Category: Public Info

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal encourage adults, ages 18 and older who are interested in learning the basics of  digital photography to attend a three-hour workshop on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The fee for the workshop is $45 for Union County residents and $55 for out-of-county participants. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

This photography workshop is ideal for any student who wants to become familiar with their single-lens reflex digital camera or sophisticated “point and shoot” camera with fully manual settings. Professional photographer Joan Pamboukes will bring clarity to such topics as focal length, aperture, shutter speeds and white balance. Composition and basic lighting strategies will also be addressed.

Participants are asked to bring their camera system, with a fully charged battery, the manual and tripod, if possible. Weather permitting, the class will go outside to capture the splendor of autumn in the Watchung Reservation and create some beautiful images. Otherwise, students will practice their newly learned photography skills in the Trailside Visitor Center. By the end of this workshop, basic camera functions will no longer be a mystery.

Joan Pamboukes has been an art and photography instructor in Boston, New York and New Jersey. She currently teaches Photography and Digital Media at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit. Ms. Pamboukes brings a wealth of experience to her students and this workshop will afford participants the opportunity to learn the basics of digital photography and gain the confidence to truly enjoy their camera and the art of digital photography.

For additional information about the Adult Beginners Digital Photography Workshop or other adult programs and upcoming events at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County, NJ – Eleven historic buildings in eight Union County municipalities will undergo restoration work this year, funded in part by $500,000 in grants approved by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Preserve Union County program.

Preserve Union County was created in 2003 as an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. It provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for projects that are developed by local preservation groups and governments. Projects for Union County properties are also eligible for funding.

“Preserve Union County is focused on supporting local groups in their efforts to preserve sites that are most treasured within their communities,” said Scanlon. “This program has worked so well because the projects are developed by people who are deeply committed and involved.”

Since 2003, Preserve Union County has awarded approximately $2.5 million in matching funds that have gone to help preserve and restore twenty-six historic sites throughout Union County.

Preserve Union County is funded through the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund. The Trust Fund was approved overwhelmingly by popular referendum in 2000. Since then it has preserved well over 300 acres of land for public parks, acquired and restored historic sites including the 1920-s era Performing Arts Center in Rahway, and provided matching grants to municipalities and nonprofits for dozens of local recreation improvements and historic preservation projects.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a consistent funding stream for important civic projects, through good times and bad,” said Scanlon. “Even during this time of global economic crisis, Preserve Union County is still helping to save rare treasures from our past, while creating work in the building and preservation trades that otherwise would have to be delayed, or would not occur at all.”

The 2011 Preserve Union County awardees are:

Elizabeth

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth: Restore slate roof and masonry at the tower (Elizabeth Old First Historic Trust), $100,000.00.

Fanwood

Carriage House: New windows and air conditioning (Borough of Fanwood), $15,000.00.

Kenilworth

Oswald J. Nitschke House: Restore second floor, lighting, and air conditioning, and install period stove (Kenilworth Historic Society), $70,000.00.

Mountainside

Deacon Hetfield House: Upgrade electrical system and replace hot water heater (Mountainside Restoration Committee), $5,396.00.

Plainfield

Lampkin House and Barn: Acquire the property located at 850 Terrill Road, perform high priority repairs, and develop a preservation plan (City of Plainfield), $70,000.00.

Plainfield

George A. Strong Residence: Repair active roof leaks, restore masonry at chimney, restore deteriorated elements of port cochere (Ducret School of Arts), $35,000.00.

Plainfield

Nathaniel Drake House: Restore or repair slate roof, gutters, porch, and chimney, and build new accessible restroom. Project includes scaffolding. (Historical Society of Plainfield), $30,000.00.

Rahway

Merchants and Drovers Tavern: Restore or repair gutters, siding, eaves, masonry fireplace and foundation, doors, fire escapes, and other building elements, and paint existing trim, doors and windows. Project includes scaffolding (Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association), $65,000.00.

Summit

Reeves-Reed Arboretum and The Clearing: Repair and repaint wood, replace storm windows, and install new walkway for safer access to main house (Reeves-Reed Arboretum), $43,000.00.

Union

Liberty Hall Museum Carriage House: Complete replacement of the slate roof (Liberty Hall Museum, Inc.), $60,000.00.

Union

Caldwell Parsonage: Install a ductless air conditioning system, main panel and power shut off (Union Township Historical Society), $6,112.50.

The Nathaniel Drake House in Plainfield is one of 11 historic sites to receive funding for preservation under the 2011 Preserve Union County grant program, part of the Union County Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Trust Fund.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal invite adults, ages 18 and older to participate in a historical lecture about Civil War women on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The program runs from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. and pre-registration is recommended.  The fee is $8 for Union County residents and $10 for out-of-county participants.

