County of Union, New Jersey

Free, secure paper shredding event to be held in Plainfield 

Union County, NJ – Union County, NJ – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event of 2022, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The event will take place, rain or shine, on Friday April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

Union County’s free shedding events are for residential use only. Any Union County resident can use this service, regardless of their home town.

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

The shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

The event is drive-up only. The drive-up area within Cedar Brook Park for the Plainfield event is the parking lot at the intersection of Park Avenue and Pemberton Avenue.

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.

Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Residents with magazines, junk mail and other waste paper to recycle can contact their municipal recycling coordinator for information on local recycling programs.

Union County’s series of free paper shredding events continues at various locations each month until November. 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.

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.

#  #

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, NJ – March 30, 2022 — The 2022 trout season begins throughout New Jersey at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, and anglers are invited to try their luck in Union County parks.

“Our park system includes more than a dozen fishing spots stocked with trout by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We welcome anglers of all ages to come and enjoy the peace and serenity of our rivers and lakes.”

A complete list of trout-stocked fishing spots in Union County, and throughout New Jersey, is available at nj.gov/dep/fgw/accesscnty.

Fishing in Union County is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. To fish for trout, a fishing license and trout stamp are required for New Jersey residents age 16 through 69. A license and stamp are required for out-of-state visitors age 16 and older.

Licenses and stamps can be ordered and printed online or obtained through a local sporting goods store or other licensed agent. To find agents in and near Union County visit nj.gov/dep/fgw/agentlst.htm.

All anglers can help conserve and protect native species in Union County parks by observing the following practices:

• Dispose any leftover bait in a trash bin, or take it home for disposal. Live bait should never be set free in Union County parks.
• Remove stranded line from trees and other entanglements. Dispose broken line and other unwanted gear in trash bins, or take home for disposal.
• Avoid bringing plastic bags into Union County parks. They can easily become windblown and create hazards for wildlife in rivers, lakes and the surrounding area.
• Help remove spotted lanternfly egg masses: Look for flat, grayish patches on trees, trash bins, picnic tables, benches, fences and other surfaces in and around fishing spots. The masses should be scraped and crushed to prevent hatching.

To see photo samples of spotted lanternfly egg masses, visit the Union County Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information about programs and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Complete details about the 2022 trout season are available at nj.gov/dep/fgw/trtinfo.

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.

#  #

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, NJ – March 29, 2022 — The spring holiday season is here, and the Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents to observe a few simple guidelines that prevent food contamination when cooking, displaying or decorating eggs.

“Food safety is always important, and at this time of year it is especially helpful to refresh our knowledge of fact-based guidelines that prevent contamination and illness related to food handling,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Union County residents can find expert guidance in a new article titled, “Egg Care for Spring Celebrations,” by Dr. Karen Ensle, EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS, through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The article is available online at ucnj.org/rce.

Dr. Ensle describes how to follow food safety guidelines during the holidays, such as keeping a clean kitchen, preventing cross-contamination, using thermometers, observing the “Two-Hour Rule” for decorated eggs, and more.

The Rutgers Extension is a statewide program based at Rutgers University. It is aimed at connecting the public with scientific research that benefits community health and well-being, and is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board.

More information on food safety is available at Gateway to Government Food Safety Information at www.foodsafety.gov, or call the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854, or TTY 1-800-256-7072.

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.

#  #

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.

Amnesty program allows for the turn in of any gun and/or ammunition – no questions asked!

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners informs residents that those with unwanted guns in their possession can turn them in at the upcoming Union County Gun Amnesty Turn-In Event, scheduled for Saturday, April 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Calvary Assembly Church, located at 242 Shunpike Road, in Springfield.

No questions will be asked, and guns or ammunition in any condition will be accepted. All persons turning in accepted items may do so anonymously. Residents may also turn in unused prescription drugs in the form of pills and liquids during the event. Syringes and sharps will not be accepted.

“We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We will take any gun, regardless of how it came into your possession. Amnesty programs are needed now more than ever, as communities in New Jersey and across the country face a new wave of deadly gun violence.”

“Gun turn-in events have proved to be an incredibly successful opportunity for the community and law enforcement to come together in support of safer communities,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “I urge anyone with unwanted firearms, ammunition, and prescription drugs to participate in the upcoming amnesty turn-in program in Springfield on April 23rd.”

As a reminder, the event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 23, on a walk-in basis. No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and no questions will be asked.

There is no limit to how many guns, ammunition or prescription drugs that residents can turn in.

Those arriving on foot should convey their weapon in a sturdy, closed container. Persons arriving by car must keep the container in their trunk while in transit.

