County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ— The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it.

“Year round and especially throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we work to help make Union County residents aware of services that are available to those who have been impacted by sexual violence. In a time of great personal crisis, it is important to know that you are not alone, and that your community supports you,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Victims of sexual violence often find themselves isolated, without support from family or friends and in need of medical and legal services. In order to ensure that all Union County residents have access to support, in 1984 the County Commissioner Board established the Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC), which provides in-person services as well as a 24-hour hotline run by trained advocates.

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been organized since 2001 through the non-profit National Sexual Violence Resource Center, building on long term efforts to support victims that dates back to the 1970’s and earlier.

This year, the theme is “We Can Build Safe Spaces Online.” Throughout the month and across the country, there will be initiatives and efforts highlighting the way that technology has become a part of everyday life, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Union County, the County Commissioner Board will recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month with an official resolution reflecting the Board’s continued commitment to the Union County Rape Crisis Center’s work within the community to effect change and communicate support for survivors.

The County Commissioner Board also invites the community to participate in Denim Day on April 28. Participants can support Denim Day in Union County by snapping a photo of themselves and friends/co-workers wearing denim and send it to websupport@ucnj.org for a feature on the County website, County social media and the UCRCC blog.

UCRCC is a service of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual and Family Support Services. It provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and medical and legal accompaniment for survivors of sexual violence through a 24-hour hotline. UCRCC also offers, trauma-informed counseling to those affected by sexual violence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic UCRCC services have been modified. For assistance or for additional details, please call the UCRCC hotline at 908-233-7273, visit their webpage at or check out the UCRCC blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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 activist Lillian Feickert will be portrayed by acclaimed storyteller Carol Simon Levine.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents and visitors to celebrate Women’s History Month with Lillian Feickert, a Plainfield resident who served as the President of the Woman Suffrage Association during the pivotal years from 1912 to 1920, when women finally won the right to vote.

Feickert will be portrayed by storyteller Carol Simon Levine in a virtual presentation of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage on Zoom on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m.

In Feickert’s voice, Carol Simon Levine will recount tales of key figures in the long fight for the right to vote, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and Florence Spearing Randolph.

Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage is a free event. Pre-registration at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Chppp04R4aVgit54WHz7g is required to receive the Zoom link.

This program is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Office on of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

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.

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Union County, NJ – In recognition of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again providing free trees to schools for Arbor Day.

“The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County. We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski.

Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.

This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. Each tree comes with a protective cage. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.

The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. To reserve a tree for your school, please see the mailing that was sent to your school’s principal or you may contact Madeline Brigantino, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at mbrigantino@ucnj.org or 908-789-3653. The deadline for free tree requests has been extended to April 10, 2021.

Schools may also contact James Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org for more information.

For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held virtually in early April.

Arbor Day has been a national observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, April 30.

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.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program begins in April. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, April 1 and Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

The drop-off sites are available on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services’ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and Department of Economic Developments’ Office on Women, invites residents to join an interactive online discussion of self-care and resiliency, through a women’s perspective.

“This program will provide women in Union County with a safe learning place to explore methods for coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to connect with useful resources and services available to them,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program, titled “Self-Care & Resiliency: Through a Woman’s Perspective,” is being held on Zoom on Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

It will be hosted by Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski and presented by Wendy Chin, MSW, DRCC, Emergency Response Coordinator, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, NJDHS Mental Health & Addiction Services.

The focus will be on providing an understanding of the psychological impact of challenges faced during this time. The program includes offering useful coping and self-care skills to practice.

Additionally, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to engage with each other, the presenter and local health and human service providers.

Links to resources and services to help will be provided. Attendees should be prepared to ask questions.

To pre-register and receive the Zoom link, visit http://bit.ly/selfcarewhm.

For more information on Self-Care & Resiliency: Through a Woman’s Perspective contact, Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@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.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 14, in order to participate in their new party’s Gubernatorial Primary Election on June 8.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 8, 2021 Primary for Governor, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 14.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transition, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy.  Voters can:

1. Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
2. Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
3. Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
4. Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s nominee for Governor.

