Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is happy to inform residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program will continue in August. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to air conditioners to tire rims, and railings, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“We are happy to continue to offer Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program in August, providing our residents with an opportunity to contribute to a greener and more sustainable community,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “From household appliances to tire rims, and everything in between, this program allows us to come together and make a positive impact on the environment. I hope to see all residents at one of these events; together, we can make a difference and lead the way towards a cleaner, eco-conscious future.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, August 3 and Saturday, August 19 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.

The next scrap metal events, after the August events, will take place on Thursday, September 7th and Saturday, September 16th.

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

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 would like to remind its residents of our ongoing Child Seat Inspection Program.

“The Child Seat Inspection Program stands as one of Union County’s most invaluable resources, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding our children,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Through meticulous inspections, expert guidance, and essential safety tips, this program ensures that every child car seat meets the highest standards of safety. This program both protects our young ones and offers parents the peace of mind they truly deserve.”

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to check their child car seats for proper installation by visiting the County’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program Center, located at the Garwood Rescue Squad at 401 2nd Avenue in Garwood. The program will run every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and no appointment is necessary.

Earlier this week, Commissioner Vice- Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded visited the inspection location, where she had one of her children’s car seats installed.

“As parents, it is our paramount duty to keep our children safe, especially during every car ride,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “That is why I am proud to be a part of Union County’s ongoing Child Seat Inspection Program. Each time I install, change or upgrade one of my children’s car seats, I personally visit the inspection location to have it properly installed and checked for safety measures. I urge all residents to take advantage of this essential program.”

Under the New Jersey Child Passenger Safety Law:

• Any child under the age of 8 years old and a height of 57 inches shall be secured as follows in the rear seat of a motor vehicle.
• A child under the age of 2 years and 30 pounds shall be secured in a rear-facing seat equipped with a 5-point harness.
• A child under the age of 4 years and 40 pounds shall be secured as described in (a) until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing seat, then in a forward-facing child restraint equipped with a 5-point harness.
• A child under the age of 8 and a height of 57 inches shall be secured as described in (a) or (b) until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing or forward-facing seat, then in a belt positioning booster seat.
• A child over 8 years of age or 57 inches in height must be properly secured by a seat belt.
• It is recommended that children under the age of 13 ride in backseat.

All car seats and boosters have expiration dates. There should be a manufacturer’s label on the back or bottom of the seat that gives the manufacture date and/or specific expiration date.

First launched in 1999, the Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Police Department, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and the Garwood First Aid Squad.

For more information about the Safety Seat Inspection Program and other services visit online at ucnj.org/childseats or contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, by email at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-789-6830.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Union County Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), providing low-income seniors aged 60 or older with an excellent opportunity to access fresh, locally grown produce through e-benefits. This program not only promotes healthier eating habits among seniors but also strengthens the local agricultural community by supporting USDA approved farmers markets in New Jersey.

“As we continue to see the success of Union County’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, we are so excited to realize how it is positively impacting our seniors in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This remarkable initiative not only promotes the health of our seniors through access to fresh fruits and vegetables but also strengthens our community ties and supports our local farmers. As a county, we remain dedicated to prioritizing the happiness and well-being of our seniors, and together, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring their continued health and satisfaction.”

The SFMNP is designed to enhance the nutritional well-being of senior citizens, ensuring they have access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. By granting $50.00 in e-benefits to eligible participants, the program empowers seniors to make healthier choices while simultaneously contributing to the growth of local farmers and the thriving agricultural industry.

To be part of this incredible initiative, participants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including meeting income and residency requirements. For the year 2023, qualifying monthly household income limits are set at $2,248 for a household of one (1) and $3,041 for a household of two (2). Eligibility verification will require documentation to establish age, residency, and income.

Age verification can be established through a birth certificate or a valid identification document, while residency can be proven with a valid ID or a utility bill reflecting the participant’s address. Income verification may be provided through documents such as the 2022 income tax return, a Social Security statement, a SNAP ID (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or a Medicaid ID.

“As stewards of our community’s health and happiness, we encourage all eligible seniors to sign up for this incredible initiative,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “I would like to thank our Division on Aging for coordinating this program each year and providing healthy options to our residents.”

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited slots available, so interested seniors are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Each participant is eligible for one offer per year.

For a list of participating farmers’ markets or to begin the application process, interested individuals can call the Union County SFMNP team at (908) 527-4870.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in conjunction with the Town of Westfield, invites residents with special needs to participate in Paint by the Pond, on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield.

