Category: Public Info

On June 18, 2022, the Union County Department of Human Services, Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN)’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) held their Annual Summer Carnival at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

“The Annual Summer Carnival provided a fun and inclusive environment for individuals and families of all ages and abilities,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We were thrilled to see approximately 100 attendees enjoy carnival games, inflatable rides, a balloon artist, a juggler, and a magician.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey. It was established in 2018 as part of Commissioner Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward Chairman initiatives for individual empowerment, education, diversity and inclusion.

 “Union County is committed to creating more opportunities geared towards friends, neighbors and families of all ages,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs builds on our existing programs with activities and events that include more residents in enriching social experiences, helping us forge more bonds with community partners and residents.”

Along with the aforementioned activities for those who attended the Summer Carnival, Trailside Nature & Science Center and Kaleidoscope ABA Therapy Services also provided giveaways and brochures about their services. Carnival treats such as popcorn, warm pretzels, Italian ice and ice cream were available to attendees.

For more details on any program offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs/ or contact the Program Coordinator, Jasmine Doughty-Whitous at Jwhitous@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781.

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.

Residents seeking information about services for seniors and their care givers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.

ASK is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their care givers. Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed.

The July dates and locations will be:

Thursday, July 7

Union Public Library, 1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, 07083

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Monday, July 11

Clark Public Library, 303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 07066

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 20

Garwood Public Library, 411 3rd Avenue, Garwood, 07027

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To check for other upcoming ASK events call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at www.ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and Union County Clean Communities would like to encourage residents to celebrate and participate in Plastic Free July!

“Finding ways to go plastic free is easier than you think and residents can certainly do a lot on a personal level to help save the environment,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The information provided here are great examples of how you can make a big impact on the environment and reduce the amount of plastic waste you or your family use on a daily basis. I hope you will all join us in participating in this challenge.”

Plastic Free July is an annual, month-long event started by the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011, to work towards their vision of a world free of plastic waste.  Every year, individuals and groups take the challenge to reduce the amount of single-use plastic items they use and purchase throughout the month of July. 

It is easy and free to participate – just go to www.plasticfreejuly.org and click on “Take the Challenge.” By taking the challenge, you pledge to make whichever changes you are able to make – whether starting small with a few easy swaps or overhauling your plastic consumption – to reduce the amount of plastic waste you are contributing to the waste stream.

According to National Geographic, 40 percent of all plastics made are single-use items, which are used for a few minutes and quickly discarded, able to persist in the environment for hundreds of years.  It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic waste get added to our oceans every year.  Plastics do not biodegrade, however, and instead break into smaller and smaller pieces until they become microplastics, at just 5mm across or less.  These tiny plastic pieces are almost impossible to remove once in the open ocean, and instead wash up on coastal shores or get consumed by wildlife.  In fact, almost 700 species are known to have been negatively impacted by plastic pollution, and microplastics have been found in 100 aquatic species, including those that humans regularly eat. 

The State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection took steps towards single-use plastics reduction in 2020 through the passing of P.L. 2020, c.117, now called the “Get Past Plastic Law”.  This law enacted a ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam food containers, and required single-use plastic straws to be give only upon request from all NJ food service businesses.  All parts of this law have been in effect since May 4, 2022. 

Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to continue this mission by finding other single-use plastic items we use in our day-to-day and swapping them out with reusable or plastic-free alternatives!  Here are a few examples of simple ways to reduce plastic this month:

• Instead of using disposable plastic utensils at lunchtime, pack a fork, knife, or spoon from home.  Just use it to eat your lunch, and remember to pack it back up to bring home and wash at the end of the day.

• Rather than drinking water from a single-use bottle to stay hydrated, fill up a reusable water bottle to bring with you. 

• When packing up lunch for the day, skip the baggies and plastic wrap and opt for washable and reusable containers that can be used over and over again.

If you are looking for more of a challenge, you can try:

• Switching to bars for soap, shampoo, and conditioner rather than purchasing liquid forms that come in plastic bottles.  Alternatively, if your shampoo bottle is empty, you could refill it at a refill store rather than disposing of your old bottle and purchasing a new one.

• Purchasing deodorant sold in paper packaging instead of traditional plastic tubes.

