Category: Public Info

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.

Free Immunizations Available to Union County Residents Year-Round

In recognition of August as National Immunization Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that free immunizations are available to eligible children and adults at the Union County Immunization Center. The Immunization Center is located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

“Union County’s immunization clinic helps to ensure that every infant and child in our community can receive protection from preventable diseases, regardless of their insurance status or family circumstance,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We encourage everyone to check the eligibility for themselves and their children, and keep up to date on all needed vaccinations.”

Residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or who are covered by Medicaid Plan A are eligible for services at the Union County Immunization Center.

To receive vaccinations for a child, parents or guardians are required to provide the eligible child’s birth certificate, current vaccination records, parent or legal guardians ID and proof of address. Legal guardians must also have guardianship papers from the Court. If the child is in school, a referral by a school nurse must be presented. For adults looking to get vaccinated, photo ID is required as well as proof of address.

The Immunization Center provides information about available health services to families in need, screenings and more than a dozen immunizations for eligible children starting at 2 months of age as well as adults. Offerings have since been expanded to include the three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Historically, immunizations have helped to eliminate many transmissible diseases,” said the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Commissioner Sergio Granados, who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “The Commissioner Board is proud to provide this vital service to residents who lack sufficient medical coverage and want to get immunized.”

The following vaccinations are available at the Union County Immunization Center:

• TD – Tetanus and Diphtheria
• DtaP – Whooping Cough or Pertussis
• HIB – Haemophilus Influenza Type B
• Prevnar – Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (for bacterial infections that cause pneumonia, blood, and brain infections)
• Gardasil
• Proquad
• Rota
• Meningococcal
• Pentacel
• MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German or 3-day Measles)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella – Chickenpox
• Flu
• Pediarix – DtaP; Hepatitus B; and IPV (inactivated polio vaccine)
• Shenrix – Shingles
• COVID-19 Vaccines: Pfizer (12 years and up), Moderna (adults)

To make an appointment at the Union County Immunization Center, to determine eligibility for free immunization, or to find out more about available programs, call the Immunization Center weekdays during regular business hours at 908-965-3627/3868. Appointments for immunizations can usually be scheduled within 48-72 hours of calling.

The Union County Immunization Clinic opened in 2013 and is run as a service of the Union County Department of Human Services. Since opening, free immunizations have been administered for thousands of uninsured and underinsured children. Adult immunization began last year.

The Immunization Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 infestations begin with the appearance of small, beetle-like nymphs in the spring, which transform into large, destructive hopping insects over the summer. Union County residents can take steps now to help prevent spotted lanternflies from breeding in the fall, and help to reduce the habitat for next year’s nymphs.

“The spotted lanternfly is a widespread problem in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Everyone can help reduce the infestation by taking steps to limit their chances of breeding this fall, and by reducing their preferred habitat,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Over the last year, the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation has been working with the US Department of Agriculture and the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to assess various methods for locating and trapping lanternflies and preventing egg masses from hatching. Circle traps were set up in the Watchung Reservation, and they have already caught thousands of spotted lanternflies.

Union County has also assembled staff from the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Bureau of Shade Tree & Conservation, the Bureau of Mosquito Control, the Bureau of Geographic Information Systems and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to focus on fighting the infestation, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has awarded Union County a grant to fight the spotted lanternfly on a countywide basis.

The Union County Office of Public Information will provide updates on the work of this task force, and will continue to provide guidance on spotted lanternfly control for residents. A dedicated page on the County website for spotted lanternfly news and updates has been set up at ucnj.org/slf.

Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall. Residents can help prevent them from breeding now, by stomping on any lanternfly they see.

Residents with trees on their property can use circle traps to catch nymphs in the summer and mature lanternflies in early fall.  Lanternflies are known to feed on the sap of 70 different trees and plants, but the ailanthus tree, or Tree-of-Heaven, is their preferred host.

Please note that sticky tape and glue traps should never be used, because they can ensnare birds and beneficial insects. Circle traps are widely available online. They can also be made at home with simple materials.

For more information about circle traps and other environmentally safe methods of trapping nymphs and mature lanternflies, including a link for instructions on do-it-yourself circle traps, visit ucnj.org/slf.

