Category: Public Info

SITE IS MORE INTERACTIVE, USER FRIENDLY AND INFORMATIVE

The Union County Department of Human Services announced today that the Division on Aging/ADRC has launched its redesigned website offering the public a streamlined site that is easier to use, with simpler navigation, new content, and interactive features. The website address is https://ucnj.org/dhs/aging/.

Among the many useful items the redesigned website features:

• A more intuitive, user friendly redesign with a new look and feel
• A streamlined menu bar that simplifies navigation
• Interactive abilities allowing documents to be downloaded or saved onto desktops
• Easy to read information boxes and program breakdowns

“The new site improved its navigation to easily connect visitors to any information they need under the Division of Aging,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “These changes make this section of the website much more accessible and easy to read on both a computer and mobile devices, so guests no longer have to search layers of links to find what they are looking for.”

“We incorporated more prominent tabs to simplify navigating the site, giving residents the option to save time and assist in expediting their questions or visit to our sites,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “The page will continue to be updated regularly with the most up-to-date information.”

“The Division on Aging recognizes the changing landscape and the need to access information quickly, easily, and accurately. We hope this new design and information-sharing platform reaches all of those individuals looking for assistance and ultimately discovering who we are and how we can help, and our dedicated, professional staff remain available to answer your calls,” said Natalie Zarrillo, Executive Director, Division on Aging.

The Union County Division on Aging is one of the State’s 21 designated Area Agency on Aging, tasked with connecting State, County and local government communities and residents through advocacy and innovation. It is the recognized lead agency for ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Connection), the statewide system that coordinates access to services, care management and support services for older adults and the disabled.

The office is responsible for leading the charge in providing information, referral and assistance to older adults, their caregivers, provider agencies and the general public who are in need of services and supports in Union County.

The Mission of the Union County Division on Aging is to provide and assist in the provision of services to older adults and caregivers of older adults in Union County, in order to improve the quality of their lives, such as:

• Promoting awareness of services available
• Addressing the changing needs and concerns as the population becomes more diverse
• Maximizing the use of resources in order to serve the older adults of Union County with equity
• Planning for future demographic changes as the older adult population grows at an unprecedented rate

To view the new website or for more information on any programs or services offered by the Division of Aging/ADRC please visit https://ucnj.org/dhs/aging/ or call 908-527-4870.

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Union County residents are advised that Union County’s free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at Downs Hall on the Kean University campus will close at the end of June. The testing and vaccination services will continue at other locations around the County.

“Kean University has been a steadfast partner since the earliest days of the outbreak more than two years ago, and we continue to work together on pandemic response and preparedness,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We encourage everyone who needs a free COVID-19 test or vaccine to visit our other locations.”

The last day for COVID-19 testing at Downs Hall will be Monday, June 27, 7:00am-12:00pm.  Testing will continue to be offered at the Union County clinic in the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

The last day for vaccinations at Downs Hall will be Friday, June 24, 3:00pm-7:00pm.  Vaccinations will continue to be offered at the Warinanco Sports Center and at the Union County clinic at Plainfield High School, in Plainfield.

Home-bound residents can make an appointment to be vaccinated at home by calling the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours.

In addition, the Union County mobile vaccination and testing clinics will continue to visit various locations throughout the County.

For more information about Union County’s testing and vaccination services, including locations and hours of operation, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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.

Free Union County vaccine program now includes ages 6 month to 5 years.

Union County, NJ – June 23, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program is expanding to accommodate the recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 6 months to 4 years, and the Moderna vaccine for ages 6 months to 5 years.

Children ages 5 to 11 are also eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot, five months after their previous shot.

“The COVID-19 virus is still active, and we encourage everyone in the Union County to protect themselves, and their loved ones, by following the latest guidance on eligibility for vaccines and booster shots,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The following vaccination schedule applies to clinics run by Union County, beginning on June 21:

Tuesdays at Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive in Roselle: Pfizer for ages 6 months to 4 years and Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years old. Please note these are the only vaccines available at this location on Tuesdays. Hours of operation are 8:30am-12:30pm and 3:00pm-7:00pm

Thursdays at Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive in Roselle: Pfizer for ages 5 and up, Moderna for ages 18 and up, and Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and up. Please note these are the only vaccines available at this location on Thursdays. Hours of operation are 3:00pm-7:00pm.

Saturdays at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield: all vaccines are available at this location. Hours of operation are from 9:00am-12:00pm. Please note that Pfizer for ages 6 months to 4 years and Moderna for ages 6 months to 5 years will be also be available at this clinic, beginning on July 2.

To make an appointment, create an account or log into an existing account through Union County’s vaccination portal, ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call 908-613-7829.

Walk-ups for booster shots for ages 5-11 are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites but appointments are encouraged.

