came from starkly different backgrounds to offer their own unique, eyewitness perspectives on the American Revolution, during a period in history when women literary figures were all but invisible.

Stockton was born into the privileged, elite social circle of Princeton, New Jersey. Unlike many women of her time, she had both the opportunity and the inclination to apply herself to the art of writing. She was producing sophisticated poetry by age 16. At age 21 she married the lawyer Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Annis Stockton supported the Continental Army with funds raised from publishing her poetry, in which she documented key episodes in the war and memorialized the leadership of George Washington.

Wheatley was kidnapped from her home in Africa and brought to the Colonies as an enslaved child in 1761. By age 14 she was an accomplished student of the Greek and Roman classics, as well as British literature, astronomy, and geography. By 1770 she was an acclaimed poet. When her first collection of poems was published in 1773, she was one of the first two women in America to have a book of poetry in print, and she was the first Black woman to have a book of any kind published in America.

Dr. Balkun is a Professor of English and Director of Faculty Development at Seton Hall University in South Orange. She earned her PhD. from New York University, and has an M.A. from Seton Hall University and a B.A. from Jersey City University. Her accomplishments include the 2017 Steven J. Rosen Mentor Award of the New Jersey College English Association, and the 2016 Bernard J. McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service from Seton Hall University.

National Poetry Month is a project of the Academy of American Poets. Since its inception in April 1996, National Poetry Month has grown into an event celebrated by tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families and poets each year, signifying the importance of poetry in human life across the world. For more details visit poets.org/national-poetry-month.

Women Poets of the Revolution is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. For more information about other history events presented by Union County, contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912 or by email jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is an office of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all programs of the Office, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

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.

Public Info

Union County leading the way as the first county in the state with Social Service Interview Pods

Innovative COVID-19 Safety Measures, ADA Accessibility Aided by Federal Funding

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are pleased to announce that Union County became first county in the state to provide residents with interview pods, which have the ability to conduct interviews for public assistance via video conferencing, in an isolated, sound proof, multi-functional enclosure.

The new service is administered under the Department of Human Services, who received funding from the CARES Act from the State Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development.

“Union County has been a pioneer in embracing and providing the most update technology and thanks to federal funding from the CARES Act, we are at the forefront in using these pods to provide essential services, all while keeping our residents safe,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I had a chance to take a tour of the pods, and I am happy to see we are meeting the needs of Union County families, the safest, best way we can.”

Union County Board of County Commissioners including Chair Rebecca Williams as well as Commissioners Sergio Granados, James Baker, Lourdes Leon and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, had a chance to recently tour the Social Services office and see these new pods in action.

“Being the first in the State of New Jersey to provide our residents and case workers with the ability to conduct interviews for public assistance via video conferencing is a great accomplishment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “These pods are an innovative approach in assisting individuals or families with the services they need, while maintaining full privacy and discretion and maximizing public health safety measures for not only our clients, but our staff as well.”

The Department has as many as 20 interview pods, ranging from multiple sizes including a single person, family-size, and handicap-accessible. Upon entering the pod, clients are greeted by a case worker who is located in their own offices. The client is able to see and speak to a case worker, who in turn, is able to see and respond to the consumer via a CISCO DX-80 Monitor using WEBEX conferencing software. The pods have LED lighting and all of the air inside the pod is completely turned over to refresh every 70 to 100 seconds. As a result, each new user will be met with refreshed air every time they enter the pod.

While the current pods are located in the Social Services building at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, they are fully mobile for use in multiple spaces. The Department of Human Services will also be transferring pods to their Plainfield location, located at 200 West Second Street, to assist the needs of residents on the other side of the County.

Union County is commencing the next phase of this innovative program, working with an ADA compliant hearing loop induction company to install infrared hearing links to transmit an assistive listening audio signals into the handicap accessible pods.

spanish-releases

Cambios en los Mapas del Distrito Congresional y de los Municipios del Condado de Union

La Junta Electoral del Condado de Union le informa a los residentes que han habido muchos cambios debido a los resultados del Censo del 2020. The New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Committee has approved the new congressional map. Changes impact several towns in Union County.

