Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – April 26, 2022 — In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites poetry lovers and American history enthusiasts to attend “Women Poets of the Revolution,” a free lecture on the works of Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatly hosted by Dr. Mary McAleer Balkun, Professor of English at Seton Hall University, at the New Providence Memorial Library at 377 Elkwood Avenue in New Providence on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m.

The event is presented free of charge by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required to reserve a seat at ucnj.org/cultural.

“National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, and we are very proud to provide the Union County community with an opportunity to participate and learn about the contributions of two important women poets in American history,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The early American poets Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatley came from starkly different backgrounds to offer their own unique, eyewitness perspectives on the American Revolution, during a period in history when women literary figures were all but invisible.

Stockton was born into the privileged, elite social circle of Princeton, New Jersey. Unlike many women of her time, she had both the opportunity and the inclination to apply herself to the art of writing. She was producing sophisticated poetry by age 16. At age 21 she married the lawyer Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Annis Stockton supported the Continental Army with funds raised from publishing her poetry, in which she documented key episodes in the war and memorialized the leadership of George Washington.

Wheatley was kidnapped from her home in Africa and brought to the Colonies as an enslaved child in 1761. By age 14 she was an accomplished student of the Greek and Roman classics, as well as British literature, astronomy, and geography. By 1770 she was an acclaimed poet. When her first collection of poems was published in 1773, she was one of the first two women in America to have a book of poetry in print, and she was the first Black woman to have a book of any kind published in America.

Dr. Balkun is a Professor of English and Director of Faculty Development at Seton Hall University in South Orange. She earned her PhD. from New York University, and has an M.A. from Seton Hall University and a B.A. from Jersey City University. Her accomplishments include the 2017 Steven J. Rosen Mentor Award of the New Jersey College English Association, and the 2016 Bernard J. McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service from Seton Hall University.

National Poetry Month is a project of the Academy of American Poets. Since its inception in April 1996, National Poetry Month has grown into an event celebrated by tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families and poets each year, signifying the importance of poetry in human life across the world. For more details visit poets.org/national-poetry-month.

Women Poets of the Revolution is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. For more information about other history events presented by Union County, contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912 or by email jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is an office of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all programs of the Office, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

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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Innovative COVID-19 Safety Measures, ADA Accessibility Aided by Federal Funding

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are pleased to announce that Union County became first county in the state to provide residents with interview pods, which have the ability to conduct interviews for public assistance via video conferencing,  in an isolated, sound proof, multi-functional enclosure.

The new service is administered under the Department of Human Services, who received funding from the CARES Act from the State Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development.

“Union County has been a pioneer in embracing and providing the most update technology and thanks to federal funding from the CARES Act, we are at the forefront in using these pods to provide essential services, all while keeping our residents safe,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I had a chance to take a tour of the pods, and I am happy to see we are meeting the needs of Union County families, the safest, best way we can.”

Union County Board of County Commissioners including Chair Rebecca Williams as well as Commissioners Sergio Granados, James Baker, Lourdes Leon and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, had a chance to recently tour the Social Services office and see these new pods in action.

“Being the first in the State of New Jersey to provide our residents and case workers with the ability to conduct interviews for public assistance via video conferencing is a great accomplishment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “These pods are an innovative approach in assisting individuals or families with the services they need, while maintaining full privacy and discretion and maximizing public health safety measures for not only our clients, but our staff as well.”

The Department has as many as 20 interview pods, ranging from multiple sizes including a single person, family-size, and handicap-accessible. Upon entering the pod, clients are greeted by a case worker who is located in their own offices. The client is able to see and speak to a case worker, who in turn, is able to see and respond to the consumer via a CISCO DX-80 Monitor using WEBEX conferencing software. The pods have LED lighting and all of the air inside the pod is completely turned over to refresh every 70 to 100 seconds. As a result, each new user will be met with refreshed air every time they enter the pod.

While the current pods are located in the Social Services building at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, they are fully mobile for use in multiple spaces. The Department of Human Services will also be transferring pods to their Plainfield location, located at 200 West Second Street, to assist the needs of residents on the other side of the County.

Union County is commencing the next phase of this innovative program, working with an ADA compliant hearing loop induction company to install infrared hearing links to transmit an assistive listening audio signals into the handicap accessible pods.

Union County, NJ – April 4, 2022 — Union County residents who are puzzling over the recycling rules can get all the answers from Recycle Coach, a free app for all mobile devices.

“Easy access to information is the key to boosting our recycling rate countywide,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “With Recycle Coach, you never have to wonder what belongs in your recycling bin again.”

The Recycle Coach app helps prevent the scourge of “wish-cycling,” the practice of putting random items into recycling bins. These items contaminate the recycling stream. They result in extra sorting and higher costs for the recycling vendor. In extreme cases, an entire load can be rejected.

The Recycle Coach app features a user-friendly “What Goes Where?” search tool that prevents wish-cycling. It provides quick answers to questions like:

• Where does an old teapot go?
• Can I recycle Styrofoam packing blocks?
• What can I do with leftover house paint?
• How do used pizza boxes get recycled?

