Author: corinnefiretto

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to continue its seasonal recycling events this September. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these free annual programs, which offer a safe and responsible way to dispose of personal documents, scrap metal, and household hazardous waste at designated drop-off locations throughout Union County.

“When residents take part in our recycling events, they’re not just being responsible citizens; they’re also playing a vital role in conserving resources and fostering a healthier environment for future generations to enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Join us this September, and let’s continue working together to keep Union County safe, clean, and sustainable.”

Residents are encouraged to securely shred personal documents at the County’s upcoming free paper shredding events, taking place on Saturday, September 20th, and Friday, September 26th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the following locations:

• Saturday, September 20th: UCNJ – Parking Lots 5A/5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
• Friday, September 26th: Westfield Pool – Parking Lot, 713 Cumberland Street, Westfield

This event is part of Union County’s annual paper shredding program, which runs from March through October. All documents are shredded on-site, and the shredded paper is transported to a recycling facility for processing. Events will take place, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or until the shredding trucks reach capacity.

Events are free and open to all Union County residents, regardless of their municipality, and are intended for the secure disposal of personal and sensitive documents only. Business papers will not be accepted. Residents are reminded that magazines, junk mail, and other non-sensitive papers should be recycled through their regular municipal recycling programs. Before attending, please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other non-paper materials (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in September, providing residents with an opportunity to recycle various metal items. Drop-off events will be held on Thursday, September 4th, and Saturday, September 20th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:

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

Accepted items include refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, air conditioners, and other metal household goods. The scrap metal program operates on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, April through November.

Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Kean University’s Kean Hall Parking Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union. At this event, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, and more. Latex paint (water-based) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash. Please note that fireworks will no longer be accepted for disposal at the Household Hazardous Waste events.  However, ammunition will still be accepted for disposal. 

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.

Union County Recycling Programs are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) funds, which are applied for and received by the County of Union.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment is to empower our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”

County Clerk Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Newark Bait Fly Casting Club, invites residents with disabilities and special needs, family and friends, to participate in the 2025 Fall Fishing Derby. The inclusive fishing event will take place on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“Fishing on the lake with your loved ones is a great way to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the outdoors before summer comes to a close,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. Whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned angler, all are welcome to join us at Echo Lake. I hope to see you there.”

The 2025 Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants of all ages are encouraged to bring their own chairs, poles, and fishing gear, or they can borrow the equipment provided.

Admission to the Fall Fishing Derby is always free; however, pre-registration is required. To register, please call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The Fishing Derby kicks off an incredible line-up of community events we have planned for fall that are designed to be accessible to all residents, allowing everyone the chance to participate, be entertained, and create lasting memories,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council, Sergio Granados. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I also want to thank our partners at the Newark Bait Fly Casting Club for their continued support in bringing this enjoyable event to our special needs community.”

The Newark Bait Fly Casting Club is the oldest scientific angling and casting club in the East. The group of fishermen and fisherwomen unite through a shared commitment to assist veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities through various events held during the year.

This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services. The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs offers year-round programming designed to empower, support, and engage individuals and families through accessible recreation, education, and advocacy.

For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby or other events hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the first annual Plein Air Painting Event at the historic Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights, on Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Artists of all levels are invited to bring their easels and capture the unique beauty and history of the Deserted Village.

“The Deserted Village is one of Union County’s most treasured landmarks, and this event is a wonderful way to connect art, history, and the outdoors,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “We are excited to welcome artists from across the region to share their perspectives and showcase the charm of this historic site.”

Located at 9 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, the Deserted Village is a nationally recognized historic site nestled in the Watchung Reservation, offering a rare blend of preserved 19th-century architecture and scenic natural landscapes. This will be the first event of its kind to take place in Union County.

Plein air painting is the process of creating a work of art outdoors, with the subject in full view of the artist. The term comes from the French phrase “en plein air,” meaning “in the open air,” and refers to capturing a subject in natural light through direct observation.

As an introduction, the County will host a public Zoom session on Tuesday, September 9, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to explain what plein air painting is and what participants can expect during the September 27 event. This virtual session will provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the process.

“This program is a unique opportunity to experience one of Union County’s historic treasures in a completely new way,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. “We encourage both seasoned artists and beginners to join us, explore the Deserted Village, and let their creativity flow in the fresh air.”