Las nuevas asignaciones del Congreso representan los distritos del congreso en los que votaraán los pueblos del Condado de Union en el 2022. Los candidatos elegidos este año en las Elecciones Generales representaránel distrito recién formado cuando presten juramento en el 2023. Hasta que el nuevo Congreso sea juramentado en el 2023, los residentes seguirán estando representados de acuerdo con las actuals asignaciones del Distrito Congresional.

“La Línea del Congreso ha realineado muchos pueblos en el Condado de Union,lo que afectará quien aparece en las boletas de los votantes y quién los representaráen el Congreso a partir de enero del 2023,” explicó Nicole DiRado, Administradora de la Junta Electoral del Condado de Union. “Los votantes afectados necesitan estar conscientes de este cambio y buscar información sobre los candidatos para que no se sorprendan con la boleta cuando voten en junio.”

Bajo el nuevo mapa, los pueblos del Condado de Union votarán en los siguientes Distritos del Congreso en las próximas elecciones del 2022:

El Distrito Congresional 7: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, Linden Barrios Divididos (Wards 2, 6 y 7 y 3-2 y 3-3), Mountainside, New Providence, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Westfield and Winfield

Distrito Congresional 8: Elizabeth

Distrito Congresional 10: Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden Barrios Divididos (Wards 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 10 y 3-1 y 3-4), Roselle, Roselle Park, y Union

Distrito Congresional 12: Plainfield

Siguiendo la Redistribución de Distritos del Congreso, las Comisiones de Barrio de cada una de las 10 ciudades que tienen los barrios convocados para revisar sus respectivas líneas. Ambos el Comité de Redistribución de Distritos del Congreso como los Comité de Barrio trabajan para asegurar que la población se distribuya equitativamente entre sus respectivos distritos. Los mapas de Hillside, Summit y Westfield no han cambiado como resultado de los datos del Censo del 2020.

Se han resideñado las líneas de los barrios en Clark, Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, y Roselle Park. Entonces los Comisionados de la Junta Electoral se pusieron de acuerdo para adoptar nuevos nuevos mapas de distrito para asegurar que los votantes sean asignados a un distrito electoral, de haberse trazado la nueva línea de barrio.

Todos los votantes que han sido afectados por los cambios recibirán una comunicación de la Junta Electoral en mayo antes de las Elecciones Primarias, para alertarles cual es su nievo distrito congresional, barrio y distrito electoral y el lugar de votación .Los votantes también pueden encontrar la información en la boleta de muestra..

Los votantes pueden visitor la página de la Junta Electoral del Condado de Union (www.ucnj.org/boe/new-congressional-and-state-legislative-district-maps/) or call 908-527-4123 for more information.

Enlaces adicionales: https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/adoption2022map.asp.

Public Info

Got a Recycling Question? There’s an App for that!

Union County, NJ – April 4, 2022 — Union County residents who are puzzling over the recycling rules can get all the answers from Recycle Coach, a free app for all mobile devices.

“Easy access to information is the key to boosting our recycling rate countywide,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “With Recycle Coach, you never have to wonder what belongs in your recycling bin again.”

The Recycle Coach app helps prevent the scourge of “wish-cycling,” the practice of putting random items into recycling bins. These items contaminate the recycling stream. They result in extra sorting and higher costs for the recycling vendor. In extreme cases, an entire load can be rejected.

The Recycle Coach app features a user-friendly “What Goes Where?” search tool that prevents wish-cycling. It provides quick answers to questions like:

Where does an old teapot go?
Can I recycle Styrofoam packing blocks?
What can I do with leftover house paint?
How do used pizza boxes get recycled?

Recycle Coach is tailored to each municipality in Union County. Users can get all the details on their local curbside pickup programs. Schedules and information on countywide programs hosted by the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are included, too.

Users can create and customize notifications for schedules and events.

