Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s Great Pumpkin Sail at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside will go on sale at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 4. Tickets will be available online only at ucnj.org/reserve.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is an entertaining tradition here in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please bring your own jack-o-lanterns and join us as we illuminate Echo Lake with pumpkins.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail will take place on November 1 with three sessions scheduled. The first session will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the second session will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the third session will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for this event are sold on a per-family basis. One ticket will cover up to six family members.

Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a limit of two tickets per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents, and $16 per ticket for out-of-county residents. Please purchase only one ticket per family of six.

Please note that each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.

Space is limited; attendees are advised to purchase tickets early.

Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.

In case of bad weather, the rain date will be November 3^rd.

For further information, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.

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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New Job Fair is a partnership between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Westfield Corporation and the Town of Westfield.

Union County, NJ – Job seekers in Union County have another opportunity to explore job opportunities with local businesses at the upcoming Job Fair on Wednesday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Town of Westfield Town Hall, located at 425 East Broad Street in Westfield.

Interviews may be offered on the spot and proper attire is strongly recommended.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in working in Westfield to attend the job fair and meet with prospective employers in person, in a supportive and friendly environment,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The September 29 Job Fair is part of an ongoing series of events supported by the County, aimed at helping employers and job seekers connect with each other. We are looking forward to another successful event,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Workforce Development Board.

Pre-registration is required online through the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks must be worn by all participants, regardless of their vaccination status.

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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Free, secure paper shredding events for Union County residents only.

Union County, NJ – 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, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“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,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each of Union County’s free shredding events are scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

These events are drive-up only. Ample signage will be posted to direct drivers from the entrance to the site.

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.

Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

As a precaution against COVID-19, participants should keep their windows rolled up and wear a face mask.

The last mobile paper shredding event of 2021 will occur on October 30 at Nokia in New Providence. For the complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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.

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.

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 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.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program continues in October. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every 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 Chairman Al Mirabella. “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.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, October 7 and Saturday, October 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges 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 drop-off sites are available on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

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.

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

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.

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 the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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.

The Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Reintegration Program has been nationally recognized for its ability to provide comprehensive education, training, housing, financial, medical, and social support to detainees as they transition back into society.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Union County has entered into an agreement with the Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in partnership with the Hudson County Department of Housing and Community Reintegration, to provide residential substance abuse treatment and reentry Services to inmates from Union County.

Resolutions in support of the agreement were passed by the Commissioner Boards of Hudson and Union counties on Thursday, September 23.

“Union County has been pursuing opportunities to reduce incarceration, prevent recidivism, and help individuals in the criminal justice system find a secure economic and social footing in their community. The new agreement with Hudson County builds on that commitment by allying our efforts with a top-rated program,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We’re pleased to enter this agreement with Union County,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “Our Corrections & Rehabilitation Center will provide state-leading, innovative substance abuse treatment and community reintegration services for those entrusted to us by Union County. I want to thank Chairman Mirabella and the Union County Board of Commissioners for their vote of confidence in our facility. This is the future for HCC&R—one focused on offering a progressive, treatment and reintegration-based approach to reducing recidivism throughout the region.”

The Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Reintegration Program has been nationally recognized for its ability to provide comprehensive education, training, housing, financial, medical, and social support, providing a variety of medical, social, and clinical services on-site.

Hudson County is the only jail in the State, and one of few nationally, to have a certified one-stop employment and training center operating within its walls, including adult life skills, literacy, ABE, ESL, and High School Diploma classes, as well as New Jersey Department of Labor Certified pre-vocational training and other vocational training along with additional resources including a law library.

In addition, the Hudson County Division of Reentry runs the only county-based residential substance abuse treatment program certified by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health & Addictions Services. The program is designed to address housing and other barriers to reentry along with direct clinical care.

Hudson County’s comprehensive reentry program includes a pre-release program coordinated with welfare benefits, housing, and follow-up care with appropriate medication.

The agreement with Hudson County will involve the transfer of Union County inmates currently housed at the Delaney Hall facility in Essex County. A grant from the New Jersey Department of Corrections will cover the cost of the program.

The agreement with Hudson County is part of a series of steps taken by the Union County Commissioner Board that reflect broad changes in the criminal justice system.

This year Union County successfully completed the transfer of inmates from the Union County Jail in Elizabeth to the Essex County Jail, a move that is expected to save approximately $103 million over five year.  The transfer follows a significant drop in the Union County Jail population.

In 2019, Union County also closed its Juvenile Detention Center, saving $24.6 million a year, and sending its detainees to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark.

Funding for the Hudson County program is provided through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

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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Flu shot locations for 2022 coming soon

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year. Free flu shots will be dispensed at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Thursday, September 23. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.

Please note that the location of the first clinic in the series has been changed. It will be held at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, at 330 Helen Street, in Linden. Any Union County resident can use any of the flu clinics, regardless of their town of residence.

“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room, by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.

The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County adults and children ages nine and up.

Children ages four years through eight years can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received two flu shots in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Appointments are strongly encouraged and residents can schedule their appointment online by visiting ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829.

Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.

