Author: Public Information - 2

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring old or unwanted metal items to Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program in June. Many different metal goods, from household appliances and cookware to sheds, fencing and gutters, are accepted at countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“The scrap metal recycling program provides County residents with a free, convenient way to remove unwanted metal items from their house and yard, while also helping to raise the recycling rate in our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The countywide program also fills a gap for municipalities that currently do not offer the service.”

Scrap metal will be accepted Thursday, June 1 and Saturday, June 17 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.

These events are drive-in only and contact-free. Participants should remain in their vehicles while staff at the site unloads the items. To help the event run smoothly, please place items for drop-off in the trunk, cargo hold, or other easily accessible area of the vehicle.

The scrap metal recycling schedule runs each year from April to November. After the June events, the next drop-off dates are Thursday, July 6 and Saturday, July 15.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, June 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2023 Primary Election..

“The Saturday hours help ensure that everyone who applies for a Vote-by-Mail ballot can do so, without having to take time off from work or other weekday responsibilities,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“I urge residents to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election. On the ballot this year are important races including State Senate and Assembly positions as well as Commissioners. There are also local races in many municipalities,” Ms. Rajoppi added.

Voters who use the County Clerk’s One-Stop service can come to the Elizabeth or Westfield office, apply for their ballot, receive it, fill it out, and deposit it in a secure drop-box on site, all in the same visit. Privacy booths are located at the offices for voters to fill out their ballot.

The office locations and hours are:

Union County Courthouse

• Located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth
• Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Open on Saturday, June 3, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm for Vote-by-Mail

Colleen Fraser Building

• Located at 300 North Avenue East (Union County services complex), Westfield
• Regular hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites non-profit organizations to attend Building Community, a free professional development workshop on Tuesday, June 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, presented by Dr. Brea M. Heidelberg, Arts Management Consultant and Researcher; and Assistant Professor of Entertainment & Arts Management at Drexel University.

The workshop is free of charge. Pre-register to obtain the Zoom link here.

“We are very proud to bring Dr. Heidelberg to Union County, to share her guidance on building relationships that help non-profit organizations thrive,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our non-profits are an essential part of Union County. They weave us together in many different ways, united by the mission of creating a stronger community.”

Organizations that have received funding through Union County’s Local Arts (LAP), History, and HEART grant programs are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

Participants will receive valuable guidance in creating meaningful and equitable relationships with stakeholders, with a focus on exploring demographics, forging new or deeper relationships with audiences, and learning how to build new relationships and increase engagement.

Building Community is coordinated and hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The event is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

For more information, contact the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

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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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to the next two free paper shredding events, scheduled for June 7 and June 10. These drop-off events are held every month from March to October, as part of Union County’s recycling programs.

“These free events help to make document shredding affordable and accessible for all Union County residents. Securely disposing of personal documents is an important way to prevent identity theft. Our program also recycles the shredded paper to help conserve water and energy as well as conserving trees,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one ton of paper would save enough energy to power the average American home for six months, save 7,000 gallons of water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one metric ton of carbon equivalent.

The two paper shredding events in June are:

Wednesday, June 7, at the Clark Public Works yard, located at 315 Westfield Avenue.  The event will take place behind the Police Department building. Please use Wilson Drive for access.

Saturday, June 10, at the Union College of Union County campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue. The event will be held in parking lots 5A and 5B.

There will be ample signage at both events to guide residents to both site. Both events begin at 9:00 a.m., rain or shine, and conclude at approximately 1:00 p.m. The events may end early if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

Any Union County resident can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of Union County’s paper shredding events, regardless of their home town.  Documents from businesses or commercial establishments will not be shredded. 

The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.

To see the schedule of upcoming paper shredding events, and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.

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

Union County’s paper shredding events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act grant funding, which is received by the County on an annual basis from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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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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The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents, businesses and visitors to help reduce the mosquito population in their neighborhoods and throughout the Union County community. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses. West Nile virus is the most common example of a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease that can occur in New Jersey.

“In addition to using insect repellent to protect against bites, everyone can help keep the mosquito population down by eliminating any places where they can breed,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Prevention is the best protection.”

Mosquitos can breed anywhere standing water can collect. That includes clogged rain gutters, corrugated down spout extensions, outdoor equipment, children’s toys and playsets, and garden items including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows and tarpaulins.

Old tires are a major concern. They tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but one old tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes during the summer.

Even an item as small as an upturned bottle cap or a crumpled plastic bag can become a prolific mosquito breeding ground.