Statistics show that wish-cycling is most common in the areas of plastic bags, and non-recyclable plastic containers, food and clothing.

Union County residents can help cut down on wish-cycling by observing the following guidelines:

Never dispose plastic bags in a recycling bin. Clean plastic bags can be re-used or returned to a grocery store drop-box for recycling. To avoid excess plastic at home, bring reusable bags when shopping.
Only put accepted plastic containers in a recycling bin. All municipalities in Union County accept containers stamped #1 or #2. The stamp is typically found on the bottom of the item. Check your local program to see if #5 plastics are accepted.
Donate used clothing in good condition to a local charity. If the item is not cleanable or repairable, dispose in household trash.
Use up leftovers to avoid food waste. Residents with access to a yard can start a backyard compost pile, where vegetable scraps can decompose naturally.

The Union County Bureau of Recycling and planning hosts the following free, countywide drop-off recycling events:

Paper shredding – secure disposal and recycling for sensitive or personal documents (residential use only; business papers are not accepted at these events).

Household Hazardous Waste – environmentally responsible disposal for common household chemicals, hobby supplies and more (residential only/no business waste)

Scrap Metal – wide variety of metal items accepted, from pots and pans to gutters, fencing and sheds

For details about countywide drop-off programs use Recycle Coach or visit uncj.org/recycling. To contact the Bureau use the online form at ucnj.org/recycling or call 908-654-9890.

Residents, schools groups and community organizations can also attend a free “How to Recycle Right” webinar to get the latest updates and information in person from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning. The webinars will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 pm and Monday, April 11 at 7:00.

Details and registration links for both webinars are available at ucnj.org/recycle.

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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

Changes to Union County Congressional, Municipal Ward & District Maps

Redistricting based on results of Census 2020 impacts several County municipalities.

nj congressional district map

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections informs residents that there have been many changes in Union County following the results of the 2020 Census. The New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Committee has approved the new congressional map. Changes impact several towns in Union County.

The new congressional assignments represent the congressional districts in which Union County towns will vote in 2022. The candidates elected in this year’s general election will represent the newly formed district when they are sworn-in, in 2023. Until the new congress is sworn-in in 2023, residents will continue to be represented according to the current congressional district assignments.

“The Congressional line has realigned many towns in Union County, which will affect who appears on the voters’ ballots and who will represent them in Congress starting January 2023,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator, Union County Board of Elections. “Affected voters need to be aware of this change and seek information on the candidates so they are not surprised by the ballot when they vote in June.”

Under the new map, Union County’s towns will vote in the following Congressional Districts in the upcoming 2022 elections:

Congressional District 7: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, Linden Split Wards (Wards 2, 6 & 7 and 3-2 & 3-3), Mountainside, New Providence, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Westfield and Winfield

Congressional District 8: Elizabeth

Congressional District 10: Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden Split Wards (Wards 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 10 and 3-1 & 3-4), Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union

Congressional District 12: Plainfield

Following the Congressional Redistricting, the Ward Commissions of each of the 10 towns which have wards convened to review their respective ward lines. Both the Congressional Redistricting Committee and the Ward Committees work to ensure the population is equally distributed amongst their respective districts. The maps in Hillside, Summit and Westfield have not changed as a result of the 2020 Census data.

Ward lines have been redrawn in Clark, Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, and Roselle Park. Then, the Union County Board of Elections Commissioners convened to adopt new election district maps to ensure voters are assigned to an election district, following the redraw of the ward line.

All affected voters will receive a communication from the Union County Board of Elections in May, prior to Election Day, alerting them of their new congressional district, ward and election district and polling place, if applicable. Voters will also find this information on their sample ballot.

Voters can visit the Union County Board of Elections Website (www.ucnj.org/boe/new-congressional-and-state-legislative-district-maps/) or call 908-527-4123 for more information.

Additional resource links: https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/adoption2022map.asp.

https://www.apportionmentcommission.org/adoption2022map.asp 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.

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