The April 14 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 8.

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They receive a ballot for each party, and they return only the ballot for which they declare.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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 residents will be offered a series of free online courses on food preservation at home in April, May and June, courtesy of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Extension is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has raised interest and awareness of home cooking and gardening among Union County residents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to support the Extension in its efforts to educate the public on food safety and food preservation, helping residents to make the most of food they grow and prepare at home.”

The series, called “RU Ready to Preserve Food at Home?,” consists of specialized sessions conducted by experts with the Department of New Jersey Family and Community Health Sciences at Rutgers University. It will run on Thursdays from April 15 to June 10. Each week will see experts discuss a different subject area. Courses include step-by-step instructions, what is the right equipment to use, and best practices.

Pre-registration on Zoom is required for each session. The courses are as follows:

April 15 – Freezing: Learn to freeze fresh vegetables and fruits and get tips for freezing other foods for later enjoyment.

April 22 – Canning in Boiling Water Canner: This method is for fruits, tomatoes, jams/jellies and pickled products. Learn how to safely can food in glass jars.

April 29 – Pressure Canning: This method is for vegetables (such as beets, carrots, corn, green beans); poultry, seafood and meat or foods that contain these ingredients.

May 6 – Jam, Jellies and Spreads: Capture the flavor of summer in sweet or savory spreads processed in a boiling water canner. Speakers will also discuss freezer jams.

May 13 – Pickles: Learn to pickle a variety of vegetables and fruit and then can in a boiling water canner. Speakers will also discuss making refrigerator pickles.

May 20 – Tomatoes and Salsa: Be ready to can, freeze or dry NJ tomatoes! Learn each of these methods, plus how to make and can salsa.

June 3 – Preserving Herbs: Capture the flavor of summer herbs by freezing, drying or making vinegars. Also included are pesto and flavored butter.

June 10 – Dehydrating: Many foods dehydrate well including vegetables, fruits, herbs and meat jerky. Learn techniques for safe and high-quality results.

Visit njaes.rutgers.edu/fchs to learn more about New Jersey Family and Community Health Sciences and their upcoming events.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has offices at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. For more information on all Extension programs, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards, and 4-H youth development please call the Extension at 908-654-9854 or visit ucnj.org/rce.

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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 Board of Commissioners and United Way of Greater Union County collaborate to create pop-up clinics with vaccine for 400 vulnerable residents.

Elizabeth, NJ, March 20, 2021 – The Union County Board of Commissioners has partnered the County’s Department of Human Services with United Way of Greater Union County in a COVID-19 vaccination outreach plan for the homeless. The County and UWGUC will coordinate the administration of vaccines to 400 homeless individuals at eight pop-up clinics in local communities this coming week.

Transportation to the sites will be available if needed, and after-care kits will be distributed to everyone vaccinated.

Vaccines are an important tool to protect people experiencing homelessness from COVID-19, but public health and homeless assistance systems face substantial barriers to reaching this group. Most of the homeless population is not generally well connected to the health care system and face substantial challenges accessing the vaccine.

“The Board of Commissioners is determined to ensure vaccine access for every Union County resident who wants to be protected against this lethal virus,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank UWGUC and all of our partners for helping to ensure that life-saving vaccines can reach the most vulnerable and at-risk members of the Union County family as quickly as possible.”

“With little to no access to the internet or Wi-Fi services, and facing many other daily challenges, it is nearly impossible for the homeless to apply for a vaccine appointment.  This is our opportunity to go to them to make sure they have an opportunity to receive the vaccine,” states James Horne, CEO, United Way of Greater Union County.”

“Now more than ever it is important to commit to all of our residents during this unprecedented public health crisis. Every single resident including those who are homeless or undocumented should have the opportunity to be vaccinated as well,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Advocating for our at-risk community is a priority of mine and of the Commissioner Board, and we will continue to take the initiative and rise up to the challenge of overcoming this pandemic.”

