County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is announcing a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign in the Borough of Roselle. This education campaign is aimed at changing unsafe behavior and reducing pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes at the intersections of W. Second Ave. & Chestnut St. and W. Second Ave. & Locust St in Roselle.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents remains a top concern for Union County,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Street Smart NJ campaign will help educate drivers and pedestrians about the safe use of our roadways and is part of a broader set of initiatives to make our community safer.”

The campaign will kick off on Wednesday, April 10th, at 5:00pm in front of Roselle Borough Hall near West Second & Chestnut Street. Speakers will include Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner and NJTPA Trustee; Mayor Donald A. Shaw; Cindy Thomas, Council President; Councilwoman Isabel Sousa; Helder Freire, Acting Chief of Police; Dr. Nathan Fisher, Superintendent of Roselle Public Schools, Michael Rizol, Director, NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and Lisa Lee, Director, EZ Ride.

Street Smart NJ, initiated in 2013 and managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), is a statewide collaborative effort between public, private, and non-profit organizations. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role in making our streets safer. Drivers must obey speed limits and stop for people crossing; people walking or biking must use crosswalks (marked and unmarked) and cross with the signals; and everyone must avoid distractions. Street Smart NJ is one of many initiatives working to reach zero pedestrian fatalities and more than 240 communities in NJ have successfully implemented the campaign.

EZ Ride, the Transportation Management Association serving Union County, will manage the local campaign and work with the municipality, county, schools, and community partners to educate and distribute safety information. Large educational signs will be displayed at the intersections, and local and County police will enforce traffic and pedestrian laws as part of the campaign.

Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is particularly important in New Jersey. On average, one pedestrian is killed every two days in New Jersey, and 12 are injured daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, New Jersey ranked 18th in the US in pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, and pedestrians comprised 30 percent of the 699 traffic fatalities in New Jersey in 2021, far more than the national average of 17 percent. The two focus intersections for this campaign were selected due to recent pedestrian crashes and a fatality in December 2023.

“Through initiatives like Street Smart NJ, we’re developing a culture of safety so that every resident can navigate our streets with confidence,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “It will take statewide efforts to eliminate accidents and injuries, but we are dedicated to working toward that goal.”

Anyone interested in helping to promote the Street Smart NJ message in Union County should contact Lisa Lee at 201-939-4242 ext. 123 or LLee@ezride.org. Learn more at bestreetsmartnj.org. The campaign is also on Facebook and X (@njstreetsmart).

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that a sample ballot for the upcoming Westfield School Board election on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 is now available for viewing on the Clerk’s website.

“This resource allows voters to familiarize themselves with the choices they will encounter on Election Day, enabling them to make informed decisions that reflect their values and priorities for the education system in Westfield,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “I encourage all eligible voters in Westfield to take advantage of the resources available and participate actively in this important election. By exercising your right to vote, you play a vital role in shaping the future of education in your community.”

The sample ballot provides voters with essential information regarding the candidates running for the School Board as well as details on the question included in the Westfield Election. Furthermore, Clerk Rajoppi would like to inform voters that vote by mail ballots are currently being mailed out to eligible voters. This convenient option allows individuals to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that all voices are heard in this critical election.

For those who prefer to vote in person, vote by mail ballots will also be available at the Clerk’s office in Westfield starting tomorrow, April 3^rd. This option provides flexibility and accessibility for voters who wish to participate directly in the democratic process.

It is important to note that the Westfield Election encompasses not only the selection of School Board candidates but also includes a question regarding education.

For additional information and updates regarding the Westfield School Board election or information on all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at www.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the County’s next free paper shredding event, taking place at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 10^th at Black Brook Park, located at 349 North 19^th Street in Kenilworth.

“We are pleased to offer a free and secure shredding service to help you dispose of any sensitive documents you may have. This service is a sustainable way to contribute to Union County’s recycling efforts. We hope that you will find this service helpful as you engage in your spring cleaning, organization activities and beyond,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Upon arrival, there will be ample signage to direct residents to the shredding site(s). The shredding event begins at 9:00 A.M. and will conclude promptly at 1:00 P.M., rain or shine, unless the shredding trucks fill up to capacity, in which case the event will end earlier. Residents are encouraged to arrive as close to the beginning of the event as possible in order to ensure their places in line. These events are drive-up only and contact-free; residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on-site in a mobile shredding truck.

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 prior to arrival at the shredding site.

Union County’s free shredding events are intended for personal, sensitive, and residentially generated documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/.  Businesses and business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events; businesses can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning via the online form at ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.

For the complete 2024 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

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

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has joined forces with the Patriots’ Path Council, Boy Scouts of America, to execute Operation WRIP (Watchung Reservation Invasive Plants). On Saturday, April 6^th, over a hundred Scouts, trail maintenance volunteers, and County staff will undertake a project that aims to enhance the overall trail experience for casual walkers, joggers, dog walkers, serious hikers, and horseback riders in the scenic Watchung Reservation.  

Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers from across northern New Jersey will remove invasive plants from areas throughout the 2,143-acre park. They will focus on removing Japanese barberry and multiflora rosa shrubs, which are easy to locate and identify at this time of year.  Both of these thorny plants are invasive, encroach on hiking and bridle trails, provide little resource for native wildlife, and stifle biodiversity by crowding out native plants. 

Union County Trail Stewards, Saturday Trail Work program participants and Watchung Reservation Invasive Plant Strike Team members will also join in and work alongside the Scouts.  Trail Stewards, who adopt and care for specific trails throughout the year, will pair up with the Scout groups working near their adopted trails.

