Category: Public Info

 “The Union County Board of County Commissioners share our sentiments of sorrow and sadness over yesterday’s unspeakable tragedy in the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. It is extremely difficult to comprehend the horrible and violent actions of people, and even more so when directed at – what should be – a safe space. Violence on this scale at a school is almost impossible to process.

Far too often, we have seen horrific scenes like this play out, places like Newtown, Parkland and Columbine have been etched into our minds. And now, once again, we are left to try to make sense of a senseless act, one that cut short the lives of at least 19 innocent children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.

We stand with Uvalde, Texas and its community. We are heartbroken. We are frustrated, and we are dispirited as we mourn with their students, parents and staff who face a grief that is unimaginable. As we think about these losses and our shared values in relation to the Uvalde community, we need to also work together to find solutions with compassion and partnerships.

While there is so much more we can do as a country, the County of Union continues to fight for smarter Gun Sense laws with having partnerships in place like Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action. We continue to create initiatives such as the Gun Buyback/Turn-In Programs and mental health programs. As elected officials, we work to do everything in our power to protect our residents, our children and our families from gun violence—and we will continue to remain connected and vigilant.

The Board of Commissioners extend our deepest condolences to all those who have been impacted by this horrific crime. We remain united and County strong. May you keep your loved ones close to you during these unsettled times.”

Free, virtual workshop hosted by Union County for non-profits.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to attend Successful Grant-Seeking, a free professional development workshop on Tuesday, June 7 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The event is hosted and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

“This workshop is one of the opportunities the County of Union provides for non-profits and civic organizations to achieve their full potential. Their success benefits all Union County residents by strengthening our artistic and cultural quality of life,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Organizations that have received funding through Union County’s Local Arts, History, and HEART grant programs are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

Registration is required to access the Zoom link. Please click here to register.

Participants will receive guidance and insights about the grant-making landscape in New Jersey including the different types of funders, how to research funder organizations and identify which grants to apply for, and what funders currently look for and focus on.

The Successful Grant-Seeking workshop will be led by a panel of seasoned experts in the field of grant-making in New Jersey, who will provide resources, actionable steps and practical tips for real-world success in receiving funding:

Theresa Jacks, Acting President and CEO of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, has been instrumental in strengthening CNJG’s leadership work, building relationships with partners, and guiding policy and advocacy efforts.

Linda Czipo is President and CEO of the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, New Jersey’s statewide network and champion for the charitable community. The Center strengthens nonprofits individually and as a community through public policy, professional education and guidance, trainings, conferences and cost-saving services.

Leigh Clark, the Business & Funding Information Librarian at the New Jersey State Library’s Information Center, assists nonprofits in using the free resources available through the State Library to find funding and grow their organizations.

Annmarie Puleio is Executive Director of The Fred C. Rummel Foundation, a private foundation supporting non-profit organizations throughout New Jersey. Her extensive work on grant-funded programs has spanned both the grant-making and grant-seeking sectors.

Successful Grant-Seeking is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550, or visit online at ucnj.org/cultural.

# #

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 the annual Union County Portuguese Flag raising ceremony in commemoration of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Communities. The event will take place on Thursday, June 2^nd at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free for all to attend.

“New Jersey is home to almost 80,000 people who identify as Portuguese descent and approximately 20,000 of those people call Union County their home,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The Commissioner Board is proud to acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years. We are thrilled that we can once again recognize the Portuguese community as we raise the Portuguese flag over the County Seat.”

The event is being co-sponsored by the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS). PALCUS is a national non-profit based in the Washington D.C. area with a defined mission to be the national voice that advocates for and promotes the advancement of the Portuguese-American community economically, professionally, culturally and politically.

“As a Commissioner of Portuguese descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Portuguese-American community across the country and especially within Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Our County is made stronger by its diversity and inclusion. This flag raising once again brings together our Portuguese Community at a County level, as we return to our annual traditions and celebrations, giving us a chance to once again showcase our hard work, pride and unity.”