Recycle Coach is tailored to each municipality in Union County. Users can get all the details on their local curbside pickup programs. Schedules and information on countywide programs hosted by the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are included, too.

Users can create and customize notifications for schedules and events.

Statistics show that wish-cycling is most common in the areas of plastic bags, and non-recyclable plastic containers, food and clothing.

Union County residents can help cut down on wish-cycling by observing the following guidelines:

• Never dispose plastic bags in a recycling bin. Clean plastic bags can be re-used or returned to a grocery store drop-box for recycling. To avoid excess plastic at home, bring reusable bags when shopping.
• Only put accepted plastic containers in a recycling bin. All municipalities in Union County accept containers stamped #1 or #2. The stamp is typically found on the bottom of the item. Check your local program to see if #5 plastics are accepted.
• Donate used clothing in good condition to a local charity. If the item is not cleanable or repairable, dispose in household trash.
• Use up leftovers to avoid food waste. Residents with access to a yard can start a backyard compost pile, where vegetable scraps can decompose naturally.

The Union County Bureau of Recycling and planning hosts the following free, countywide drop-off recycling events:

Paper shredding – secure disposal and recycling for sensitive or personal documents (residential use only; business papers are not accepted at these events).

Household Hazardous Waste – environmentally responsible disposal for common household chemicals, hobby supplies and more (residential only/no business waste)

Scrap Metal – wide variety of metal items accepted, from pots and pans to gutters, fencing and sheds

For details about countywide drop-off programs use Recycle Coach or visit uncj.org/recycling. To contact the Bureau use the online form at ucnj.org/recycling or call 908-654-9890.

Residents, schools groups and community organizations can also attend a free “How to Recycle Right” webinar to get the latest updates and information in person from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning. The webinars will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 pm and Monday, April 11 at 7:00.

Details and registration links for both webinars are available at ucnj.org/recycle.

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.

Redistricting based on results of Census 2020  impacts several County municipalities.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections informs residents that there have been many changes in Union County following the results of the 2020 Census. The New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Committee has approved the new congressional map. Changes impact several towns in Union County.

The new congressional assignments represent the congressional districts in which Union County towns will vote in 2022. The candidates elected in this year’s general election will represent the newly formed district when they are sworn-in, in 2023. Until the new congress is sworn-in in 2023, residents will continue to be represented according to the current congressional district assignments.

“The Congressional line has realigned many towns in Union County, which will affect who appears on the voters’ ballots and who will represent them in Congress starting January 2023,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator, Union County Board of Elections.  “Affected voters need to be aware of this change and seek information on the candidates so they are not surprised by the ballot when they vote in June.”

Under the new map, Union County’s towns will vote in the following Congressional Districts in the upcoming 2022 elections:

Congressional District 7: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, Linden Split Wards (Wards 2, 6 & 7 and 3-2 & 3-3), Mountainside, New Providence, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Westfield and Winfield

Congressional District 8: Elizabeth

Congressional District 10: Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden Split Wards (Wards 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 10 and 3-1 & 3-4), Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union

Congressional District 12: Plainfield

Following the Congressional Redistricting, the Ward Commissions of each of the 10 towns which have wards convened to review their respective ward lines. Both the Congressional Redistricting Committee and the Ward Committees work to ensure the population is equally distributed amongst their respective districts. The maps in Hillside, Summit and Westfield have not changed as a result of the 2020 Census data.

Ward lines have been redrawn in Clark, Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, and Roselle Park. Then, the Union County Board of Elections Commissioners convened to adopt new election district maps to ensure voters are assigned to an election district, following the redraw of the ward line.

All affected voters will receive a communication from the Union County Board of Elections in May, prior to Election Day, alerting them of their new congressional district, ward and election district and polling place, if applicable. Voters will also find this information on their sample ballot.

Voters can visit the Union County Board of Elections Website (www.ucnj.org/boe/new-congressional-and-state-legislative-district-maps/) or call 908-527-4123 for more information.

Additional resource links: https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/adoption2022map.asp.

https://www.apportionmentcommission.org/adoption2022map.asp For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with every elected official in our County, are voted in to work for all people – no matter what ethnicity, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or creed. Our residents elect us because they trust in us and they trust that we will respond to certain events and take a stand for what is right.

We make this statement today to say that the recent release of recorded audio depicting hate, racist and sexist remarks out of the mouths of the Clark Mayor and some Public Safety Officials is a perfect example of why we cannot be silent in our County. These statements certainly do not represent the views of the Board of County Commissioners or the efforts we have made over the years to cultivate an atmosphere of inclusion.

Union County is one of the most diverse in the state and we pride ourselves on being inclusive to all. The Board of County Commissioners actively work together to dismantle racism, gender biases and more to make sure all of our residents feel welcomed and included. From the creation of offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, to special needs, to an office on women – we work vigilantly to remain one county, one community.

