Category: Public Info

Residents can safely dispose of common household chemicals and other special wastes at this event.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste event of 2021 will be held on Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vo-Tech Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. This event will be the last for 2021. The series will resume again in 2022.

Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

“Union County’s 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 Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s an easy way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Accepted items include outdated or unwanted household cleansers and other chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, automobile tires (limit of eight per household), oil-based paint and varnish (no latex paint), antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

For a complete list of accepted materials, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted. Unwanted latex paint should be used, donated, or dried in the can and discarded in regular household garbage, with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a commercial paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants must observe the following rules for avoiding accidents and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
• Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
• Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
• Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
• Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.

For more information about all recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app, visit Union County online at ucnj.org/recycling, or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Please note new date — concert has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 23 in expectation of inclement weather on the 16th.

Free concert sponsored by the Commissioner Board in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present “Concert in the Park,” a free musical celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring the Hector Morales Salsa Band on Saturday, October 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. outdoors at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

The first 150 participants will receive a free food voucher for use at the concert.

The free concert caps a month of Hispanic Heritage Month activities sponsored by the Commissioner Board, including the raising of the County’s first ever Hispanic Heritage flag at the County Courthouse in Elizabeth, a family movie night double feature at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, a family fun day at Rahway River Park in Rahway, and a countywide virtual art exhibit.

“The Commissioner Board is proud to support Hispanic Heritage Month and encourage people from all walks of life to unite in the enjoyment of cultural events, in recognition of the leading role of the Hispanic community throughout Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“It is fitting to conclude our series of Hispanic Heritage Month in Union County with music, the great uniter of people all over the world,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “I am proud to be one of almost 200,000 Hispanic residents that make Union County a wonderful place to live, and I welcome this opportunity to share Hispanic culture throughout the community.”

“As a Cuban-American woman, I am proud to work with my colleagues on the Commissioner Board to help foster appreciation for the diverse cultures that contribute so much to the Union County community,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We are all looking forward to a wonderful event.”

In addition to showcasing the Hector Morales Salsa Band, Concert in the Park will feature an awards ceremony recognizing the contributions of three outstanding members of the Hispanic community in Union County: George A. Castro II, owner of the Premier Homes real estate firm in Roselle Park; Juanita Vargas, Vice President of Programs and Operations at United Way of Greater Union County; and Union County Undersheriff Amilcar “Mickey” Colon.

Food trucks will be on site and residents are welcome to bring their own picnic.

Union County residents seeking to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus can use Union County’s free vaccination service, available at the site from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. COVID-19 tests will also be available free of charge to Union County residents.

More information about Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination service is available at ucnj.org.vax.

For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please contact Nathalie Alcaide-Hernandez by email at nahernandez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4880.

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.

COVID-19 Vaccinations as well as Saliva Testing to be offered drive-up at events in Union, and walk-up event in Plainfield

Please note, the October 30 event has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 31 due to inclement weather.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in October to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, October 9, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – Kean University in Union
• Drive-Up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

Saturday, October 16, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

[rescheduled from October 30 to Sunday, October 31]

• 8:00 a.m. – Kean University in Union
• Drive-Up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource as well as an opportunity for residents to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents continue to face housing issues, food insecurity and unemployment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at all listed events. Johnson & Johnson (for those 18 years or older) and Pfizer (12 years or older) vaccines will be offered. Appointments are recommended. Residents can register for vaccines by calling (908) 613-7829 or visiting ucnj.2120check.com/home.  Along with vaccinations, COVID-19 saliva tests will be available as well on a walk-up basis.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Masks are required for residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoodsus.com/.

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.

Vacunas y Pruebas de Saliva del COVID-19 se ofrecerán en los eventos en Union y Plainfield

Condado de Union, NJ — La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union le informa a los residentes de los eventos de distribución de alimentos  en el Condado de Union en el mes de Octubre, para los afectados por COVID-19.

Estos incluyen::

Sábado, 9 de octubre, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – Kean University en Union
• Auto Servicio
• Coordinado por el Condado de Union con el apoyo del Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce y CMC Foods

Sábado, 16 de octubre, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza en Plainfield
• Peatones solamente

           Coordinado por el Condado de Union con el apoyo del Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce y CMC Foods

Sábado, 30 de octubre, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – Kean University en Union
• Auto Servicio
• Coordinado por el Condado de Union con el apoyo del Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce y CMC Foods

Estas distribuciones de alimentos son abiertas a todos  los residentes del Condado de Union. Los alimentos son distribuidos por orden de llegada, no se necesita inscripción previa. Los eventos se llevarán a cabo llueva o brille.

“Los residentes continúan en busca de asistencia durante la crisis de la pandemia del COVID-19  y nosotros estamos orgullosos de poder ser un recurso  y proporcionar la oportunidad a los residentes a que se vacunen,” dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados  Alexander Mirabella.

