Category: Public Info
Default category for all normal press releases
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Friday morning, September 6, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
County Parks
- Clark – Oak Ridge
- Cranford – Nomahegan, Mohawk
- Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Phil Rizzuto
- Garwood – Unami
- Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
- Kenilworth – Black Brook
- Linden – Wheeler
- Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
- Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
- Rahway – Rahway Pk.
- Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
- Springfield – Meisel
- Summit – Briant
Town Parks
- Clark – Curry Field
- Linden – Memorial
- Plainfield – Milt Campbell
- Scotch Plains – Brookside
- Union – Biertuempful
- Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood, Clark
- Winfield – Union County Pkwy.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, September 4, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
- Berkeley Hts. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Riverbend Rd., Shadow Ln., Wren Ct., Daria Ln. Area, Snyder Av. Water Treatment Plant, Summit Ln.
- Clark – Schwinn Dr., Conger Way, Rutgers Rd., Roberts Rd.
- Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd., County Park Dr.
- Elizabeth – Bayway Av.
- Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Aldine St., Crescent St., Williamson Av.
- Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Union Av., Bloomingdale Av.,
- Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Linden land field
- Mountainside – Darby Ln., Sunny Slope Dr., Elston Dr. Area
- New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy, D.P.W. Yard Passaic Av.
- Plainfield – Bradford St., Jefferson Av., 1st St., Rock Av., Everett Pl., Berkeley Ter., E.3rd St., Milton Pl., St. Nicholas Blvd.
- Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area
- Roselle – Pine St. Path along RXR, Wheatsheaf Rd., Columbus Av. Roselle recycling yard, Chandler Av., Harrison Av., Jouet St., Morris Pl., 8th Av., Spruce St., 9th Av., Jackson Av., Lafayette St., Prosper Av., W. 1st Av., and Chestnut St. Area
- Scotch Plains – Martine Av. extension, Tussel Ln., Goodmans Crossing, South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl., Frank St., Pheasant Ln., Richelieu Pl., Mountain Av. between Victor St. and Jerusalem Rd., North Av., South Av., Between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
- Springfield – Cottage Ln., S. Springfield Av., Oakland Av., Waverly Av., Marion Av., Warner Av., Alvin Ter.
- Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr.
- Westfield – Woodbrook Cir. Area, Linden Av., Hamilton Av., Woodmere Dr. Area
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have collaborated with Caring Contact to offer residents an informative webinar this September titled “Hear to Help: Active Listening for Emotional Support.” The free webinar will delve into the significance of active and effective listening, the impact of empathy, and numerous other strategies to provide meaningful support to a loved one experiencing emotional distress. The workshop will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb, on Monday, September 30th, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm via Zoom and Facebook live.
“Our free webinar aims to keep the conversation about mental health ongoing, increasing awareness, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Most significantly, they emphasize the role a supportive and well-informed community plays in an individual’s healing and recovery,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “You never know when you may find yourself in a position to help a friend or loved one, and how these listening techniques can have a significant impact on someone’s life. I strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of this free resource and register.”
In the most recent data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it is reported that 1 in 4 U.S. adults experience a mental illness episode each year. Experiencing one or multiple stressful life-changing events such as illness, divorce, or the loss of a loved one has been linked to making some people more susceptible to this condition.
“An empathetic listener creates a safe space for someone grappling with mental health issues to open up and share their struggles, serving as the first step toward finding the support needed to emerge from hardship and move towards hope,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “If you or anyone you know is experiencing an emotional crisis – you do not have to face this alone. Our residents should know that our Department of Human Resources is here to provide the support and resources needed during any challenging time.”
This webinar is presented by the Union County Department of Human Services in partnership with Caring Contact. Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.
The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at ucnj.org/spmzoom.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone. This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.
For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/ or call the DHS Action line at 908-677-5405.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the recycling of their personal documents and sensitive papers at the County’s next free paper shredding event on Saturday, September 21st. The event will be held at UCNJ in Parking Lots 5A/5B at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m.
“We encourage all residents to make use of this valuable tool as it greatly contributes to our collective efforts in ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.
Upon arrival, there will be ample signage to guide residents to the shredding site. The paper shredding event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. However, if the shredding trucks reach full capacity, the event will conclude ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to arrive promptly at the start of the event to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for their materials.
All paper shredding events are designed for drive-up and contact-free service. We kindly ask residents to have their papers in the trunk of their car or the cargo bed of their truck before arriving, to facilitate efficient removal of materials by staff. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff handles the unloading and shredding of papers, which are shredded onsite in the mobile shredding trucks. Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Additionally, bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other extraneous materials must be removed before 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 through their municipal recycling program. For contact information regarding your municipal recycling program, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. Residents are limited to ten pounds (four bags/ boxes) per vehicle. Business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. Businesses that show up at the event will be turned away. Businesses that need shredding services can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning by phone at 908-654-9890 or via the online form at www.ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.
The next free paper shredding event will take place on Friday, September 27th at the Westfield Pool Parking lot in Westfield. 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. 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.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is launching a new initiative called “WOW of the Week” on her official Facebook page, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, starting September 9th. This program will offer a glimpse into the office’s functions, history, and staff.