To register for the Zoom session and/or the Plein Air Painting Event, visit www.ucnj.org/pleinair. For questions or assistance, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call (908) 558-2550.

This event is coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. To learn more about its programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/. 

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that services at the Union County Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) will be transitioned at the end of calendar year 2025 to a new vendor contracted by the Department of Children and Families’ Division on Women.  The transition will enable broader reach and enhanced supports for impacted residents, while ensuring high quality and effective counsel and coordination. 

Services will continue at the CRCC’s current location in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County Complex in Westfield through December. The 24-hour hotline—908-233-RAPE (7273)—will remain active throughout the transition period.

“This transition reflects a shared commitment to strengthening and evolving how we support survivors in our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “By working with the State, we are ensuring that these essential services not only continue without disruption, but do so under a model that is sustainable, responsive, and reflective of the changing needs of survivors and their families.”

Founded in 1984, the UCRCC has provided confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual violence across Union County. The Center offers a 24-hour hotline, in-person accompaniment during medical and legal proceedings, bilingual advocacy, and community education—all free of charge. It also leads countywide outreach during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and trains volunteers to become Certified Sexual Violence Advocates (CSVAs).

In 2024 alone, the UCRCC responded to more than 970 crisis calls, facilitated over 70 in-person accompaniments, and engaged hundreds of residents through awareness campaigns and prevention efforts.

“As Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this program has had on the lives of so many,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “This transition is about expanding that impact—ensuring that survivors will now be served by a provider with the capacity and focus to continue this work long into the future. It’s not just about preserving what exists, but improving access, deepening support, and continuing to fight for a world free from sexual violence.”

The County is working closely with the state Department of Children and Families’ Division on Women, which funds the services, to ensure a smooth and compassionate handoff to the incoming provider, which will carry forward the UCRCC’s legacy of advocacy and healing. Volunteer support services, bilingual access, and prevention education will remain core to the program.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the State of New Jersey remain united in their mission to support survivors of sexual violence with dignity, continuity, and care. For updates and information about services in 2026 and beyond, visit the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division on Women: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/divisions/dow.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the grand openings of two new state-of-the-art Fitness Courts®, made possible through a partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon) and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC).

“We are thrilled to partner with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the National Fitness Campaign to bring inclusive, accessible fitness opportunities to our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “These Fitness Courts are part of our larger mission to promote community health, equity, and wellness in every corner of Union County. We invite everyone to come out, get active, and experience these fantastic new resources.”

Residents are invited to join Union County officials, project partners, and local leaders for two ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating these new, free outdoor fitness spaces:

Wednesday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Rahway River Park in Rahway

Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Phil Rizzuto Park in Union

“Investing in Fitness Courts is another way Horizon is working to empower our members to achieve their best health, while partnering with community organizations to build a healthier New Jersey,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Horizon’s President and CEO. “As New Jersey’s hometown health insurer, we’re focused on making good health more affordable and more accessible. The opportunities created by our partnership with National Fitness Campaign builds on Horizon’s ninety year history of supporting local organizations and improving the health of New Jersey’s communities.”

“We are excited to have Union Countyjoin us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Courts, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”

These Fitness Courts® are open-air wellness centers designed to bring free, high-quality workouts to people of all abilities, ages 14 and up. The user-friendly circuit features seven full-body stations that allow users to leverage their own body weight at their own pace. Participants can also download the Fitness Court® App to receive guided workouts and coaching for an enhanced experience.

Union County is one of the first counties in New Jersey to introduce multiple NFC Fitness Courts through this public-private initiative. The installations are designed to provide equitable access to exercise and support healthier lifestyles across the region.

For more information on the Fitness Court® and Union County’s health and wellness initiatives, visit ucnj.org/fitness. To learn more about the National Fitness Campaign and Horizon’s support across New Jersey, visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/newjersey.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s leading health solutions company, and its affiliates provide a wide array of medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that more closely tie the payments that doctors and hospitals receive to the results they deliver for our members. Learn more at: www.HorizonBlue.com Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving approximately 3.5 million members.

About National Fitness Campaign

Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court^®– the world’s best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign is preparing to welcome its 750^th healthy community in 2025, as it continues to grow the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court^® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American.  Learn more about National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.