To reduce the risk of theft or mishap, participants are also advised to proceed directly to the drop-off location, without making any stops for errands or social calls.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed at the event. Masks are suggested indoors.

The Union County Gun Amnesty program is supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the Springfield Police Department.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.

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.

#  #

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, NJ – March 29, 2022 — The spring cleaning season is here, and spring also marks the start of Union County’s annual series of free Household Hazardous Waste events. Any Union County resident can bring their old or unwanted chemical products and other potentially hazardous items to these events for safe, environmentally responsible disposal.

The Household Hazardous Waste events are for residential use only. No business waste is accepted.

“At this time of year we encourage everyone to take a look in their cupboards, closets, basements and sheds. If you spot old or unwanted items that need special disposal, please put them aside in a dry, secure place until you can bring them to one of our Household Hazardous Waste events. Our staff will handle them safely and responsibly,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The first Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2022 season will take place on Saturday, April 9, in Parking Lots 5A and 5 B of the Union County College campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Residents are reminded to keep items separated in their original containers with the labels intact, and follow instructions for safe storage. Mixing or improperly storing household chemicals could result in fire, explosion, or toxic releases.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are designed to ensure environmentally safe disposal for many different chemicals and items commonly found in the home and yard, including (but not limited to):

• Household and hobby supplies: Cleansers, caustics, corrosives, aerosol cans
• Household items: Fire extinguishers, mercury thermometers, intact fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, smoke detectors, batteries (except alkaline batteries)
• Do-it-yourself projects: Oil based paints and varnishes (no latex paint), mercury switches, asbestos material
• Auto maintenance and repair: Antifreeze, motor oil, oil filters, tires (limit 8 tires per household, no rims)
• Yard and pool supplies: Pesticides, herbicides, gasoline, lubricants, pool chemicals

As a reminder latex (water based) paint is not accepted. Leftover latex paint can be saved for future use, donated or shared, or dried in the can. Cans of fully dried paint may be disposed in regular household trash.

In addition, alkaline batteries are not accepted. These batteries are clearly marked and may be disposed in regular household trash.

For the full 2022 schedule along with additional details and instructions on what to bring/not bring, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Union County residents can help keep hazardous chemicals out of the waste stream by choosing safer alternatives for cleaning and maintaining the home and yard:

• Look for eco-friendly brands when shopping
• When replacing old gas powered lawn mowers and other equipment, switch to electric models
• Try a plunger or plumber’s snake before using a liquid or powder drain cleaner

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also provides guidance on safer household products, including a searchable database of certified “Safer Choice” products by brand name, at epa.gov/greenerproducts.

Recipes for homemade, low-impact home cleaning supplies are easy to fine online and in consumer magazines, including:

Window and glass cleaner: Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar to 1 quart of water. Use in a spray bottle. Wipe dry with old newspapers to avoid streaking.

Stains and spots remover: Use cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient, to remove stains from sinks, tubs, and aluminum pans.

Grime and grease cleaner: For routine cleaning, add a bit of baking soda to liquid soap.

Wood cleaner: Add 6 teaspoons of light olive oil to 3 cups of distilled white vinegar. Use in a spray bottle (shake well before using) and wipe dry with a clean lint-free cloth.

Air freshener:  Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of hot water. Use in a spray bottle.

Moth prevention: Cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, or white peppercorns.

For more information about Union County’s waste management and recycling programs, call the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning at (908) 654-9890, visit online at ucnj.org/recycling, or use the online contact form at ucnj.org/recycle (scroll down page to see form).

Download the free Recycle Coach app for the latest news, schedules, and updates tailored to your home town. The app also includes all countywide programs.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by the Commissioner Board visit 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, 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.

#  #

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, NJ – March 25, 2022 —  The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises senior residents that lunchtime meals will once again be available in group settings at senior centers and senior housing facilities, beginning on the second week in April. Reservations should be made by Monday, April 4, for meals on April 7 and 8.

“The return of the congregate lunch program is another welcome sign that community life is returning to normal in Union County,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We encourage all eligible seniors to participate in this popular program.”

The congregate meal program is offered to seniors who do not receive home delivered meals from Meals-on-Wheels. It is administered by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

The program provides participants with an option to obtain a complete hot lunch, fulfilling one-third of the nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older.

The congregate meals will be available at the senior centers and senior housing sites on varying weekdays between the hours of approximately 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Participating seniors must be aged 60 or older, and reside in Union County. A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal.

Reservations can be made by contacting staff on-site in person, or by calling the phone numbers below.  As a reminder, reserve by Monday, April 4, for meals on April 7 and April 8.