The following dates have been scheduled for the Union County flu shot drive. Each event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• 9/23 – LOCATION CHANGE: Please note, tonight’s flu clinic will be held at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden.  
• 9/30 – Roselle,  High school –Abraham Clark High School, 122 E 6^th, Roselle, NJ
• 10/7 – Plainfield , Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield
• 10/14 –  Summit City Hall, Whitman Room, 512 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ
• 10/21 – Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park, NJ
• 10/28 – Hillside Community Center, 274 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ
• 11/4 –  Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E Milton Ave., Rahway, NJ
• 11/18 – Chisholm Community Center, Springfield

Any Union County resident may visit any of these clinics, regardless of their town of residence.

To prepare for a visit to Union County’s flu shot clinics, residents are advised to review the fact sheet issued by the Centers for Disease Control in English, Spanish and other languages at https://www.immunize.org/vis/ (select “Influenza, inactivated” from the vaccine index).

Masks are required when visiting one of Union County’s free flu shot clinics, and temperatures will be taken when arriving.

Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a flu drive site. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of illness should check with their doctor.

For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

Please note that the dates and locations listed above are for seasonal flu vaccines only.

Residents seeking free COVID-19 vaccines can find a list of sites run by Union County at ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page to see a schedule for COVID-19 vaccination sites run by Union County.

Children and adults in need of a variety of standard immunizations can visit Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. Please note that there is no income eligibility requirement for the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccines. Other immunizations are available on an income-eligible basis. For more information call the Immunization Center at (908) 965-3627 or (908)965-3868.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the deadline for residents to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is Monday, September 27. The ERAP program will provide financial relief for Union County residents unable to meet their rental obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 15 months of assistance for unpaid back rent and utility bills.

Both landlords and tenants are required to register for this program in order to expedite the grant process. Landlords and tenants can register at ucnj.org/rental-assistance. The funds will be awarded to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are eligible for the grant.

“Hundreds of residents have applied for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance and we encourage renters within Union County experiencing difficulty paying their rent and utilities to register for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program before the upcoming deadline,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Communication between landlords and tenants regarding ERAP relief is key to ensuring applications can be reviewed without delay.”

The landlord and the tenant portals will both remain open throughout the application phase of the program which ends on September 27. Residents who may qualify are encouraged to visit the website for guidance on assembling the information and documents necessary to apply for funding.

To qualify for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Union County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;
• Make less than 80% of the average median income of Union County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four);
• Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Provide required supporting documentation (copies of identification, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).

The application website for eligible residents, will contain information and list all documents needed to apply. Should applicants have any questions they can call the call center directly at 855-552-1172 or contact one of the three nonprofit agencies involved in assisting in completion of applications by calling:

• United Way of Union County – 908-353-7171
• Family Promise of Union County – 908-289-7300
• Urban League of Union County – 908-351-7200

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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy the beautiful autumn season in the Watchung Reservation with a variety of outdoor programs offered by Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside’s programs offer families a wonderful opportunity to spend time together outdoors and reconnect with the natural world around us,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Adults with children age four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, which are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., beginning October 5. Participants will discover animal homes and hideouts, explore all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk and search for monarch butterflies.

The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents. Other topics include snakes & turtles, backyard birds, senses, seeds and mammals.

Back to Nature, a series of walks in the Watchung Reservation for families, will resume on October 9, while moonlit family hikes will occur on October 21 and November 18. Programs are open to families with children ages four and older.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Families will learn to identify birds by color and sound, experience the life of the Lenape Native Americans and search for animal tracks on a fall hike.  Other topics include bats and animal tracks.

The fee per program is $5 for Union County residents and $6 for non-county residents.

A Hunter’s Moon Hike will take place on October 21 and a Frost Moon Hike will take place on November 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

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

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.

Posted information also includes early voting locations, gubernatorial candidate statements, and more.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that  sample ballots for the November 2 General Election can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices.

Gubernatorial candidate statements are also available through the website and app, in English and Spanish.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter. Sample ballots will be mailed prior to the start of early voting, which begins on October 23.

“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This year it is especially important to be informed and up-to-date, as it is a gubernatorial year and early voting will be introduced from October 23 to 31 as well as Election Day voting on Tuesday, November 2.”

Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.

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 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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Free double feature drive up movie event, presented by Union County’s Board of County Commissioners and in partnership with Plainfield Public Schools

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to a double feature drive up movie event on October 1^st featuring Ferdinand and In the Heights in Plainfield High School’s parking lot, 950 Park Ave.

The parking lot will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:00PM.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/reserve. Please keep in mind that only one registration is required per car.

“We are all excited for this double feature event in Plainfield,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This event is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the entire family.”

Ferdinand is a 2017 computer-animated comedy adventure film based on a bull named Ferdinand who refuses to participate in bullfighting but is forced back into the arena where his beliefs are challenged when he faces off against the world’s greatest bullfighter.

In the Heights is a 2021 musical drama film based on the well-known stage musical. This film tells the story of a corner in the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City, where every member of the community pursues their dreams of a better life.

The event will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date will be October 15^th.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note that the audio for the movie will be transmitted thru Wi-Fi.

Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the restroom).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please contact Nathalie Alcaide-Hernandez by email at nahernandez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4880.

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.