“Estamos progresando en la lucha contra el  COVID-19y sus variants, pero nuestros residentes continúan  enfrentando problemas de inseguridad alimenticia y desempleo,” dijo el Comisionado Sergio Granados quien sirve como Enlace a la Junta asesora de servicios Humanos. “Le damos las gracias al Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce y CMC Foods por su ayuda en estos esfuerzos.”

Vacunas del COVID-19 están disponibles en ambos eventos  Johnson & Johnson (para aquellos de 18 años en adelante) y  Pfizer (de 12 años en adelante) . Se recomienda hacer citas, llamando al  (908) 613-7829 o en la página ucnj.2120check.com/home.  También se proporcionarán pruebas de saliva del COVID-19.

Los residentes que desean recibir alimentos en  Kean Universitydebe ir en auto. Peatones no se reciben.

Máscaras son requerida para los peatones en el evento de Plainfield.

Al llegar, deben presentar prueba de residencia en New Jersey e indicar cuantas personas residen en su hogar. Los residentes recibirán una csja de vegetales frescos, productos  lácteos y enlatados suficiente para varios días. Solamente se les dará una caja de alimentos por cada familia.

Este evento se ejecutará en cumplimiento con las ordines del estado sobre el COVID-19 con respecto al distanciamiento social

Para preguntas y asistencia , los residentes pueden llamar a la línea de acción de UCDHS al 888-845-3434 o 908-558-2288.

Para información sobre Village Super Market, visite: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

Para información sobre Gargiulo Produce, visite: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

Para saber más sobre CMC Food, visite: https://cmcfood.com/.                  

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Union County, NJ – Union County’s annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. The weekend of activities features special events for all ages at more than 30 historic sites throughout Union County.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend is a Union County tradition that enables residents and visitors to travel through time and learn about the rich history of our community,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This year marks the return of Four Centuries after last year’s hiatus, and we encourage all residents to take this opportunity to explore the many historic treasures we have here in Union County.”

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers at over 30 houses, museums and historic sites. The two-day free event opens the doors to more than 370 years of history throughout the county.

Visitors will be able to stop by a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, unique houses and museums, special exhibitions, and more.

This year, Four Centuries welcomes several new sites including the Wallace Chapel on Broad Street in Summit. Wallace Chapel is known for its role as the home of the Reverend Florence Spearing Randolph, a 20^th century activist and one of the first women in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church denomination to be ordained as a deacon and elder. Florence Spearing Randolph served on the executive board of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association and was founder and president of the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.

This year, Four Centuries will also feature the 100th anniversary of the Union County Parks system will be featured during the weekend, along with special programs including:

Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights. Visitors will be given a special tour led by none other than “David Felt” himself, founder of Feltville in the mid-1800’s. There will be apple cider pressing, games and archeological activities for children, and visits to a classic general store.

William Miller Sperry Observatory in Cranford. Visitors will get to tour the observatory and learn about its long history. On Sunday, October 17 there will be an outdoor solar observation event, weather permitting.

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site in Elizabeth. Visitors will be given guided tours of this elegant 18th-century home, where George Washington dined while en route to his inauguration as President. Learn about famous, infamous, and should-be-famous people who are connected with this historic site.

Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth. Visitors will receive guided tours of the circa-1880 house, restored and furnished in late 19th-/early 20th-century style, as well as its teaching gardens with heirloom flowers, vegetables and herbs. There will also be a Living History program, “Persevering Through Times of Triumph and Tribulation (1917-1921)” focused on World War I, Prohibition and Women’s Suffrage.

African American History & Heritage Learning Center of Rahway. Visitors to the Learning Center will take part in an oral history event and tour, presented in partnership with the Ebenezer A.M.E. Congregation and the Rahway Community. Rod’s Fish & Chips will be present with a food truck and there will be family-oriented games and prizes. The Learning Center will only be open Saturday, October 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Liberty Hall Museum in Union, part of and within the campus of Kean University. Visitors to this historic mansion will be touring the home of a Founding Father of the United States of America, a place where generations of the well-known Livingston and Kean families welcomed distinguished guests such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ulysses S. Grant and others. There will also be self-guided tours of the arboretum, gardens and grounds.

Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield. Visitors will be able to step back into Colonial times and witness open-hearth cooking demonstrations, as cooks work in the kitchen using herbs and seasonal vegetables to make authentic 18th-century recipes. On Sunday, cooks will “fire up” the beehive oven to bake delectable colonial treats including bread, muffins and biscuits, while none other than “George Washington” himself will be present.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Complete details about Four Centuries in a weekend are also available online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/historic-sites-map.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all activities and programs of the Parks Department visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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 COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the free COVID-19 vaccines and testing available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the month of October. The upcoming clinics will be held in Plainfield, Roselle Park, Union, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Roselle.