• Swapping out your usual disposable k-cups for a refillable, washable version.

In 2021, 140 million people participated in Plastic Free July, preventing 2.1 million tons of plastic waste from being thrown into our landfills, incinerators, and the environment. 

Union County residents are invited to join in the challenge this July, and take the pledge to reduce single-use plastic this month and possibly beyond!

Petitions must be returned before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 25, before 4:00 p.m. in the County Clerk’s Election Office, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113.

Petition forms are available at the County Clerk’s Election Office in Elizabeth, or they can be downloaded from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petitions.

 “As a former school board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Service on a school board provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to the community.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.

The 2018 law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words.  Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.

The County Clerk’s Elizabeth Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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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Union County residents with special needs are invited to participate in Paint by the Pond, on Saturday, July 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mindowaskin Park, located at 385 E. Broad Street in Westfield.

Residents of all ages are welcome to attend. This event is free to attend but pre-registration is required. To pre-register, residents should visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The Board of Commissioners are proud to continue offering the Paint by the Pond program, for our residents with special needs,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“This interactive art program allows participants a chance to explore their artistic sides right here in Westfield, while enjoying our parks,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

“Paint by the Pond” is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) and welcomes residents with special needs of all ages. During the event, participating artists will paint miniature cardboard houses. The finished houses will be floated on the pond once completed, though participants will be able to take their creations home with them.

“We strive to ensure that Union County continues to provide activities for all residents to enjoy,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Paint by the Pond is a terrific initiative that provides an opportunity for our residents with special needs to unleash their inner artists in an inclusive and accessible setting.”

For more information about the “Paint by the Pond” program, contact Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator, at jwhitous@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781.  

The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs 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/dhs/opdsn.

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.

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Citing an increase in property related fraud in New Jersey and around the country, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County property owners that the Property Fraud Alert Notification system enables property owners to respond quickly to unauthorized, potentially fraudulent activity involving their property. The program is completely free for Union County property owners.

“Property fraud is especially insidious because seniors are often the target, and the victims often have no idea that their property rights have been compromised until it’s too late. The Property Fraud Alert system enables property owners to identify a potential problem as quickly as possible, and take action to re-establish their property rights,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Property owners in Union County can subscribe to the free Property Fraud Alert system by registering online at www.propertyfraudalert.com/NJUnion?, or contact the Property Fraud Alert call center at 1-800-728-3858.

Subscribers can opt to receive alerts by phone or email. Please note that users with common names may receive multiple alerts. Property owners may also register additional names free of charge, to cover common misspellings.

Subscribers will be notified when the name they have registered is used in any recording activities within the office of the County Clerk.

When an alert is received, the subscriber is advised to visit the Union County Clerk’s property search website at clerk.ucnj.org to check for unauthorized activity. The online system can be accessed 24/7. Subscribers can also call 1-800-728-3858 during regular weekday business hours.

Subscribers should report any suspicious activity to their local Police Department.

For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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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Free event saluting first responders and front-line heroes at Oak Ridge Park

The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the second edition of the Union County Car, Truck and Bike Show saluting the County’s first responders and front-line heroes. The event will take place on Saturday, July 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Park Sports Complex, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. The event is free for all to attend.

The event will showcase the Union County Public Safety and EMS fleet and COVID-19 front line responders along with scores of unique and unusual car show vehicles.

The rain date for this event is scheduled for Sunday, July 17.

“For the second consecutive year, the Union County Car, Truck and Bike Show will give everyone an opportunity to salute our first responders and front line heroes for their tireless efforts to keep us safe on a daily basis,” Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “All residents are welcome to come and enjoy a day out with their family and friends while also seeing some spectacular vehicles.”

The Union County Car, Truck and Bike Show will be a family friendly event. Attendees of all ages will be able to enjoy TV Movie cars, super hero characters, food vendors, a DJ and more.

For more details about the event, residents should call the Union County Parks and Recreation office at 908-527-4900.  If you would like to display a car at the show, please contact GWiz Entertainment., by phone at 908-482-8132 or by email at gwizauto.nj@gmail.com. All car makes and models are welcome.

