Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground facilities at Nomahegan Park in Cranford this past Sunday, April 18^th.

“County residents have been anxiously awaiting the opening of these new playground facilities,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is happy that the day has finally arrived for families to enjoy this new space with our County’s youngest residents.”

The playground renovations replaced existing equipment that was upwards of 20 years old and now there are two separate areas, one geared towards children ages 2-5 and another for children from ages 5-10. Both areas are fully-accessible, with play space for children of all abilities.

“Nomahegan Park has long been a special place for families in Cranford,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “As a Cranford resident, I share in the excitement of everyone here today as well as those who will use these facilities going forward.”

Commissioner Chair Alexander Mirabella and Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski were joined at the event by Union County Commissioners Lourdes M. Leon, Chris Hudak, Andrea Staten, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Sergio Granados. Also in attendance were: Senator Joe Cryan, Cranford Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty and Cranford Deputy Mayor Brian Andrews.

The new playground now has approximately six slides, ADA ramps and decks featuring spiral stairs, chamber archways, suspension bridges, swings, plastic bongo drums, climbing stations and ropes. The surface is soft and rubber bonded.

Suburban Consulting Engineers designed the new playground facilities and the GameTime Playground Equipment was provided by Marturano Recreation Company. Installation of the Equipment of equipment was done by Whirl Construction. The rubberized safety surface was installed by Rubbercycle.

Use of the playground facilities will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.

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.

Press Release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office

Registration link: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LzXp8vujQfu-iK6yYkpHhQ

The Seventh Annual Union County C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Action, Response, Education, Safety) Domestic Violence Symposium is scheduled to take place later this week, and those working in fields dedicated to serving victims are being encouraged to register and learn from a host of subject-matter expert speakers.

A joint presentation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and YWCA Union County, along with supporting partner organizations including the Union County Board of Commissioners, the Union County Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy, the Union County Family Justice Center, and the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, the Symposium is being held virtually for the first time, and will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 22 via Zoom. Attendance is free of charge, and registration, which is open to the public, is available online at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LzXp8vujQfu-iK6yYkpHhQ.

The first six symposiums were held annually in person at Kean University, until the 2020 version was postponed due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The topic of the 2021 Symposium will focus on precisely that – how the most significant public health crisis in multiple generations has affected domestic violence response and mitigation, and what innovative solutions have been implemented to meet the related unique challenges.

The 2021 Symposium will consist of a brief series of welcoming remarks by acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo, Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella, and YWCA Board of Directors President Tina Earley, followed by three panel discussions, each moderated by YWCA Union County Assistant Executive Director for Core Services Adela Caceres. The panels, consisting of established leaders in local law enforcement, healthcare, and victims’ services, include the following speakers, each of whom volunteered their time, energy, and expertise:

• Elizabeth Police Department Chief Giacomo Sacca
• Prosecutor’s Office Domestic Violence Unit Supervisor/Assistant Prosecutor Theresa Hilton
• Saint Peter’s University Children’s Hospital Child Abuse Pediatrician Julia DeBellis, MD
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center V.P. of Behavioral Health & Psychiatry James McCreath, Ph.D.
• YWCA Union County PALS (Peace: A Learned Solution) Director Alejandra Londono
• Partners for Women and Justice Policy Counsel Trish Perlmutter, Esq.

As with previous iterations of the Symposium, all participants are invited to interact in real time via live tweeting using the hashtag #UCCARES.

“Improving and streamlining the method in which incidents of domestic violence are investigated and prosecuted has been a top priority for my administration, and our efforts to keep local professionals and members of the public informed about something that impacts so many in our community via the Symposium is an extension of our commitment,” Prosecutor Ruotolo said. “I am so grateful to our extraordinary roster of partner organizations and all of our dedicated speakers, both for their remarks today, and their efforts every day, to ensure that survivors receive the services, dignity, and justice they deserve.”

