Category: Public Info

Union County’s “ASK” program will visit two locations in August.

Union County seniors and their caregivers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.

“The ASK program brings our professional staff out to local neighborhoods, to help ensure that we reach everyone in search of assistance. It’s a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

ASK is 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.

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 August dates and locations will be:

Thursday, August 4

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 – 12:00

Monday, August 8

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 – 12:00

To check for other upcoming ASK events call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.

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. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs look like small beetles, but they will soon grow into destructive pests.

Union County, NJ – July 26, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying the destructive pest while it is still in the early stages of growth. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a whitish “honeydew” that can grow moldy and foul outdoor spaces including patios and yard furniture.

Each fall the adult spotted lanternfly lays eggs on outdoor surfaces including tree trunks, lawn furniture and vehicles. In early summer, the eggs hatch into nymphs that look like small black or bright red beetles speckled with white spots.

Residents who spot the nymphs can use a variety of approved pesticides to kill them. Crushing or swatting them is another option, though they are quick to hop away.

“Union County residents and property managers can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting yards, gardens and landscaping for the nymphs, and destroying them before they mature,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The nymphs can be seen on many different kinds of plants and trees. They are especially likely to be found clustering on the stems of the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven.”

The nymphs mature into large, moth-like adults that can be easily identified by their papery white wings and brightly colored red, black and white underwings and body.

Adults are already beginning to emerge. Union County residents who see a spotted lanternfly should kill it immediately, by stomping it under foot. If it hops away, follow it and try again when it settles.

The spotted lanternfly belongs to a group of insects called “planthoppers.” They do not bite or sting, and they do not seem toxic to humans or pets.  Native to parts of Southeast Asia, they were first seen in Pennsylvania in six years ago. They are believed to have arrived in shipments of stone. They were first found in New Jersey in 2018 has also been found in other nearby states.

For more information, including photos of the spotted lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit the New Jersey Division of Agriculture at nj.gov/agriculture.

Additional information is available from Rutgers University at njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly.

Sightings of the insect can also be reported to Rutgers University through the online reporting tool.

Union County is one of three counties in New Jersey participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research project to assess various methods of mitigating the spotted lanternfly invasion. For more information from the USDA visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit 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, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Residents advised to take precautions to prevent heat related illness

The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that a heat advisory remains in effect for Union County through Sunday, July 24 at 8:00 p.m., with temperatures expected to reach up to 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Heat index values are expected to be in the upper 90s and lower 100s.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.  The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

“We encourage all residents to be as safe as possible during this latest heatwave. There are several designated cooling places in Union County residents can visit to stay cool, as well as other steps to take in order to prevent heat-related illness,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and check on any neighbors in need. They are also reminded to not leave children or pets unattended in a car.

Residents without air conditioning can call 211 or visit https://www.nj211.org/nj-cooling-centers for a county-by-county list of cooling centers in New Jersey. Residents can also cool off by visiting local libraries, indoor malls and other public places with air conditioning.

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors should be checked on.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. In cases of suspected heat stroke call 911 immediately.

For more heat safety tips from the National Weather Service, visit weather.gov/safety/heat.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County to hold free drop-off event for old or unwanted household chemicals and many other items, Sunday August 7

Union County residents can safely dispose of their unwanted household chemicals, old fire extinguishers, propane tanks and other potentially hazardous items at Union County’s next free Household Hazardous Waste event on Sunday, August 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Hall parking lot of the Union County Vo-Tech school, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drive-up only, and contact-free. Items for disposal should be brought in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area, where they can be easily unloaded by staff at the site.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Items accepted for disposal include outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

A complete list of accepted items is available at ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Car tires are accepted at these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Leftover latex paint can be used around the house, shared, donated, or allowed to dry in the can. The dried can may be discarded in regular household garbage, with the lid off. To reduce drying time, add kitty litter, newspaper scraps or a commercial paint hardener.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The August 7 event is part of Union County’s annual series of recycling programs for household hazardous waste, scrap metal and personal paper shredding. Visit ucnj.org/recycle for dates, times and locations.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Mosquitoes tonight, Friday, July 22, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.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: 908-654-9873

• Clark – Lefferts Ln., Terhune Rd., Whitley Ter., Kennedy Dr., Hilltop Ave., Ridge Rd., 
• Cranford – Union County College
• Garwood – Hickory Av., Lexington Ave.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd (County Yard). Epping Dr.
• New Providence – Fairmont Rd. Area
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., First Av.,
• Roselle – Pine St., Woodland Dr. area, W.5^th St., w. 6^th St., Oakley St., Locust St.
• Roselle Park – E. Colfax Ave. Area, Walking Trail between Galloping Hill Rd. and Chestnut St.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Garwood – Unami
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook

Municipality Parks  

• Westfield – Mindowaskin

The National Weather Service has issued a HEAT ADVISORY that will remain in effect until 8pm Sunday, July 24 for the tristate area including Union County. A few locations may reach heat index values around 105 today and then again on Sunday.

