The following press release is from the Office of Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel:
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has uprooted families, injured citizens, and left thousands of Ukrainian refugees without access to basic necessities. To date, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, many leaving behind necessary supplies.
To support individuals in need, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office have partnered to organize a county-wide donation drive for the people of Ukraine.
Beginning today, a donation box will be available in the lobby of Union County law enforcement agencies, twenty-four locations in all. Members of the public are invited to bring donations of first aid supplies, toiletries, flashlights, blankets, batteries, clothing, shoes, diapers, formula, and more. The program will run for the foreseeable future, as long as continued aid is needed. This donation drive is made possible through a partnership with law enforcement and local Polish and Ukrainian organizations.
“In support of the international effort to aid Ukraine, we encourage Union County residents to help ensure that life-sustaining emergency supplies reach those in desperate need of assistance,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams
“I am immensely grateful to the police Chiefs and Directors of Union County for opening their agencies to this initiative,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “Police departments are at the heart of every community, positioning them as the perfect location for members of the public to come together in support of the Ukrainian people.”
“As a Polish immigrant, and an active member of the Polish and Ukrainian communities in Union County, I was eager to find a way for the County’s law enforcement community to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian refugees.” said Prosecutor’s Office Detective Dariusz Tokarz, who coordinated the collection event.
Drop-off boxes will be available in the lobbies of police departments in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield, Winfield. Additional drop off locations will be available in the lobbies of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Police Department, the Kean University Police Department, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Union County, NJ – March 10, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying its eggs before they hatch. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a “honeydew” that can grow moldy and foul outdoor spaces including patios and yard furniture.
Each fall the adult spotted lanternfly lays eggs on outdoor surfaces such as tree trunks, lawn furniture, all sorts of vehicles, and any other item that remains in place for a period of time. The egg masses should be crushed and scraped off before they hatch in the spring.
“Union County residents can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting their yards, and removing the eggs before they hatch,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends removing and destroying the egg masses by hand as the most effective method currently available to residents.
To spot the egg masses, check trees and yard items for small, textured grayish patches about one inch long.
The egg masses are relatively easy to spot on many outdoor surfaces including grills, lawnmowers, pallets, storage containers and other items. They may be more difficult to spot on neutral, bumpy surfaces like tree bark and stones. Residents are also asked to check their cars, boats, recreational vehicles and bicycles, especially before traveling.
To destroy an egg mass, crush and scrape it into a bag or other container, and dispose in trash. Any handy tool, such as a stick or plastic card, can be used to crush the masses.
When the eggs hatch in the spring, the young lanternflies emerge as flightless insects that resemble small, colorful beetles. Over the summer they mature into adults, which are easily recognized by black speckles on papery white upper wings and bright red lower wings.
Residents can start watching their yards for the adults beginning in July, especially at dusk and at night when they tend to gather in large groups on tree trunks and plant stems. In particular, the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven,” is known to attract adults.
Union County residents who see a spotted lanternfly should kill it immediately, by stomping it under foot. If it hops away, follow it and try again when it settles.
For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit the New Jersey Division of Agriculture at nj.gov/agriculture.
Additional information is available from Rutgers University at njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly. Sightings of the insect can also be reported to Rutgers University through the online reporting tool.
Union County is one of three counties in New Jersey participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research project to assess various methods of mitigating the invasion. For more information from the USDA visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
The Spotted Lanternfly egg masses are easy to see on flat, colored surfaces, like this metal storage bin.The Spotted Lanternfly will lay eggs on any outdoor surface that remains in place for a period of time, like this wooden pallet.Spotted Lanternfly egg masses can be difficult to spot on bumpy, neutral surfaces like tree trunks. Look for small, slightly raised grayish patches with a different texture compared to the tree bark.
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.
Union County, NJ – March 10, 2022 – With gas prices on the rise, the Union County Board of Commissioners advises residents on simple ways to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, without paying for additives or special products that may not work as claimed.
“When gas prices go up, it is common to see advertisements for additives or products that supposedly boost fuel efficiency. Don’t fall for a scam. Drivers can make a substantial improvement in their miles per gallon by observing a few common sense rules of the road,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
A shift in driving habits can potentially increase fuel efficiency by double digits for gas or diesel vehicles, depending on the driver’s previous practices.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that just three basic habits make the biggest difference in the fuel efficiency of gas or diesel cars:
Follow the posted speed limit
Avoid sudden starts and stops
Never idle the engine when parked
EPA also advises these helpful measures:
Minimize excess weight by removing unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area
If available, use the cruise control or “eco” settings
Use the AC and other accessories only when needed
Keeping up with the vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule and checking the tires for proper inflation can also help with fuel conservation.
Drivers who can use alternative modes of transportation can trim their fuel costs by carpooling or sharing rides for shopping and other errands, shopping locally, using mass transit, and walking or biking when possible.
Taking advantage of local opportunities for recreation, entertainment and cultural appreciation can also help. Visit ucnj.org to see a season-by-season, week-by-week list of activities and programs in Union County parks and other venues in Union County.