“While many of us stayed at home during this pandemic in order to stay safe, the home of a domestic violence victim may not be a safe space. Providing care and supportive services took on a new meaning this past year,” YWCA Board President Earley said. “YWCA Union County values working with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and our co-sponsoring partners to shed light on how this pandemic has affected victims of domestic violence, and the challenges related to providing much-needed services in a mostly virtual environment.”

“The New Jersey State Bar Foundation is proud to co-sponsor this important symposium on this crucial topic,” added Foundation President Norberto Garcia, Esq. “The pandemic brought to the forefront the reality faced everyday by those affected by domestic violence. We are pleased to play a part in conveying this valuable knowledge to those facing these challenges.”

Domestic violence impacts 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men in their lifetimes worldwide, and cuts across all racial, economic, religious, ethnic, and other community lines, bearing an annual monetary cost in the United States approaching an estimated $10 billion in lost work productivity and earnings, and medical and mental health costs.

For information on resources available to victims of domestic violence in Union County, go online to ucnj.org/prosecutor/departments/victimwitness-unit/resources/. For general information about the legal definition of domestic violence in New Jersey, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and resources for victims available statewide, go to njsp.org/division/operations/domestic-violence-info.shtml.

To learn more about the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and its mission, go online to njsbf.org/.

The following press release is from Groundwork Elizabeth (groundworkelizabeth.org):

PUBLIC INVITED TO HELP CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT PHIL RIZZUTO PARK ON APRIL 22ND

“Boots Not Suits”: Get Ready to Work!

Union County, City of Elizabeth, Union Township, NJ—April 15, 2021–In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote “Silent Spring,” a book which raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and the inextricable links between pollution and public health. Not long after, in 1970, Earth Day was established as a formal way of recognizing the value of a clean and healthy environment and since then it has been celebrated globally every year on April 22nd

This year, on Thursday, April 22nd, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Groundwork Elizabeth’s“Green Team” youth program will host a 2021 Earth Day hands-on community activity at Union County’s Phil Rizzuto Park at the corner of North Avenue and Morris Avenue, where the City of Elizabeth and Union Township meet.

The activities will include planting trees and cleaning a tributary riverbank in the park, as a way to raise local awareness about the importance of healthy open spaces in one of the most densely populated counties in the entire nation.

“Groundwork Elizabeth has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to engage the Union County community in sustainability and environmental conservation, and they have done a great job of transforming Phil Rizzuto Park into an outdoor learning center for all to enjoy,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are looking forward to an enriching afternoon of Earth Day activities, and we encourage everyone to come.”

The local “Boots not Suits” Earth Day 2021 event will also help showcase the issue of environmental justice. It provides an opportunity for a diversity of participants of all ages, who are not customarily included in environmental programming, to get outdoors, get their hands dirty, and dig in to improving local open spaces.

“Earth Day is a great opportunity for us to increase awareness about the importance of keeping our neighborhoods and environment clean,” said Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “I would like to thank Groundwork Elizabeth for coordinating this event, the County of Union and all of the volunteers, who dedicated their time and effort in being here today. Whether you are planting a tree, picking up litter or garbage or encouraging others to do the same, you are all making a lasting impression for future generations.”

Groundwork USA’s Director of Youth Programming, Curt Collier, will be attending along with public officials from Elizabeth, the County of Union, Trailside Museum, and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, located in nearby Morris County.

Informational tables at the event will showcase Groundwork Elizabeth, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Friends of the Great Swamp, the NAACP and others.

The public is invited, as social distancing guidelines will be followed. Bring a mask, ditch your suits, and bring your boots. Pre-registration is requested by contacting Lucy Crespo, Groundwork Elizabeth’s Director of Youth Initiatives at lucy@groundworkelizabeth.org, or call Groundwork Elizabeth’s main office number at 908-289-0262.

The Earth Day event is supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Mayor and City of Elizabeth, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Township of Union, Groundwork USA, and the NJ Conservation Foundation, along with private sector partners Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery, United Airlines, the Elizabeth NAACP, and other local community groups.

