County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and the Union County Board of Chosen Commissioners is helping to raise awareness about the importance of early detection for women who may be at risk. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 21,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year alone.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Early detection greatly increases the survival rate, but the symptoms can be subtle.

“Learning the symptoms and seeing a doctor regularly are key steps for early detection that can save lives,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Women who have a family history of the disease, a personal history of cancer, are older than 55, have never been pregnant, or have taken menopausal hormonal replacement therapy are at a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, fatigue, an upset stomach, heartburn, and weight loss. Women with these symptoms should see their medical provider as soon as possible.

More details are available through the Union County Office on Women at ucnj.org/women.

For more information on programs and services of the Union County Office on Women contact the Office Coordinator, Jen Erdos, at (908) 527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

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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 Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to Ride for Freedom XXV, hosted by Rolling Thunder Inc.®, New Jersey Chapter 2 on September 19^th.

Departing from Warinanco Park on to St. George’s Avenue in Roselle, kickstands will go up and the motorcycle rides will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp.

“The Commissioner Board and I are excited for this wonderful event, as it brings awareness to American prisoners and those missing in action,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please join us as we all ride for freedom.”

Registration is $10 per motorcycle and all benefits will go to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation & Vietnam Era Museum.

Residents and visitors are highly encouraged to come out and spectate. 

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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Virtual exhibit is part of Union County’s 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present a virtual art exhibit featuring the works of Hispanic artists throughout the area, as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Union County beginning on Wednesday, September 15.

The show is available for view on the Union County YouTube channel and features paintings in acrylic and oil by artists from El Salvador and Spain.

“The new online exhibit is an exciting opportunity to share the rich artistry of Hispanic residents in and around Union County with a wide audience, and I would like to thank Ambassador Garcia for helping us bring this project to life with his experience and insights,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Engagement with the arts is one of the hallmarks of a strong, thriving community, and we are very proud to help build widespread awareness and appreciation for the many contributions of Hispanic artists to the cultural life of Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

The video program was filmed at the Masker’s Barn at the Deserted Village of Feltville in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, with an introduction by former United Nations Ambassador Carlos Garcia of El Salvador.

The Hispanic art exhibit was organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, with funding in party by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission in the New Jersey Department of State.

For more information on all programs and activities of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs visit ucnj.org, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-527-2550.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The 4-H program encourages students in grades 1-12 to explore their interests and share their knowledge.

Union County, NJ — Union County 4-H Clubs are gearing up for a new season, and students in grades 1-12 are invited to join the fun. Students and their families are welcomed to attend the 4-H Club Open House on Saturday, September 25 to meet this year’s 4-H club leaders and learn more about the topics students can explore during the 2021-2022 school year.

“The 4-H program provides unique hands-on learning and leadership experiences. It also encourages young people to become experts on topics that interest them and to share their knowledge with others,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support the 4-H program in Union County.”

The 2021 Open House will take place from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on the grounds of the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site.

The meeting will be held at the outdoor theater by the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden. 4-H club leaders will be present for parents to meet and learn more about the club and 4-H in general.

To sign up for a 4-H club or to get more information about the program, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz by email at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org. Students can sign up for a maximum of 2 clubs per year. There is a fee for joining each class which varies by activity.

The list of clubs this year includes anime, archery, cooking, disc golf, engineering, gardening, LEGO robotics, living history, nature exploration, civic service, and sewing. Students can also join clubs that encourage exploration in multiple areas. Club members meet with an adult leader each month during the school year to plan activities and programs.

For the 2021-2022 school year, the full list of clubs and their age ranges are as follows:

• Anime Club, grades 4 and up
• Archery Club, grades 4 and up
• Coding Club, grades 4 – 5
• Cooking Club, grades 4 and up
• Disc Golf Club, grades 5 and up
• Engineering Club, grades 4 – 5
• Gardening Club, grades 4 and up
• LEGO Robotics Club (with LEGO Robotics MindStorms kits), grades 4 -5
• Living History Club, grades 4 and up
• Nature Club, grades 5 – 9
• 4-H Service Club, grades 8 – 12
• Sewing Club, grades 6 and up
• 1st and 2nd Grade 4-H Club (activities exploring different skills and hobbies), grades 1-2
• 3^rd and 4^th Grade Variety Club (different topics focusing on the environment), grades 3 – 4
• 9^th through 12^th Grade Variety Club (different topics with crafts and cooking), grades 9 – 12

The national 4-H program is the largest youth development program in the country. It began as a way to encourage young people in rural communities to learn about innovative new farming practices. The focus on innovation and leadership continues to the present day, through age-appropriate topics and activities.

