County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners encourages Union County residents to help keep County parks free of litter, by reducing their use of single-use plastic bags and other disposable plastic items.

“Spring is in sight and visitors will be returning to the County parks, and we are asking everyone to pitch in and help preserve the environment in our green spaces.  Plastic bags and straws are the most significant source of ocean pollution, so taking steps to diminish litter has a positive impact on our wildlife habitats and our waterways,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  .

Visitors to Union County parks are encouraged to use sturdy tote bags or backpacks to carry picnic items and other gear, instead of relying on single-use plastic bags. Litter often happens accidently when plastic bags or bottles are left behind, so bringing reusable totes and water bottles is a win-win for everyone.

Last year the New Jersey State Legislature passed a ban on single-use paper and plastic grocery bags that goes into effect in May of 2022. Union County residents can plan ahead by making the switch to reusable tote bags now.

Single-use plastic bags easily become windblown and can entangle fish, birds, and other wildlife in local parks. They can also pollute soil when they degrade into micro-particles.

When blown into local waterways, plastic bags can travel to the ocean and create additional hazards:

• Up to 80 percent of ocean plastic pollution enters the ocean from land.
• At least 267 different species have been impacted by ocean plastic pollution.
• 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic bags every year.
• One in three leatherback sea turtles have been found with plastic in their stomachs.
• Plastic bags degrade into micro plastic particles that continue to pollute.
• The average family in the U.S. takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year.
• An average only 15 of every 1,500 plastic bags are recycled in the U.S.

For more information about plastic waste, visit the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Green Knight Newsletter Blog on Tumblr.

Information on all countywide recycling programs hosted by the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning is available at ucnj.org/recycling.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit 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 – In recognition of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to sponsor the annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest for students in Union County. The deadline for entry has been extended to March 26, 2021.

“The Board of County Commissioners is proud of our teachers and students who participate in Arbor Day, a national celebration of stewardship,” said County Commissioner Chair Alexander Mirabella. “Trees are a key resource in our densely developed area and we take the preservation of this community asset very seriously.”

Participation in the Arbor Day Poetry Contest is organized through the schools. Each school in Union County has received information on entering their students in the contest. For additional information, principals and staff can contact Madeline Brigantino, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at mbrigantino@ucnj.org  or 908-789-3653.

The poetry contest offers students of Union County, currently enrolled in grades 4 through 8, an opportunity to obtain a greater understanding of Arbor Day by encouraging them to portray the importance of trees in the natural environment and man-made landscapes, by focusing on the benefits, beauty, and contributions of trees to our communities.

All poems received will be categorized by grade and judged.  One winner will be chosen for first, second, and third place at each grade level.  The winners will be invited to attend a virtual awards ceremony on April 29th at 7:00 p.m., and will be publicly recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

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 – As a new season approaches, Union County residents, business owners and visitors can explore new ways to save money and help preserve a healthy environment by tuning in to the new Earth Day, Every Day live webinar series co-created by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Extension is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, supported in part by the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The free, and popular Earth Day, Every Day series is back on March 8 at 6:30 p.m. and will continue each Monday every week, ending on April 26.

Earth Day Every Day builds on the success of the Earth Day At Home webinar series, launched by the Extension in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2020.

“The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County connects our community with fact-based guidance that empowers people to improve their own well-being, while also contributing to a safe, healthy environment,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Extension has redoubled their educational and outreach work during the COVID-19 outbreak, and The Union County Board of Commissioners is proud to support their efforts to inform and empower people of all ages.”

To register and join the new Earth Day Every Day webinars, and to view recorded versions from the series last spring, visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.

The new topics are:

March 8, 2021: Starting a Native Plant Garden

March 15, 2021: Responsible Stewardship of New Jersey’s Marine Resources

March 22, 2021: Let’s Not Pass the Buck: Deer Management in New Jersey 

March 29, 2021: RU Wildlife Wise: Spring Babies! Tips for Helping Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

April 5, 2021: Infusing EcoTherapy Into Your Life

April 12, 2021: From Rain Gardens to Rain Barrels; Protecting Watersheds at

April 19, 2021: Food Systems and Climate Change

April 26, 2021: Trees, Wonderful Trees

For more expert guidance on wellness, view the latest issue of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s “Family and Community Health Sciences Visions” newsletter online at njaes.rutgers.edu/visions. Topics include pet food safety, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, and much more.

Students in grades k-12 can explore STEAM activities and community service opportunities through 4-H from Home, created by the Extension’s 4-H youth development program.

Nature enthusiasts of all ages can also visit Union County’s own Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside to participate in the “Virtual Summer Camp” series, featuring original videos, crafts, and more. Weekly topics include Turtle Time, Pond and Stream, and Trees are Terrific among others.

As part of Earth Day activities, residents are also encouraged to learn about the Choose to Re-Use statewide anti-litter effort, which aims to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates. For reliable information on what to recycle – and what not to recycle — view the “Recycle Right” video and find links to other County-sponsored recycling programs at ucnj.org/recycling.

In addition, residents can download the free Recycle Coach app for up-to-date information about recycling in each Union County municipality, along with fun interactive videos and more.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit ucnj.org/green-connect. Please note COVID-19 safety precautions are required for all recycling events. Other in-person activities are limited at this time due to the outbreak.

For more Extension news and programs for environmental conservation and personal health in Union County visit ucnj.org/rce.

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.

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 is March 26, 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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Event is drive-in only and pre-registration required to reserve a spot; COVID-19 prevention rules apply.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the acclaimed U2 tribute band, Unforgettable Fire, will headline a free, live drive-in concert in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday night, March 20 at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 12, on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations book quickly.

“It’s a real pleasure to continue offering outdoor entertainment to the community, and we are looking forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in style with Unforgettable Fire and other special guests,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Unforgettable Fire, or “UF,” is one of the very first U2 tribute bands to perform in America. With 25 years of experience in some of the most prestigious venues on the East Coast, UF has formed a reputation as one of the closest experiences to being at an actual live U2 show.

The members of UF are dedicated to complete authenticity, from the music itself to wardrobe, lighting, and other elements that recreate the live U2 concert experience.

The show will open with a performance by Ridgewood Irish Dance featuring music by Cameron Bell, Colin Bell, Gordon Bell, and Ian Ferrick of the group Bell and Ferrick.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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.

Saliva tests to be offered in Elizabeth and Roselle

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs all residents of upcoming dates for Union County’s COVID-19 mobile testing program. The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled additional visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 saliva tests for residents during the month of March. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. No appointment is required, though residents may not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to testing. Results will be available within 72 hours. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for March (note: the Mobile Test Unit will administer the saliva test at all locations):

• Elizabeth – March 2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. School #30 Chessie Dentley Roberts Academy, 730 Pennsylvania Ave
• Roselle – March 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Abraham Clark High School, 122 East Sixth Avenue

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Effective Monday, March 8, the free Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be open on Monday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to noon and Thursday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Drive-Through Test Center is available by appointment to all Union County residents.

It is not necessary to experience a fever, coughing, or other COVID-19 symptoms in order to use the Drive-Through Test Center. Anyone who is concerned about their exposure can receive a test, without needing a doctor’s referral.

To book an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center online, visit ucnj.org. Please note that a car is required to use this service.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

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.