For an overview of all transportation modes in Union County visit The ConneXion at ucnj.org/connect.
Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For more details about fuel-saving habits for drivers, visit the U.S. Department of Energy at https://afdc.energy.gov.
The EPA also provides additional guidance on maximizing the mileage for hybrid and all-electric vehicles at epa.gov/greenvehicles.
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.
Union County, NJ – March 10, 2022 – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the first two free paper shredding events of 2022, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The events will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Please note that the events may close earlier than 1:00 p.m. if the shredding trucks are filled to capacity.
“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to help prevent identity theft, while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts. We encourage everyone who needs to dispose of sensitive, personal documents to participate as we kick off our 2022 recycling program,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.
The two shredding events are drive-up only. Drivers can follow the signs from the Raritan Road entrance to the shredding site at the rear of the campus.
Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which will be shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.
Participants are reminded pre-shredded paper is not accepted at these events. Damp or wet paper will not be accepted.
Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.
For the complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
Union County’s free shedding events are for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For local information, contact a municipal recycling coordinator.
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.
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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.
Union County, NJ – March 10, 2022 – In celebration of Autism Acceptance month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs are pleased to invite special needs residents and their families to a “Day Out with the Red Bulls” on Saturday, April 9th at 4:00 p.m. at Red Bull Arena.
Participants will be attending the Red Bulls game against CF Montreal. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs will be providing a limited amount of tickets for the event. Tickets cost $30.00 per person and will include a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.
“In 2022, Union County will continue to make every effort to support our initiatives geared towards connecting our communities and to that end, the Commissioner Board is proud to support the ‘Day Out with the Red Bulls,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for our local team on April 9.”
“This event is always a family fun outing, even allowing for some attendees the opportunity to walk onto the field,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Union County is excited to provide our residents with an inclusive and exciting community activity in a welcoming environment. We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community.”
Red Bull Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The April 9th match will see the Red Bulls face the CF Montreal.
The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Acceptance Month is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. For more information, residents can reach out to Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.
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.
Union County, NJ – March 8, 2022— The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with Union County College, the American Job Center, Union County Workforce Development Board and Walgreens will host a Walgreens job fair for Union County residents on Wednesday, March 30th.
“We would like to encourage all residents who are looking for employment to come to this job fair, speak in-person with representatives from Walgreens Pharmacy and learn about all of the open positions they have to offer,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the job fair will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park. Various positions are available, which include Pharmacy Techs, Inventory Specialists, Beauty Consultants, Shift Leads and Customer Service Specialists.
“In the past, Union County’s job placement programs have been successful in matching thousands of qualified candidates with new careers and good paying jobs,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “The benefit for residents to attend this job fair is to seize the opportunity to talk to Walgreens recruiters and understand the true aspect of these positions. I hope to see a lot of our community in attendance.”
While this is a free event, registration is required. To sign up for this event, residents can visit http://ucnj.org/job-fair.
For more information about employment services offered by Union County, please visit the Union County Works online portal at ucajc.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.
Union County, NJ — March 8, 2022 — Union County residents are invited to help clear litter and debris from parks along Green Brook on Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Green Brook is a tributary of the Raritan River that flows through Plainfield and 10 other municipalities.
“If you are looking for a way to make a real difference in our local environment, please come and join the clean-up project. Removing litter in and around Green Brook will help improve water quality and enable our natural open spaces to support more biodiversity,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
The March 19 cleanup is hosted by the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, Central Jersey Stream Team, Union County Clean Communities Program, and the municipalities of Dunellen, Plainfield, Green Brook, North Plainfield, and Middlesex Township.
Registration is requested in advance. To register, visit the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership at lowerraritanwatershed.org.
Volunteers can join any of four groups participating in the cleanup:
Plainfield and North Plainfield — meet near the playground at Green Brook Park, on Park Drive in Plainfield. Drivers can park on Park Drive.
Dunellen group — meet at the picnic tables at McCoy Park on 4th Street.
Green Brook Township — meet at Green Brook Regional Center, 275 Greenbrook Road (park in the right side parking lot)
Middlesex Township — meet at Mountainview Park, 300 John F. Kennedy Drive (use the Mountainview Park parking lot next to the high school).
Each group will provide their volunteers with supplies including gloves, grabbers, and bags.
Volunteers should bring their own water bottle, sun screen and bug repellent, dress in long clothing (shirts, socks, and pants) to protect against scratches, and wear comfortable shoes or boots (no sandals or flip-flops). Please be aware that shoes and clothing will most likely become dirtied during the project.
Schools and organizations in Union County can connect with a Watershed Ambassador to schedule an educational visit, arrange a volunteer activity, or assist with planning events related to water resources and conservation. Contact Cassidy Attanasio at wma7.njwap@gmail.com or 908-654-9855, or Ginny Rockey at wm9.njwap@gmail.com or 908-730-0270, ex. 224.
Quick links to all environmental activities and programs hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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.