“I am excited to bring the power of art and inclusivity at this summer’s Paint by the Pond event, said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “This is a great event where residents of all ages can unleash their creativity and proudly display their talents or simply enjoy a nice day out with friends and family.”

“Paint by the Pond” is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) and welcomes residents with disabilities and special needs of all ages.

This event is free to attend and residents of all ages are welcome to attend, but pre-registration is required. To pre-register, residents should visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“I am so delighted to partner with the County to bring Paint the Pond back to Westfield this year,” said Westfield Councilwoman Dawn Mackey. “When Commissioner Palmieri-Mouded first approached us in 2019, I knew immediately this would be a gift to the community. It has been joyful to witness the families create these projects and have park visitors enjoy the work of artist Dario Scholis floating in the pond. Mindowaskin is the perfect venue to host this amazing inclusive event.”

For more information about the “Paint by the Pond” program, contact Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator, at jwhitous@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781. 

The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is a unit of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, in the Union County Department of Human Services. 

For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announce that the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS) will receive $33 million in financial investment to expand and improve facilities on their campus. Senate President Nicholas Scutari made the official public announcement at the school’s Board of Education meeting, alongside Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioners Lourdes Leon and Bette Jane Kowalski, as well as school leaders and students.

“Our commitment to collaborating with Union County Vocational-Technical Schools to make our schools top-notch has always been one of our top priorities when it comes to education,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Now, with this recent allocation of additional funding from the state, we have an unprecedented opportunity to significantly expand the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools. This expansion will not only benefit the faculty but also enrich the educational experience for the students, both now and in the future. On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, we would like to thank the State of New Jersey, especially Senate President Nick Scutari for their continued support and this allocation.”

The $33 million financial investment marks a historic moment for both the educational institution and the community it serves. The funding secured by Senate President Scutari will allow UCVTS to continue to provide nationally recognized educational opportunities to college bound high school students as well as adults interested in technical skills for a new career, or who want to enhance existing skills.

“I’m proud I was an early supporter of the vision of Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, when this beautiful campus we have now was just an empty field. I will continue to support the growth of the schools, and ensure that the best and the brightest students of Union County have the resources they need to reach their potential,” announced Senate President Nick Scutari.

The Scotch Plains campus houses several career academies and technical institutions. All of the schools partner with industry, colleges and universities, as well as government entities to provide real-world experience that can translate into college preparation or support job placement.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to serve our current students, as well as plan for new ways to expand our curriculum and serve the community at-large,” said UCVTS Superintendent of Schools Gwendolyn S. Ryan.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation are happy to announce the launch of an online ticketing system for the popular Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway and Wheeler Spray Park in Linden.

Starting Wednesday, August 2, 2023, residents and visitors will now have the convenience of purchasing tickets in advance through the user-friendly platform at www.ucnj.org/reserve.

“We are excited to introduce this modern ticketing solution, which will significantly improve the way the public accesses our popular spray park and pool facilities,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This new initiative is designed to streamline access and enhance the overall visitor experience. Our goal is to simplify the ticket purchasing process and provide our residents and visitors with greater convenience while visiting our recreational sites.”

In response to the growing demand for more accessible and efficient ticketing services, the County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation will offer the public the opportunity to purchase tickets a week in advance. By adopting a week-by-week basis ticket release model, guests will have the flexibility to plan their visits and secure their spot ahead of time, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable day at the Spray Park and Pool.

To purchase tickets, guests have two convenient options: scan QR Code on signage around the facilities or visit www.ucnj.org/reserve. Follow the easy steps to reserve tickets:

1. Select Location you want admission to on the left side.
2. Select Admission Date.
3. Create a Rec1 account or log in to your existing account.
4. Check off each individuals name who will be attending. If an individual is not listed, please add to your account.
5. Click or Tap “Add To Cart”.
6. Process the transaction.
7. Have your ticket readily available on your phone or printed to show upon entry.

With the implementation of this online ticketing system, visitors can avoid long wait times and gain prompt entry to the spray park and pool areas. Furthermore, online platform ensures a safe and secure transaction process, giving users confidence in their online purchases.

In adherence to our commitment to providing a safe environment, Union County continues to uphold all necessary health and safety protocols. By utilizing online ticketing, we aim to maintain capacity control measures effectively.

For more information about the spray park and pool hours of operation, pricing, and guidelines, please visit the official Union County website at www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation/.