Category: Public Info

Union County recognizes the contributions of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Union County Small Business Community Champion recognition program. Businesses that are nominated for the program will receive a certificate of achievement and will be featured on the Union County Means Business website, ucnj.org/union-county-means-business.

“Small businesses have faced extraordinary challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but many have managed to survive, to continue serving the Union County community, and even to thrive,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These resilient small businesses deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.”

Any member of the Union County community can nominate an eligible small business in their community to be recognized as a Union County Small Business Community Champion, by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business.

To be eligible, nominees must have a small business located within Union County that is currently open for business. In addition, they must demonstrate resilience during the pandemic, either by adapting and evolving their business model or giving back to the community, or both.

Supporting documentation must include:

• A photograph of the nominated business for publication.
• A paragraph describing the nominee’s resiliency story, including changes to their business model and/or community service activities

The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31, and the recognized businesses will be posted at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business in August.

For additional information, contact Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development, at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/office-of-business-development.

To see all programs and activities of the Union County Department of Economic Development, visit ucnj.org/department-of-economic-development.

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 advises residents that due to forecasted inclement weather, the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Disc Golf Course at Oak Ridge Park in Clark has been rescheduled. The ribbon cutting will now take place on Monday, June 7 at 12:00 p.m. Oak Ridge Park is located at 136 Oak Ridge Road.

“We are always looking for ways to provide County residents with new opportunities to engage in outdoor activities,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Disc golf is becoming a popular all-ages sport and we are happy provide our community with this facility right here in Union County.”

The concept for a disc golf course was presented to the Commissioner Board by the Union County Disc Golf Club. The disc golf equipment cost just over $6,500. Installation was performed by the Union County Parks Department with assistance on design and coordination done by the UCDGC. The new disc golf course is comprised of 18 holes as well as one practice basket.

The course is free to use. No reservations are required for use but players should consult the County website and the kiosk located at the course for information regarding closures due to events in the park.

Disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, though, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is a membership-based organization boasting more than 120,000 lifetime members across 54 countries. The PDGA is also the governing body for the sport and sanctions competitive events for players of every skill level. There are more than 8,000 disc golf courses worldwide, with more being installed every day.

For more information on disc golf, residents can visit: https://www.pdga.com/.

For information about the disc golf facility at Oak Ridge Park and other offerings within the Union County Parks system, residents can visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/ or call 908-527-4900.

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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COVID-19 safety rules apply; event is open to all Union County residents.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next mobile paper shredding event of 2021 will be held in Cranford on Saturday, June 12 for free, secure shredding of personal and confidential documents.

“Union County’s free mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It also promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives in Union County.”

At Union County’s paper shredding events, documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company, lifted into the truck and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then taken to a licensed recycling facility.

The June 12 shredding event will take place at Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The event will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

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.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

Documents should be removed from any bindings. Plastic or metal clips and other non-paper items should also be removed.

Participants are reminded that pre-shredded paper will not be accepted. Wet or damp paper is also not accepted.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents should recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program.

For more information on recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

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.

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Union County, NJ – 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 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the 2021 Primary Election. No appointments for Elections are needed.

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 8.

“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.”

To cast a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the Elizabeth and Westfield offices, 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 7 at 3:00 p.m. to obtain a Vote-by-Ballot in person at the County Clerk’s offices.

The Elizabeth and Westfield offices will be open on Saturday, June 5 for voters who intend to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot.

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 all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events in June to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

• Kean University in Union
• Drive-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.

• Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

• Kean University in Union
• Drive-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce.

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.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to continue to provide this valuable resource to our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Despite the gradual re-opening and lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, residents continue to deal with unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership.”

It is recommended that residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield wear masks or maintain social distance. Walk-up recipients 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 events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

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.

These events will run in compliance with current state COVID-19 executive orders regarding safety protocols.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoodsus.com/.

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 will cut the ribbon on new Disc Golf Course at Oak Ridge Park in Clark this Thursday, June 3rd at 12:00 p.m. Oak Ridge Park is located at 136 Oak Ridge Road.

“We are always looking for ways to provide County residents with new opportunities to engage in outdoor activities,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Disc golf is becoming a popular all-ages sport and we are happy provide our community with this facility right here in Union County.”

