Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – March 10, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying its eggs before they hatch. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a “honeydew” that can grow moldy and foul outdoor spaces including patios and yard furniture.

Each fall the adult spotted lanternfly lays eggs on outdoor surfaces such as tree trunks, lawn furniture, all sorts of vehicles, and any other item that remains in place for a period of time. The egg masses should be crushed and scraped off before they hatch in the spring.

“Union County residents can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting their yards, and removing the eggs before they hatch,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends removing and destroying the egg masses by hand as the most effective method currently available to residents.

To spot the egg masses, check trees and yard items for small, textured grayish patches about one inch long.

The egg masses are relatively easy to spot on many outdoor surfaces including grills, lawnmowers, pallets, storage containers and other items. They may be more difficult to spot on neutral, bumpy surfaces like tree bark and stones. Residents are also asked to check their cars, boats, recreational vehicles and bicycles, especially before traveling.

To destroy an egg mass, crush and scrape it into a bag or other container, and dispose in trash. Any handy tool, such as a stick or plastic card, can be used to crush the masses.

When the eggs hatch in the spring, the young lanternflies emerge as flightless insects that resemble small, colorful beetles. Over the summer they mature into adults, which are easily recognized by black speckles on papery white upper wings and bright red lower wings.

Residents can start watching their yards for the adults beginning in July, especially at dusk and at night when they tend to gather in large groups on tree trunks and plant stems. In particular, the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven,” is known to attract adults.

Union County residents who see a spotted lanternfly should kill it immediately, by stomping it under foot. If it hops away, follow it and try again when it settles.

For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit the New Jersey Division of Agriculture at nj.gov/agriculture.

Additional information is available from Rutgers University at njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly. Sightings of the insect can also be reported to Rutgers University through the online reporting tool.

Union County is one of three counties in New Jersey participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research project to assess various methods of mitigating the invasion. For more information from the USDA visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.

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

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

 The following press release is from the Office of Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel:

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has uprooted families, injured citizens, and left thousands of Ukrainian refugees without access to basic necessities. To date, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, many leaving behind necessary supplies.

To support individuals in need, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office have partnered to organize a county-wide donation drive for the people of Ukraine.

Beginning today, a donation box will be available in the lobby of Union County law enforcement agencies, twenty-four locations in all. Members of the public are invited to bring donations of first aid supplies, toiletries, flashlights, blankets, batteries, clothing, shoes, diapers, formula, and more. The program will run for the foreseeable future, as long as continued aid is needed. This donation drive is made possible through a partnership with law enforcement and local Polish and Ukrainian organizations.

“In support of the international effort to aid Ukraine, we encourage Union County residents to help ensure that life-sustaining emergency supplies reach those in desperate need of assistance,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams

“I am immensely grateful to the police Chiefs and Directors of Union County for opening their agencies to this initiative,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “Police departments are at the heart of every community, positioning them as the perfect location for members of the public to come together in support of the Ukrainian people.”

“As a Polish immigrant, and an active member of the Polish and Ukrainian communities in Union County, I was eager to find a way for the County’s law enforcement community to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian refugees.” said Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dariusz Tokarz, who coordinated the collection event.

Drop-off boxes will be available in the lobbies of police departments in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, Winfield. Additional drop off locations will be available in the lobbies of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Police Department, the Kean University Police Department, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

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Union County, NJ – March 15, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of three emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in March and April to aid those affected by COVID-19. Any Union County resident in need can use any of these events.

Saturday, March 19

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru

Saturday, March 26

• 11:00 a.m. – (location changed to Cedar Brook Park, main parking lot, off Park Drive in Plainfield)
• Walk-up

Saturday, April 9 – Holiday Distribution

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru

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.

“Union County is proud to continue to provide assistance for those experiencing difficulties and we recognize that our food distributions have been a valuable resource for residents in need over the past two years,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Residents continue to experience food insecurity due to economic effects of COVID-19, despite the enormous progress made thus far,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

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 at this location.

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.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are highly encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

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.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit gargiuloproduce.com.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 15, 2022 —  The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the first free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event of 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

“We encourage everyone to take advantage of this free, convenient opportunity to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from the home and yard, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

The Household Hazardous Waste events are designed to ensure that residents can safely disposed of outdated or unwanted household cleansers, hobby supplies, yard treatments and other chemicals as well as many other items including mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, oil-based paint (no latex paint), 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.

These 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.

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 April 9, 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 the paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a commercially available paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection events are 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 free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 15, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free drop-off recycling program for scrap metal begins this year on Thursday, April 7. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway twice a month from April to November.

“We encourage everyone to check their homes and yards for broken or unwanted metal items, and bring them to our collection sites. It’s an easy, effective way to help conserve valuable resources,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

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

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Residents from any Union County municipality may use either of these sites.

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.

The scrap metal collection sites are drive-through only. Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Items for drop-off should be placed in the trunk or cargo area where they are easily reached by staff.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, May 5 and Saturday, May 21.

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.