The flag-raising will include a short speaking program as well as the singing of both “The Star Spangled Banner” as well as “A Portuguesa,” the national anthem of Portugal.

“PALCUS is grateful to once again co-sponsor the annual Portuguese Flag raising in Union County,” said PALCUS Chair and Union County resident, Katherine Soares. “We strive to give a voice to the 1.34 million Portuguese-Americans in the United States. Events such as these are yet another form of allowing them to be heard.”

For more information, please contact Katherine Soares from the Union County Office of Communications and Public Information at katherine.soares@ucnj.org.

##

Connect with Union County on social media.

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 during the month of June.

“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 fill up to capacity.

The locations for June are:

• Wednesday, June 1: Clark Public Works Facility (behind the Police Station), 315 Westfield Avenue, Clark
• Saturday, June 11: Union County College, Parking Lots 5A and 5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
• Saturday, June 25: Union County Vo-Tech, West Hall/Police Academy Parking Lot, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

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.

Union County residents with old metal gutters, fencing, or appliances to dispose can bring these items and more to free scrap metal recycling drop-off sites in June. 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), wire hangers and more.

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, June 2 and Saturday, June 18 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, July 7 and Saturday, July 16.

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.

Union County, NJ – Union County informs job-seeking residents that on Tuesday, May 24, a PepsiCo job fair sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on will take place at the Warinanco Sports Center in Union County’s Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle. The job fair will begin at 10:00 a.m. and pre-registration is required.

PepsiCo will be hiring for 4 main positions:

• CDL Driver – includes a sign on bonus
• Warehouse Person
• Merchandiser
• Fleet Mechanic

All positions offer competitive pay and benefits. An on-the-spot interview is guaranteed to job seekers who complete the pre-registration form as well as the PepsiCo Job applications. Job seekers who do not complete these steps will not be guaranteed an interview slot.  The PepsiCo application link will be sent to job seekers that register to attend the event. All job seekers should report at the Warinanco Sports Center at 10:00 a.m. for orientation.

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo’s business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

Job seekers who plan to attend the May 24 event must use the online form at Pepsi Hiring Event Tickets| Eventbrite to pre-register. Attendees are advised to also bring their resumes and wear attire appropriate for interviews. In addition, the American Job Center will be offering interviews and resume writing workshops to further prepare job seekers for their on the spot interview with PepsiCo. The link to access the workshops will be sent to the registrants.

“This latest job fair is part of our efforts that continues to ensure that qualified Union County job seekers can connect with a global company like Pepsi in the most direct manner. We encourage everyone to come and participate,” said Union County Commissioner Chair, Rebecca L. Williams.

“Union County residents and businesses within our community are still both struggling through the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “I want to thank Pepsi and the American Job Center for their efforts to connect with job seekers as they help Union County residents on the road to recovery.”

This event is coordinated in partnership between Pepsi and the American Job Center, which operates under the Union County Department of Human Services. While this is a free event, registration is required. To register for this event, residents can visit:  Pepsi Hiring Event Tickets| Eventbrite.  

“Pepsico is excited to partner with the American Job Center on this Community hiring event,” said Jackie Whitted, Staffing Analyst, PepsiCo Beverages North America.

For more information about employment services offered by Union County, please visit the Union County Works online portal at ucajc.org.

Tables, chairs, table cloths, and water will be provided, and there will be a private area for interviewing purposes. An indoor concession stand will be open for the purchase of food. Masks are optional.

With high ceilings, contemporary styling and a view of Warinanco Park, Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center provides a welcoming, modern space for job fairs and other public events.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

Union County residents are invited to kick off the summer season with Rhythm & Blues by the Brook, a full afternoon of free music and activities at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 4 from noon to 6:00 p.m.

