Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is providing drop-off locations for residents who wish to donate clothing, toiletries, and other items to Afghan interpreters, their families, and other refugees evacuated from Afghanistan who are being housed at Fort Dix in New Jersey.

“The refugees are seeking peace and security in America, as so many have done before them. Let’s all help ensure they feel safe and welcome,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Items for donation can be brought to the following locations at Union County facilities:

Elizabeth (two locations):

• Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza
• Social Service Building, 342 Westminster Avenue

Mountainside:

• Trailside Museum and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road

Plainfield:

• Social Services Building, 200 West 2^nd Street

Scotch Plains:

• Union County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue

Westfield:

• Ralph J. Froehlich Public Safety Building, 400 North Avenue East

Please note that only new items will be accepted for donation. Suggested items include:

Children:

• Diapers
• Clothing
• Formula
• Baby bottles
• Baby wipes
• Soccer balls, blocks and other simple toys
• Shoes
• School supplies – pencils, crayons, notebooks, etc.

Families:

• Bottled water
• Men’s and women’s clothing (scarves and loose-fitting clothes for women)
• Winter coats/jackets/gloves
• Shoes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Wheelchairs, walker, canes
• Towels
• Laundry Detergent
• Toiletries
• Smart phones charging cables
• Grooming kits

When dropping off items, face masks must be worn indoors in accordance with COVID-19 safety rules at Union County facilities.

For additional information on the Union County donation program for Afghan refugees, contact Nathalie Hernandez, Assistant Director, Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services, at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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.

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Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents at events in 6 County municipalities

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that free COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the month of September. The upcoming clinics will be held in Rahway, Hillside, Elizabeth, Union Township, Roselle and Scotch Plains.

All residents are strongly urged to get their vaccine as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. Third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for residents who are immunocompromised will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics.

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 vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.

“We urge unvaccinated residents to make an appointment at any of our vaccination sites as soon as possible and ask that they encourage family and friends to get their shot, too,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Immunocompromised 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:

• Wednesday, September 1 in Rahway at 7^th and 8^th Grade Academy, 1139 Kline Place, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Thursday, September 2 in Elizabeth, Make the Road NJ, 42 Broad Street,  3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 4 in Hillside (held during the “Success is in the Bag” Back to School Event) at First Baptist Church. 166 Hillside Avenue, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing).
• Wednesday, September 8 in Union Township, Union (Back to School) Rabkin Park, 1 Swanstrom Place E,  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 4 in Roselle, Roselle Back to School Drive, 210 Chestnut Street,  12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 18 in Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market, 430 Park Avenue,  9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

Residents can also get vaccinated for free at any of Union County’s four vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township. COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Union County’s COVID-19 permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer). COVID-19 Vaccines are also available weekdays on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

To schedule an appointment at Dunn Sports Center, Kean University or Plainfield High School, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed. 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 Commissioners encourages all residents to join in observing International Overdose Awareness Day on Tuesday, August 31.

On Tuesday, the lights in the atrium of the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth will be displayed in purple. The Commissioner Board has also adopted a resolution recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to help prevent overdose. The Commissioner Board would like to honor those lives lost to overdose in 2021, and recognize those who are in recovery,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

In Westfield, The Matthew Thomas Toriello Memorial Fund and The Albert Anthony Kayal Foundation are working with the town’s administration to set up purple flags on the lawn of the Municipal building, one flag for each life lost in 2021. The flags will be on display on Tuesday, August 31st in recognition of National Overdose Awareness Day.

“According to the Union County Medical Examiner’s office, there have been 75 overdose fatalities in Union County in 2021. The town of Westfield will display a purple flag for those lives loss due to overdose this year, as we continue to spread the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death, and that drug overdose is preventable,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieiri-Mouded, who is a resident of Westfield.

International Overdose Awareness Day was initiated in 2001 in St Kilda, in Melbourne, Australia to remember without stigma those who have died, and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. On this day, events are held across the U.S. and around the world to raise awareness and remember those who have been lost to drug overdose.

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.

Free, secure paper shredding events for Union County residents only.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding events sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next two events will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, September 18 and Friday, September 24.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we strongly encourage everyone to participate,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The September 18 event will be held at the Union County College campus on Springfield Avenue in Cranford. Use the 1033 Springfield Avenue entrance and follow signs to the rear of campus.

The September 24 event will be held at the Westfield Pool, located at 713 Cumberland Street in Westfield.

Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

Union County’s free paper shredding events are drive-up only. Paper for shredding should be placed in the trunk or cargo area, where it can be easily accessed. Staff at the site will unload the papers. Drivers must remain in their cars with their windows rolled up, and wear a face mask as a precaution against COVID-19.

All Union County residents can use the free paper-shredding events, regardless of their home town. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

The program will continue through October with visits to Scotch Plains and New Providence. 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 intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the local 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 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 Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the first annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, September 15 at 5:30p.m, on the steps of the Union County Courthouse located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

“Raising the Hispanic Heritage flag for the first time at the County Courthouse is our way of recognizing the contributions made by the Hispanic community living and working in Union County,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and continue to work to promote unity.”

“Union County has over a half million residents and approximately one third of them claim Hispanic origin. Being of Salvadorian descent, I am proud to be one of almost 200,000 Hispanic residents that make Union County a better, more diverse place to live,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “The Hispanic community has for many years been a pillar of this country’s growth and development and their role right here in Union County continues to be just as impactful. We have been working towards this flag raising since my chairmanship in 2018, when Union County hosted the first ever Hispanic Heritage Month event. I am happy that after some postponing due to COVID-19, we are finally able to unify the various Hispanic ethnicities within our community under one flag as we come together for a month of celebration.”