The national 4-H youth development program is part of the Extension system under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Union County, 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County as part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. It is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards, and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce. More information about 4-H in New Jersey is available at nj4h.rutgers.edu.

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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.

All Union County residents impacted by Hurricane Ida are welcome to visit this event for in-person guidance and resources.

Union County, NJ (updated with new location) — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that the next event in the County’s series of pop-up disaster relief sessions, in partnership with Red Cross and the Salvation Army, will be held in Plainfield on Friday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Due to the expectation of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 716 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Attendance at all of the pop-up events is free and open to all Union County residents who need assistance, regardless of their town of residence.

“These events are aimed at ensuring that Union County residents can access all the resources for which they are eligible as quickly as possible, by meeting with our trained staff in person. The personal touch can make all the difference, and we will continue holding these sessions as long needed,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who need transportation within Union County to attend a pop-up event can schedule a ride with Union County Paratransit Services by calling 908-241-8300.

Services and information include assistance with property damage claims, missing documents, temporary housing, food assistance, stress counseling, and more.

COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson) will also be available on site, along with COVID-19 testing and basic health screenings.

The pop-up events are organized through the Union County Department of Human Services. For additional assistance with disaster relief or any other Human Services programs, call the Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 or send an email to DHSaction@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Cleanup project in Hillside is part of a project involving several parks along the Elizabeth River.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the company United by Blue and other community partners invites residents to join in a cleanup project at Conant Park in Hillside, taking place on Saturday, September 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online pre-registration is strongly recommended at https://unitedbyblue.com/pages/join-a-cleanup. Walk-ins are also welcome to register at the site beginning at 10:00 a.m. (entrance to park is directly off of Conant Avenue).

The event features a visit from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center and giveaways from the Bureau of Recycling.

“The Commissioner Board appreciates all of the residents who are coming together to help clean up the Elizabeth River in Hillside,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As these clean-ups are family friendly and ability inclusive, feel free to bring the entire family.”

“United by Blue is taking the lead with partners like Union County Board of Commissioners to help maintain a clean and welcoming space at Conant Park, which is the centerpiece of many community gatherings to enjoy nature and the park amenities. Collaborating with residents and volunteers is always rewarding for all who contribute to the beauty of one the many parks in the county, and I am proud to support this effort in making a difference for the environment, too.” said Union County Commissioner and Hillside resident Dr. Angela R. Garretson.

Keeping the parks along the Elizabeth River free of litter is important because windblown items from land can easily fall into the river and flow into Newark Bay, where it is harder to recover and a greater threat to wildlife.

All cleanup supplies will be provided by United by Blue, including gloves, bags, safety materials, and reusable cleanup supplies. The supplies are industrially cleaned between uses, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own supplies if they feel more comfortable

Volunteers are reminded to wear closed toed shoes and clothes that may get dirty. Long pants and bug spray are highly encouraged.

Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles. A water station will be available at the site to refill the bottles.

Although this event is fully outdoors, participants should bring a mask in case of close proximity situations.

United by Blue is a clothing brand that provides sustainable fashion for all. Striving for cleaner oceans and waterway, for every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. Please visit https://unitedbyblue.com/ for more information.

For more information please contact Union County’s Department of Parks and registration at 908-527-4900.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Special disaster nutrition assistance is in effect until September 30.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises SNAP recipients in Union County that they are eligible for special disaster food assistance from now through September 30.

SNAP is the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The special assistance was applied for and received by the New Jersey Department of Human Services after FEMA issued a Major Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by Tropical Storm Ida, including Union County as well as Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, and Somerset.

“Tropical Storm Ida has created new burdens on many households, including those impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank the Murphy administration for their work in securing additional federal nutrition assistance for Union County and others affected by the storm,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. 

SNAP recipients in Union County can use their EBT benefits cards to purchase hot food at participating NJ SNAP retailers until Sept. 30, 2021.

For a list of participating retailers visit the interactive map at the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. Please note that the hot food waiver only applies to items purchased from SNAP-approved retailers located in the 10 counties under the Major Disaster Declaration issued by FEMA.

SNAP recipients in Union County also have until September 30 to request replacement benefits for food lost due to the impact of the storm.

All current Union County SNAP recipients can report food loss due to the impact of the storm by calling the Union County Social Services office at 908-965-2700.

Clients who are currently receiving SNAP benefits, can also report food loss by sending an email to elizredetbank@ucnj.org. In the email, please be sure to state your name, case number and address, and include  a brief statement  regarding your loss of food items only.

All Union County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida can visit ucnj.org/ida for additional resources and instructions on applying for assistance.

Union County has also scheduled mobile storm recovery assistance centers to provide guidance in person. The next event will be held Tuesday, September 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Rahway at the  Community Center, 3 City Hall Plaza.