“We hope to enlighten, entertain and encourage viewers to become more familiar with the services the Clerk’s office offers as well as the functions we perform in elections, recording of land documents, veteran services, passports, notaries, trade names, maps along with many others,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “I hope viewers will “follow” and “like” WOW on Facebook at Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.”
The WOW of the Week program will serve as a platform to highlight the staff members who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the County Clerk’s office. WOW will be interactive, encouraging viewers to submit comments and questions. Each week, viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of these employees and the operations of the office.
For more information about the Office of the Union County Clerk, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce a Diaper Drive in support of Diaper Needs Awareness. The drive will be held throughout the month of September, with various donation drop-off locations throughout Union County.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us create a network of care and support for those who need it most,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman, and as a mother, I understand the importance of essential baby items, and the cost of these items can add up quickly, especially for those who are struggling to make ends meet. By coming together as a community to support mothers and their babies, we are building a stronger, more compassionate Union County.”
A broad range of baby and mother care items, such as diapers, wipes, and baby hygiene products, will be accepted in original packaging. Items can be dropped off at one of three locations now through September 30th:
Union County Administration Building
10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
Union County Public Safety Building
Froehlich Building
400 North Avenue, Westfield
Union County Engineering Building
Public Works & Facilities Management
2325 South Avenue, Scotch Plains
Union County will also be collecting diapers and supplies on Saturday, September 14th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at the 2024 Union County Fall Festival in Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.
For more information about the Diaper Drive, visit www.ucnj.org/women. Anyone interested in hosting a drop-off site can contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women, at jerdos@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites Union County students in grades 1-12 to join a 4-H Club this fall and explore popular fields ranging from cooking, sewing, art, archery, robotics and more. Youth in their first year after graduating from high school can also join.
“Joining a 4-H Club offers our young residents a unique opportunity to discover their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are proud to support this program, which promotes creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to community service among Union County’s youth.”
The majority of the clubs meet at Union County’s’ Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue, East in Westfield on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. 4-H Clubs are organized by age and topic. The members meet with an adult club leader on a monthly basis during the school year to plan activities and programs.
Each club emphasizes the ability of students to learn, organize, and communicate with activities appropriate for their age. For the school year 2023 – 2024, the clubs are:
- Variety Club (different topics with crafts and show-and-tell), grades 1-3.
- Cooking Club (prepare deserts, main courses and more), grades 4-12.
- Community Service Club (plant trees, make sandwiches, teach younger youth), grades 8-12.
- Sewing Club (learn how to hand sew and use a machine), grades 6-12.
- Lego Robotics Club (work with NXT kits and Spike) grades 4-12.
- Craft Club (have fun with paints, fabrics and more) grades 4 – 12.
- Engineering Club (make model cars, bridges, and learn about electric) grades 4-7.
- Archery Club (learn basics and more advanced techniques) 4-12.
- Photography Club ( learn basics of using a camera) 4-12.
Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.
Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community. A recent Tufts University study found that as a group, girls who join 4-H clubs are especially likely to demonstrate positive behaviors.
4-H Clubs run from October to June. To sign up for a club, email James Nichnadowicz Union County 4H Youth Development Agent at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 ext. 3.
For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.
In recognition of National Recovery Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and in partnership with Prevention Links is pleased to announce a webinar aimed at raising awareness and support for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. The webinar will take place on September 24th from 6:00pm-7:00pm, and will be accessible via Zoom and Facebook Live.
“National Recovery Month is a time for us to come together as a community to support and uplift those who are on the path to recovery,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri Mouded. “By partnering with Prevention Links and hosting this webinar, we hope to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about recovery and resilience.”
The upcoming webinar, Voices of Recovery: Celebrating Strength and Resilience during National Recovery Month, will feature a panel of diverse speakers who will share their powerful stories of hope, recovery, and resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by these remarkable journeys. Mark your calendar and be part of this special event!
National Recovery Month, celebrated each September, recognizes progress in the field of recovery and honors the resilience of those who have overcome substance use disorders. The Union County Board of County Commissioners is partnering with Prevention Links, a non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and supporting mental health. Prevention Links empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes healthy lifestyles through its various programs and initiatives.
To register for the webinar, visit www.ucnj.org/nr-zoom. For more information about National Recovery Month, or information about substance abuse disorders, please visit the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse website at www.ucnj.org/dhs/obhsa.
For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action line at 908-677-5405.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Saturday morning, August 31, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
County Parks:
- Berkeley Hts. – Snyder,
- Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
- Cranford – Nomahegan, Lenape
- Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Phil Rizzuto
- Garwood – Unami
- Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
- Kennilworth – Black Brook, Lenape
- Linden – Wheeler
- Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
- Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
- Rahway – Rahway Pk.
- Scotch Plains – Pondarosa
- Springfield – Meisel
- Summit – Briant
Town Parks:
- Berkeley Heights – Columbia, Mt Carmel
- Plainfield – Milt Campbell
- Union – Biertuempful
- Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood, Clark