Trish Chambers, an author and Civil War re-enactor, brings the life experiences of women during this critical period in American history to life for her audience in “Civil War Women: Their Roles and Legacies.” She discusses how women were left behind to fend for themselves, managing homes, businesses and plantations, roles that had been traditionally held by men prior to the Civil War.

“This fascinating lecture will focus on the accomplishments of women from the North and the South, who supported the war effort as nurses, spies, soldiers and authors,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “Ms. Chambers talks about their legacies and the changes in society that would redefine the world forever.”

Trish Chambers has performed at numerous historical events and period re-enactments. She participated in the Civil War movie, “Gods and Generals” and consulted with the History Channel and appeared in their production of “Full Metal Corset: Secret Soldiers of the Civil War.” She also is the author of “Civil War Women: Their Roles and Legacies,” a work of non-fiction that illustrates the achievements and struggles of women of the Civil War era.

For additional information about the Civil War Women lecture or other adult programs and upcoming events at Trailside call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – On Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16, the ghost of David Felt will return to the Deserted Village of Feltville and lead tours of the factory town that once housed hundreds of workers and family members. The mile-long tours, which start at 2 p.m. each day, occur during the weekend-long open house of the historic site, as part of Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend” celebration.

Feltville’s general store/church building was previously restored and opened as a visitor center, complete with interpretive exhibits and restrooms. This weekend marks the re-opening of Masker’s Barn in the village.

“The Freeholder Board is very excited to announce the grand opening of the newly restored Masker’s Barn during the Four Centuries weekend,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “With funding assistance from the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the carriage house has received an extreme makeover for adaptive reuse as a lecture hall and meeting room.”

The $1.4 million restoration of Masker’s Barn lasted two years and was completed last month. During the restoration, the building was levitated and held in mid-air for months as the foundation was replaced. The circa-1882 building will be open throughout the weekend and the public is invited to join County, State and local officials on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 12:30 p.m. as the building is formally dedicated. Before and after photographs will illustrate the dramatic rebirth of the historic building.

As part of the Four Centuries in a Weekend program, staffed activities will occur at the Deserted Village from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. Most of the Village’s buildings and grounds can be seen from a hayride, which will run continuously both days. Visitors may pick up a map and narrative at Feltville’s parking lot for a self-guided tour.

The restored Church/Store houses an exhibit of artifacts, photographs and maps that depict the Village’s history across four centuries. A hands-on demonstration of apples being pressed into cider will be ongoing. Elsewhere in the Village, visitors can hear how the site of David Felt’s house was discovered from the Director of the Feltville Archaeology Project. Nearby, children can play old-fashioned games. All of these activities are offered free of charge. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Picnic tables are available for families wanting to pack a lunch.

All activities for the Four Centuries weekend are rain or shine. Enter the Deserted Village via Cataract Hollow Road, off of Glenside Avenue on the Berkeley Heights side of the Watchung Reservation. Wear warm clothes and sturdy walking shoes.

For additional information about the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park, call Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, (908) 789-3670. Tickets are still available at Trailside for Haunted Hayrides that will run at the Deserted Village on Oct. 21-23. Information about 24 other Four Centuries in a Weekend sites is available from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, (908) 558-2550, or on the Union County website at www.ucnj.org/cultural/4centuries/4Centuries11.pdf.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

NEPTUNE, N.J. — Many New Jersey survivors of Hurricane Irene have serious disaster-related needs.  Groups known as Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) are stepping in to meet these needs and members of these groups expect to be assisting long after the emergency phase has passed.

VOAD groups partner with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide crucial assistance for disaster survivors.  FEMA assists the VOADs by identifying available federal assistance programs and providing coordination and donations management.  The partners also identify populations with access and functional needs and help applicants avoid duplication of benefits.

FEMA disaster assistance includes voluntary agency liaisons (VALs) who work with the voluntary groups at the state and local levels.  These FEMA liaisons also refer people to the VOAD groups.

“Our priority is to coordinate the efforts of voluntary organizations,” said Nancy Turnbull, the FEMA voluntary agency liaison lead in New Jersey. “We help to identify essential needs and priorities as well as resources in the community that will enable people to get their lives back to normal.”

The voluntary organizations provide a broad range of assistance to Hurricane Irene survivors.  The assistance includes such critical areas as flood debris clean up, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, home repairs and reconstruction not covered by FEMA.

“All of these needs are handled on a case-by-case basis,” said Turnbull.

New Jersey storm survivors can find more information about the work of the national and local organizations by visiting www.nvoad.org.  Disaster survivors in most counties can also call 211 to request help with debris clean up or to get information on other available services.

