Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services would like to announce an upcoming Parents in Action program (PIA) for Cyber Safety and Anti-Bullying. The PIA is a parent support group offered by the Division for over 6 years.

“The start of a new school year is an essential time for parents to be involved and knowing what kind of support and assistance is out there is important,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Keeping our students safe does not end after the first day of school; it’s a year-round endeavor that requires deliberate, conscientious, and collaborative attention.”

This event will be held on October 5, 2022 at the Westfield Library, located at 550 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This presentation will be offered to school administrators, parents and non-profit organizations. If interested, residents can register at www.ucnj.org/youth.

“School violence and bullying including cyberbullying is widespread and affects a significant number of children and adolescents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “While the internet and technology offer opportunities for kids to learn and be entertained, it is critical that parents or guardians are being proactive and talking about internet safety and any form of bullying. Our students deserve to feel safe both in school and out of school and its programs like this give parents the tools they need to be informed and aware of anything that can happen.”

The Parents in Action program has two components. First, being the Parent Workshop on October 5^th and the second is a five-week in depth parent in action class that offers parents and guardians the opportunity to meet with other parents dealing with similar issues. There will be three sessions offered in English and Spanish. The dates and locations will be announced at a further date.

For more information about the Parents in Action Program or any other youth service, please contact 908-558-2520.

Public Input Sought for Online Survey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Union County and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority are funding a study aimed at preparing for an increase in electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Union County over the next 10 years. The growth in EV ownership is anticipated to lead to an increased demand for convenient EV charging sites throughout New Jersey.

“Our goal is to ensure that recharging an EV is just as easy and convenient as filling up with gasoline. By planning for more charging locations, we will be in a better position to support residents and make EVs a more viable choice as they become more affordable and popular,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

In addition to meeting overall demand for convenient EV charging sites, the study aims to place the County in position to have the needed infrastructure with respect to traditionally underserved communities. The study will attempt to address the challenge of sufficient charging equipment locations for residents renting in multifamily residences and larger developments.

The Union County study will prioritize public outreach and input. On Friday, September 23^rd, the project page will be launched on the County’s website, ucnj.org/ev-study. The project page will include a survey and mapping tool to gather information from the public on where they believe new charging sites should be located.

All members of the public will be invited to participate in the survey, including individual residents as well as those representing businesses, schools, civic organizations, and local governments. When completed, the study will show where EV charging infrastructure should be located over the next ten years by considering areas of highest demand and need.

New Jersey has set a goal for December 2025 to have 330,000 registered passenger EVs and at least 400 public fast chargers throughout the state. The chargers are to be distributed to no fewer than 200 locations.

There are currently three different EV charging options, depending on the driver’s needs. Drivers who charge their EVs at home can use a Level 1 Charger. These take several hours to fully recharge a battery, but they are relatively inexpensive and can be run on an ordinary household outlet.

The faster Level 2 Chargers are more appropriate for public use. Level 2 Chargers require a heavy-duty outlet, of the type used by refrigerators and other large appliances.

The fastest charger currently available is the Level 3, also called Direct Current Fast Charge. This is a purpose-built power source, which cannot be supported by the electrical system of a home.

This Union County study will focus on Level 2 and Level 3 DCFC chargers, which would be publicly accessible. The County is receiving assistance on the Study with a consultant team headed by French & Parrello Associates with FHI Studio and AECOM. For more information, please contact Project Manager Liza Betz, AICP PP, at ebetz@ucnj.org

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, September 15, 2022, between the hours of 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below and see if your Town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control.

• Clark –  Lefferts Ln., Terhune Rd., Whitley Ter., Shetland Dr.,
• Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., John St., Queen Ct., Roanoke Ave.,
• Linden – Tremley Point Area, Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave.
• Rahway – Donald Ave. Price St., Allen St., Jones Pl., Kearney Ave.
• Roselle Park – E.Colfax Ave., bike path between Galloping Hill Rd. and Chestnut St.
• Roselle – Pine St., Woodland Ave., Columbus Ave.
• Springfield – Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., S. Springfield Ave., Cottage Ln.
• County Parks
  • Plainfield – Cedar Brook

The County of Union welcomed the participation of 40 AmeriCorps volunteers in a litter cleanup of Rahway River Park on Sunday, September 11^th. The volunteers collected 22 bags of litter from the park while working in damp, rainy conditions. The AmeriCorps program took place in partnership with the Union County Clean Communities Program.

“If you are looking for a way to make a real difference in our local environment, efforts led by our Union County Clean Communities Program provide a great place to start. I want to thank the AmeriCorps volunteers for taking the time to make a meaningful difference in cleaning up litter from Rahway River Park, as well as remind all residents to be conscious of the harm caused by pollution from littering,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The cleanup was in partnership with two AmeriCorps Programs – the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program and the Jewish Renaissance Foundation – as their 9/11 Day of Service activity. 

The AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program is a community-oriented AmeriCorps program designed to raise awareness about water issues in New Jersey. The program works with all sectors of society to improve the quality of New Jersey’s waterways, nurturing community-based environmental activities and empowering residents to make responsible and informed decisions regarding their watershed. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bears/americorps.htm.

The AmeriCorps Jewish Renaissance Foundation Program focuses on improving the quality of education and community assistance programs throughout Middlesex County, and is committed to helping individuals and families become healthier and stronger. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.jrfnj.org/.

