Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 Union County History Re-Grant Program for Special Projects and General Operating Support are now available online. All eligible non-profit organizations in Union County are invited to apply.

Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and the programming covered by the grant must take place in Union County during 2023.

“The Re-Grant Program has been a valuable source of funding that enables nonprofits in our community to continue offering educational activities and enriching experiences to our community. I encourage every eligible non-profit to apply,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Applications must be submitted online to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To begin the application process and to create an account, request the link to the application portal by emailing John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at jprescott@ucnj.org

The application deadline is Monday, September 19 at 11:45 p.m.

Eligibility requirements, application components, and other pertinent details are outlined in the complete General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) guidelines.

The Re-Grant Program includes two types of grants:

• General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $7,500.

• Special Project (SP) grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $5,000.

For additional information on the Re-Grant program and other grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Funding for the History Re-Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.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 advises residents that the County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program is expanding to offer the Novavax vaccine, approved for ages 18 and older.

The Union County vaccination program also continues to offer the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines approved for various age groups including infants age 6 months and up.

“Since the beginning of the outbreak, the Commissioner Board has made it our priority to bring new resources to Union County residents as soon as they are available. We are constantly updating our vaccination program to cover newly approved vaccines, and we continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and stay up to date on their booster shots,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The Novavax vaccine has been approved for ages 18 years and older. The Union County vaccination program will provide it in a two-dose series, given 21 days apart, as advised by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Novavax, along with other COVID-19 vaccines, will be provided at two Union County clinics beginning on Thursday, August 4 as follows:

Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive at Warinanco Park in Roselle: 

On Thursdays, the Warinanco clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations for all age groups. The hours of operation are 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On Tuesdays, the Warinanco clinic is open only for ages 6 months to five years to receive the Pfizer (6 months to 4 years) or Moderna (6 months to 5 years) formulations. The hours of operation on Tuesdays are 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield:

On Saturdays, the Plainfield High School clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday is the only day of operation for this clinic).

To make an appointment for a vaccination at either the Warinanco or Plainfield clinics, 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 all eligible age groups are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites, but appointments are encouraged.

Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit. To make an appointment, call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours.

For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other resources visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that ballot position drawing for the November 8, 2022 General and School Board Elections will be both in-person and live-streamed on Facebook.

“Social media provides a way to ensure that voters, and the general public, can observe the ballot position drawing process,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The ballot drawing will be held on Monday, August 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. A link to the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing.

“The mid-term elections are being held this year, with the House of Representatives topping the ballot. Elections for the County Surrogate, Board of County Commissioners and local offices will be on the ballot, along with School Board positions,” Ms. Rajoppi said.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, including how to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit 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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Learn how to help the environment and teach about the importance of trees – no experience necessary.

Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.” Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks.

“Our Master Tree Stewards provide students with enriching educational experiences and important messages about trees and the environment. It’s a lesson about appreciation and stewardship that young people can carry into adulthood, benefitting our community and the world beyond for years to come,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes and a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4^th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.

The 2022 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 7 to December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

The 4^th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 4-6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

To apply, fill out the downloadable application form on the Union County website, at ucnj.org/rce. A check for $25.00 should be made out to “Union County 4-H Association.”

Mail the form and check to Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ 07090-1426.

For more information, or to receive an application form by mail, contact James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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 annual Family Flix and Summer Arts series of free outdoor movies and concerts continues in August with three events on August 9, 10 and 17.

“As the summer comes to a close, we welcome everyone to enjoy free entertainment and family-friendly activities in our Union County parks,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The final installment of the 2022 Family Fun & Flix series will be a screening of Sing 2 tonight, Tuesday August 9, at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

The event includes a family-friendly dance party beginning at 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at dusk.

The last two concerts in the 2022 Summer Arts series will take place at Oak Ridge Park in Clark as follows:

• 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.

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

For all events in Union County parks, attendees are advised to follow Union County on social media or visit the County website at ucnj.org in case of weather related cancellations.

More information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation is available online at ucnj.org/parks, by email at parksinfo@ucnj.org, or by phone at 908-527-4900.

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.

Despite the occasional thunderstorm, rain has been in short supply in Union County over the past several weeks. Gardens are wilting under dry conditions, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide drought watch. Union County gardeners can take steps to sustain their plantings through cycles of storm and drought by focusing on hardy native species and water conservation.

“Drought-wise gardens can help avoid the cost of high-maintenance plantings and save on water bills, while also attracting birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. They can also help prevent excess stormwater runoff and flooding during heavy rains,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

During dry periods, hardy native plants, shrubs and trees help to conserve water and reduce the need for yard care chemicals. They also contribute to a more diverse and healthful ecosystem.

Union County’s free downloadable guide to planting native species, Plant This, Not That, is available online at ucnj.org/green-connection/gardens.

More information about the role of trees in water conservation and flood prevention is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Native plants and shrubs can also be deployed in specialized rain gardens to help reduce ponding and flooding during heavy rains. A rain garden bed is created with soils that enable more water to seep naturally into the ground, helping to sustain the garden bed during dry periods.

