Category: Public Info

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.

#  #

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, 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.

#  #

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.

#  #

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 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.

#  #

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.

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.

–30–

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a full slate of free outdoor movies, music and fun for the whole family in Union County parks this summer. The events continue throughout July and August with the Summer Arts concert series beginning on July 6 and the Family Flix movie series beginning on July 12.

“We are all excited to welcome everyone to enjoy the Union County tradition of outdoor entertainment and family activities in our beautiful parks this summer. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the outdoors in a community setting with friends, family and neighbors,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

All Summer Arts concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free yoga session welcoming to all, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.

The series will take place in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside each Wednesday throughout July, including:

• July 6: Pure McCartney — a six-piece tribute band from New Jersey that takes pride in all of the detail behind Paul McCartney’s music, including meticulous recreations of his work in Wings and The Beatles, as well as his solo recordings.
• July 13: Rhyme & Reason — a loving a tribute to the music of the Dave Matthews Band, “formed by fans, for the fans.”
• July 20: Rob Paparozzi’s Juke Joint — this versatile New Jersey-based performer has collaborated in blues, rock, jazz, pop and country with the leading lights of music in America including B.B.King, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper and Dolly Parton among others.
• July 27: Black Dog — a proud tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin including the masterpieces “Dazed and Confused,” and “Stairway to Heaven,” along with hidden gems on B-sides, and the intimate acoustic tones of “Going to California,” “Friends,” and “That’s the Way.”

In August, the Summer Arts series moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark each Wednesday for three more shows:

• August 3: We May Be Right — this powerhouse ensemble delivers an electrifying performance for audiences of all ages as they authentically re-create the music of one the greatest rock and roll keyboardists, “Piano Man” Billy Joel.
• August 10: Dead On Live — A note-for-note celebration that recreates important and beloved periods in the Grateful Dead’s long and illustrious, and stylistically diverse career, with plenty of jamming and improve in keeping with Grateful Dead spirit.
• August 17: Pink Floyd USA Experience — This riveting performance draws from five iconic albums — Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall — with award winning light, laser and multimedia effects.

Union County’s beloved Family Fun & Flix series will take place each Tuesday evening in July and August at Warinanco Park in Roselle. Family fun activities for each event begin at 7:30 with a kids’ dance party, and the movies will unspool at dusk.

The Family Fun & Flix series includes the all-time favorites:

• July 12 – Encanto
• July 19 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
• July 26 – Soul
• August 9 – Sing 2

Family Fun & Flix will also include a screening of Luca in August (date and location to be determined).

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.