Category: Public Info

Union County residents are invited 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 4 from noon to 6:00 p.m.

“We are delighted to bring Rhythm & Blues by the Brook back to Union County this year,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Cedar Brook Park is the perfect place to kick off our annual summer series of free music events, movies, and more for everyone to enjoy.”

This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by Rose Royce, the hit-making ensemble that has dazzled audiences around the world with five platinum and eight gold records to their credit.

Also sharing the bill are crowd-pleasers Freddie Jackson, Candyman, Rob Base and Alexis Morrast, with Union County’s favorite record spinner, DJ Bookeem serving as Master of Ceremonies.

As always, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will feature a food court, a marketplace and a spectacular car and motorcycle show presented by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment throughout the event.

A fun-filled afternoon of activities for children, including a petting zoo, pony rides and more, will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

New this year is a health and wellness fair sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.- Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Plainfield, from noon to 3:00 p.m.

For schedule details and updates visit ucrandb.org.

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

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.

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Earlier this afternoon, Undersheriff Carlo Caparruva was sworn in by Sheriff Peter Corvelli as a Union County Undersheriff at a ceremony held in the courtroom of the Honorable Lisa Miralles Walsh, Assignment Judge of the Union County Vicinage. Undersheriff Caparruva will join current Undersheriffs Dennis Burke and Victor Manata and Director Ronald Charles as the executive management team for Sheriff Corvelli.

“Undersheriff Caparruva’s well rounded career and leadership will help to continue our aligned vision of professional, empathetic and service-focused leadership for the Office,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. 

Undersheriff Caparruva has served with the Union County Sheriff’s Office since 1993. Undersheriff Caparruva has had a distinguished career with the Office, working in each of the divisions, to include assignments in the Court Security and Transportation Units in 1996 through 1998. He was assigned to the current Field Services Division in 1998 and has remained there as an investigator and supervisor for the last 24 years. 

Based on his investigative acumen with the Office, Undersheriff Caparruva was the one of the first Union County Sheriff’s Officers to be assigned to the United States Marshal’s Service NY-NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. During his three year tenure, Undersheriff Caparruva and the FTF were responsible for the arrests of some of NJ’s Most Wanted criminals. Upon his return, he was promoted to Sergeant of the Family Violence Unit. Under his supervision, the Unit saw a sixty percent increase in arrests, a trend he continued upon his transfer to the Criminal Investigations Unit.

As a Sergeant and Lieutenant, Caparruva was instrumental in the formation of the Office’s Street Crimes Unit, which assisted the cities of Elizabeth and Plainfield to quell impact crimes and gun violence. Undersheriff Caparruva is the recipient of 7 Commendation awards, 2 Unit Commendation awards, 8 Letters of Commendation, 4 Letters of appreciation, and multiple awards from his service with the USMS FTF to include the United States Marshal’s Service commendation award.

For more information, please contact Undersheriff Dennis Burke at 908-527-4959 or dburke@ucnj.orgor visit www.ucnj.org/sheriff.

Union County residents can safely dispose 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 Saturday, June 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kean Hall parking lot at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. 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 June 4 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.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the County Clerk’s Elections Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the 2022 Primary Election. The extended hours are offered on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed.

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 7.

“Voters who apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the Elections Offices in Elizabeth or Westfield can fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure lock box at the site,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This ‘One-Stop’ service is a convenient and user-friendly way to ensure your voice is heard on Election Day.”

Voters using the One-Stop service are reminded that a 2015 state law requires voters to provide a New Jersey driver’s license or New Jersey identification card with their photo, name, address and signature if they wish to leave their ballot with staff at the Elections offices.

Voters have until Monday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m. to obtain a Vote-by-Ballot in person at the County Clerk’s offices.

The Elizabeth office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth. To access the Elections Office during special Saturday Vote-by-Mail hours, voters must use the rear entrance of the Courthouse on Elizabethtown Plaza. The Election Office is located in Room 113.

The Westfield office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Street and lot parking are available, and mass transit is nearby.

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.

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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Sheriff Peter Corvelli announced the appointment of Carlo Caparruva as Undersheriff of Union County, effective May 20, 2022.

Poll workers will earn a $300 stipend for the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.

Union County residents who are interested in assisting voters at polling locations on Election Day this year can apply to become official poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 7.

“Poll workers are there to answer questions and help voters understand how to cast their ballots. It is a fulfilling way to participate in the democratic process, and the $300 stipend is a well-deserved compensation for this essential work,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “We are grateful for the support of the New Jersey legislature and Governor, who raised the stipend to $300 this year.”

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory training session.

To apply, complete the online application at ucnj.org/pollworker, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or emailing pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link ucnj.org/boe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/boe.

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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Update — The link to the poll worker application in this press release is now fixed

In a resolution passed last week at the Union County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners designated May as National Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of this month, the Department of Human Service’s Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in partnership with Atlantic Health System will host a free webinar titled, “Mental Health 101: How Do We Talk About Mental Health.”

“Mental and emotional wellbeing is an important component of our overall health, which allows us to have strong relationships with ourselves, our family or friends, colleagues, or neighbors in general,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “My 2022 Chair Initiatives are “Connecting our Community” and one of my main focuses as part of the initiatives is “Making Connections for Mental Health and Wellbeing,” where connecting the community to needed resources is key to access and wellness.”

Since the start of the pandemic, an increasing number of people are talking about mental health and its importance to overall health, but mental health conditions, resources, and conversations can still feel complicated and confusing.