An event will also be held on Friday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Plainfield at Black Lives Matter Plaza (City Hall), 515 Watchung Avenue.

Any Union County resident impacted by the storm can visit any of these events, regardless of their home town. Additional events will be added soon. For an updated list visit ucnj.org/ida.

Union County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can also receive supplies of fresh produce and shelf-stable foods at Union County’s ongoing series of emergency food distribution events. For a list of upcoming food distribution events visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free, secure paper shredding events for Union County residents only.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding events sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next two events will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, September 18 and Friday, September 24.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we strongly encourage everyone to participate,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The September 18 event will be held at the Union County College campus on Springfield Avenue in Cranford. Use the 1033 Springfield Avenue entrance and follow signs to the rear of campus.

The September 24 event will be held at the Westfield Pool, located at 713 Cumberland Street in Westfield.

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

Union County’s free paper shredding events are drive-up only. Paper for shredding should be placed in the trunk or cargo area, where it can be easily accessed. Staff at the site will unload the papers. Drivers must remain in their cars with their windows rolled up, and wear a face mask as a precaution against COVID-19.

All Union County residents can use the free paper-shredding events, regardless of their home town. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

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.

The program will continue through October with visits to Scotch Plains and New Providence. 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.

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 local municipal recycling coordinator.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Flag Raising to kick off a month-long series of events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage throughout Union County

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners reminds residents about the first annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, September 15 at 5:30p.m, on the steps of the Union County Courthouse located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

“Raising the Hispanic Heritage flag for the first time at the County Courthouse is our way of recognizing the contributions made by the Hispanic community living and working in Union County,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and continue to work to promote unity.”

“Union County has over a half million residents and approximately one third of them claim Hispanic origin. Being of Salvadorian descent, I am proud to be one of almost 200,000 Hispanic residents that make Union County a better, more diverse place to live,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “The Hispanic community has for many years been a pillar of this country’s growth and development and their role right here in Union County continues to be just as impactful. We have been working towards this flag raising since my chairmanship in 2018, when Union County hosted the first ever Hispanic Heritage Month event. I am happy that after some postponing due to COVID-19, we are finally able to unify the various Hispanic ethnicities within our community under one flag as we come together for a month of celebration.”

“As a Cuban-American, I am proud to serve in a County with such a strong Hispanic presence,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We look forward to celebrating with everyone at this history-making event.”

The program for the event will include remarks from guest speaker Carlos Medina, Esq., President/CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, as well as a performance by bongo player Francisco Garcia, the unveiling of the Union County Hispanic Heritage Month flag, free giveaways and more.

“As the recent census confirms Hispanic Americans are making an impact in NJ.  We are 21.6% of the population and own over 120,000 businesses that contribute 20 billion dollars annually to the NJ economy,” said Carlos Medina. “I am proud to speak at the Hispanic Heritage Flag raising to honor what this community means not only to the State’s economy but also to the rich diverse fabric of our state.”

The flag raising is the first in a series of scheduled events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The full schedule of events includes:

• September 15, 5:30 p.m. – First Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising – Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth
• October 1, 6:00 p.m. – Family Movie Night Double Feature (Ferdinand & In The Heights) – Plainfield High School Parking Lot, 950 Park Ave, Plainfield
• October 3, 1:00 p.m. – Union County Hispanic Heritage Family Fun Day – Rahway River Park (Pool Area), 3 Parkway Drive, Rahway
• October 16, 3:00 p.m. – Union County Hispanic Heritage Concert in the Park – Warinanco Park Skating Rink Parking Lot, Roselle

Residents are encouraged to wear masks or practice social distancing in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please contact Nathalie Alcaide-Hernandez by email at nahernandez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4880.

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.

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Union County Commissioner Board recognizes the contributions of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that more than 100 businesses in all 21 municipalities have been nominated for recognition in the Union County Small Business Community Champion program. The program is designed to celebrate the role of small businesses in supporting and sustaining their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each nominee is presented with a certificate and an entry on the Union County website, at ucnj.org/small-business-champions.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank all those who nominated a business for recognition in the Union County Small Business Community Champion program. Many of our local businesses have overcome extraordinary challenges during the pandemic to keep their doors open and keep serving our community, and they deserve our appreciation,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

To be eligible for recognition, nominees must have a small business located within Union County that is currently open for business and demonstrate how they have adapted or given back to the community.

Nominations were accepted from June 2 to July 31 of this year.

For additional information, contact Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development, at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/office-of-business-development.

To see all programs and activities of the Union County Department of Economic Development, visit ucnj.org/department-of-economic-development.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.