Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – March 29, 2022 — The spring cleaning season is here, and spring also marks the start of Union County’s annual series of free Household Hazardous Waste events. Any Union County resident can bring their old or unwanted chemical products and other potentially hazardous items to these events for safe, environmentally responsible disposal.

The Household Hazardous Waste events are for residential use only. No business waste is accepted.

“At this time of year we encourage everyone to take a look in their cupboards, closets, basements and sheds. If you spot old or unwanted items that need special disposal, please put them aside in a dry, secure place until you can bring them to one of our Household Hazardous Waste events. Our staff will handle them safely and responsibly,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The first Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2022 season will take place on Saturday, April 9, in Parking Lots 5A and 5 B of the Union County College campus in Cranford, at 1033 Springfield Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Residents are reminded to keep items separated in their original containers with the labels intact, and follow instructions for safe storage. Mixing or improperly storing household chemicals could result in fire, explosion, or toxic releases.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are designed to ensure environmentally safe disposal for many different chemicals and items commonly found in the home and yard, including (but not limited to):

• Household and hobby supplies: Cleansers, caustics, corrosives, aerosol cans
• Household items: Fire extinguishers, mercury thermometers, intact fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, smoke detectors, batteries (except alkaline batteries)
• Do-it-yourself projects: Oil based paints and varnishes (no latex paint), mercury switches, asbestos material
• Auto maintenance and repair: Antifreeze, motor oil, oil filters, tires (limit 8 tires per household, no rims)
• Yard and pool supplies: Pesticides, herbicides, gasoline, lubricants, pool chemicals

As a reminder latex (water based) paint is not accepted. Leftover latex paint can be saved for future use, donated or shared, or dried in the can. Cans of fully dried paint may be disposed in regular household trash.

In addition, alkaline batteries are not accepted. These batteries are clearly marked and may be disposed in regular household trash.

For the full 2022 schedule along with additional details and instructions on what to bring/not bring, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Union County residents can help keep hazardous chemicals out of the waste stream by choosing safer alternatives for cleaning and maintaining the home and yard:

• Look for eco-friendly brands when shopping
• When replacing old gas powered lawn mowers and other equipment, switch to electric models
• Try a plunger or plumber’s snake before using a liquid or powder drain cleaner

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also provides guidance on safer household products, including a searchable database of certified “Safer Choice” products by brand name, at epa.gov/greenerproducts.

Recipes for homemade, low-impact home cleaning supplies are easy to fine online and in consumer magazines, including:

Window and glass cleaner: Add 3 tablespoons of vinegar to 1 quart of water. Use in a spray bottle. Wipe dry with old newspapers to avoid streaking.

Stains and spots remover: Use cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient, to remove stains from sinks, tubs, and aluminum pans.

Grime and grease cleaner: For routine cleaning, add a bit of baking soda to liquid soap.

Wood cleaner: Add 6 teaspoons of light olive oil to 3 cups of distilled white vinegar. Use in a spray bottle (shake well before using) and wipe dry with a clean lint-free cloth.

Air freshener:  Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of hot water. Use in a spray bottle.

Moth prevention: Cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, or white peppercorns.

For more information about Union County’s waste management and recycling programs, call the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning at (908) 654-9890, visit online at ucnj.org/recycling, or use the online contact form at ucnj.org/recycle (scroll down page to see form).

Download the free Recycle Coach app for the latest news, schedules, and updates tailored to your home town. The app also includes all countywide programs.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by the Commissioner Board 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.

Union County, NJ – March 25, 2022 —  The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises senior residents that lunchtime meals will once again be available in group settings at senior centers and senior housing facilities, beginning on the second week in April. Reservations should be made by Monday, April 4, for meals on April 7 and 8.

“The return of the congregate lunch program is another welcome sign that community life is returning to normal in Union County,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We encourage all eligible seniors to participate in this popular program.”

The congregate meal program is offered to seniors who do not receive home delivered meals from Meals-on-Wheels. It is administered by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

The program provides participants with an option to obtain a complete hot lunch, fulfilling one-third of the nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older.

The congregate meals will be available at the senior centers and senior housing sites on varying weekdays between the hours of approximately 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Participating seniors must be aged 60 or older, and reside in Union County. A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal.

Reservations can be made by contacting staff on-site in person, or by calling the phone numbers below.  As a reminder, reserve by Monday, April 4, for meals on April 7 and April 8.