The VOAD groups include the Community Food Bank, Salvation Army, certain United Way agencies and faith-based organizations from individual churches, synagogues and mosques.  The organizations have been crucial to the disaster response.

Voluntary agencies will continue to help disaster survivors and provide disaster relief services in New Jersey counties, regardless of the federal declaration status.

Even if individuals have registered with the American Red Cross or other voluntary organizations, people who suffered damage or loss because of Hurricane Irene should apply before Oct. 31 for FEMA assistance.  Registering with voluntary organizations does not mean that a person has automatically registered with FEMA.

There are three ways to register – go to www.disasterassistance.gov, to m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free,800-621-3362 (FEMA).  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities atwww.twitter.com/craigatfema.

ATLANTA –The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the opening of Business Recovery Centers in New Jersey.  These Centers will provide one-on-one assistance to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses caused by Hurricane Irene that occurred between Aug. 27 and Sept. 5.

“Businesses with physical damages or loss of revenue should seriously consider visiting a Center and applying for an SBA disaster business loan,” said SBA District Director Al Titone. “SBA’s disaster loans provide a way to help businesses get back in operation and the low interest rate and terms help make them more affordable than other types of financing.” To date, SBA has approved over $28 million in disaster loans to New Jerseyeans with disaster related losses to their homes, personal property and businesses.

All Centers will open Tuesday, Oct. 11 and remain open until further notice, at the following locations and times:

Union County:

New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Kean University-Incubator
320 Park Avenue
Plainfield, NJ, 07060
Open: Tues, Oct. 11, 2011 at 9 a.m.
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bergen County:

NJSBDC at Bergen Community College
355 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Open:  Tues. Oct. 11, 2011 at 9 a.m.
Hours:  Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monmouth County:

Monmouth County OEM
300 Halls Mills Road–Freehold, NJ 07728
Open:  Tues. Oct. 11, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.
Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Passaic County

Woodland Park Municipal Building–Community Room
5 Brophy Lane–Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Open: Tues, Oct. 11, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SBA’s Customer Service Representatives will be on hand at the Centers to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and assist business owners in completing their applications.  Also, SBDC Counselors are available to assist business complete their application package.

Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private non-profit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.  Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

To obtain additional assistance call, the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 
(800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.   Those affected by the disaster may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website athttps://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is October 31, 2011.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 31, 2012.

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For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov.

Members of the Union County Paratransit team accepted the award for Outstanding System of the Year from the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation (left-right: Michael Staley, Area Vice President, Veolia Transportation; Karen Dinsmore, Assistant Director, UCDHS; Kathleen Carmello, Paratransit Director, UCDHS; Melvin Barkley, Project Manager, Veolia Transportation; Helen Kirsch, Assistant Paratransit Director, UCDHS; Diego Jimenez, Mechanics Helper; Anissia Mitchell, Operations Manager, Veolia Transportation; Carl Simpkins, Assistant Project Manager, Veolia Transportation; Joseph Haligowski, Supervising Mechanic; Thomas Tiplady, Mechanic.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the county’s Paratransit System has been honored with the Outstanding System of the Year Award from the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation. The Paratransit System helps seniors and those with disabilities remain independent, by providing affordable transportation for medical services, shopping, education, adult day care centers, and recreation.

“The Paratransit System is a vital lifeline that helps thousands of Union County residents take care of their daily needs and stay connected with their communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “This award represents an outstanding service to the public by the entire Paratransit team, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board I would like to thank each and every one.”

The Union County Paratransit System operates out of the Department of Human Services. It was created in 1979 by bringing together the transportation services of several non-profit agencies under one umbrella to better serve the needs of the senior and disabled residents of the county.

In its earlier years, Paratransit had a fleet of 18 vehicles making 86,000 trips annually. The need has grown since then and the fleet now includes 52 vehicles, which make approximately 232,000 trips annually.

The System of the Year Award recognizes that every aspect of a Paratransit system is working together effectively. That includes administration, funding, maintenance, scheduling, and vehicle operation.

“Paratransit’s on-time record is 97.2 percent, which is quite an achievement given the traffic density in Union County,” said Scanlon.

The vehicles are owned and maintained by Union County, which also provides administrative services.  The reservationists, schedulers and drivers are provided under a private contract currently held by Veolia Transportation.

“Veolia’s rigorous training programs cover the drivers and the customer service staff, and the County manages an aggressive vehicle maintenance program.  Together, we share the mission of providing an efficient transportation service that improves the quality of life for County residents,” said Human Services Director Frank Guzzo.