Third doses and boosters of the Pfizer vaccine for eligible residents will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics. To check eligibility for a third dose, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-pfizer-booster-dose/.

In addition to free vaccinations, residents can also get a free COVID-19 saliva test at any of the pop-up clinics. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s permanent vaccine clinics. For an updated list of permanent sites, residents can visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page/. Vaccines are also available weekdays on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

“Due to variant strains of COVID-19, we strongly urge residents to get their vaccine as soon as possible,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Residents who are eligible for a third dose should also make an appointment as soon as possible for added protection.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

“The Board of County Commissioners will continue to provide residents with opportunities for vaccination and testing,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy access to vaccines and testing remains our focus as vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants.”

The County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18. Those who receive the first dose of a two dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at one of Union County’s Mobile Vaccinations Clinics will receive instructions as to how and when to receive their second dose. Currently, third doses of the two dose vaccines are available for immunocompromised residents.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Saturday, October 9th – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Plainfield Health Fair and Bazaar, 525 East Front Street, Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Saturday, October 9th – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Anti-Bullying Youth Summit, Gazebo Park, 16 East Grant Street, Roselle Park (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Saturday, October 9th – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Union County Food Drive at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Sunday, October 10th – Plains 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – St. John’s Baptist Church, 2387 Morse Avenue, Scotch Plains (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Wednesday, October 13th – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Addams Fest at the Westfield Train Station (Southbound side), 401 South Avenue, Westfield (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Friday, October 15th – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Latino Festival, 10 Chestnut Street, Roselle (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Saturday, October 16th – 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Union County Hispanic Heritage Concert in the Park – Warinanco Park (Skating Rink Lot), Roselle (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Monday, October 18th – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – United Methodist Comminutes – 623 East Front Street, Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

Appointments at the pop-up clinics or permanent vaccine sites can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

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.

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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 – The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, October 12 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2021 General Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, November 2.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online or in person in order to register..”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the October 12 voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections Office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices that are currently open can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at hucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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 Commissioners is pleased to announce that box-lunch meals for pick-up will once again be available to seniors through the “Grab & Go” nutrition program. A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal.

The program had been suspended temporarily after Tropical Storm Ida struck the area last month.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to get this popular program back on its feet after the storm,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We developed Grab & Go to provide seniors with a contact-free meal option during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then it has become a mainstay of our nutrition services for seniors.”

The Grab & Go program is administered by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the Department of Human Services. It is offered to Union County residents age 60 and up, who are not receiving home delivered meals from Meals on Wheels.

The program is available through 19 local senior centers and senior housing sites throughout Union County.

Eligible seniors can come to any of these sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of approximately 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. to pick up a lunch.  No reservations are required. Meals will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis due to limited supplies.

Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing maintained, in order to pick up a lunch.

Any eligible senior can use the Grab and Go program at any of the following senior centers:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
• Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

The Grab and Go program is designed to allow for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older.

For more information about Grab & Go, and other programs for seniors in Union County, call the Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4877, or visit ucnj.org/aging and use the online contact form.

The Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is federally recognized as the Area Agency on Aging for Union County. The nationwide Area Agency on Aging “on-the-ground” model was established under the 1973 Older Americans Act, with the goal of helping seniors live independently, and with dignity, in their communities.

As an Area Agency on Aging, the Division on Aging is authorized to issue contracts for senior service providers including health aide/homemakers, nurse visits, social work visits, hospice, home delivered meals, kosher home delivered meals, congregate nutrition, caregiver services, legal services, information & assistance, social/medical adult day services, residential maintenance, emergency energy assistance, telephone reassurance, grocery shopping, transportation, grandparents raising grandchildren, and much more.

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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.

 “Avoid the spark” to prevent battery fires.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to learn how to dispose of spent household batteries properly.

An increasing number of fires linked to improper battery disposal are occurring in waste hauling trucks, landfills and recycling facilities. Battery fires send clouds of noxious smoke into the air, expose workers to risk of injury, and raise costs for emergency response.

“Some types of batteries can be hazardous to people and the environment if disposed improperly,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Residents can protect themselves and others by learning a few simple rules for the safe handling of spent batteries.”

The rule of thumb is that only single-use alkaline batteries can go into household trash. These batteries are clearly marked “alkaline” on the package.

Everything else requires special handling. That includes:

• Rechargeable batteries of any type.
• Single use “button” type batteries, such as those used in smaller electronic devices.
• Single use batteries marked “lithium.”

Residents can bring any of these batteries to Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events for safe disposal. The next event will be held on Saturday, October 23. For location, hours, and a list of other special wastes accepted at the event, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Residents can also visit the organization Call2Recycle.org online for a list of nearby stores that accept spent batteries.

As a reminder, alkaline batteries may be disposed in household trash. Residents who are interested in recycling these batteries can learn about their options through Call2Recycle.

To learn more about all recycling programs in Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling or download the free Recycle Coach App.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

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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.