The program for the event will include a special guest speaker, a performance by bongo player Francisco Garcia, the unveiling of the Union County Hispanic Heritage Month flag, free giveaways and more.

“As a Cuban-American, I am proud to serve in a County with such a strong Hispanic presence,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We look forward to celebrating with everyone at this history-making event.”

Residents are encouraged to wear masks or practice social distancing in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

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

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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites members of the public to attend a special ceremony to honor the memory of the 60 Union County residents killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will be held at the Union County September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park, in Mountainside, beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 11.

“On this date, we join with those who lost loved ones in honoring the memory of our fellow Union County residents who perished in the attacks, we remember the many acts of courage that occurred in the midst of a terrible national tragedy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the attacks, the ceremony will include the reading of the names of the deceased Union County residents by County Commissioners, a presentation of wreaths and the laying of flowers by all in attendance.

In accordance with Union County’s practice each year on September 11, the Union County Sheriff’s Office will also provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the Memorial from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to participate in the lighting of candles in memory of those lost in the attacks. The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will contribute candles for use by the public.

Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003, the Union County September 11 Memorial is located on a hilltop at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union County’s Echo Lake Park, near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park.

The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements that represent the three sites where the attacks took place on September 11, 2001. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon. An Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.

In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.

Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build the Memorial. It was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost. For more details visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial.

Visitors are reminded that masks and social distance are encouraged in outdoor settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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’s Household Hazardous Waste events provide free, safe disposal for unwanted cleaning supplies and other special household wastes.

Union County, NJ – Many dangerous and unwanted chemicals can lurk around homes and yards, creating potential hazards for people, pets, and wildlife. Residents can clear away these items safely and responsibly, by bringing them to the next free Household Hazardous Waste drop-off event hosted by Union County.

“Everyone who lives in Union County can help keep toxic chemicals out of the environment by bringing them to our next Household Hazardous Waste event. It’s a free, convenient service that benefits the whole community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Old cleaning liquids, hobby supplies, fire extinguishers, pool chemicals, and car tires are among the types of items that residents can bring to Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events for safe disposal by a licensed contractor. For more details and a list of accepted items visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycling. Please note that common latex (water based) interior paint is not accepted.

The next Household Hazardous Waste event will take place rain or shine on Sunday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the main campus of Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. Participants will use the Springfield Avenue entrance and follow directions to the rear parking lot.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are conducted on a drive-up only basis; no walk-ins are allowed on the site. Drivers must remain in their cars with masks on and windows up to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Staff at the sites will unload the items, which should be placed in a trunk or other easily accessible area.

As a reminder, residents seeking to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or thoroughly dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage. Latex paint is not accepted at Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events.

Union County schedules a series of Household Hazardous Waste events at various locations every year from April to October. The final event of 2021 will take place on Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Vocational-Technical Schools campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are for residential use only; no business waste is accepted. Proof of Union County residency is required.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents that passport services at the Elizabeth and Westfield offices of the County Clerk have earned the highest possible rating from the Office of Acceptance Facility Oversite of the U.S. Department of State.

The Union County Clerk’s offices received a rating of “exceptional Acceptance Facility with knowledgeable agents” during its annual evaluation.

“An exceptional rating is the highest possible assessment one can receive,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “My staff provides excellent customer service, efficiently and pleasantly, while demonstrating a thorough knowledge of all issues related to passports. I very am proud of their efforts to assist our customers.”

The Department of State evaluates the performance of county clerks and other agents that are authorized to accept passports for processing on an annual basis. The assessment covers 16 elements including procedures, security, supplies, and training.

To further improve the customer experience, Ms. Rajoppi has also introduced a first-of-its-kind online system for booking appointments for passport transactions and other in-person services. The online system eliminates holding time and can be accessed at any time of the day or night.

The online booking system can be accessed through the County Clerk’s website at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

The annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County Complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Customers in need of passport services are reminded to plan well in advance for overseas travel, as processing by the Department of State can take up to 18 weeks.

For information on all services of the Union County Clerk, and for office hours, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call the main office in Elizabeth, at 908-527-4787.

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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Connect with Union County on social media.

Please note, Union County’s free outdoor movie Aladdin will be shown this Thursday, August 26 at Conant Park in Hillside (it is not showing on August 24). The Thursday screening will cap off a day of free family friendly activities in Conant Park. For more details visit https://wp.me/p4sLwl-nG5

Union County’s free drop-off scrap metal recycling program for all residents continues in September.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents with old or broken metal gutters, metal lawn furniture, metal ladders and many other kinds of household scrap metal are invited to bring them to Union County’s free drive-up, drop-off sites for recycling.

Two sites are available to all Union County residents for scrap metal drop-off:

Cranford:  The Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard

Rahway: In Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Both sites are open on Thursday, September 2 and Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on a drive-up only basis. Drivers must remain in their cars with masks on and windows up to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Staff at the sites will unload the items, which should be placed in a trunk or other easily accessible area.

“We encourage everyone to help pitch in and help conserve valuable resources, by recycling unwanted metal items that would otherwise go to waste,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Accepted metal items include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program runs each year from April to November, on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month.

For more information about all of Union County’s recycling programs, visit online at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline.

To keep up to date with municipal 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 the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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.