“We are delighted to bring Rhythm & Blues by the Brook back to Union County this year,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Cedar Brook Park is the perfect place to kick off our annual summer series of free music events, movies, and more for everyone to enjoy.”

This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by Rose Royce, the hit-making ensemble that has dazzled audiences around the world with five platinum and eight gold records to their credit.

Also sharing the bill are crowd-pleasers Freddie Jackson, Candyman, Rob Base and Alexis Morrast, with Union County’s favorite record spinner, DJ Bookeem serving as Master of Ceremonies.

As always, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will feature a food court, a marketplace and a spectacular car and motorcycle show presented by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment throughout the event.

A fun-filled afternoon of activities for children, including a petting zoo, pony rides and more, will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

New this year is a health and wellness fair sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.- Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Plainfield, from noon to 3:00 p.m.

For schedule details and updates visit ucrandb.org.

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

#  #

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.

Earlier this afternoon, Undersheriff Carlo Caparruva was sworn in by Sheriff Peter Corvelli as a Union County Undersheriff at a ceremony held in the courtroom of the Honorable Lisa Miralles Walsh, Assignment Judge of the Union County Vicinage. Undersheriff Caparruva will join current Undersheriffs Dennis Burke and Victor Manata and Director Ronald Charles as the executive management team for Sheriff Corvelli.

“Undersheriff Caparruva’s well rounded career and leadership will help to continue our aligned vision of professional, empathetic and service-focused leadership for the Office,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. 

Undersheriff Caparruva has served with the Union County Sheriff’s Office since 1993. Undersheriff Caparruva has had a distinguished career with the Office, working in each of the divisions, to include assignments in the Court Security and Transportation Units in 1996 through 1998. He was assigned to the current Field Services Division in 1998 and has remained there as an investigator and supervisor for the last 24 years. 

Based on his investigative acumen with the Office, Undersheriff Caparruva was the one of the first Union County Sheriff’s Officers to be assigned to the United States Marshal’s Service NY-NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force. During his three year tenure, Undersheriff Caparruva and the FTF were responsible for the arrests of some of NJ’s Most Wanted criminals. Upon his return, he was promoted to Sergeant of the Family Violence Unit. Under his supervision, the Unit saw a sixty percent increase in arrests, a trend he continued upon his transfer to the Criminal Investigations Unit.

As a Sergeant and Lieutenant, Caparruva was instrumental in the formation of the Office’s Street Crimes Unit, which assisted the cities of Elizabeth and Plainfield to quell impact crimes and gun violence. Undersheriff Caparruva is the recipient of 7 Commendation awards, 2 Unit Commendation awards, 8 Letters of Commendation, 4 Letters of appreciation, and multiple awards from his service with the USMS FTF to include the United States Marshal’s Service commendation award.

For more information, please contact Undersheriff Dennis Burke at 908-527-4959 or dburke@ucnj.orgor visit www.ucnj.org/sheriff.

Union County residents can safely dispose 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 Saturday, June 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kean Hall parking lot at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. 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 June 4 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.

#  #

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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the County Clerk’s Elections Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the 2022 Primary Election. The extended hours are offered on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed.

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 7.

“Voters who apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the Elections Offices in Elizabeth or Westfield can fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure lock box at the site,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This ‘One-Stop’ service is a convenient and user-friendly way to ensure your voice is heard on Election Day.”

Voters using the One-Stop service are reminded that a 2015 state law requires voters to provide a New Jersey driver’s license or New Jersey identification card with their photo, name, address and signature if they wish to leave their ballot with staff at the Elections offices.

Voters have until Monday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m. to obtain a Vote-by-Ballot in person at the County Clerk’s offices.

The Elizabeth office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth. To access the Elections Office during special Saturday Vote-by-Mail hours, voters must use the rear entrance of the Courthouse on Elizabethtown Plaza. The Election Office is located in Room 113.

The Westfield office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Street and lot parking are available, and mass transit is nearby.

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 more 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.