In addition to its core mission, Paratransit fills other important transportation needs in Union County. Currently it runs a shuttle designed to improve pedestrian safety on a stretch of Route 22 between Union, Kenilworth and Springfield, and a shuttle that helps connect more County residents with guidance and employment services at the county’s One-Stop Career Center in Plainfield.

Paratransit has also been called upon to fill temporary needs for municipalities. In one recent example, Paratransit provided a shuttle to help rail commuters avoid a 3.5 mile detour while a new bridge at the Summit/New Providence border was constructed.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release.   Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj

RAHWAY, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 29, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a new location: the Rahway Intermediate School, located at the corner of Madison Avenue and Westfield Avenue in Rahway.

All residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.

“The special household waste recycling program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for proper disposal of hazardous items that are found around the home,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “The result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their household special waste, propane tanks, automobile tires, and mercury thermostats. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

“Household special waste” includes oil-based 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), blood pressure devices, and mercury switches. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Latex (water-based) paint and empty cans will not be accepted. They should be disposed of in with the regular garbage. Leftover latex paint can be air-dried or, to hasten the drying process, kitty litter and/or newspaper can be added to hasten the drying.

“This is a great opportunity to recycle up to eight tires and dispose of old chemical containers that are cluttering up the basement or the garage, or taking up space under the kitchen sink,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Council. “Our homes become safer once they are rid of hazardous and combustible waste.”

There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household. This is a household recycling event. No businesses, please.

Union County, in partnership with Covanta Energy, also includes mercury thermostats in its household waste recycling initiative. The mercury thermostat program complements the County’s efforts to collect household pollutants and divert mercury from the regional waste stream in order to help safeguard our water and air quality. What’s more, residents will receive a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot for turning in a mercury thermostat at the Oct. 29 recycling event.

“Our partnership with Covanta allows us to extend our efforts to pursue environmentally sound methods of waste disposal,” Freeholder Hudak added.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on Oct. 29 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning web site: www.ucnj.org/recycle

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at (908) 654-9889.

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi displays a “Vote By Mail” ballot application. Eligible voters may apply for a Vote By Mail ballot in person at the Clerk’s offices in Westfield or Elizabeth, receive their ballot and cast the ballot at the same time. The Westfield Annex at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, is open 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. The Elizabeth office at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Voters also may obtain an application form at their local municipal building or at the County Clerk’s website: www.ucnj.org/government/county-clerk/vote-by-mail. For more information, contact the Union County Clerk at 908-527-4996. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The County of Union will sponsor a recycling event for electronic equipment and unwanted paper documents on Saturday, Oct. 22, so Union County residents can get rid of unwanted computers, televisions and other electronic equipment, and shred old personal documents in a secure and environmentally proper manner.

The special recycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alcatel-Lucent Technologies facility, 600 Mountain Avenue, New Providence 07974.

All residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. There is a limit of six electronic items and/or four bags/boxes of paper per car.

“Computer monitors and old televisions are the source of a considerable amount of lead – about five pounds per screen,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, liaison to the Union County Solid Waste Advisory Board. “Up to 95 percent of most electronic appliances can be recycled. This is a responsible way to keep hazardous heavy metals out of our environment.”

Electronic equipment that will be accepted on Oct. 22 includes computer monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, CPU’s, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, televisions, VCR’s, fax machines, telephones, and circuit boards.

All that residents need to do is drive to the site with their electronic equipment and unwanted personal documents. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles. Pre-registration is not required for this special collection.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and air conditioners will not be accepted.

A complete list of the materials that will be accepted on Oct. 22 is available at the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning website: www.ucnj.org/recycle .

The electronics collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

In addition to the special Oct. 22 electronics recycling event sponsored by the County of Union, there are other local opportunities for residents to recycle electronic equipment. Visit www.ucnj.org/recycle for more computer and electronics recycling options.

The Oct. 22 paper-shredding event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. The shredding event will end before 2:00 p.m. if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

“Union County’s mobile document-shredding service helps residents eliminate clutter in their homes and also fight identity theft,” said Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “It is a cost-effective way to assist our recycling efforts and it ties in with our other Go Green Initiatives.”

All Union County residents are eligible to use the personal document paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate all participants, there is a limit of four boxes/bags per person. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Residents should recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then dumped onto a conveyor belt and put through the shredder. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled, shipped to paper mills and used as pulp.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through funds from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds.

Shredding may be cancelled in the event of extreme bad weather. Please call the Recycling Hotline for more information about future events, directions, or event day cancellation at 908-654-9889 or visit us online atwww.ucnj.org/recycle .

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For more information on any Union County press release, please contact Sebastian D’Elia, Communications Director for the County of Union, or a designee listed at the top of this press release. Please join the County of Union online at www.ucnj.org, on Facebook at www.ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/countyofunionnj .