Heat index values are expected to be in the upper 90s and lower 100s.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat  illnesses to occur.  A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

Residents are advised to use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning as well as check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. In cases of suspect heat stroke, please call 911.

Free drop-off sites available on August 4 and August 20.

Union County residents with old metal gutters, fencing, or appliances to dispose of can bring these items and more to free scrap metal recycling drop-off sites in August. The scrap metal recycling program is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and takes place twice each month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca Williams. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

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, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, August 4 and Saturday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two free 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 will take place on Thursday, September 1 and Saturday, September 17.

Please note that Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free.

Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove.

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.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County’s free shredding program visits Kean University, August 13

Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next event will take place on Saturday, August 13 in the Kean Hall parking lot at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we encourage everyone to participate in our 2022 recycling programs,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

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.

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

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. For information, contact the municipal recycling coordinator.

Additional free shredding events are scheduled for September and October, after which the program will go on winter hiatus. The last event of the season will take place on October 29.

For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule, and for 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 in a handy mobile format, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the 2022 “Choose Your Cover” program, which is a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 13^th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in the Rahway River Park, St. George Avenue in Rahway.

“Everyone wants to be outside once the summer season hits, but residents need to take the proper precautions in order to prevent them from overexposure to the sun,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and it is usually curable when detected and treated early, so it is so important to get checked and follow all of the ways to reduce your risk for sun damage.”

This free event is open to all, but a pre-screening survey is required to schedule a skin cancer screening. To promote sun safety and help reduce the risk of skin cancer, personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Summit Health Cares will be on site for the August 13^th event to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn about the “Choose Your Cover” message.

Overexposure to the sun is a health risk for people of all ages, races and skin tones. Before heading outdoors, a few simple precautions can protect your skin and lower your risk.

People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the United States.

“This is the perfect opportunity to get any concerning skin changes checked out for no cost to residents,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is the Chair of Public Safety. “This short screening could be a potentially life-saving decision and I would like to thank the Union County Office of Health Management for being proactive in educating our residents and offering this program.”

The Choose Your Cover program offers these tips:

• Covering up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics can offer effective protection from the sun.
• Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of your head, ears and neck.
•  Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
•  Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
•  Remember to liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently.
•  Steer clear of indoor tanning beds. They are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

To  schedule  a  free  skin  cancer  screening  call  the  Union  County  Office  of  Health Management at 908-518-5622.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, July 14, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below and see if your city is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control: 908-654-9873

Cities

• Berkeley Heights – Briarwood Dr. West, Mead St.
• Clark – Parkway Dr., Lefferts Ln. Area
• Cranford – Ludlow Av. Area, Union County College
• Elizabeth – Acme St.
• Fanwood – Russell Rd., Willoughby Rd., Hunter Av.,
• Garwood – Hickory Av.,
• Hillside – Spring St., John St., Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., Hartley Ter., Irvington Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Stanley Ter., Belleview Ter., Orchard Ter., Compton Ter.
  Aldine St., Munn Av., Mertz Av.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd (County Yard)., Epping Dr.
• Linden – E. Curtis St., Bower St., Middlesex St., Hussa St., Furber Av., Pallant Av.,
• Mountainside – Orchard Rd., Appletree Ln., Mountain Av.
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., First Av., 1400 block of South Ave.
• Rahway – Midwood Dr., Milton Blvd., Keller Pl., Lakeside Dr. Area
• Roselle – Brookside Dr., Pine St.
• Scotch Plains – Ashbrook Dr., Frank St., Cooper Rd., Inverness Dr., Golf St.
• Springfield – Oakland Av., Waverly Av. Area
• Summit – Summit recycling Center, Glenside Av., Water Co. Rd.
• Union – Cranbrook Rd., Audrey Ter.
• Westfield – Grandville Av., Boyton Av., Livingston Av., Myrtle Av., Prospect St., Hamilton Av.,
  Overhill St.
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr.

County Parks

• Clark – Esposito, Oak Ridge
• Elizabeth – Warinanco
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Rutgers
• Mountainside – Echo Lake
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Springfield – Meisel

Municipal Parks

• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Westfield – Mindowaskin