For more information on Groundwork programs, please visit their social media sites at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and their website at www.groundworkelizabeth.org.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities supported by the Union County Commissioner Board, visit ucnj.org/green-connection.

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Free community events in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of April as Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Board of Commissioners presents a new edition of free online programming for persons with disabilities and special needs, featuring interactive fun for the whole family. The series is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs.

“We introduced the new virtual series last fall, to help special needs families continue to access entertaining and enriching programs during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very happy to bring it back by popular demand, and we encourage everyone to join in the fun.”

The two upcoming events are:

• Virtual Dance Party — Friday, April 23, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for ages 13 and up.

• Bubble Trouble with Jeff Boyer – Sunday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. – noon and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., for all ages.

Participation in the live, interactive series is free but pre-registration is required through Union County’s activity registration page at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Space is limited to 100 participants in each event.

Those who are registered will receive their online event link a few days in advance of each event.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs also hosts free virtual yoga, karate, and craft programs through GoToMeeting. To register visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Please note that space is limited and programs fill up quickly.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is a unit of the Division of Individual & Family Support Services in the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/departments/human-services/opdsn or call 908-527-4807.

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 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners will cut the ribbon on new playground facilities at Nomahegan Park in Cranford this Sunday, April 18^th at 11:00 a.m. Nomahegan Park is located at 995 Springfield Avenue.

“As the weather gets warmer, families look to our local parks to safely have fun while staying active,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is proud to give the County’s youngest residents another modern and safe place to play.”

The playground renovations replaced existing equipment and now there are two separate areas, one geared towards children ages 2-5 and another for children from ages 5-10. Both areas are fully-accessible, with play space for children of all abilities.

“Nomahegan Park has long been a special place for families in Cranford,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “As a Cranford resident, I am happy we have these new facilities and I invite all our families with children to come out and enjoy them.”

The new playground now has approximately six slides, ADA ramps and decks featuring spiral stairs, chamber archways, suspension bridges, swings, plastic bongo drums, climbing stations and ropes. The surface is soft and rubber bonded.

Suburban Consulting Engineers designed the new playground facilities and the GameTime Playground Equipment was provided by Marturano Recreation Company. Installation of the Equipment of equipment was done by Whirl Construction. The rubberized safety surface was installed by Rubbercycle.

The ribbon cutting and subsequent use of the playground facilities will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.

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.

COVID-19 safety rules apply; event is open to all Union County residents.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next mobile paper shredding event of 2021 will be held in Plainfield on Friday, April 23, for free, secure shredding of personal and confidential documents.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It also promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives in Union County.”

At Union County’s paper shredding events, documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company, lifted into the truck and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then taken to a licensed recycling facility.

The April 23 shredding event will take place at Cedar Brook Park, located on Park Avenue in Plainfield. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The event will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. 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.

Documents should be removed from any bindings. Plastic or metal clips and other non-paper items should also be removed.

Participants are reminded that pre-shredded paper will not be accepted. Wet or damp paper is also not accepted.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents should recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program.

For more information on recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, 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.

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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.

By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Commissioners

As Earth Day approaches, many Union County residents and visitors look for ways in which to commemorate the event.

Picking up litter, planting trees, and producing educational programs are among the many traditional Earth Day activities supported by the Board of Commissioners.

We also recognize that our everyday habits can have an impact on the environment, and we encourage the whole Union County community to learn new ways in which we can all make a difference, every day.

One good place to start is the statewide Choose to Reuse NJ campaign. The campaign aims to encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags when shopping, to help cut down on single-use bag.

In particular, single-use plastic bags have become notorious symbols of environmental damage. When disposed improperly, plastic bags easily become windblown litter that can harm wildlife in our County parks. They can also blow into local waterways and travel to the ocean, where they impact marine life.

To help prevent this damage, a new state law will ban single-use paper and plastic grocery bags effective in May of 2022. Visitors to Union County parks can help prepare for the change by using sturdy tote bags or backpacks to carry picnic items and other gear, instead of relying on single-use bags.