Rain barrels are another strategy that enables gardeners to “bank” water during rainy periods, for later use. For guidance on installing rain barrels, visit the Rutgers Water Resources Program online at water.rutgers.edu.

For more information about landscaping for water conservation in New Jersey, visit the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station at njaes.rutgers.edu/home-lawn-garden/water-conservation.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also provides general guidance on water conservation for property owners, including taking steps to ensure that any in-ground irrigation systems are working efficiently. For more details visit epa.gov/watersense.

Gardeners who are interested in seeing photos of local rain gardens in Union County can visit the “Rain Gardens of Union County” biodiversity project online at the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station.

To see local rain gardens in person, visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Trailside is participating in the Rutgers biodiversity project. The facility hosts two sets of rain gardens designed by staff of the Rutgers Water Resources Program and funded by a NJDEP grant, for a total of five gardens in all.

The five gardens are located between the Trailside parking lot and the Scout Camping Area. Working together as a system, they enable storm runoff from the parking lot and other paved surfaces to seep into the ground, and to feed a nearby stream. The gardens also help prevent storm runoff from damaging a nearby hiking trail.

The grounds of Trailside are open to the public every day from dawn to dusk, as with all Union County parks. The Trailside building is open free of charge from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day except Mondays and holidays. More details about programs and activities at Trailside are available at ucnj.org/trailside.

For quick links to all environmental services of Union County, visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

More than 90% of Union County is currently classified as experiencing moderate drought conditions by the National Integrated Drought Information System. To check on local conditions use the zip code search engine at drought.gov.

For details about the NJ DEP drought watch declaration visit https://www.nj.gov/dep.

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 free recycling program continues in August with a drop-off event for personal documents this Saturday, August 13. Residents can bring up to four bags or boxes of sensitive, personal papers for secure shredding, free of charge.

“We encourage residents to use our free shredding program to help guard against identity theft, in addition to conserving resources through our recycling program,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The next event will take place on Saturday, August 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Kean Hall Parking Lot at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Any Union County resident can participate, regardless of their hometown.

Union County’s paper shredding events are drive-up only and contact-free. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers. A mobile shredding truck will securely shred the papers on site.

Please note that the event may end prior to 1:00 p.m. if the shredding truck fills to capacity.

All documents must be clean and dry. No pre-shredded paper will be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

As a reminder, Union County’s paper shredding events are for sensitive, personal documents only. No business papers will be accepted. Magazines, junk mail and other waste paper should be recycled through a municipal recycling program.

Additional free paper 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 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 proud to announce that the Union County Family Justice Center (FJC) will celebrate five years of serving victims of domestic violence in Union County on September 13, 2022.

The FJC was established as a joint venture of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, YWCA Union County, and other partner organizations. Family Justice Centers are a federally supported model and focus on reducing the number of times victims tell their story, the number of places they must go to for help, and increase access to services and support. In this way they help reduce trauma and the number of days victims have to take off of work or pay for childcare.

“The Board of County Commissioners congratulates the Family Justice Center on five years of continued service to many vulnerable residents in need of assistance right here in Union County,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

In 2017 the Union County FJC was the third such FJC to open in New Jersey, and now there are five throughout the state and over 130 in the country with more in development.

“The FJC has been critical in our ability to provide victims of domestic violence with comprehensive support as they navigate the court system,” shared William Daniel, Union County Prosecutor.

Each year, the Union County FJC serves well over 500 unique clients, and this year is on track to provide services for over 600. From its inception in 2017 through June 2022, the Family Justice Center has worked with 2,561 unduplicated clients.

 “The YWCA is proud to be the contract agency of the Family Justice Center for the county. The program enables us to serve even more victims of domestic violence, and the location at the courthouse helps clients access us in a convenient location. We are even able to provide clients who have spent several emotional hours in court with a calm, safe environment to have some tea or coffee, eat a snack, and regroup,” shared Karen Geer, Interim Executive Director from the YWCA.

Clients of the FJC can receive services directly from YWCA staff including case management, court advocacy, safety planning, crisis management and referrals. Available services from o partner agencies include legal assistance, medical care, mental health, housing and rental aid, employment and immigration services. Onsite partners include Central Jersey Legal Services, Partners (formally Partners for Women and Justice), Proceed, and the Office of Victim/Witness. Offsite partners include Trinitas and American Friends Service Committee.

This fall, the Family Justice Center will be launching the Court Advocacy Volunteer Program. After completing a 40 hour domestic violence training as well as specialized training in being a court advocate, volunteers will provide emotional support to victims by accompanying them through the court process, answering questions about the legal process, and helping clients connect with additional resources. Those who are interested in getting involved can email the Director of the Family Justice Center, Lisa Poris, at lporis@ywcaunioncounty.org.

For more information about the FJC or to receive services, please call 908-527-4980.

If you are a victim of domestic violence in need of immediate assistance please call the 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline at 908-355-HELP.

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.

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 on Saturday, August 20. 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.

“Our free scrap metal recycling program enables Union County residents to conserve valuable resources, and it helps our municipalities manage their waste disposal budgets, too,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca Williams.

Acceptable items for recycling include but are not limited to 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 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on August 20 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)

Residents in any Union County municipality may bring their scrap metal 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.