“Thanks to the strong network of partner agencies in Union County, we are able to muster an all-hands-on-deck effort to connect with unsheltered residents in our community,” said Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

The Department of Human Services worked with UWGUC to obtain the grant for the pop-up vaccine clinic program, which will fund professional vaccination staff through the Visiting Nurse Association. The Union County Department of Human Services is coordinating outreach with shelters and other partners, in order to ensure that their clients and other at-risk residents are aware of the vaccination opportunity.

Staff from the Department of Human Services will also assist at the clinics.

In addition to the Commissioner Board, the Department of Human Services, UWGUC and the Visiting Nurse Association, other partners in the program include Angels for Action, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, St. Joseph’s Social Services, Family Promise, The Gateway Family YMCA, Homefirst, Muslim Community Soup Kitchen, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Plainfield Action Services, Salvation Army, YWCA of Eastern Union County, and Cristo Para La Naciones.

About the Union County Board of Commissioners’ COVID-19 Response

The homeless vaccination initiative builds on the Commissioner Board’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which includes conducting pop-up vaccination drives for seniors in their communities. Union County opened the first free County-based test center in New Jersey, at the Kean University campus in Union Township, on March 23, 2020. The Commissioner Board has also overseen the introduction of new tests as available, and the establishment of a new on-campus test lab at Kean, along with the launch of a mobile test unit to reach vulnerable populations and local communities on a walk-in basis. The Union County Vaccine Center opened at the Kean campus on January 7 and has administered tens of thousands of doses to Union County residents since then.

About United Way of Greater Union County

33 W Grand St., Elizabeth NJ 07202 – (908) 353-7171 – www.uwguc.org

United Way of Greater Union County fights for the health, education, financial stability and family strengthening of every person in Union County, NJ.  We provide critical resources to children and families supporting 39 nonprofit organizations and funding 5 programs. For nearly a century, United Way of Greater Union County has proven to be a pre-eminent community-based leader, partner and investment choice in these communities.

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.

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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all programs will be conducted outdoors in small groups, with masks and social distance.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy nature programs hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a fun season of outdoor spring activities.

“Now that spring has officially arrived, Trailside’s programs provide visitors of all ages the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors while exploring our natural heritage in the scenic Watchung Reservation,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Adults with children ages four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, a new series offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants will look for animal homes and hideouts, learn to identify birds by color and sound, take part in a scavenger hunt and search for all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk. The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents.

Two moonlight walks will be offered this spring for adults with children ages six and older. A Pink Moon Hike will take place on April 27 and a Flower Moon Hike will take place on May 26, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon. Learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.  The fee per person per program is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.

Due to popular demand, additional senior walks have been added. This spring, senior walks take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and continue through May 27. This series is free and open to participants ages 55 and older.  Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic. Participants will discover how to make their home more wildlife friendly, learn to identify common tree species, search for migrating birds at the Deserted Village and find out how to recognize common wild edible plants.

Residents should save the date for Saturday, April 24, when Trailside will offer a variety of outdoor activities in honor of Earth Day.  Participants can take part in guided nature walks and live animal talks. Preregistration is required. There will also be a recycled art wildlife walk along the sensory friendly trail.  Check the trailside website for updates on this event.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including the Falcon Cam and other online resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds all candidates running in the 2021 primary election that petitions are due before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5. Candidates for County positions must file their petitions with the office of the County Clerk, located at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street, Room 113.

Candidates for municipal positions must file with the borough, township, or city in which they are running.

“It is important to be aware of the petition deadline,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Under the law, my office will not accept petitions after 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5.”

Both traditional paper petitions and electronic petitions are permitted. All paper petitions must be notarized. Electronic petitions do not need notarization.

Electronic petitions and directions are available online at unioncountyvotes.com.

Candidates who need paper petitions must obtain them from the County Clerk’s office if running for a County position. Candidates running for municipal positions must obtain their paper petitions from their borough, township, or city clerk.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com 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 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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