For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics, testing program, and emergency food distribution events for households facing food insecurity during the pandemic, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, June 23, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below and see if your Town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control: 908-654-9873

Towns

• Clark – Featherbed Ln.
• Fanwood – LaGrande Ave., South Ave.
• Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl., John St.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd (County Yard).
• Linden – Tremley Pt. area
• Plainfield – Jefferson Ave.
• Scotch Plains – Raritan Rd. (Vo-Tech), U.C.DPW yard.
• Springfield – Tree Top Dr., Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., S. Springfield Ave. (St. James Church)
• Union-Audrey Ter., Vaux Hall Rd., Everette Cir., N. Elaine Ter., W. Chestnut St., Morris Ave. (Interlux)
• Winfield – Union County Parkway

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge Pk.
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook Pk. , Green Brook Pk.,
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa Pk.

Free, secure paper shredding events to be held in Scotch Plains & Rahway

Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding events, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next two events will take place during on June 25 in Scotch Plains and on July 7 in Rahway.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we encourage everyone to participate in our 2022 recycling programs,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Each shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks are filled to capacity.

The mobile paper shredding locations are:

• Saturday, June 25: Union County Vo-Tech, West Hall/Police Academy Parking Lot, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
• Thursday, July 7: Rahway River Park, Rahway, parking lot adjacent to Park Service Yard (off St. Georges Avenue)

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

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

For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For 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 residents with old metal gutters, fencing, or appliances to dispose of can bring these items and more to free scrap metal recycling drop-off sites in July. The scrap metal recycling program is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and takes place twice each 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 Chair Rebecca Williams. “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.”

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.

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

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, August 4 and Saturday, August 20.

Please note that Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free.

Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove.

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 receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile 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.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, June 16, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).

Check below and see if your town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control at 908-654-9873.

Cities

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia Ave., Nancy Pl., Berkeley Ave.
• Clark – Blake Rd., Featherbed Ln.
• Elizabeth- Browning Ave., Clarkson Ave. (Walking Path)
• Hillside – Harvard Ave., Cornell Pl.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Walters Rd.
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Lower Rd. (Fire Academy)
• New Providence – Central Ave., Charnwood Rd., Mountain Ave. (Bell Labs), Union Ave., Gales Dr.
• Plainfield – First Ave., Jefferson Ave.
• Rahway – Pierpont St., Oak St.
• Roselle – Columbus Ave., Woodland Dr.
• Scotch Plains – Cooper Rd., Prospect St., Raritan Rd. (Vo-Tech)
• Summit – Water Co. Rd.
• Union-Gifford Ct., Brighton St., Audrey Terr., Union Ave.
• Westfield- Cacciola Pl., Hamilton Ave.
• Winfield – Union County Parkway

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge Pk., Esposito Pk.
• Cranford- Nomahegan Pk.
• Elizabeth- Montano Pk.,
• Hillside – Conant Pk.
• Kenilworth – Lenape Pk.
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook Pk. , Green Brook Pk.,
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa Pk.
• Union – Lighting Brook Pk.

Municipal Parks

• Hillside – Rutgers Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Tamaques Pk.

Grand opening of new, inclusive Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield.

The Union County Commissioner Board invites all families and friends to enjoy Pride in the Park, an afternoon of all-ages fun outdoor festivities in celebration of the opening of Tëmike Park, a new inclusive LGBTQ+ space located at the northern end of Union County’s Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield that features design elements welcoming to youth of all identities and abilities.

Pride in the Park is organized through the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs and will take place on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the event is free and no pre-registration is required.

“Cedar Brook is a jewel in the crown of the Union County Parks system, and it shines all the more brightly with the addition of the new Tëmike Park, the first-of-its-kind inclusive public space in our area,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We welcome all to come and enjoy.”

“Tëmike Park is a beautiful green space that represents our commitment to building a community that celebrates diversity, equality, and respect for the dignity of every person throughout the year as well as during Pride Month,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is the Board’s liaison to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

The Pride in the Park festivities include all-day art activities for teens, crafts for children, lawn games, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQ resource organizations, allies and advocates, along with a full schedule of special events:

• Official Ribbon Cutting at noon

• Drag Queen Story Hour at 12:30 p.m., with Harmonica Sunbeam

• Drag Dance-Off at 1:30 p.m. featuring Lady Keyante

• What’s the Word at Pride Slam Poetry at 2:30 p.m., hosted by the Association for the Creative and Performance Arts, featuring Nourish Cruz

Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring their own snacks and beverages.