We must remind the residents of Union County that this is not us – we stand against the remarks of the Mayor and Public Safety Officials in Clark and we stand with the people of the community who are calling for their immediate resignation, as their racist and sexist remarks clearly illustrate that they are unfit to lead.   We stand with the community, which is equally outraged and we continue to be committed to the work that makes us unified.

As a Commissioner Board, we will continue to strive to change the structures of inequality and we will continue to be active and vigilant in our work. We ask that all of our residents join in with us on the fight against discrimination. We will not tolerate the hate or racial division – there is no place in Union County for this behavior.”

April 22 designated as “Wear Purple Day”

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners will recognize April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Union County will increase outreach and education regarding alcoholism and issues related to alcohol.  A resolution recognizing April as Alcohol Awareness Month has been passed by the Commissioner Board and it also designates April 22 as “Wear Purple Day”.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been experiencing higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety, causing some to consume alcohol more than they would normally,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The Commissioner Board is committed to helping the Union County community know the facts about alcohol by keeping the lines of communication open, ensuring that our community has access to resources that can prevent or overcome alcohol abuse.”

To raise awareness, the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse (OBHSA) will call attention to the dangers surrounding alcoholism, in addition to sharing resources to find support and treatment. Informational fliers will be placed in high-traffic and common areas in various Union County facilities. Banners honoring Alcohol Awareness Month will also be hung in the County Administration Building’s lobby and Alcohol Awareness ribbons will be distributed.

Alcoholism is a progressive disorder that results in severe health issues, and alcohol accounts for a significant proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions. In Union County, 35% of persons admitted for treatment list alcohol as their primary drug.

Alcohol sales in the U.S. rose 54% at the beginning of the pandemic, according to a Nielsen survey. A recent study also demonstrates consumption has increased significantly since two years ago, with women accounting for a disproportionate share of the difference.

As part of the month-long acknowledgement, all Union County residents and visitors are encouraged to wear purple on April 22, which has been declared “Wear Purple Day” in support of the Alcohol Awareness Month program of the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism.

By wearing purple, members of the public demonstrate that they support treatment and recovery for alcoholism, or that they know someone who has benefited from treatment.

The Union County awareness campaign is being conducted through the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services. For more information and resources, visit: ucnj.org/obhsa.

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, NJ – April 1, 2022 — Union County residents interested in learning more about local recycling rules can join two free webinars presented by the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning in April.

“Many of our residents want to do the right thing and recycle everything they can. It’s important to know which items can go into the recycling bin, and which have to go in regular household trash,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The free “Recycle Right” webinars are as follows:

Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.: This presentation will be hosted by Libraries of Union County Consortium. The Zoom link is available at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register.

Monday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.: This presentation will be hosted by Clark Public Library on April The registration link is available at https://clarkpl.librarycalendar.com.

Schools and community organizations can schedule a presentation by contacting Heather Miara at the Bureau of Recycling and Planning, heather.miara@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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

April is the 21^st anniversary of the pronouncement of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). While the first official declaration of this month was in 2001, by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the Union County Board of County Commissioners have been a strong advocate of awareness and prevention for decades, most particularly with the opening of the Rape Crisis Center in 1984.

“Sexual assault is an unfortunate reality that many are afraid to speak out about – it is often kept behind closed doors, where victims suffer in silence,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.  “This month is an opportunity to build your knowledge, access resources, and share your ideas with us. It is through these awareness months where we can hopefully inspire others to speak out and I would like to encourage everyone to use this opportunity to consider how they can be part of the solution.”

The Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC) is a program under the Division of Individual & Family Support Services in the Union County Department of Human Services. It is largely staffed by volunteers, who offer support and advocacy to help victims navigate the medical, legal and emotional aftermath. The volunteers are very well trained and fully prepared to respond to victims over the phone on a 24-hour hotline, or in person as advocates who accompany victims to hospital emergency rooms, police interviews, and courts.

“Both women and men who are dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault can encounter obstacles, many may not want to speak out or have a lack of support within their family or friends,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “Under complete discretion and privacy to the clients and themselves, our volunteers help victims overcome these barriers, reclaim their lives and be an advocate who can accompany them to hospitals, police stations and courts. The Union County Board of Commissioners encourage anyone in need of these services to reach out for help.”

Each year Union County hosts Denim Day, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and on Wednesday, April 27^th, Union County invites everyone to join the Union County Rape Crisis Center and other Union County allies in wearing denim to raise awareness about sexual assault and to show support for survivors of sexual violence.

To join the movement, participants can snap a group photo of you and your friends/co-workers wearing denim and send it to websupport@ucnj.org for a feature on: the County website, the County’s social media platforms and the Rape Crisis Center Blog.

To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Union County Rape Crisis Center, please call 908-233-7273.

Beginning today, the County of Union will now offer the CDC recommended additional booster doses of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) for certain populations.

“Our Union County Health Management Office continues to work to provide the latest, most-updated Covid vaccines as suggested by the CDC,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Boosters can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in this population of older individuals – so by taking this action, it allows people to take steps to protect themselves should we have another wave of Covid.”