“We are incredibly thankful for the devoted hard work put in by the Boy Scouts of America, which has been our partner in improving the Union County Park System for over a hundred years.  This latest project offers an opportunity for boys and girls from Kindergarten to high school to learn about the values of teamwork and environmental consciousness, which will aid in shaping them into the responsible young adults of tomorrow,” said County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.  “Through the tireless efforts of all of our dedicated volunteers and staff, we are able to preserve the scenic and diverse beauty of our stunning Reservation, allowing us all to enjoy the wonders of nature and create cherished memories.”

Participants will gather at 8:30 am at the amphitheater in the Trailside Nature & Science Center complex, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.  County staff will explain the mission, demonstrate procedures, give a safety briefing, distribute tools and send crews on their way.  Everyone will return to sign out at noon.  Operation WRIP will be a light rain or shine event. 

Scouts should register at https://scoutingevent.com/358-WRIP.  Participation can be counted as conservation service hours for rank advancement, Camping merit badge, or the 50-Miler Award.

Anyone else wishing to help can send an email to park.env.services@ucnj.org or register in-person on April 6. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to bring old or unwanted metal goods to Union County’s first free scrap metal recycling drop-off dates of the 2024 season, beginning this April. A wide variety of metal items, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway, twice a month, from April to November.

“The countywide program serves as a valuable resource to assist in addressing the gaps in scrap metal recycling across Union County. By increasing our efforts to recycle more and reduce waste, we can effectively contribute to the betterment of our community as a whole,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage residents to attend the nearest scrap metal event for their unwanted or old scrap goods.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, April 4^th and Saturday, April 20^th 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 Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites. In addition to April’s scrap metal events, May scrap metal events are scheduled for Thursday, May 2^nd and Saturday, May 18^th. To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, residents are invited to download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

At scrap metal events, residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, 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.

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of the Sensory Friendly Summer Camp, coordinated by the Department of Human Services’ Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. Designed to provide a unique and inclusive outdoor experience, this camp opportunity is tailored for children aged 12 to 16 and young adults aged 17 to 21. The camp will run from 9:00am to 2:00pm during the week of August 19th – August 23, 2024 at the Trailside Nature & Science Center.

“As a parent myself, I understand the significance of offering summer camps that cater to the sensory needs of children and teens,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Experiencing the natural world in an outdoor setting like Trailside helps our young adults safely explore their senses. Our goal is to empower children to learn and grow without the barriers often experienced elsewhere.”

Trailside Nature & Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, offers an ideal setting for campers to explore the wonders of nature. Campers will be able to spend a week investigating the natural world using their senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. They will also be able to experience the Sensory Friendly Trail and learn about the plants and animals that live in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. Each day, campers will develop an appreciation for the natural world through nature walks, hands-on activities, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and stories. They will also meet live animals, spend time outside each day and experience all the beauty that nature has to offer.

“This weeklong camp provides a safe and accommodating space filled with support and care,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Ensuring that every young adult has access to enriching experiences is vital to their development and well-being, and we are continuously working towards creating even more inclusive Union County events for residents of all ages.”

Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of aggressive or threatening behavior, who require restraints to help stop behaviors, or 1:1 staffing. Please note that space is limited and application doesn’t guarantee enrollment. In order to ensure compatibility and accommodate individual needs, the camp administration may conduct interviews prior to admission. Additionally, the administration reserves the right to determine whether they can adequately meet the needs of applicants. To apply for the 2024 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp at Trailside, please visit http://www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, please call the office at 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781, or visit http://www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces its free virtual series for the LGBTQ+ community, OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour with host Micayla Mirabella, continues this spring with new installments, beginning with a special Part 2 of March’s discussion, Unveiling Hidden Narratives – Celebrating the Trials and Triumphs of Queer Women in History, this Wednesday, April 3^rd at 7:00 P.M. via zoom or live stream on the County of Union Official Facebook page. The free, hour-long conversation is part of a monthly virtual dialogue series that explores an array of LGBTQ+-specific themes, stories, and experiences to inform, educate, and connect the community.

“The “Queer Empowerment Hour” series presents a remarkable opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community in Union County to come together, share their experiences and ideas, and establish a truly supportive network. This program serves as a safe and welcoming space where individuals can listen in, ask questions without fear of judgment and potentially gain the confidence to lead their lives more authentically. I sincerely hope all interested residents will register online and participate in these free and informative discussions,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Each OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour session begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the County of Union Facebook page. Questions are taken via Zoom and within the comments section on Facebook.

Below are the upcoming dates for April and May:

• Wednesday, April 3^rd: NEW! Unveiling Hidden Narratives – Celebrating the Trials and Triumphs of Queer Women in History: Part 2
• Wednesday, April 17^th: Health and Equity: LGBTQ+ Accessible and Affirming Healthcare
• Wednesday, May 15^th: NEW DATE! Passing the Torch – LGBTQ+ Elders Reflect on the Past and Guide the Next Generation

“It inspires me to see how much interest and enthusiasm our viewers, participants, and hosts have for discussing the rich and impactful history of the queer community. The fact that we had to extend our Queer Women in History discussion to another hour is a testament to the vast amount of knowledge and topics that remain to be explored,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “We are thrilled to continue these constructive conversations and discuss this, and other fascinating LGBTQ+ related topics, much further.”

To participate in this informative discussion, please register at: ucnj.org/lgbtq. Queer Empowerment Hour is brought to you by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, and in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

For dates, times, or more information on upcoming Queer Empowerment Hour meetings, please contact the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs at 908-527-4897 or visit our website at ucnj.org/lgbtq.