The recent wet weather has provided mosquitos with many new breeding sites. Property owners and tenants are advised to take advantage of dry spells to make a quick sweep of their yards and shake out any items that have collected standing water.

Unused pools, fountains and ornamental ponds should be drained and covered. Water in birdbaths should be refreshed daily.

Additional guidance is available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at nj.gov/dep/mosquito.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellants and to follow all instructions on the label carefully.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors. Exposure can also be reduced by avoiding time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has been in continual operation since 1912 and works closely with officials from New Jersey DEP. The Bureau regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts larviciding and adulticiding operations on an as-needed basis.

Mosquito infestations can be reported by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9835. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If necessary, inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

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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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite residents to kick off the summer season with Rhythm & Blues by the Brook, a full afternoon of free music and activities at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“We are all looking forward to the summer months and what better way than to kick it off with our Rhythm and Blues concert,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am excited to welcome these artists to the stage as we kick off our summer series of free music shows, movies and more! See you all there!”

This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by Chrisette Michele, an R&B and soul singer-songwriter, who throughout her career has released several albums and has been nominated for and won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song “Be OK” in 2009. She has also collaborated with many other musicians, including Jay-Z, Nas, and The Roots.

Also sharing the stage will be Shanice, Allure, Bone Daddy & the Hoochies, Riff and DJ Bookeem will be serving as Master of Ceremonies.

The event will also feature a Health and Wellness Fair, presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. –Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a Child’s Play Challenge Course from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a car show by GWiz Auto Entertainment Group. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite summer foods and snacks at the ShopRite Fill the Grill Food Truck, which will be offering complimentary samples as well as other food and ice cream vendors.

For schedule details and updates on this event, please visit ucnj.org/randb.

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

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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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to come to Union County’s ASK community events in June, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided.

Bilingual staff will be present at all of these events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“We encourage all seniors and care givers to visit a nearby ASK program to connect with accurate, reliable information about helpful resources and programs,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We bring our staff to libraries and community centers in order to provide this assistance in person, at convenient locations throughout the County.”

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their caregivers.

The ASK program provides Union County residents with a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services for seniors and caregivers. The program brings professional staff from the Division on Aging to local public libraries and other community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed. The upcoming ASK events in June all include bilingual assistance in Spanish:

Thursday, June 1st

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, June 5th

Westfield Memorial Library

550 E. Broad Street

Westfield, 07090

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  

Monday, June 12th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 14th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, 07027

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 21st

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection for information on upcoming ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County. Call 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. The Division is one of 622 Area Agencies on Aging nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.   

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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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In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites Union County residents to participate in “A New Me in 23 – Advocating for Your Self-Care,” an interactive Zoom session presented by Lynette Sheard on Tuesday, May 23, 6:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m.

The event is free of charge but pre-registration is required online for the Zoom link, at ucnj.org/MentalHealthAwareness.

“Mental Health is a topic that should be focused on all year and as part of my “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative within my 2023 Chairman’s “Building a Stronger Union County” theme, we decided to put forward this insightful event that connects our residents with Ms. Sheard’s expertise and dedication to mental health advocacy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We encourage all Union County residents to help overcome the stigma that has traditionally surrounded mental health, and learn new strategies that lead to a positive, supportive environment for individuals and for the whole community.”

 “A New Me in 23 – Advocating for Your Self-Care” will explore self-advocacy and skill development that boosts self-confidence, and provide a space for exchanging ideas for healthy coping strategies. Participants will be able to: 

• Define Self Advocacy
• Navigate effective communication that promotes your pursuit of optimal wellness 
• Strategize ways to better articulate individual needs to maintain emotional wellness

Lynette Sheard is a Community Education Coordinator at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Director of the award-winning NJ Mental Health Players, and a sought-after award-winning facilitator and staff development trainer who utilizes multi-module creative techniques to educate the community at large. 

Ms. Sheard’s unique, dynamic approach to mental health education and advocacy combines her work in the field of mental health with her skills as a professional performer, producer and director.

She has worked with the Mental Health Association for over 18 years as a senior employment specialist, job coach, and a staff development trainer. She was awarded Professional of the year by the Association of Persons with Supported Employment, for her work with individuals with disabilities and mental illness. She is certified by Mental Health America as a trainer of Mental Health First Aid for adults, older adults, and youth. In addition, she is certified in, Suicide Prevention, Psychiatric Advance Directives, and trauma informed care.

