Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services’ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and Department of Economic Developments’ Office on Women, invites residents to join an interactive online discussion of self-care and resiliency, through a women’s perspective.

“This program will provide women in Union County with a safe learning place to explore methods for coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to connect with useful resources and services available to them,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program, titled “Self-Care & Resiliency: Through a Woman’s Perspective,” is being held on Zoom on Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

It will be hosted by Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski and presented by Wendy Chin, MSW, DRCC, Emergency Response Coordinator, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, NJDHS Mental Health & Addiction Services.

The focus will be on providing an understanding of the psychological impact of challenges faced during this time. The program includes offering useful coping and self-care skills to practice.

Additionally, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to engage with each other, the presenter and local health and human service providers.

Links to resources and services to help will be provided. Attendees should be prepared to ask questions.

To pre-register and receive the Zoom link, visit http://bit.ly/selfcarewhm.

For more information on Self-Care & Resiliency: Through a Woman’s Perspective contact, Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@ucnj.org.

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.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program begins in April. 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, April 1 and Saturday, April 17 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 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.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again providing free trees to schools for Arbor Day.

“The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County. We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski.

Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.

This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. Each tree comes with a protective cage. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.

The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. To reserve a tree for your school, please see the mailing that was sent to your school’s principal or you may contact Madeline Brigantino, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at mbrigantino@ucnj.org or 908-789-3653. The deadline for free tree requests has been extended to April 10, 2021.

Schools may also contact James Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org for more information.

For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held virtually in early April.

Arbor Day has been a national observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, April 30.

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.

Union County activist Lillian Feickert will be portrayed by acclaimed storyteller Carol Simon Levine.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents and visitors to celebrate Women’s History Month with Lillian Feickert, a Plainfield resident who served as the President of the Woman Suffrage Association during the pivotal years from 1912 to 1920, when women finally won the right to vote.

Feickert will be portrayed by storyteller Carol Simon Levine in a virtual presentation of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage on Zoom on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m.

In Feickert’s voice, Carol Simon Levine will recount tales of key figures in the long fight for the right to vote, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and Florence Spearing Randolph.

Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage is a free event. Pre-registration at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Chppp04R4aVgit54WHz7g is required to receive the Zoom link.

This program is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Office on of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

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.

Union County, NJ— The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it.

“Year round and especially throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we work to help make Union County residents aware of services that are available to those who have been impacted by sexual violence. In a time of great personal crisis, it is important to know that you are not alone, and that your community supports you,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Victims of sexual violence often find themselves isolated, without support from family or friends and in need of medical and legal services. In order to ensure that all Union County residents have access to support, in 1984 the County Commissioner Board established the Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC), which provides in-person services as well as a 24-hour hotline run by trained advocates.

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been organized since 2001 through the non-profit National Sexual Violence Resource Center, building on long term efforts to support victims that dates back to the 1970’s and earlier.

This year, the theme is “We Can Build Safe Spaces Online.” Throughout the month and across the country, there will be initiatives and efforts highlighting the way that technology has become a part of everyday life, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Union County, the County Commissioner Board will recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month with an official resolution reflecting the Board’s continued commitment to the Union County Rape Crisis Center’s work within the community to effect change and communicate support for survivors.

The County Commissioner Board also invites the community to participate in Denim Day on April 28. Participants can support Denim Day in Union County by snapping a photo of themselves and friends/co-workers wearing denim and send it to websupport@ucnj.org for a feature on the County website, County social media and the UCRCC blog.

UCRCC is a service of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual and Family Support Services. It provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and medical and legal accompaniment for survivors of sexual violence through a 24-hour hotline. UCRCC also offers, trauma-informed counseling to those affected by sexual violence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic UCRCC services have been modified. For assistance or for additional details, please call the UCRCC hotline at 908-233-7273, visit their webpage at or check out the UCRCC blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents of all ages to take a look at the County’s Falcon Cam, which provides a live stream of the action in and around the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse.

“Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species and Union County is very proud to assist in ensuring the survival of these remarkable birds in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This live feed helps builds an appreciation for preserving our natural heritage, and provides an enriching experience for County residents and observes from all over the world.”

The Falcon Cam has chronicled the activity of multiple pairs of adult peregrine falcons throughout the years. The pairs have been nesting on the roof of the historic tower of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth.

