County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ –The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites local non-profit organizations to attend Succession Planning – The Journey, a free professional development session on Wednesday, October 27 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Pat Bohse, President of Bohse & Associates, will present the program online through Zoom.

“Every organization needs to incorporate succession planning for long-term viability, and this workshop is designed to provide Union County grantees and other non-profits with reliable guidance that can help them continue to fulfill their community mission through the years,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Organizations that have received funding through Union County’s Local Arts, History, and HEART grant programs are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Other non-profit organizations are also welcome.

Registration is required at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register in order to access the Zoom link.

Succession planning enables organizations to prepare ahead of time when key staff members retire or leave due to family obligations, health issues or other circumstances. Ensuring a smooth transition of leadership roles is crucial for long term survival.

A nationally recognized speaker with more than 30 years of experience in advising non-profits on sustainable growth, Ms. Bohse will guide attendees on key aspects of succession planning.

Succession Planning – The Journey is funded in part by a grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the County Clerk’s Elections Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, October 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2021 General Election.

Office visitors must follow all COVID-19 prevention rules, including masks and social distance.

“The additional Saturday hours will help ensure that all Union County voters can participate in the 2021 General Election during this important gubernatorial election year,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My staff is also available by phone and email to assist voters with any questions or concerns they may have.”

The County Clerk’s Main Office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth will be open for extra hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, to assist Union County voters.

The County Clerk’s Annex Office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield will be open for regular Saturday hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30.

For more information about early voting and other matters pertaining to the 2021 General Election visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, download the Union County Votes mobile app, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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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The last paper shredding event of 2021 is for Union County residents only.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the last free paper shredding event of 2021, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The event will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nokia corporate campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

The free shredding service will resume next spring after a seasonal hiatus during the winter.

“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. We encourage everyone to participate, particularly since this is the last shredding event of 2021,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

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

The event is drive-up only. Ample signage will be posted to direct drivers from the entrance of the Nokia campus to the site.

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.

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

As a precaution against COVID-19, participants should keep their windows rolled up and wear a face mask.

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 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 information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Bring any gun, in any condition, and receive up to $250 – no questions asked!

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that those with unwanted guns in their possession can earn up to $250 per weapon by participating in the upcoming Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program, scheduled for Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Three convenient locations will be available for those turning in guns.

No questions will be asked, and guns in any condition will be accepted. All persons turning in a gun may do so anonymously.

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

“Gun buyback programs are an important opportunity for the community and law enforcement to collaborate on an initiative to reduce violent crime,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “We encourage Union County residents to participate in the gun amnesty program on October 23rd and decrease the number of unwanted firearms in their communities.”

The buyback locations for the October 23 event are:

Elizabeth: Master’s Table Christian Fellowship, 207-211 Bond Street

Plainfield: Shiloh Baptist Church, 515-521 West Fourth Street

Westfield: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 506 Westfield Avenue

As a reminder, each location will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 23, on a walk-in basis. No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and no questions will be asked.

Participants in the Union County Amnesty Gun Buyback program may bring up to three weapons for reimbursement.

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 these events. Please be prepared to wear a mask indoors.

The Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback 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 police departments of the cities of Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Westfield.

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.

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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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Union County, NJ – On Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m. the Union County Board of County Commissioners will present a virtual town hall to inform residents about resources available to them for recovery from Tropical Storm Ida. Union County is one of 12 counties in New Jersey to be given a federal Major Disaster Declaration after the storm struck in September.

The Town Hall will be live streamed on Facebook and Zoom. To register for the event and submit questions, visit Union County online at ucnj.org/ida.

“Thousands of Union County residents have applied for recovery assistance after Tropical Storm Ida struck our community, and we want to help ensure that everyone knows how to access those resources,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who will host the event.

Topics covered during the Town Hall include FEMA applications, SNAP benefits, home repairs, other damage claims and more.

Along with Union County personnel, representatives from FEMA and the New Jersey SNAP food assistance program will also participate. A live question-and-answer session will be part of the program.

For more information about recovery resources in Union County, visit ucnj.org/ida.

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.

Annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend” event includes more than 30 local historic sites.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. The weekend of activities features special events for all ages at more than 30 historic sites throughout Union County.

“This year marks the return of Four Centuries after last year’s hiatus, and we encourage all residents to take this opportunity to explore the many historic treasures we have here in Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Many of the Four Centuries sites will feature special programming and activities this weekend, including:

Dr. William Robertson Plantation-Museum in Clark: Experience an immersive World War II program presented by B. Historical, including military vehicles, a full working Signal Corps display and message center, and a presentation about WACS, WAVES and the Civil Defense.

Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum in Hillside: Tour the historic house and store, visit the Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit on the site featuring baseball great and Hillside native, “Scooter” Phil Rizzuto, and stop by the Apple Festival to purchase seasonal items including apples, donuts and more.

Merchants and Drovers Tavern in Rahway: Explore this 18^th century tavern, museum, and selected gravesites in the adjacent Rahway Cemetery. Among those buried at the cemetery is Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Carter House in Summit: Shutterbugs are welcome at this historic home featuring period furniture and accents, a colonial kitchen complete with hearth, a local history library, artwork, and a shop featuring handmade items and locally themed gifts. Be sure to stop by the Summit Fire Department history museum housed in the garage, highlighted by a 1920s Chemical Engine.

Caldwell Parsonage in Union: Children can learn to play colonial games and make souvenir tricorn hats, colonial bonnets, and church dolls at his historic home occupied by Revolutionary War leader Reverend James Caldwell and his wife, Hannah, whose shooting following the Battle of Springfield in 1780 is featured on the Union County Seal. Interpreter Doc Burkhardt will “appear” as Reverend Caldwell. Visit the interactive Lenape exhibit, learn an authentic fry bread recipe, and view a new exhibit of everyday Caldwell-era dress.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, call the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Complete details about Four Centuries in a weekend are also available online at ucnj.org/4c.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all activities and programs of the Parks Department visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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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.