Used or broken fishing line is another form of plastic waste that can harm wildlife. Visitors to County parks can help prevent birds, turtles and other local wildlife from getting tangled up, by depositing used or broken fishing line in the “Reel in and Recycle” bins now located at several popular fishing spots throughout the County parks system.

Visitors to our parks can also pitch in this year by keeping an eye out for the spotted lanternfly. This invasive pest threatens our native trees and other plants, and they should be destroyed on site.

We also continue our free countywide recycling events, and we recently introduced the Recycle Coach mobile app to help our residents keep up-to-date on news and schedules for their local recycling programs as well as countywide events.

More information about Recycle Coach and all Union County recycling programs is available online at ucnj.org/recycle.

This year we are also continuing our traditional Arbor Day activities, aimed encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. Earlier this month, we provided free trees for tree-planting activities at local schools and we are now reviewing submissions to our annual Arbor Day poetry contest for students.

Another ongoing program supported by the Board of Commissioners is the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Extension continues to run environmental programs for adults and students, and they have introduced new online activities, too. More information is available at ucnj.org/rce.

And finally, I am very happy to report that Union County will host a special Earth Day celebration this year, on Saturday, April 24, on the grounds of our Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

We are delighted to bring back this annual event. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet live animals, celebrate wildlife, and embrace environmental conservation in our community. Visitors can stroll the grounds or sign up in advance for scheduled activities. For more information, visit ucnj.org/trailside.

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

Let us all celebrate this Earth Day, every day.

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.

COVID-19 safety measures apply.

Union County, NJ – As the summer approaches, the Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes residents to enjoy the Union County Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This outdoor public archery range is the first, and only, facility of its kind in the region.

“The Archery Range provides an inclusive activity for all Union County residents to enjoy, from beginners to seasoned archers, and it is fully accessible to welcome persons with disabilities,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Archery Range is open to any Union County resident or visitor age nine and older with an Archery ID Card. The ID card can be obtained by passing a safety course offered through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, consisting of a training session followed by hands-on instruction at the range.

To sign up for a group safety lesson, or to renew an existing Archery ID card, call 908-527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/archery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask and social distancing measures have been implemented at the Archery Range. All even-numbered stalls are closed to allow for social distancing, and only one archer and one household member are allowed to share a lane.

In addition, the size of the group safety lessons has been limited to eight participants to allow for social distancing, and the range will be closed to other archers during the lessons.

For more information about Oak Ridge Park and all Union County recreation facilities, visit ucnj.org/parks.

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 – The Union County Commissioner Board invites residents and visitors to enjoy a live performance of Shout! by Susanna Rich on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom, in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Shout! is a collection of Rich’s original poetry, retelling the struggle of women’s suffrage and equality during key historical moments.

“We are proud to honor the women’s suffrage movement as we celebrate National Poetry Month,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Their fight for equal rights was the work of generations, and their story is still relevant today.”

Shout! is a free event. Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link, by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x3PdqD03RKCF0V0gGHuXDg​.

Susanna Rich is a Professor of English at Kean University specializing in historical poetry, with a focus on creating a dynamic experience for readers and audiences. Along with an Emmy nomination, Rich has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in Creative Writing and received numerous other honors for her poetry.

To learn more about Susanna Rich, visit susannarich.com.

This program is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

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.

Event at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains; COVID-19 safety rules apply

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that there will be a free Drive-Up screening of “The Croods – A New Age” at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 23. Parking begins at 7:00 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. The rain date for this event is scheduled for Saturday, April 24.

Due to space limitations, advanced reservations are required. To register, go to ucnj.org/reserve/ beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16. Only one registration is required per vehicle.

“The Union County Drive-up movie series provides families with a great way to enjoy a night out with safety in mind,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The following rules and guidelines apply to residents wishing to attend:

• The event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• Due to space limitations reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.
• To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted.
• Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Alcohol is not permitted.
• Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.
• Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)
• Port-o-johns will be available. Masks are required when using the port-o-johns.

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

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.