Category: Public Info

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

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.

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.

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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.