Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners announces that repair work planned for the Lenape Dam has been postponed until September, due to the large scale of the project and statewide regulations that govern the protection of nesting birds during the breeding season.

The dam project was initially scheduled to begin in June, requiring closure of the eastern portion of the park. Signs to that effect been removed, and the park will remain open to the public until September of this year.

On or about September 1, the eastern part of Lenape Park, from the Rahway River to the Kenilworth border, will be closed to all visitors, including hikers, fishermen and cyclists. Additionally, the eastern bike path, from the Boulevard to 14^th Street, will be closed. The closures will be in effect until the work is completed, which will take approximately four months.

The western section of the park, from the Rahway River to the Westfield border, will remain open to all activities throughout the work period. The western bike path, which runs from the Boulevard to Springfield Avenue in Westfield, will also remain open during the repair work.

The Lenape Dam repairs will bring the dam into compliance with the regulations of the State of New Jersey’s Bureau of Dam Safety, the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and to ensure the safety of County residents.

The County regrets any inconvenience to the public cause by these mandatory repairs.

For 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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This event will observe COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste event will be held on Saturday, June 5, at Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

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

The Household Hazardous Waste events provide Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants must remain in their vehicles while personnel at the site unload their waste items.

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

Participants must be Union County residents and must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
• Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
• Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
• Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
• Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.

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

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 5, and information about all Union County recycling programs, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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 students and youth ages 14-24 that help is available with job placements, internships, tutoring, GED services, career and college counseling, and training and certification courses through the Union County Youth Forward program.

“As a group, Union County residents ages 14-24 have unique needs, circumstances and opportunities to find their footing in the economic life of our community, and the Youth Forward program is designed to connect them with useful, age-appropriate resources,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Youth Forward is a job readiness, employment, and youth empowerment program that focuses on paid and unpaid work experiences, comprehensive guidance, counseling and tutoring among other elements, with the goal of enabling Union County youth to develop work-ready skills and  compete in today’s employment environment.

This first-of-its-kind program in Union County launched in December last year. It draws on the resources, networks, and experiences of the County’s existing American Job Center employment services program and the Division of Youth Services, both housed in the Department of Human Services.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Job Center has developed new online resources to assist job seekers and employers while limiting in-person contact. The Youth Forward service follows the creation of the new Union County Works online portal last summer.

Youth Forward is funded by a grant under the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, administered by the Union County Workforce Development Board through the  American Job Center.

Union County residents ages 14-24 can connect with Youth Forward by calling 908-558-2520 or by emailing info.youthforward@ucnj.org, or by filling out the online contact form at ucnj.org/human-services.

For more information, visit online at ucnj.org/youth-forward.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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 – In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office of Veteran Services will be honoring Vietnam War Veterans at a special Veterans Networking Mixer on Wednesday, May 26 at the Ash Brook Golf Course Clubhouse in Scotch Plains.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will recognize Vietnam War Era Veterans from municipalities across the county, with a special resolution presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Veteran service providers will be present to meet all Veterans and their families and discuss any issues regarding veterans benefits and support services.

Due to continuing COVID-19 County guidelines, masks must be worn and attendance is limited. Veterans who would like to attend can contact Veterans Service Coordinator Janna Williams at 908-527-4918 or Veterans Service Officer Kenneth Glick at 908-527-4719, by noon on Wednesday, May 26.

For more information about all programs and services for veterans in Union County visit the Office of Veterans Affairs online at ucnj.org/uc-hero.

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 is proud to announce that Esperanza Spalding will be the next performer in the County’s free drive-in concert series. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 4 at 7:30 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Esperanza Spalding has made a huge impact in the jazz world. In addition to having six studio albums, Esperanza Spalding was also appointed a Professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University and made an appearance in a film, Love Beats Rhymes, both in 2017.

“Esperanza Spalding is a four-time Grammy winner, Boston Music Award winner and Soul Train Award winner, and we are very excited to welcome this talented musician in Union County,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

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

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

This drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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 Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the annual Union County LGBTQ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony event on Tuesday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

“Raising the rainbow flag at the County Courthouse is a significant symbol of inclusion and support for the equal rights of LGBTQ people in Union County,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and continue to work to normalize acceptance.”

“The unity found through Pride events is essential to increasing awareness and advancing civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Commissioner Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

The flag-raising ceremony program will include a Pride Month Proclamation and guest speakers including Union County youth.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing and other protocols.