Lunch will be served at the following sites:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden (Monday-Friday).  908-527-4877
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park (Tuesday- Friday). 908-245-9150
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union (Monday and Thursday) 908-688-0565
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth (Monday-Friday)  908-527-4877
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden (Monday-Friday) 908-474-8627
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside (Monday-Thursday) 908-355-8928
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth (Monday, Wednesday, Friday; begins April 8) 908-272-7743
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth (Monday-Friday) 908-820-4701
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth; (Monday-Friday). 908-354-7431
• (update): Peterstown Community Center—418-34 Palmer St., Elizabeth; (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday).  908-820-4292
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield; (Monday-Friday). 908-753-3506
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union (Wednesday and Friday, begins April 8) 908-964-9343
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains (Tuesday only, begins April 12) 908-322-5151
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth (Monday-Friday) 908-820-4705
• Union Senior Center—652 Rahway Ave., Union (Monday-Friday) 908-851-5293
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield (Tuesday, Thursday) 908-527-4877
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park (Monday-Friday) 908-925-2014

The congregate meal program was suspended in March 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Division on Aging continued to deliver meals on a contact-free basis through Meals on Wheels and a grab-and-go program. The grab-and-go program will be discontinued as of April 6, when the congregate meals resume.

For more information on nutrition programs for Union County residents age 60 and older, call the Union County Division on Aging/Nutrition Program at 908-527-4877 or 908-558-2297.

For more information about all programs and resources for seniors from the Division on Aging, use the online contact form at ucnj.org/aging or call toll free, 888-280-8226.

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.

Union County, NJ – March 25, 2022 – March 23, 2022 marked two years since the County of Union hit the ground running with their COVID operations and the work still continues. Beginning on March 23, 2020, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in conjunction with governmental, educational and healthcare partners, opened New Jersey’s first County-run, drive-through facility for testing of the COVID-19 virus at Kean University.

“From lockdowns and empty grocery store shelves to unemployment and school shutdowns, the world that we were used to had completely changed,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “In a time of uncertainty, it was through great leadership, the ability to quickly adapt and change to the times and working to provide our residents with the services they needed and deserved that got us through the pandemic.”

Covid affected the lives of millions of people, causing sadness for those that lost loved ones and anxiety for millions of people who lost their livelihoods as the pandemic caused widespread lockdowns and a massive hit to businesses. Now, two years later, masks are optional, employees are back at work, students are back in classrooms and stores and restaurants are fully open for business. And still, the many services that the County of Union provided are still in full effect.

With the guidance of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, the Department of Public Safety, Human Services and several other partners, the County had the necessary resources to directly reach its residents.

“From the mobilization of the Covid testing sites and hosting several vaccination sites at many locations throughout Union County, including our Mobile Unit, the County of Union took action in coordinating efforts to combat the Covid-19 virus,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “We made sure all of our residents still had access to government services the phone or online through our website and social media accounts to maintain a high-level of information flow to our residents.”

While the cost of lives and emotional losses caused by the pandemic are innumerable, it is still worth acknowledging the achievements made during the pandemic. To date, some key milestones are:

• As of March 21, 2022, the Department of Public Safety has reported that a total of 199,403 residents have been tested for the Coronavirus and 136,473 residents have received vaccinations, since the start of the pandemic operations.
• As of today, since May 2020, there have been a total of 77 food distributions (78 including one this weekend at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield). The Department of Human Services serviced 20% of the Union County population with the emergency food program (over 115,000 households) – totaling more than 16 million pounds of food with over 15.1 million meals provided.
• In coordination with the Community Food Bank of NJ, Human Services also delivered over 8,000 meals to seniors as well as 45,500 frozen meals.

“Many families experienced the financial strain from the pandemic, so coming together to provide millions of meals to those Union County residents was something we were able to do to make sure that no one had to worry about having food on their table,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “These programs would not be possible without our community partners, volunteers and staff here at Union County.”

“The long-lasting impact on many individuals’ mental and physical health may still not be determined, but the County of Union will continue to have the programs needed to assist our residents with the help they need,” said County Manager, Ed Oatman. “The challenges we faced were countless, but we, as a team, faced them head-on. I would like to thank the hardworking, dedicated staff who worked long days, every day, to help combat this virus and assist our residents in overcoming the overwhelming feeling of the hardships many were facing.”

If any resident is looking for additional resources and guidance from the Union County Department of Human Services, please visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

Schedules and locations of Union County’s vaccines and testing can be found by visiting https://ucnj.org/covid19.

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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.

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.

April 13 is the deadline for voters who plan to change parties before the 2022 Primary Elections in June

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 13, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 7.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 7, 2022 Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 13.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:

• Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
• Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
• Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
• Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.
• To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 7 primary.

The April 13 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 7.