The Union County Mobile Vaccination Unit will be at the event from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to provide free COVID-19 vaccines and saliva testing.

COVID-19 vaccinations and saliva tests are on a walk-up basis and no appointment is necessary. 

For more 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.

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Series of weekly sessions will be held each Wednesday through July and August.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to invite children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the “Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park” series. The series takes place every Wednesday evening during July and August from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The next session will take place on Wednesday, July 13.

The Special Needs Night at Wheeler Park series is organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“The Special Needs Night series is part of our inclusive recreation programming. It provides special needs families with an opportunity to enjoy one of the most popular features in the Union County parks system in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“We continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and we are proud to support the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in presenting recreational programs that are accessible to all residents. We are excited to bring this wonderful event back this summer for our special needs families,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

The series takes place at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden, and continues each Wednesday through July and August.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. Visit secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

In case of inclement weather, visitors can check Union County’s website at ucnj.org, or the Union County Facebook page for weather-related updates and closures.

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/special-needs or call 908-527-4781.

For information on all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs.

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.

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Each year, hundreds of community volunteers fan out through Union County parks to clean up litter, clear debris, repair trails and improve natural habitats. Now volunteering is easier than ever before, thanks to free tools and other assistance provided by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Recycling.

“We are very grateful for the many individuals, environmental groups, Scouts, schools, businesses and other organizations that dedicate their time and energy to help keep our parks beautiful and welcoming, year in and year out,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “By coordinating the resources of our Parks and Recycling offices, we aim to make organizing a volunteer project easy and hassle-free for everyone.”

The Union County parks system hosts four main types of volunteer programs:

• Adopt-a-Park: Beautification and restoration projects including clearing litter and debris, restoring native plants and removing invasive plants.
• Adopt-a-Trail/Trail Stewards: Help remove encroaching vegetation from trails and paved pathways; help repair eroded sections and clear debris from culverts.
• Chainsaw Crew: Help remove fallen trees from trails and paths (training required to participate).
• Clean Communities: This program focuses on litter cleanups with support from the statewide Clean Communities program. Organizers only need to bring themselves and their volunteers. Work gloves, litter grabbers and bags are all provided free of charge.

Individuals or groups that are interested in organizing a volunteer project in any of these four areas can contact the Department of Parks and Recreation by email at park.env.services@ucnj.org to start the process.

Scouts and other organizations that are interested in planning other special projects in Union County parks can also contact park.env.services@ucnj.org.

In addition to these programs, the Union County park system hosts various activities of the Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and Environmental Stewards volunteer groups, which are run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. For information on all Extension programs including 4-H clubs for students in grades K-12+ visit ucnj.org/rce.

For information on all programs and activities in Union County parks visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation. Information about Union County’s recycling programs is available at ucnj.org/recycling.

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

More information on the statewide Clean Communities program is available at njclean.org.

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.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the 2022 “Choose Your Cover” program, which is a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 13^th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in the Rahway River Park, St. George Avenue in Rahway.

“Everyone wants to be outside once the summer season hits, but residents need to take the proper precautions in order to prevent them from overexposure to the sun,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and it is usually curable when detected and treated early, so it is so important to get checked and follow all of the ways to reduce your risk for sun damage.”

This free event is open to all, but a pre-screening survey is required to schedule a skin cancer screening. To promote sun safety and help reduce the risk of skin cancer, personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Summit Health Cares will be on site for the August 13^th event to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn about the “Choose Your Cover” message.

Overexposure to the sun is a health risk for people of all ages, races and skin tones. Before heading outdoors, a few simple precautions can protect your skin and lower your risk.

People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the United States.

“This is the perfect opportunity to get any concerning skin changes checked out for no cost to residents,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is the Chair of Public Safety. “This short screening could be a potentially life-saving decision and I would like to thank the Union County Office of Health Management for being proactive in educating our residents and offering this program.”

The Choose Your Cover program offers these tips:

• Covering up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics can offer effective protection from the sun.
• Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of your head, ears and neck.
•  Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
•  Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
•  Remember to liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently.
•  Steer clear of indoor tanning beds. They are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

To  schedule  a  free  skin  cancer  screening  call  the  Union  County  Office  of  Health Management at 908-518-5622.