County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that box-lunch meals for pick-up will once again be available to seniors through the “Grab & Go” nutrition program. A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal.

The program had been suspended temporarily after Tropical Storm Ida struck the area last month.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to get this popular program back on its feet after the storm,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We developed Grab & Go to provide seniors with a contact-free meal option during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then it has become a mainstay of our nutrition services for seniors.”

The Grab & Go program is administered by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the Department of Human Services. It is offered to Union County residents age 60 and up, who are not receiving home delivered meals from Meals on Wheels.

The program is available through 19 local senior centers and senior housing sites throughout Union County.

Eligible seniors can come to any of these sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of approximately 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. to pick up a lunch.  No reservations are required. Meals will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis due to limited supplies.

Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing maintained, in order to pick up a lunch.

Any eligible senior can use the Grab and Go program at any of the following senior centers:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
• Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

The Grab and Go program is designed to allow for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older.

For more information about Grab & Go, and other programs for seniors in Union County, call the Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4877, or visit ucnj.org/aging and use the online contact form.

The Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is federally recognized as the Area Agency on Aging for Union County. The nationwide Area Agency on Aging “on-the-ground” model was established under the 1973 Older Americans Act, with the goal of helping seniors live independently, and with dignity, in their communities.

As an Area Agency on Aging, the Division on Aging is authorized to issue contracts for senior service providers including health aide/homemakers, nurse visits, social work visits, hospice, home delivered meals, kosher home delivered meals, congregate nutrition, caregiver services, legal services, information & assistance, social/medical adult day services, residential maintenance, emergency energy assistance, telephone reassurance, grocery shopping, transportation, grandparents raising grandchildren, and much more.

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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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 “Avoid the spark” to prevent battery fires.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to learn how to dispose of spent household batteries properly.

An increasing number of fires linked to improper battery disposal are occurring in waste hauling trucks, landfills and recycling facilities. Battery fires send clouds of noxious smoke into the air, expose workers to risk of injury, and raise costs for emergency response.

“Some types of batteries can be hazardous to people and the environment if disposed improperly,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Residents can protect themselves and others by learning a few simple rules for the safe handling of spent batteries.”

The rule of thumb is that only single-use alkaline batteries can go into household trash. These batteries are clearly marked “alkaline” on the package.

Everything else requires special handling. That includes:

• Rechargeable batteries of any type.
• Single use “button” type batteries, such as those used in smaller electronic devices.
• Single use batteries marked “lithium.”

Residents can bring any of these batteries to Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events for safe disposal. The next event will be held on Saturday, October 23. For location, hours, and a list of other special wastes accepted at the event, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Residents can also visit the organization Call2Recycle.org online for a list of nearby stores that accept spent batteries.

As a reminder, alkaline batteries may be disposed in household trash. Residents who are interested in recycling these batteries can learn about their options through Call2Recycle.

To learn more about all recycling programs in Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling or download the free Recycle Coach App.

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

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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The Union County Board County Commissioners invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Commissioner Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“Sensory Friendly Theater provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances in a beautiful theatre, while providing a relaxed, judgement-free environment. We are delighted to welcome the series back to Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 2021 Sensory Friendly Theatre series kicks off on Sunday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m. with the interactive “Bubble Trouble” show presented by the Master of Bubbles himself, Jeff Boyer.

On Sunday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre will bring the beloved ballet classic The Nutcracker, to the Union County community, performed by the American Repertory Ballet.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of Chairman Mirabella. It follows guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

During each of the Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

COVID-19 prevention rules are in effect at the venue and may be viewed online at ucpac.org/covid-19.

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 – The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to Union County’s 13th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event. The ceremony will take place Friday, Oct. 8th, at 1:00 p.m., on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“We are proud of the achievements of Italian Americans who have made amazing contributions in all facets of our daily lives,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is emceeing the program. “Today we recognize the hard work and dedication of Italian-Americans across our great nation and especially within Union County.”

Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded will be the Featured Speaker at the flag raising.

Anthony Bengivenga, 2^nd Vice President of UNICO National will be joined by Bob Bengivenga, UNICO’s District X Governor at this year’s event.  April Bengivenga, President of the Plainfield UNICO chapter will also participate in the program along with Robert Tarte, President of the Westfield UNICO Chapter and William Schievella, President of the Italian American Police Society of NJ.

The County will honor UNICO National, UNICO District X, the Plainfield Chapter of UNICO, the Westfield Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American Police Society and other local UNICO chapters with a resolution to be presented during the event.

UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization whose chapters and members engage in promoting and defending Italian culture and heritage, as well as providing scholarships, engaging in community service and other philanthropic endeavors. UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO chapter work to organize and co-sponsor Union County’s Columbus Day event.

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served after the program outside the historic Union County Courthouse. All those who are attending are urged to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 protocols.

Paid parking is available in the Midtown area at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck No. 6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street.

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 – Job seekers and employers can find the perfect match at the next hire-on-the-spot job fair sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, October 5, at the Center Court of the Jersey Gardens Mall located at 651 Kapkowski Court in Elizabeth. The job fair will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Nike, Bed Bath and Beyond, Adidas, Marshalls, Kate Spade, and Ralph Lauren are among the many firms seeking to hire qualified employees at the October 5 job fair.

“These job fairs are part of our efforts to ensure that qualified Union County job seekers can connect with the right employers more quickly and effectively. We encourage everyone to come and participate,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our residents and our business community both need to rebuild after the COVID-19 crisis, and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida has added to the challenges. As we work to recover in Union County, we have been putting together these Job Fairs to make it easy for businesses and those looking for employment to connect at convenient locations,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board.

“On behalf of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank the County of Union for their continued partnership in support of economic advancement in our area. Job Fairs like these are a great opportunity to help our local businesses find quality applicants while also helping our residents find new employment opportunities, this is truly a collaborative effort as we move forward together in these difficult days,” said Jennifer Costa, President of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce.

The October 5 job fair is also sponsored by Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, American Job Center, and the Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Job seekers who plan to attend the October 5 event must use the online form at https://ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair/ to pre-register. Attendees are advised to bring their resumes and wear attire appropriate for interviews.

Vendors who would like to participate can also pre-register at https://ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.  Tables, chairs, table cloths, and water will be provided, and there will be a private area for interviewing purposes. An indoor concession stand will be open for the purchase of food.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks are optional for fully vaccinated Job Fair attendees. Those who are unvaccinated must wear masks and observe social distance.

For questions, or to seek transportation to and from the job fair, please call 1-888-845-3434.

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.

 

 

Bring any gun, in any condition, and receive up to $250 – no questions asked!

Union County, NJ – Union County residents 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.