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides 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 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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to celebrate PRIDE month with a drive-in concert featuring the 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube. Union County’s own Amy Colon will open the event with a comedic performance.

The drive-in PRIDE event is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at 6:00 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available to the public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

“Music has the power to connect, include and inspire. We are very proud to welcome Rubix Kube to celebrate Pride Month with the Union County community, and reaffirm our support for equal rights and equal dignity every day of the year,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella

“Rubix Kube is a band full of life and 80s music – a decade of songs that were either inspired by our community or spoke to us at a time when we really needed it,” said Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Come for the entertainment, leave with acceptance.”

Based out of NYC, Rubix Kube is the ultimate 80s tribute band known for captivating audiences. The tribute concert will feature some of the most celebrated anthems of the LGBTQ community.

Hailing from Elizabeth, NJ, comedian and LGBTQ activist Amy Colon will open the drive-in PRIDE event with social commentary and an invitation to normalize acceptance.

Each registered car will receive a “PRIDE in a Box” full of items for attendees to show their support for equality and acceptance.

The free drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

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

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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 – Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Commissioner Christopher Hudak and other local officials and members of the public to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located in Union County’s Rahway River Park in Rahway. The ribbon cutting took place on Friday, May 21 and the pool will be open to the public on Memorial Day Weekend.

“We are all looking forward to our favorite summertime activities, and completing the renovation of the Walter E. Ulrich Pool complex is a great way to kick off the season,” said Chairman Alexander. “The new Ulrich Pool will provide Union County residents and visitors with many new opportunities to make new memories of summer in our community.”

“Union County’s park system is a legacy from past generations who cared about public access to health outdoor activities as well as nature conservation, and we are all very proud to carry on this mission into the future,” said Commissioner Hudak, who is a member of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Board.

At just over $3 million, the work included tiling and plastering of the entire pool, the installation of new starting blocks and competition lane lines, a new concrete deck, and state-of-the-art pump and filtration systems.

In addition, the beach wading area was improved with a zero entry feature, three new spray features, and in-pool seating for parents. The pool complex also received a new playground with rubber flooring.

“The Ulrich Pool renovations mark another important milestone in our continued efforts to improve and expand opportunities for healthy outdoor activities in our growing community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is a member of the Board’s Parks and Programming Committee. “The new complex will provide many years of enjoyment for all.”

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Saturday-Sunday hours also apply to holidays that fall on a weekday, including Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

On all other weekdays, Monday through Friday, the pool is open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please note that no further admissions are allowed 75 minutes prior to closing, and the pool will operate in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Complete details for the 2021 season, including admission fees, rules and regulations, and special free hours for seniors and people with disabilities, will be available soon at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/pools.

More information on all programs and activities in Union County parks, including boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hiking, nature activities and more is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or call 908-527-4900.

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 – In a continued effort to provide every resident with access to a vaccine and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union County Board of Commissioners provided free Johnson & Johnson vaccines on site to residents who participated in the county’s emergency food distribution on May 18, in Warinanco Park.

PSE&G also provided a team at the event to help eligible participants sign up for utility assistance programs.

Additionally, personnel from WellCare were on site to provide participants with Medicare insurance information and preventative health care information, and the Community FoodBank of NJ helped resister participants for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We continue to encourage all Union County residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and I would like to thank the residents who got their shot during the food distribution event for supporting that effort. Every vaccination is another step forward for the whole Union County community,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our emergency food distribution events have been a lifeline for thousands of Union County residents during the pandemic, and with PSE&G, WellCare, and the FoodBank on site we are able to reach more citizens with other forms of assistance, as well. Our community partners are more important than ever before during this time of crisis,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response.

Residents who need emergency food assistance can come to the next Union County emergency food distribution event, on Saturday, May 22, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is drive-up only, and a free vaccination clinic will be on site for those who would like to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

Residents who need help with utility bills and who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program have until June 30 to sign up for this year’s program. LIHEAP can also provide assistance to eligible renters who pay for utilities through their rent.

To find out more about LIHEAP and other utility assistance programs offered through PSE&G, visit PSE&G.com/help.

Information about WellCare is available at wellcare.com/new-jersey.

For more information about the Community FoodBank of NJ, visit cfbnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.