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. Upon receipt of a ballot for each party, unaffiliated voters should return only the ballot for the party to which they are declaring affiliation.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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, NJ – March 23, 2022  — Oral history has become a popular way to preserve personal experiences, family legacies and community heritage. Now Union County residents can learn how to create their own oral histories, through the new “Introduction to Oral History Workshop” on Wednesday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m., at the Liberty Hall Academic Center and Exhibition Hall on the Kean University campus, at 1003 Morris Avenue #2 in Union Township.

The event is free and open to the public. Update: pre-registration is requested by using the online form at ucnj.org/cultural.

“The Commissioner Board encourages all Union County residents with an interest in family or personal histories to come to the workshop, and learn how they can help preserve the past and inform future generations,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Kean University and the Union County Historical Society for partnering in this project.”

The hands-on oral history workshop will introduce participants to the practice of oral history. Participants will be able to apply the principles of oral history during the workshop, using any topic of their own interest from current affairs to life histories and community stories.

The workshop will be presented by Dr. Abigail Perkiss, Assistant Professor of History at Kean University.

Dr. Perkiss is the Managing Editor of the Oral History Review and Vice President of the organization Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region. She completed her joint J.D./Ph.D. in U.S. history at Temple University and earned a graduate certificate from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine.

Dr. Perkiss’s current project is Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore, an oral history documenting the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in three neighborhoods along the Sandy Hook Bay. The project was developed in the classroom with Kean undergraduate students in 2013.

She is also the author of Making Good Neighbors: Civil Rights, Liberalism, and Integration in Postwar Philadelphia, an examination of intentionally integrated neighborhoods in the latter half of the twentieth century, author of the forthcoming book, Staring out to Sea: Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore, and co-author of a manuscript for the Reacting to the Past game-based history curriculum at Barnard College titled, Changing the Game: Title IX, Gender, and Athletics in American Universities.

The oral history workshop is part of a series of history lectures hosted jointly by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Kean University, and the Union County Historical Society.

For more information about the series contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, at 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on all programs and activities visit ucnj.org/ cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

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.

Union County, NJ – March 23, 2022 — In celebration of Autism Acceptance month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites special needs residents and their families to a “Day Out with the Red Bulls” on Saturday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Red Bulls Arena.

A limited number of tickets are available through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. The cost of $30.00 per person includes a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for the team on April 9,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Union County is excited to provide our residents with an inclusive community activity in a welcoming environment. We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

Red Bull Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The April 9^th match will see the Red Bulls face the CF Montreal.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Acceptance Month is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. For more information, residents can reach out to Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781, or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.

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.

Union County, NJ – March 22, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of two upcoming emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in March and April, to aid those affected by COVID-19. Any Union County resident in need can use any of these events.

Please note that the location of the March 26 event was originally scheduled to be held in Plainfield at Gerald B. Green Plaza. The event location has been changed to Cedar Brook Park, at Park Drive in Plainfield.

Saturday, March 26

• 11:00 a.m. – Cedar Brook Park, main parking lot
• Walk-up (please bring a cart or other conveyance for food)

Saturday, April 9 – Holiday Distribution

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru (please leave an open space in trunk or cargo area for food)

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County is proud to continue to provide assistance for those experiencing difficulties and we recognize that our food distributions have been a valuable resource for residents in need over the past two years,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Residents continue to experience food insecurity due to economic effects of COVID-19, despite the enormous progress made thus far,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are highly encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up participants should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution event at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated at this location.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

April 22 is Earth Day, and more than a billion people all over the world are expected to participate. Union County residents can take part in this unique global celebration by joining in local environmental activities throughout the month of April.

“Union County has long been identified with the movement to preserve open space for nature conservation and public recreation. In our generation the annual Earth Day celebration provides everyone with a chance to build their own environmental legacy for the future of our community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Earth Day truly is every day in Union County.”

Nature Appreciation: Residents and visitors can plan a trip to Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Admission and parking are free, and the interactive exhibits provide many opportunities for self-guided learning. For details visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Union County’s Tree Trails offer additional opportunities for self-guided learning. The Sensory Friendly Trail, on the grounds of Trailside, also provides new learning experiences for different abilities. More details about trails and paths in Union County parks are available online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

In May, Trailside will also host Union County’s annual Wild Earth Fest with lots of family friendly exhibits and activities on local environmental topics including energy, recycling, land and wildlife conservation, and pollution. Details are coming soon.

Learning about Trees: The Master Tree Stewards of Union County is a volunteer program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported by the Commissioner Board. Certified Tree Stewards visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to teach a fun, interactive lesson about trees. To arrange a visit, or to inquire about joining as a volunteer, contact Union County 4-H Agent Jim Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Watershed Ambassadors: Schools and organizations can contact Union County’s Watershed Ambassadors for an educational visit, or to help organize cleanups and other watershed activities. This federally funded program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. To contact a Watershed Ambassador in Union County email Cassidy Anastasio at wma7.njwap@gmail.com or Ginny Rockey at wm9.njwap@gmail.com.