Additional Pride Month activities hosted by Union County in June include:

 LGBTQ+ Trivia Night

Thursday, June 16^th from 6PM – 9PM

Please note the change of date

The Tavern at Ash Brook, 1210 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

Registration Required: Register Online

Queer Empowerment Hour: We Say Gay, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws and patchwork legal protections across the country

Monday, June 20^th at 7PM

Virtual discussion

Registration Required: Register Online

LGBTQ+ Professionals Mixer: Rescheduled to take place in conjunction with the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee meeting on July 28 at The Watt in Rahway, from 6pm to 9pm.

Youth Pride Dance (Ages 13+): Rescheduled to Friday, October 7 from 6pm to 8pm at Warinanco Sports Center.

Head Over Heels the musical

Thursday, June 30^th at 7PM

Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway

General Admission – Free Tickets Available by reservation: Call the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org to reserve.

Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway and Rahway Social Justice Commission

Cedar Brook Park is one of the original parts of the Union County parks system, established in the 1920’s as one of the few county-based park systems in the U.S. Representing the legacy of famed landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, Cedar Brook hosts both active and passive uses including team sports, tennis, handball, playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas and the historic Shakespeare Garden. For a park map visit https://ucnj.org/parks-activities/

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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 Union County Commissioner Board invites trivia fans to test their knowledge and join in celebrating Pride Month with an evening of fun at LGBTQ Trivia Night, taking place on Tuesday, June 16, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at The Tavern at Union County’s Ash Brook Golf Course, 1210 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Bring your best LGBTQ+ history and pop culture knowledge to LGBTQ Trivia Night. Picture rounds, music rounds, plenty of random facts and interesting tidbits are all included.  Participants can enjoy showing off what they know or just being the one with a lucky guess.

The event is free but individual or team pre-registration is required online at unioncountynj.wufoo.com.

“Trivia Night is a celebratory brain-teaser that shines new light on the people, history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are very proud to host the event at Union County’s Ash Brook public golf course,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Trivia Night is a fun and enlightening way to enjoy an evening out and join in our series of Pride Month programs,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is the Board’s liaison to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

Other upcoming Pride Month 2022 events sponsored by the Commissioner Board include:

Union County Pride in the Park, Plainfield – GRAND OPENING OF NEW INCLUSIVE PARK SPACE

Saturday, June 18^th from 12PM – 4PM

Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park (Plainfield)

Queer Empowerment Hour: We Say Gay, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws and patchwork legal protections across the country

Monday, June 20^th at 7PM

Virtual discussion

Registration Required: Register Online

LGBTQ+ Professionals Mixer

Date changed to Wednesday June 22^nd from 6PM to 10PM

The Watt, 1403 Irving Street, Rahway

Presented in partnership with the Rahway SID

Registration Required: Register Online

Youth Pride Dance (Ages 13+)

Date changed to Friday, June 24^th from 6PM – 8PM

Warinanco Sports Center, Roselle/Elizabeth

Registration required (student ID required at check in)

NOTICE: all participating students will need to be dropped off and picked up by legal guardian, with consent form.

Registration Required: Register Online

Head Over Heels the musical

Thursday, June 30^th at 7PM

Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway

General Admission – Free Tickets Available by reservation: Call the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org to reserve.

Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway and Rahway Social Justice Commission

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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 County of Union is proud to announce that County Manager Ed Oatman was inducted into the national honor society Pi Alpha Alpha, in a ceremony last night, Thursday, June 9, 2022.

“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, we would like to congratulate Ed on this great honor,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Ed is such a remarkable person with a true compassion and commitment to our community, both within the County and at Kean University. There is no one better deserving of this induction and his role as a public leader truly represents that.”

The Induction Ceremony was held in Hynes Hall at Kean University, where Mr. Oatman was chosen for his continued service and commitment to Union County and the Kean University community.

“Congratulations to Trustee Oatman, who has been a public service leader not only with the County but also here at Kean as a member of our Board of Trustees,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet. “His ability to connect the University and the County on initiatives ranging from COVID-19 testing to social services to food drives benefits our students, our employees and all of the communities we serve. We are lucky to have him.”

Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is a National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA recognizes outstanding undergraduate as well as graduate students in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. As of 2012, PAA has 162 chapters at NASPAA member schools, and is growing every year.

“I am grateful to have been nominated and inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society of my alma mater,” said Ed Oatman, County Manager. “When I started my journey into the public sector, there was nothing more important to me than to giving back to others, so I try to incorporate that in both my professional career and everyday life. I would like to thank the PAA Executive Board members for recognizing me.”

Mr. Oatman has more than 20 years of governmental experience. He is the 12^th top executive under the County Manager form of government. Oatman has responsibility for the day-to-day operations and budget of a 21-municipality government with approximately 2,800 full-time employees.  Oatman has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Kean University and currently serves on the Kean University Board of Trustees.

For more information about Pi Alpha Alpha, please visit https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/paa.