Falcons have been nesting on the courthouse every year since 2005. After the first falcon couple was unsuccessful at building their nest due to weather conditions, Union County staff stepped in to help. With an assist from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife zoologists, the County installed a repurposed igloo-style dog house and cameras inside and outside of the nest.

The cameras provide schools, researchers and birding enthusiasts with new learning opportunities and last year, the nest cam was equipped with audio.

The pair currently at the nest site is named Frida and Mango. Zoologists generally shy away from naming wildlife but in this case, since the pair are not banded and cannot be referred to by their band numbers, officials gave them names that would help observers tell them apart.  The female is named after the South American artist, Frida Kahlo because of the wide marking or “unibrow” between her eyes. The male, Mango, is named for his bright yellow-orange bill and feet.

This nesting season, Frida has laid four eggs and the pair has begun incubating consistently.  The eggs are due to hatch between April 26 and April 29.

To watch them tend to their eggs, and later care for their chicks or eyases, visit the Union County Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon or ucnj.org/falcon-mobile-page.

Union County provides nature and environmental programs throughout the year, and is offering additional online resources for all ages online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County, visit the Green Connection at 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.

Union County, NJ – In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month this April, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a series of inclusive programs hosted by the Union County Department of Human Services’ Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Union County has been providing virtual programs for all residents to enjoy, and it is especially important for persons with special needs to stay connected,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are happy to expand our inclusive programming for special needs families in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.”

To honor Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Courthouse and Administration Building lobby will be lit up in blue from April 1 through April 30. Banners will also be hung in the County Administration Building’s lobby, and the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs (OPDSN) will be distributing Autism Acceptance ribbons.

In addition, a variety of virtual activities are planned throughout April. These programs are free, but advance registration is required. To register online, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The schedule includes a virtual dance party celebration on April 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for a fun night of social distanced dancing with friends.

There will also be a virtual BubbleMania performance on April 18 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This unique performance combines comedy with intricate and imaginative bubble tricks.

OPDSN will also host a bookmark design contest. The contest will run from April 1 to April 30 and is open to all students in grades 6-12 living in Union County. The winning bookmarks for each age group will be used to promote Autism Acceptance Month in 2022.

Bookmarks should be 2” x 7” and may be created in any 2D art medium. Designs should focus on honoring Autism Acceptance Month. Students who wish to submit bookmarks may do so in person at the drop-off box within the Union County Administration Building lobby at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, or by visiting ucnj.org/autism-awareness-bookmark-design-contest.

OPDSN has hosted virtual activities for Union County residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including yoga, karate, arts and crafts, magic shows, wildlife education, and cooking classes. More information and registration for these programs can be found at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

OPDSN is a unit of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, in the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/opdsn.

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.

Participants must observe rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, April 10, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, 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.”

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants 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 included in 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 April 10, 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 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), and mercury switches.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to join an interactive online discussion of grief and loss as experienced by women, titled Grief and Loss. The program will be held on Zoom on Thursday, April 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grief and Loss is presented by the Board of Commissioners through the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services, and the Office on Women in the Department of Economic Development.

“This program provides women in Union County with a forum to share their insights, and learn about resources for coping with grief and loss during these unprecedented times,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Grief and Loss will be hosted by Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and feature Monica Indart, Psy.D, Consultant, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Associate Clinical/Teaching Professor, Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

The focus will be on defining grief and loss, and providing information about the psychological and emotional impact that loss has on women during this time.

Additionally, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to engage with each other, the presenter and local health and human service providers.

Links to resources and services to help will be provided. Attendees should be prepared to ask questions.

To pre-register and receive the Zoom link, visit https://bit.ly/2PyQasE.

For more information on Grief and Loss contact, Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@ucnj.org.

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.

Splintered Sunlight to perform at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains; COVID-19 safety rules apply

UNION COUNTY –The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Splintered Sunlight, a Grateful Dead tribute band, will headline a free, live drive-in concert Saturday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. The concert will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Opening for Splintered Sunlight will be The Sweater Pills.

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

Please note that space is limited to 240 cars and reservations book quickly.

“For the past 25 years Splintered Sunlight has been sharing their unique take on the music of the Grateful Dead,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a real pleasure to continue offering outdoor entertainment to the community while taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19, and we are looking forward to enjoying the music of Splintered Sunlight and The Sweater Pills”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. Alcohol is prohibited. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

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 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.