“Earth Day Every Day:” The Commissioner Board also supports the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program, which offers live and pre-recorded webinars on a range of topics from native plants to recycling and composting. To sign up for webinars visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/earth-day-every-day. To inquire about joining the program as a volunteer next year, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Master Gardeners of Union County: This Rutgers Extension program trains volunteer gardeners at all skill levels, from beginner to expert. To inquire about joining next year contact Madeline Flahive DiNardo at mflahive@ucnj.org. The Master Gardeners are currently planning their annual plant sale and fund raiser to be held in May. More details are coming soon.

Recycle Right: April is a good time to download the free Recycle Coach app, which provides recycling news and schedules tailored to each town along with details about countywide programs. For more information visit ucnj.org/recycling. On April 5 and 11 the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning will also present live webinars on recycling and the “bag ban,” hosted by the Libraries of Union County Consortium and the Clark Public Library. Schools and organizations can schedule an event with the Recycling Bureau by contacting Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

Prepare for the “Bag Ban:” April is also a good time to plan ahead for the statewide bag ban, which goes into effect on May 4. The Commissioner Board has joined in the effort to encourage residents to stock up on reusable shopping bags. Groups and organizations can share Union County’s new “Grab a Bag” PSA, posted on the County’s YouTube channel, unioncountynj.

Plant This, Not That: Gardeners can help restore pollinator populations by including native plants in their spring gardening plans. Union County’s free downloadable “Plant This, Not That” native plants guide is available at ucnj.org.

Spotted Lanternfly Prevention: The flat, grayish egg masses of the spotted lanternfly can be found on tree trunks, stones, lawn furniture, cars, bicycles and other outdoor surfaces until mid-May, when they begin to hatch. Scrape them off and crush them to prevent another infestation of this destructive, invasive species. For sample photos and more details visit the Union County Green Connection.

Adopt a Park/Adopt a Trail: Volunteers work year-round in Union County parks to clear away litter and debris, restore native plants, and help ensure that visitors can enjoy rustic trails and walking paths. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park.

Union County also provides support for local Earth Day activities in April, including:

• Annual Multi-Park Cleanup in Summit, April 2 (for locations and other details contact summitearthdaycleanup@gmail.com).
• Elizabeth River Cleanup at Kean University campus in Union Township, April 22 (sign up on EventBrite).
• Rahway River Cleanup with Boy Scout Troop 330 and Cub Scout Pack 30, the Union County Clean Communities Program, and members of the Rahway River Watershed Association, April 23 (for details email rivercleanup@comcast.net).
• Friends of Rahway River Parkway Cleanup at Rahway River Park, April 23. Meet at Lakeside Picnic Area near the pond in Rahway River Park. No pre-registration needed. For details visit org.
• Spring Migration at Sandy Hook with the Rahway River Watershed Association, April 24: Join John Parham, a naturalist from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, on a field trip to Sandy Hook to look for migratory birds. Jordan will share his expertise as an avid birder (sign up on EventBrite).

For other events taking place in Union County, check the website of your local municipality or schools, faith organizations and non-profits.

To find out more about all programs and activities in the Union County parks system, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation, email parksinfo@ucnj.org  or call 908-527-4900.

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

Earth Day falls on Friday, April 22. Learn more about events, activities and initiatives globally at earthday.org/earth-day-2022.

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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite residents of Union County, ages 60 and up, to enter the 2022 Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. This year brings a return to a physical art exhibit and a new venue — Trailside Nature & Science Center, located in Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.

“The Senior Citizen Art Show gives our most seasoned residents a chance to showcase their work, share their visions and express their emotions through art,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “This exhibit is a great example of the inclusive message the Union County Board of County Commissioners continue to work together to achieve. I am looking forward to seeing all of the submissions.”

The Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is an annual program presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. The exhibit will open on April 28th and close with a reception for participants on May 11, 2022. The deadline to register is midnight on Thursday, April 21st. The exhibit is open to both professional and non-professional artists at all levels of experience. Entries must be original works completed within the past three years. Registration online is required. Find complete instructions and register at www.ucnj.org/senior-art.

Registrants can enter one artwork in a variety of media categories: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft. Artworks entered will be judged by a panel of professional artists who will designate separate awards for professionals and non-professionals. All first-place artworks will go on to compete at the state level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show this fall.

For seniors who do not have internet access, a relative or friend with an email address may assist and register on behalf of the artist, or staff at the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs will assist artists with registration by phone. For assistance or questions, or to receive instructions by mail or email, email msturm@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2552 (weekdays). Relay users dial 711.