Lunch will be served at the following sites:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden (Monday-Friday).  908-527-4877
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park (Tuesday- Friday). 908-245-9150
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union (Monday and Thursday) 908-688-0565
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth (Monday-Friday)  908-527-4877
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden (Monday-Friday) 908-474-8627
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside (Monday-Thursday) 908-355-8928
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth (Monday, Wednesday, Friday; begins April 8) 908-272-7743
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth (Monday-Friday) 908-820-4701
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth; (Monday-Friday). 908-354-7431
• (update): Peterstown Community Center—418-34 Palmer St., Elizabeth; (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday).  908-820-4292
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield; (Monday-Friday). 908-753-3506
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union (Wednesday and Friday, begins April 8) 908-964-9343
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains (Tuesday only, begins April 12) 908-322-5151
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth (Monday-Friday) 908-820-4705
• Union Senior Center—652 Rahway Ave., Union (Monday-Friday) 908-851-5293
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield (Tuesday, Thursday) 908-527-4877
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park (Monday-Friday) 908-925-2014

The congregate meal program was suspended in March 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Division on Aging continued to deliver meals on a contact-free basis through Meals on Wheels and a grab-and-go program. The grab-and-go program will be discontinued as of April 6, when the congregate meals resume.

For more information on nutrition programs for Union County residents age 60 and older, call the Union County Division on Aging/Nutrition Program at 908-527-4877 or 908-558-2297.

For more information about all programs and resources for seniors from the Division on Aging, use the online contact form at ucnj.org/aging or call toll free, 888-280-8226.

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.

#  #

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, NJ – March 25, 2022 – March 23, 2022 marked two years since the County of Union hit the ground running with their COVID operations and the work still continues. Beginning on March 23, 2020, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in conjunction with governmental, educational and healthcare partners, opened New Jersey’s first County-run, drive-through facility for testing of the COVID-19 virus at Kean University.

“From lockdowns and empty grocery store shelves to unemployment and school shutdowns, the world that we were used to had completely changed,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “In a time of uncertainty, it was through great leadership, the ability to quickly adapt and change to the times and working to provide our residents with the services they needed and deserved that got us through the pandemic.”

Covid affected the lives of millions of people, causing sadness for those that lost loved ones and anxiety for millions of people who lost their livelihoods as the pandemic caused widespread lockdowns and a massive hit to businesses. Now, two years later, masks are optional, employees are back at work, students are back in classrooms and stores and restaurants are fully open for business. And still, the many services that the County of Union provided are still in full effect.

With the guidance of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, the Department of Public Safety, Human Services and several other partners, the County had the necessary resources to directly reach its residents.

“From the mobilization of the Covid testing sites and hosting several vaccination sites at many locations throughout Union County, including our Mobile Unit, the County of Union took action in coordinating efforts to combat the Covid-19 virus,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “We made sure all of our residents still had access to government services the phone or online through our website and social media accounts to maintain a high-level of information flow to our residents.”

While the cost of lives and emotional losses caused by the pandemic are innumerable, it is still worth acknowledging the achievements made during the pandemic. To date, some key milestones are:

• As of March 21, 2022, the Department of Public Safety has reported that a total of 199,403 residents have been tested for the Coronavirus and 136,473 residents have received vaccinations, since the start of the pandemic operations.
• As of today, since May 2020, there have been a total of 77 food distributions (78 including one this weekend at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield). The Department of Human Services serviced 20% of the Union County population with the emergency food program (over 115,000 households) – totaling more than 16 million pounds of food with over 15.1 million meals provided.
• In coordination with the Community Food Bank of NJ, Human Services also delivered over 8,000 meals to seniors as well as 45,500 frozen meals.

“Many families experienced the financial strain from the pandemic, so coming together to provide millions of meals to those Union County residents was something we were able to do to make sure that no one had to worry about having food on their table,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “These programs would not be possible without our community partners, volunteers and staff here at Union County.”

“The long-lasting impact on many individuals’ mental and physical health may still not be determined, but the County of Union will continue to have the programs needed to assist our residents with the help they need,” said County Manager, Ed Oatman. “The challenges we faced were countless, but we, as a team, faced them head-on. I would like to thank the hardworking, dedicated staff who worked long days, every day, to help combat this virus and assist our residents in overcoming the overwhelming feeling of the hardships many were facing.”

If any resident is looking for additional resources and guidance from the Union County Department of Human Services, please visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

Schedules and locations of Union County’s vaccines and testing can be found by visiting https://ucnj.org/covid19.

–30–

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.

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.