This webinar, which will be hosted by Sharon Kelly, LCSW of Atlantic Behavioral Health & CONCERN EAP, will feature a discussion where residents can learn the basics about mental health and how they can strengthen their own health. “This is a great opportunity to check in with your health and the health of our fellow community members.  More importantly, this is an opportunity to learn where to go if you or someone you know, needs additional support.”

The webinar will take place on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Pre-registration is required and interested residents can register to join the webinar by registering at Webinar Registration – Zoom.

For more information about this webinar, please call Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-579-8573. To learn more about the mental health services the County of Union provides, please visit www.ucnj.org/departments/human-services/mental-health-services/.

County to host several events with local agencies throughout the month of May

The Union County Board of County Commissioners have determined that the County of Union will observe May 2022 as National Community Action Month.  Throughout the month of May, Union County will work in partnership with Community Action Agencies across the country to host events and activities.

“Community Action Agencies have enhanced the lives of hundreds of people in Union County and millions of people across America by providing essential, life-changing services and opportunities,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Through this series of events in the month of May, Union County will highlight Community Action Agencies’ role in helping low-income individuals and families to move out of poverty and achieve economic security.”

The following events are scheduled in the month of May:   

• Credit Workshop – Urban League of Union County – May 12 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Chase – 700 E. 1^st Ave, Roselle – RSVP: surveymonkey.com/r/ULOUC2
• Tenants’ Rights During COVID-19 – PROCEED – May 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (English) and 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Spanish) – Zoom Meeting ID: 720 289 0437
• In Person Job Fair with FEDEX – PROCEED – May 13 – May 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – James Kellogg Family Success Center, 1122 East Grand Street, Elizabeth
• Forgetfulness, Normal or Not: Learn How to Recognize Normal Cognitive Changes and Train Your Mind – Gateway Family YMCA – May 17 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom – to register, visit: tgfymca.org/events
• First Time Homebuyer Class Series – Urban League of Union County – May 19 through May 21 – Thursday, May 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m./Friday, May, 20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m./Saturday, May, 21, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Must attend all sessions) – to register: 908-351-7200
• Community Walk – Jewish Family Service of Central NJ – May 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Elizabeth River Trail – Rain Date: May 25
• Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers – Gateway Family YMCA – May 31 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom – to register, visit: tgfymca.org/events

During National Community Action Month and throughout the year, Community Action Agencies put a human face on poverty while helping people and changing lives.  For 58 years they have advocated for limited-income citizens without a voice, so that they may enter the middle class and reach for the American dream, replacing their despair with opportunity. 

National Community Action Month is an opportunity to call attention to poverty-related problems.  As Community Action Agencies are showcasing their programs, they are also giving local residents—many who are unaware of the poverty in their communities—a first-hand look at the struggles low-income families face and how Community Action programs help them. For more information on Community Action Agencies, visit: https://communityactionpartnership.com/

For more information about community action services in Union County, please contact:

Nicole DeAugustine at 908-527-4874 or ndeaugustine@ucnj.org.

For more information about programs offered by Union County, please visit ucnj.org.

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For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

 

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County distinguished with three awards in total for programming during 2021

Union County will receive a 2022 NACo Achievement Award, acknowledging the groundbreaking partnership between the County and Kean University, forming the first proprietary, County and academic run COVID-19 testing lab in the nation. NACo – the National Association of Counties – has awarded Union County with three 2022 Achievement Awards in total.

“Since the onset of operations in January 2021, the Union County COVID-19 lab at Kean has, through genomic sequencing, identified every variant of the COVID-19 virus,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We continue to provide this valuable COVID-19 testing service to our residents and the Board of County Commissioners is proud that this trailblazing work is being acknowledged by NACo with a 2022 Achievement Award.”

Union County will receive a total of three awards at the 2022 Annual NACo Conference that is scheduled to take place July 21 through 24 in Adams County, Colorado. The following programs have been awarded with 2022 NACo Achievement Awards:

• The Union County Testing Lab Partnership at Kean University – which expanded testing protocols at the first County and academic run lab in the nation to include detection of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. This lab is currently overseen by the Union County Department of Public Safety.
• Union County Fresh Start Mobile Program – this program, the first of its kind in New Jersey, was launched to provide shower, laundry and restroom facilities to persons who are unhoused, along with guidance and resources on additional services that foster self-sufficiency. This ongoing program was developed by the Union County Department of Human Services.
• The Pop-Up Parks Exhibits, celebrating 100 years of Union County Parks – which celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the Union County Parks system. The exhibit was on display at Warinanco Park, Oak Ridge Park, Rahway River Park, Conant Park, Nomahegan Park and Echo Lake Park. The program was run by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Union County runs dozens of programs every year and we are thrilled to have the work of several departments within our structure recognized,” said County Manager Edward Oatman. “These programs assist thousands of residents and enrich their lives in a myriad of ways. We strive to continue to be pioneers on various fronts and thank everyone within the County who worked toward these recognitions. We look forward to formally accepting these awards in July.”

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.  Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate county priorities in federal policymaking and promote exemplary county policies and practices. NACo’s work is also geared towards nurturing leadership skills and expanding knowledge networks while optimizing county and taxpayer resources while enriching the public’s understanding of county level government. For more information on the National Association of Counties, visit: https://www.naco.org/

For more information about programs offered by Union County, please visit ucnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.