To stay up to date with all Union County and local recycling programs in a convenient mobile format, download the free Recycle Coach app.

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 free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 18, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2022 OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour series with host Micayla Mirabella. The free virtual series, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, begins in April and runs through December 5, 2022. Each conversation will be held on the third Monday of each month (except December) and each hour-long session will begin at 7:00 pm. (update: please note, the series will begin in April).

“It has been four years since the Office of LGBTQ Affairs was created and the Union County Board of County Commissioners continue to remain an ally and advocate for our LGBTQ+ community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “This office does a wonderful job at hosting a variety of programs and events which aim to educate, start a conversation on LGBTQ+ issues and introduce resources available to our residents. I would like to thank everyone that is involved in the coordination of these efforts.”

The OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour series explores LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences, in an hour-long format that includes some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies.

Registration is required to join the Zoom session or watch live on the County of Union, New Jersey Facebook page. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

“This series is designed to promote advocacy and engage in rational conversations that can bring people towards understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Commissioner, Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Board of Commissioner’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “Increasing awareness and responding to the community’s needs is a very important step in making sure everyone in our county feels included and heard. I am proud to stand together as one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and I continue to support these efforts.”

The schedule of sessions is as follows:

• Monday, April 18: Workplace Inclusion (the benefits of acceptance at work)
• Monday, May 16: Intersectionality (a discussion of privilege and discrimination)
• Monday, June 20: We Say Gay (the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws and patchwork legal protections across the country)
• Monday, July 18: Guest Host / Topic TBD
• Monday, August 15: Guest Host / Topic TBD
• Monday, September 19: Family Planning (pathways to LGBTQ+ parenthood)
• Monday, October 17: Policy in LGBTQ+ History (the residual effects of historical laws and policies)
• Monday, November 21: Transgender Awareness (how to be an ally to transgender folks)
• Monday, December 5: HIV/AIDS (overcoming pandemics – end the epidemic and COVID-19)

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 at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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.

April 22 is Earth Day, and more than a billion people all over the world are expected to participate. Union County residents can take part in this unique global celebration by joining in local environmental activities throughout the month of April.

“Union County has long been identified with the movement to preserve open space for nature conservation and public recreation. In our generation the annual Earth Day celebration provides everyone with a chance to build their own environmental legacy for the future of our community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Earth Day truly is every day in Union County.”

Nature Appreciation: Residents and visitors can plan a trip to Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Admission and parking are free, and the interactive exhibits provide many opportunities for self-guided learning. For details visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Union County’s Tree Trails offer additional opportunities for self-guided learning. The Sensory Friendly Trail, on the grounds of Trailside, also provides new learning experiences for different abilities. More details about trails and paths in Union County parks are available online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

In May, Trailside will also host Union County’s annual Wild Earth Fest with lots of family friendly exhibits and activities on local environmental topics including energy, recycling, land and wildlife conservation, and pollution. Details are coming soon.

Learning about Trees: The Master Tree Stewards of Union County is a volunteer program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported by the Commissioner Board. Certified Tree Stewards visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to teach a fun, interactive lesson about trees. To arrange a visit, or to inquire about joining as a volunteer, contact Union County 4-H Agent Jim Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Watershed Ambassadors: Schools and organizations can contact Union County’s Watershed Ambassadors for an educational visit, or to help organize cleanups and other watershed activities. This federally funded program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. To contact a Watershed Ambassador in Union County email Cassidy Anastasio at wma7.njwap@gmail.com or Ginny Rockey at wm9.njwap@gmail.com.

“Earth Day Every Day:” The Commissioner Board also supports the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program, which offers live and pre-recorded webinars on a range of topics from native plants to recycling and composting. To sign up for webinars visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/earth-day-every-day. To inquire about joining the program as a volunteer next year, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Master Gardeners of Union County: This Rutgers Extension program trains volunteer gardeners at all skill levels, from beginner to expert. To inquire about joining next year contact Madeline Flahive DiNardo at mflahive@ucnj.org. The Master Gardeners are currently planning their annual plant sale and fund raiser to be held in May. More details are coming soon.

Recycle Right: April is a good time to download the free Recycle Coach app, which provides recycling news and schedules tailored to each town along with details about countywide programs. For more information visit ucnj.org/recycling. On April 5 and 11 the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning will also present live webinars on recycling and the “bag ban,” hosted by the Libraries of Union County Consortium and the Clark Public Library. Schools and organizations can schedule an event with the Recycling Bureau by contacting Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

Prepare for the “Bag Ban:” April is also a good time to plan ahead for the statewide bag ban, which goes into effect on May 4. The Commissioner Board has joined in the effort to encourage residents to stock up on reusable shopping bags. Groups and organizations can share Union County’s new “Grab a Bag” PSA, posted on the County’s YouTube channel, unioncountynj.

Plant This, Not That: Gardeners can help restore pollinator populations by including native plants in their spring gardening plans. Union County’s free downloadable “Plant This, Not That” native plants guide is available at ucnj.org.