For more information about cleanup programs in Union County, please contact Heather Miara, Environmental Specialist at the Union County Bureau of Recycling & Planning at Heather.miara@ucnj.org or 908-789-3689.

For more information about the Union County parks system, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to Ride for Freedom XXVI, hosted by Rolling Thunder Inc.®, New Jersey Chapter 2 on September 18th.

“Each year, we gather to watch this amazing event, that brings awareness to the sacrifices that were made by so many,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “It is truly impressive to see how many bikers and spectators come out to support this ride. I hope everyone to see everyone join us in cheering them on.”

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.

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 watch. 

Click the image to register and learn more

Available for Union County residents starting September 24^th

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year. Free flu shots will be dispensed at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Saturday, September 24^th. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.

“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.”

The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County residents ages 9 and up. Children ages 4 through 8 can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received 2 flu shots, in accordance with guidance from the CDC. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and residents can schedule an appointment online by visiting www.ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829. Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.

This year, the free flu shot clinics will also be offering all formulations of the COVID-19 vaccine. As per the CDC, it is safe to receive both shots on the same day, if needed.

The following clinic dates have been scheduled:

• Saturday, September 24 at Plainfield High School
  • Plainfield
  • 9am-12pm
• Thursday, September 29 at Warinanco Sports Center
  • Roselle
  • 3-7pm
• Monday, October 3 at Shady Rest Golf Course
  • Scotch Plains
  • 3-6pm
• Saturday, October 15 at Linden Health Fair
  • Linden
  • 10am-1pm
• Monday, October 17 at Roselle Borough Hall
  • Roselle
  • Council Chambers
  • 4-7pm

Any Union County resident may visit any of these clinics, regardless of their town of residence. To prepare for a visit to Union County’s flu shot clinics, residents are advised to review the fact sheet issued by the CDC in English, Spanish, and other languages at https://www.immunize.org/vis/ (select “Influenza, inactivated” from the vaccine index).

Masks are required when visiting one of Union County’s clinics. Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a clinic site.

For additional updates, visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

Children and adults in need of a variety of standard immunizations can visit Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. Please note that there is no income eligibility requirement for the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccines. Other immunizations are available on an income-eligible basis. For more information, call the Immunization Center at (908) 965-3627 or (908)965-3868.

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs on Saturday, September 17^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Fishing Derby is a free event welcome to all ages, but pre-registration is required. To register online visit Union County’s secure registration page at ucnj.org/opsn-reg or call 908-527-4781 for assistance.

“The Fishing Derby is a wonderful way to celebrate the last days of summer in our parks,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We invite residents young and older to come and enjoy the outdoors at this fun community event.”

Chairs and fishing poles will be provided free of charge. Participants are also welcome to bring their own chairs and fishing gear.

The Fishing Derby is an event of the 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 Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club is co-sponsoring the event. They will organize contests and prizes will be awarded to participants.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs partners with community centers, schools, colleges, YMCAs, businesses, support organizations and volunteer groups to present recreational events and  programs at county facilities as well as locations in various municipalities.

To register for other recreational events or programs provided by the office, visit ucnj.org/opsn-reg.

More information about the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is available at ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online contact form or call the office at 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781.

The Union County community is invited to honor the memory of the 60 residents who perished in the attacks on September 11, 2001, by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Memorial will be open from the morning hours until 9:00 p.m. on September 11. The Union County Sheriff’s Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The public is invited to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks. The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will also contribute candles to the memorial.

“We join together community in honor of our fellow Union County residents who perished in the attacks, and we remember the many acts of courage that occurred in the midst of a terrible national tragedy,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements of design that include all three sites where attacks took place on September 11, 2001. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.

In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.

Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build the Memorial.

Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003, the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost. For more details visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial.

The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union County’s Echo Lake Park (view map), near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park.

In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to share messages of hope and raise awareness about resources for those in need of help.

National Suicide Prevention Month supports a global awareness-raising effort that impacts all communities. The International Association for Suicide Prevention states that “suicide ranks consistently among the top 20 causes of death globally across all age groups. One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide.”

“As a community, we can all take part in suicide prevention, by helping to remove the stigma around suicide, being there for a family member or friend through their darkest moments, and taking actions that show we care,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Day. At 8:00 p.m. local time, individuals from all over the world are invited to light a candle near a window as an act of remembrance demonstrating support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for the survivors of suicide.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention has endorsed the theme of “Creating Hope through Action,” an optimistic approach that emphasizes sharing knowledge and taking simple, ordinary actions to help make a difference.

One important way to help is to raise awareness about the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This free 24/7 hotline can be reached by dialing, texting or chatting 988. The Lifeline connects callers with trained counselors and a network of more than 200 local crisis centers.

Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.

Lifeline is a federal program run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It has been in operation since 2005 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The program is now called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to emphasize a renewed focus on accessibility. The three-digit 988 code is much easier to remember and dial, but callers can also continue to use the existing 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255, to connect with Lifeline.

Please note that veterans can dial “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis Line can also be accessed by calling 1-800-273-8255 (then press 1), texting 1838255, or chatting at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

More details about the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available at 988lifeline.org. To see a list of local resources, visit ucnj.org/obhsa/resourceguide.