“A New Me in 23 – Advocating for Your Self-Care” is presented through the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, under the Department of Human Services.

For more information on the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/obhsa/

For information on all Department of Human Services activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs or call the Action Line, 908-677-5405.

For information and updates on Union County COVID-19 services visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the award of grants totaling $1,500,000.00 to the County’s twenty-one municipalities from the 2023 Union County Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant program.

“The Commissioner Board is proud to carry out the Infrastructure and Municipal Aid program, which continues to contribute to the strength of social and economic life throughout our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many of the 2023 grants reflect a continuing interest in prioritizing improvements to pedestrian access and road safety. These local projects have a positive impact across Union County, for residents and visitors as well as businesses, civic organizations and academic institutions.”

“The Infrastructure and Municipal Aid program has been a lifeline for our local governments, enabling them to move forward with vital civic infrastructure projects,” said Commissioner Vice Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who chairs the Board’s Fiscal Committee. “These projects will benefit local communities and the County as a whole for many years to come.”

The grant program launched in 2015. The program distributes Union County’s proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital to local governments, for assistance with local infrastructure projects and other governmental, social, and transportation matters.

The Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant program is a matching grant program. The following grants have been made to municipalities for projects undertaken in the 2023 calendar year:

Berkeley Heights, Miscellaneous Drainage & Roadway Improvements: $60,000.00

Clark, Pedestrian Initiated Flashing Crosswalks/Library Ramp:  $42,500.00

Cranford, Inflow & Infiltration-Phase II:  $90,000.00

Elizabeth, Elizabeth River Trail Phase 4: $150,000.00

Fanwood, Sewer Video & Lining Program: $40,000.00

Garwood, Miscellaneous Sanitary Sewer Improvements; Fire House & Municipal Building Security Upgrades:  $38,000.00

Hillside, Municipal Building Door Replacement, $18,280.00

Kenilworth, Resurfacing of Municipal Parking Lot/Replacement of Municipal Building Sidewalks:  $50,000.00

Linden, Range Road Culvert Replacement: $90,000.00

Mountainside, Paving Improvements on Outlook Drive East:  $40,000.00

New Providence, Municipal Roadway Paving Project: $50,000.00

Plainfield, West End & Grant Avenues Roadway Improvement: $140,000.00

Rahway, Broad St., Maurice Ave. & Ludlow St. Improvements: $100,000.00

Roselle, Road Resurfacing Project: $70,000.00

Roselle Park, Capital Road Program-Various Streets: $63,000.00

Scotch Plains, Roadwork Assistance Program: $100,000.00

Springfield, Paving Improvements on Various Streets: $63,000.00

Summit, Hobart Avenue Sidewalk Project: $75,000.00

Union, Road Program Phase II, Group A, Suburban Road:  $100,000.00

Westfield, Improvement to Summit Avenue: $100,000.00

Winfield, Various Improvements:  $20,220.00

Total……………… $1,500,000.00

To see video presentations about many of these projects, visit Union County on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/countyofunion/videos/740042114473791.

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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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to come to the free “Native Plant Swap and Shop” event on Thursday evening, June 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and swap up to three invasive plants for a matching number of colorful, beneficial native plants, free of charge. Additional native plants will also be available for sale at the event. The event takes place in the Watchung Reservation at the Scout Camping Area, located near the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“The Swap and Shop event is a fun way to learn about the value of native plants in our local ecosystem. Everyone with a yard or garden can help preserve and protect butterflies and other valuable pollinators, by taking out invasive species and replacing them with native plants,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Residents who plan to participate in the swap must pre-register online at ucnj.org/plant-swap. The swap is limited to 100 registrants.

All other attendees are welcome on a walk-in basis. There is no charge for admission. Attendees can arrive any time after 5:30 and stay as long as they like.

Expert naturalists will be on site to provide guidance and information on gardening with native plants.

Examples of invasive plants to bring for the swap are: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy and Chinese silvergrass. For accurate identification the invasive plants should be dug up recently and brought to the event in a sealed bag or box, with their entire roots included.

The native plants offered for swap include Cardinal Flower, Dense Blazing Star, Blue False Indigo, Joe Pye Weed, Foxglove Beardtongue, Swamp Milkweed and Orange Coneflower. 

The Toadshade Wildflower Farm will also be on site with native plants for sale during the event. Participants who plan to make a purchase are advised to pre-order for pickup through the Toadshade website, toadshade.com.

For information about other nature education programs offered by Union County, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside. More information about activities in Union County Parks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

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

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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.