Category: Public Info

Union County’s free shredding program visits Kean University, August 13

Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next event will take place on Saturday, August 13 in the Kean Hall parking lot at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“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.

The 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 fill up to capacity.

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.

Additional free shredding events are scheduled for September and October, after which the program will go on winter hiatus. The last event of the season will take place on October 29.

For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule, and for 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 in a handy mobile format, 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.

Free drop-off sites available on August 4 and August 20.

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 August. 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, August 4 and Saturday, August 20 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, September 1 and Saturday, September 17.

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.

The National Weather Service has issued a HEAT ADVISORY that will remain in effect until 8pm Sunday, July 24 for the tristate area including Union County. A few locations may reach heat index values around 105 today and then again on Sunday.

Heat index values are expected to be in the upper 90s and lower 100s.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat  illnesses to occur.  A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

Residents are advised to use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning as well as check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. In cases of suspect heat stroke, please call 911.

Union County to hold free drop-off event for old or unwanted household chemicals and many other items, Sunday August 7

Union County residents can safely dispose of their unwanted household chemicals, old fire extinguishers, propane tanks and other potentially hazardous items at Union County’s next free Household Hazardous Waste event on Sunday, August 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Hall parking lot of the Union County Vo-Tech school, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drive-up only, and contact-free. Items for disposal should be brought in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area, where they can be easily unloaded by staff at the site.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Items accepted for disposal include outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

A complete list of accepted items is available at ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

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.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Leftover latex paint can be used around the house, shared, donated, or allowed to dry in the can. The dried can may be discarded in regular household garbage, with the lid off. To reduce drying time, add kitty litter, newspaper scraps or a commercial paint hardener.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste 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.

The August 7 event is part of Union County’s annual series of recycling programs for household hazardous waste, scrap metal and personal paper shredding. Visit ucnj.org/recycle for dates, times and locations.

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.

Residents advised to take precautions to prevent heat related illness

The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that a heat advisory remains in effect for Union County through Sunday, July 24 at 8:00 p.m., with temperatures expected to reach up to 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Heat index values are expected to be in the upper 90s and lower 100s.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.  The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

“We encourage all residents to be as safe as possible during this latest heatwave. There are several designated cooling places in Union County residents can visit to stay cool, as well as other steps to take in order to prevent heat-related illness,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and check on any neighbors in need. They are also reminded to not leave children or pets unattended in a car.

Residents without air conditioning can call 211 or visit https://www.nj211.org/nj-cooling-centers for a county-by-county list of cooling centers in New Jersey. Residents can also cool off by visiting local libraries, indoor malls and other public places with air conditioning.

A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors should be checked on.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. In cases of suspected heat stroke call 911 immediately.

For more heat safety tips from the National Weather Service, visit weather.gov/safety/heat.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs look like small beetles, but they will soon grow into destructive pests.

Union County, NJ – July 26, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying the destructive pest while it is still in the early stages of growth. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a whitish “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 including tree trunks, lawn furniture and vehicles. In early summer, the eggs hatch into nymphs that look like small black or bright red beetles speckled with white spots.

Residents who spot the nymphs can use a variety of approved pesticides to kill them. Crushing or swatting them is another option, though they are quick to hop away.

“Union County residents and property managers can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting yards, gardens and landscaping for the nymphs, and destroying them before they mature,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The nymphs can be seen on many different kinds of plants and trees. They are especially likely to be found clustering on the stems of the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven.”

The nymphs mature into large, moth-like adults that can be easily identified by their papery white wings and brightly colored red, black and white underwings and body.

Adults are already beginning to emerge. 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.

The spotted lanternfly belongs to a group of insects called “planthoppers.” They do not bite or sting, and they do not seem toxic to humans or pets.  Native to parts of Southeast Asia, they were first seen in Pennsylvania in six years ago. They are believed to have arrived in shipments of stone. They were first found in New Jersey in 2018 has also been found in other nearby states.

For more information, including photos of the spotted 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 spotted lanternfly 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.

Union County’s “ASK” program will visit two locations in August.

Union County seniors and their caregivers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.

“The ASK program brings our professional staff out to local neighborhoods, to help ensure that we reach everyone in search of assistance. It’s a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

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 caregivers.

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 August dates and locations will be:

Thursday, August 4

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 – 12:00

Monday, August 8

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 – 12:00

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 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.  

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.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to present the 2022 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, now on display at the Commissioners Gallery located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The exhibit is a selection of 36 works from the 2022 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day event celebrating youth creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts.

“The Touring Exhibit reflects the rich imagination, artistry and experiences of students all across Union County, and we are very proud to host these works at the Administration Building,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Works by students from the following municipalities are included in the Touring Exhibit: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Garwood, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Plainfield, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield.

The Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is currently on display at the Commissioners Gallery at the Union County Administration Building located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth.

On August 1, the exhibit will move to the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

Additional tour locations through next year include Springfield, Linden, Cranford, and Plainfield. For a complete schedule visit ucnj.org/art-shows.

The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibits are coordinated each year by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, with offices at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

For information about all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs and services visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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.

Photo captions: The 2022 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit includes 36 works of art by students throughout Union County, including:

Beyond the Garden by Keyla Flores, Pencil and Acrylic, Nicholas S. LaCorte-Peterstown No.3 (Elizabeth)

Untitled by Sophia Castrovinci, Acrylic, Columbia Middle School (Berkeley Heights)

Nature’s Seeing Eyes by Carolina Ucros, Acrylic, William F. Halloran No. 22 (Elizabeth)

La Femenina by Camila Conza, Quilling and Watercolor, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy (Elizabeth

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 Union County HEART Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. Projects related to local history, the arts and humanities are eligible for consideration in the HEART Grant funding program.

“We created the HEART Grant program in 1998 to help foster a thriving environment for the arts and cultural activities in Union County, and the program has received an enthusiastic response ever since. We are looking forward to another exciting season of programming that reaches thousands of residents with enriching new experiences that enlighten, educate and entertain,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) program serves as a catalyst for Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities.

Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more.

Organizations can request a grant of up to $3,000, with a 25% cash match for any amount over $1,000.

Individuals can request up to $1,000, with no cash match required.

All projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and wellbeing, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.

Activities must take place in 2023 between January 1 and December 31 to be considered for funding. All applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County.

The application deadline is October 18, 2022.

The HEART Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

To receive the 2023 HEART Grant guidelines and a writable application form, visit ucnj.org/ cultural or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

For more information about all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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 Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications to the 2023 Local Arts grant program (LAP) are now being accepted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Union County’s Local Arts grant program helps the organizations in our community sustain their operations and continue to bring high-quality programming to our residents, and it also enables other organizations to provide arts programming. We encourage eligible organizations to apply,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Qualifying non-profit arts organizations can apply, as well as libraries, schools, and local government offices.

Two types of grants are available under the LAP program:

• General Operating Support grants are available to arts organizations. The maximum request is $12,000.
• Special Project grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations producing an arts project, such as a performance series. The maximum request $6,000.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based in Union County, and arts activities must take place in Union County during 2023. Grants will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming.

Full details, including eligibility requirements, application components and other information, are outlined in the complete LAP Guidelines.

All application materials must be submitted online by September 21, 2022 through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs grant portal.

To obtain the link to the grant portal and begin the application process, applicants must first send the name of their organization by email to Martha Sturm, LAP Grant Coordinator, at msturm@ucnj.org and culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Use both email addresses to ensure a timely response.

For questions about the LAP grant program, contact Martha Sturm at 908-558-2552 or msturm@ucnj.org.

Funding for this grant program is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For information about all grants administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities/.

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.