Residents can also reduce the preferred habitat for spotted lanternflies by arranging to have ailanthus trees removed from their property. Because the ailanthus tree is an invasive non-native species, removing it can enable more diverse, native species to grow while also reducing breeding opportunities for the spotted lanternfly.

However, property owners are advised to consult a professional landscape or tree service to remove ailanthus trees. Sprouts and small saplings can be pulled up by the roots, but larger ailanthus trees require professional treatment with an herbicide to prevent them from growing back in greater numbers after cutting.

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 months of August through October are the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the experts are anticipating an above-normal scenario for hurricane activity this year. Union County residents are advised to refresh their emergency plans now, and prepare for the possibility of a damaging storm.

“The memory of Hurricane Ida is still fresh in our minds. It was a devastating storm, and it was another warning that destructive inland flooding is a hurricane hazard, as well as high winds and coastal flooding. We encourage all Union County residents to be vigilant, and take steps to prepare for an emergency,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Weather experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have calculated that there is a 60% chance of above-normal activity this year, a 30% chance of near-normal activity, and only a 10% chance of below-normal activity.

Union County residents can stay up to date on any changes in the hurricane season forecast by visiting the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

Basic hurricane preparedness guidance includes assembling an emergency kit that provides for three to five days of supplies in case of interruption in electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or other local services.

Emergency kits should include non-perishable food and water, prescription medications, baby supplies and any additional items for special medical needs.

The kit should also include important phone numbers for doctors as well as cell phone chargers.

A battery-operated radio, flash lights, extra batteries as well as non-electric items likes can openers should also be included.

The needs of pets should also be taken into consideration when planning and making an emergency kit.

Staying aware of developing news is also vitally important. Union County residents can sign up for Union County’s free alert system, First Alert, at ucnj.org/alerts, to receive automatic alerts and updates on their mobile devices and computers.

Residents without Internet access will receive alerts on their land line phones through the reverse 9-11 system.

For more details about preparing for an emergency in Union County, visit ucnj.org/prepare.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, recognizes National Preparedness Month each September with additional guidance, at ready.gov/september.

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.

Free drop-off sites available on September 1 and September 17.

Union County residents can bring their old or unwanted scrap metal to free recycling drop-off sites sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Metal cabinets, wire hangers, appliances, gutters, kitchen ware and many other metal items are accepted at these sites.

“Recycling scrap metal is an important way to conserve resources, and we encourage every household to make use of this free service,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “These drop-off sites make it easy and convenient to clear your home and yard of unwanted metal items while helping the environment, too.”

The Union County scrap metal drop-off program operates at two sites, in Cranford and Rahway.

Both sites are open to all Union County residents regardless of their home town.

The sites are available for drop-off on the first Thursday morning and third Saturday morning of each month, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The locations and upcoming dates/times in September are:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Thursday, September 1 and Saturday, September 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Rahway: Rahway River Park, follow Park Drive off St. Georges Avenue to the service yard across from the swimming pool, Thursday, September 1 and Saturday, September 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Items accepted for recycling include, but are not limited to, air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing, 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.

Please note: these 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.

Union County’s scrap metal program runs every month from April to November each year. All events take place at the Rahway and Cranford locations, on the designated mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The remaining dates for 2022 are October 6, October 15, November 3 and November 19.

For more information about all Union County recycling programs visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 for a recorded message.

Download the free Recycle Coach mobile app to receive recycling alerts and information tailored to each municipality, in addition to countywide programs.

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.

Union County’s “ASK” program will visit four locations in September, including bilingual assistance in Spanish

Union County seniors and their caregivers can come to any one of four Union County Aging Services Kiosk events this September and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms. Bilingual staff will be available to assist residents in Spanish during the event on September 21.

“The ASK program is a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services, and our bilingual staff will help ensure that we can reach everyone who is seeking assistance,” 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 September dates and locations will be:

Thursday, September 1

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, 07083

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Monday, September 12

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 07066

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Wednesday, September 14

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood, 07027

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Wednesday, September 21

Bilingual staff will be available at this event to assist residents in Spanish

Elizabeth Public Library

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

To check for other upcoming ASK events, call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at 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.