Union County, NJ – March 4, 2022 – In recognition of Arbor Day 2022, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to provide free trees for local schools.
“We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County, and we are looking forward to another successful season.”
Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.
In addition to the tree giveaway, the Commissioner Board also sponsors an annual Arbor Day poetry contest, provides municipalities with tree-for-tree matching grants, and supports the Master Tree Stewards volunteer tree conservation program.
This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.
The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.
The deadline for free tree requests is March 18. Schools may contact Madeline Brigantino, Assistant to the Director, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management, mbrigantino@ucnj.org or 908-789-3653 to request a tree.
For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held at Williams Nursery in Westfield on Tuesday, April 5 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Arbor Day has been a National Observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 29.
The U.S. Forestry Service, the Arbor Day Foundation and other partners have developed free, user-friendly software to calculate the dollar value of trees in urban communities. For more information visit iTreeTools.org.
To find out more about 4-H and the Master Tree Steward program, contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers 4-H agent, 908-654-9854 or jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No experience is needed to join the Tree Steward program. A training course is held each year, featuring guided walks in area parks and nature preserves.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Commissioner Board and is headquartered in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. For information on all Extension programs, including Master Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards, and the 4-H youth development program visit ucnj.org/rce.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.
Image credit: via Creative Commons (By Eric Hunt – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0).
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.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sparked a new refugee crisis while raising awareness about the needs of millions of refugees around the world, and underscoring how racism and bias can obstruct those seeking safe haven.
Union County residents are encouraged to donate to local efforts in aid of Ukrainian refugees, and to international aid organizations in this time of extraordinary need.
A donation drive for emergency items in aid of Ukrainian refugees has been organized by 24 law enforcement agencies in Union County. Donation bins are available at:
Offices of local police departments
Office of the Union County Sheriff (lobby of the County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth)
Office of the Prosecutor (lobby of the Ruotolo Building, 32 Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth)
Union County Division of Police (lobby of the Ralph J. Froehlich Public Safety Building, 400 North Avenue East in Westfield)
On Saturday March 26 only, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union Police Department will also accept donations during the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Caldwell and Morris Avenues in Union Township.
Financial donations: In addition to the Red Cross, many other international aid organizations are accepting donations in aid of refugees from Ukraine and other regions facing humanitarian crises, including:
Union County residents can also reach out to a their local civic or faith organization to find out how to help non-citizens, especially people of color, who have been victimized by racism and bias while attempting to flee Ukraine.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners works with faith based and non-profit organizations to help ensure justice and fairness for undocumented persons in our community, and to help legal immigrants on a path to full citizenship.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners joined with other officials to raise the Ukraine flag at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Thursday, March 3, as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Ukraine (credit: David Pilmenstein/County of Union).
Additional Aid Organizations (this list will be updated periodically)
CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.
Full text of Union County press release, March 4, 2022:
Union County Commissioner Board Condemns Attack on Ukraine
Union County, NJ – March 4, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners condemns the unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine and encourages County residents to support organizations that are providing medical assistance and other supplies to victims of the war, including refugees as well as those within Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag has also been raised at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, as symbol of solidarity.
“The democracies of the world have united to condemn the attack, and a coalition of allies led by the United States has taken action to assist Ukraine. In support of this effort, we encourage Union County residents to help the people of Ukraine by contributing to reliable, trusted aid organizations that are providing medical supplies, food, and other forms of relief,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
In addition to the Ukrainian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, some of the many aid organizations accepting contributions are:
CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Doctors without Borders: Mobilized in Ukraine and nearby countries to provide medical support.
Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.
On Thursday, March 3, the Commissioner Board passed a resolution, sponsored by the entire Board, condemning the declaration of war and subsequent invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation last week, and supporting the right of Ukraine to exist as a democratic, independent nation free of the influence of Russia or any other country.
The full text of the resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation declared war and began a large-scale invasion of Ukraine from the North, East, and South and bombed various regions across Ukraine including the capital of Kyiv in violation of international law; and
Whereas, As of February 28, 2022, a United Nations human rights monitoring team had confirmed 376 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 94 deaths, after only three days of fighting, and that as each day has passed, more casualties have been tallied and more destruction documented; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America, as well as the international community have responded to these violations by levying some of the toughest sanctions ever imposed against Russia and top Russian individuals, resulting in immediate and significant financial consequences for the Russian banking and financial markets; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey condemns the invasion of Ukraine, and supports continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, echoing the voices of people all over the world in saying “No” to war; and
WHEREAS, the people of Ukraine, led by their democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have shown unwavering bravery in response to the unprovoked act of aggression by Russia and are determined to preserve their country and democracy:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board joins with the Legislature of the State of New Jersey and condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and supports the citizens of Ukraine in pursuing democracy and independence. In addition, this Board supports New Jersey’s proposed ban on pension fund and local government investment deals with Russia and Belarus;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners implores Russia to return to diplomatic solutions to resolve this situation with the democratic and independent government of Ukraine.
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.