Spotted Lanternfly Prevention: The flat, grayish egg masses of the spotted lanternfly can be found on tree trunks, stones, lawn furniture, cars, bicycles and other outdoor surfaces until mid-May, when they begin to hatch. Scrape them off and crush them to prevent another infestation of this destructive, invasive species. For sample photos and more details visit the Union County Green Connection.

Adopt a Park/Adopt a Trail: Volunteers work year-round in Union County parks to clear away litter and debris, restore native plants, and help ensure that visitors can enjoy rustic trails and walking paths. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park.

Union County also provides support for local Earth Day activities in April, including:

• Annual Multi-Park Cleanup in Summit, April 2 (for locations and other details contact summitearthdaycleanup@gmail.com).
• Elizabeth River Cleanup at Kean University campus in Union Township, April 22 (sign up on EventBrite).
• Rahway River Cleanup with Boy Scout Troop 330 and Cub Scout Pack 30, the Union County Clean Communities Program, and members of the Rahway River Watershed Association, April 23 (for details email rivercleanup@comcast.net).
• Friends of Rahway River Parkway Cleanup at Rahway River Park, April 23. Meet at Lakeside Picnic Area near the pond in Rahway River Park. No pre-registration needed. For details visit org.
• Spring Migration at Sandy Hook with the Rahway River Watershed Association, April 24: Join John Parham, a naturalist from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, on a field trip to Sandy Hook to look for migratory birds. Jordan will share his expertise as an avid birder (sign up on EventBrite).

For other events taking place in Union County, check the website of your local municipality or schools, faith organizations and non-profits.

To find out more about all programs and activities in the Union County parks system, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation, email parksinfo@ucnj.org  or call 908-527-4900.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Earth Day falls on Friday, April 22. Learn more about events, activities and initiatives globally at earthday.org/earth-day-2022.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 22, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of two upcoming emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in March and April, to aid those affected by COVID-19. Any Union County resident in need can use any of these events.

Please note that the location of the March 26 event was originally scheduled to be held in Plainfield at Gerald B. Green Plaza. The event location has been changed to Cedar Brook Park, at Park Drive in Plainfield.

Saturday, March 26

• 11:00 a.m. – Cedar Brook Park, main parking lot
• Walk-up (please bring a cart or other conveyance for food)

Saturday, April 9 – Holiday Distribution

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru (please leave an open space in trunk or cargo area for food)

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.

“Union County is proud to continue to provide assistance for those experiencing difficulties and we recognize that our food distributions have been a valuable resource for residents in need over the past two years,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Residents continue to experience food insecurity due to economic effects of COVID-19, despite the enormous progress made thus far,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are highly encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up participants 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 event at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated at this location.

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.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit gargiuloproduce.com.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 23, 2022 — In celebration of Autism Acceptance month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites special needs residents and their families to a “Day Out with the Red Bulls” on Saturday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Red Bulls Arena.

A limited number of tickets are available through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. The cost of $30.00 per person includes a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for the team on April 9,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Union County is excited to provide our residents with an inclusive community activity in a welcoming environment. We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

Red Bull Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The April 9^th match will see the Red Bulls face the CF Montreal.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Acceptance Month is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. For more information, residents can reach out to Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781, or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 23, 2022  — Oral history has become a popular way to preserve personal experiences, family legacies and community heritage. Now Union County residents can learn how to create their own oral histories, through the new “Introduction to Oral History Workshop” on Wednesday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m., at the Liberty Hall Academic Center and Exhibition Hall on the Kean University campus, at 1003 Morris Avenue #2 in Union Township.

The event is free and open to the public. Update: pre-registration is requested by using the online form at ucnj.org/cultural.

“The Commissioner Board encourages all Union County residents with an interest in family or personal histories to come to the workshop, and learn how they can help preserve the past and inform future generations,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Kean University and the Union County Historical Society for partnering in this project.”

The hands-on oral history workshop will introduce participants to the practice of oral history. Participants will be able to apply the principles of oral history during the workshop, using any topic of their own interest from current affairs to life histories and community stories.

The workshop will be presented by Dr. Abigail Perkiss, Assistant Professor of History at Kean University.

Dr. Perkiss is the Managing Editor of the Oral History Review and Vice President of the organization Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region. She completed her joint J.D./Ph.D. in U.S. history at Temple University and earned a graduate certificate from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine.

Dr. Perkiss’s current project is Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore, an oral history documenting the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in three neighborhoods along the Sandy Hook Bay. The project was developed in the classroom with Kean undergraduate students in 2013.

She is also the author of Making Good Neighbors: Civil Rights, Liberalism, and Integration in Postwar Philadelphia, an examination of intentionally integrated neighborhoods in the latter half of the twentieth century, author of the forthcoming book, Staring out to Sea: Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore, and co-author of a manuscript for the Reacting to the Past game-based history curriculum at Barnard College titled, Changing the Game: Title IX, Gender, and Athletics in American Universities.

The oral history workshop is part of a series of history lectures hosted jointly by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Kean University, and the Union County Historical Society.

For more information about the series contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, at 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on all programs and activities visit ucnj.org/ cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.