The concept for a disc golf course was presented to the Commissioner Board by the Union County Disc Golf Club. The disc golf equipment cost just over $6,500. Installation was performed by the Union County Parks Department with assistance on design and coordination done by the UCDGC. The new disc golf course is comprised of 18 holes as well as one practice basket.

The course is free to use. No reservations are required for use but players should consult the County website and the kiosk located at the course for information regarding closures due to events in the park.

Disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, though, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is a membership-based organization boasting more than 120,000 lifetime members across 54 countries. The PDGA is also the governing body for the sport and sanctions competitive events for players of every skill level. There are more than 8,000 disc golf courses worldwide, with more being installed every day.

For more information on disc golf, residents can visit: https://www.pdga.com/.

For information about the disc golf facility at Oak Ridge Park and other offerings within the Union County Parks system, residents can visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/ or call 908-527-4900.

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.

Series of Pride Month events planned throughout the County in the month of June.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in Pride events organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, as Union County joins communities across the nation in once again celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2021.

The start of Pride Month 2021 in Union County was celebrated on June 1 with the raising of the PRIDE Flag at 1:00 p.m., at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The program of events throughout the month includes:

• Drive-In Concert featuring the 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube with Union County’s own comedian Amy Colon – Saturday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m. – Union County Vo-Tech campus, Scotch Plains

• Queer Empowerment Hour – The History of PRIDE | How Pride came to be & where we are now – Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. – Zoom – register at org/lgbtq.

• Let Me Be Me: a youth empowerment field day for LGBTQ+ and ally youth (student ID required) – Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. – Warinanco Sports Center (turf field), Roselle

• Family Movie Night featuring How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World – Friday, June 25 (movie starts at dusk) – Union County Vo-Tech campus, Scotch Plains

• LGBTQ Trivia Night – Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m. – Ash Brook, Scotch Plains

“By celebrating the right of LGBTQ+ persons to be who they are, Pride Month events help to foster a sense of unity among all Union County residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is proud to affirm our continued work for inclusion and acceptance with the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride events in June.”

“June is an important month for LGBTQ+ residents in Union County, and this Commissioner Board is committed to ensuring that each resident feels included and supported,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Commissioner’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides us with a foundation for partnership, tolerance and equality.”

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established in 2018 and is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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.

Please be advised that this evening’s showing of the Black Panther movie at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus in Scotch Plains has been cancelled due to the weather. The movie will be rescheduled to a date in the future.

Commission for Status on Women to honor 11 County women at free virtual event

Union County, NJ – The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020-2021 Women of Excellence Awards. Eleven Union County women have been selected to receive awards for their outstanding contributions. The awardees will be honored at a virtual event on Friday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The virtual awards ceremony is free for all to attend but pre-registration is required. Residents who wish to pre-register can do so by visiting https://bit.ly/uccsw2021.

“For over 25 years, the Board of County Commissioners has recognized women among us who lead, serve, and inspire. Through their work, they raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service and education,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to acknowledge their contributions towards a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in the County.”

The Union County women being recognized for their accomplishments by the Commission on the Status of Women are:

Women’s Advocacy – Margot Baruch – Mountainside

Mental Health Advocacy – Joyce Benz – Springfield

Volunteerism – Joan Crout – Westfield

Environmental/Activism – Marian Glenn – Summit

Education – Monica Goncalves – Elizabeth

Lifetime Achievement – Sister Percylee Hart, RSM – Scotch Plains

Healthcare – Pamela Palmieri – Fanwood

Special Education Advocacy – Diana Pinto-Gomez – Fanwood

Entrepreneurial/Medical – Nancy Polow, PhD. – Scotch Plains

Government – Clara Fernandez – Elizabeth

Special Service Award – Judy Jenkins-Gaudino – Summit

Each awardee will receive an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a County Commissioner Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women.

For any questions or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Nancy Malta, Commissioner Administrative Liaison at 908-527-4298 or nmalta@ucnj.org or Jen Erdos, Secretary to the Commission on the Status of Women, at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

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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 Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program continues in June. 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 until 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 on Thursday, June 3 and Saturday, June 19 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.