Category: Public Info

Users must follow rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for residents to safely and properly dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other chemical wastes. The next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the back parking lot of Union County College in Cranford.

Car tires will also be collected during this event. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Residents must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Residents must 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.

“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 Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “By observing these simple precautionary measures, we can all work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular garbage with the lid off.  To help dry out paint, residents can add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste event provides Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (NO LATEX) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

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

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 6 as well as all upcoming recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

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. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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Union County – Union County residents who are interested in building key communication skills that influence positive social change and increase LGBTQ acceptance are invited to join a free social media advocacy training course hosted online by experts from the GLAAD Media Institute through a collaboration between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and GLAAD.

The course, titled Engagement 202: Telling Your Story Through Social Media, will take place via interactive livestream on Friday, May 22 beginning at 1:00 p.m. The presentation will last approximately three hours. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage in the session in real time.

The course is free but pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/lgbtq. A link and password will be sent by email ten minutes before the 1:00 p.m. start time.

“The Freeholder Board is committed to work for a community of respect and dignity for all, and we are continuing that work throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to partner with GLAAD in sharing their expert guidance with the public and encouraging people to speak up for LGBTQ inclusion and acceptance, while observing every precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The GLAAD Media Institute uses best practices, tools, and techniques perfected over the organization’s 30 years of experience to help transform individuals into compelling storytellers, media-savvy navigators, and effective ambassadors for LGBTQ acceptance.

Engagement 202 will focus on the use of social media in LGBTQ advocacy. Participants will receive a comprehensive review of the distinct personalities of each social media platform, and learn how to leverage them to expand their audience, enhance their storytelling, and accelerate acceptance. Participants will also learn how to avoid the notorious pitfalls of each platform.

“This effort is especially important to the LGBTQ community, where many people may be vulnerable to feelings of isolation during this period of separation and social distance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Through innovative online courses like these, we continue to encourage people to connect, learn, and share with one another.”

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

For additional details about Engagement 202, visit the GLAAD Media Institute blog at glaad.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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 New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has ordered that the upcoming July 7 Primary Election will take place primarily by mail-in ballot, in order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Existing New Jersey state law permits all eligible voters to use a mail-in ballot, for any reason.

“My office has anticipated that significantly more voters will use a mail-in ballot during the COVID-19 outbreak, and we have already begun printing additional ballots,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “We have been preparing well in advance to ensure that every eligible voter in Union County has the opportunity to participate in the July 7 Primary while observing precautions against spreading or contracting the virus.”

The County Clerk will provide all postage for mail-in ballots and applications. In addition, all envelopes will be self-sealing.

The following adjustments have been made to normal mail-in balloting procedures in Union County and throughout New Jersey:

• All registered Democrats and Republicans will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot in June.
• All registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party, and all inactive voters, will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail application in June. These voters must fill out and return the application in order to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot.
• Sample ballots will be posted onunioncountyvotes.com prior to Election Day; they will not be mailed to voters.

The following deadlines apply for the July 7 Primary Election:

• Residents who wish to register to vote must do so by June 16. Registration forms are available online at unioncountyvotes.com.
• Applications for a mail-in ballot must be filled out and returned to the County Clerk by June 30 in order to receive a mail-in ballot in time for the Primary Election.
• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than July 7 and received by the Board of Elections no later than July 14.

“My office is working with officials in all 21 municipalities to help alert voters as to upcoming mailings and deadlines,” added Ms. Rajoppi. “Please do not let your ballot, or your ballot application, sit under a stack of other mail. Fill it out and return it promptly, so that your voice may be heard on Election Day.”

Also in accordance with Governor Murphy’s order, a limited number of secure ballot drop-off locations will be available for persons who cannot return their ballots by U.S. Post. A limited number of in-person polling places will also be provided, for voters who are unable to use a mail-in ballot. Ballot drop-off and in-person polling place locations will be posted on unioncountyvotes.com when available.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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Update for hours of operation: 9:00am to 4:00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Beginning on Monday, May 18^th, the Union County Freeholders are announcing the Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be available to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms.

The Test Center, which offers free testing, is also available to all first responders and frontline health workers who are asymptomatic and that work in Union County, regardless of their residence.  The testing site will remain committed to testing all first responders and frontline health workers who have symptoms and a prescription from a doctor as long as they live or work in New Jersey.

“This expansion of the Test Center will mirror the states goal to increase testing capacity within our communities, building data that will capture virus rates to be used to help get our economy restarted responsibly in our County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Asymptomatic Union County residents, first responders and frontline health workers who work in Union County who wish to be tested can make an appointment by logging onto the  Union County website at www.ucnj.org  and clicking on the COVID-19 Scheduling link.

The hotline will still be available to residents without internet, first responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms of the virus.  Please call  908-214-7107 to be triaged and scheduled for a test.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7, assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at http://nj.gov/health

Union County, NJ – From dandelion greens to bone health and the secrets of the Mediterranean diet, health experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension are sharing their knowledge with the Union County community through the new “Wellness on Wednesday” free live webinars. The weekly series focuses on practical, affordable tips for improving diet and overall well-being.

“All through the COVID-19 outbreak, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension has continued to connect the public with fact based guidance for healthy living,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The new Wellness on Wednesday series is especially welcome at this time, as many families are coping with the economic impact of the outbreak.”

Wellness on Wednesday features experts from the Rutgers University Department of Family & Community Health Sciences.

The series takes place every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. from now until August 26. Each session last approximately 45 minutes. Participants will need a computer, tablet, or smart phone with speakers.

Topics include how to prepare greens, improve bone health, satisfy picky eaters, avoid stress-eating, read nutrition labels, spot hidden sugars, and much more.

The series is free but registration is required to join. For a list of topics with more details and registration links, visit Rutgers University online at sebsnjaesnews.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is dedicated to connecting the public with science based knowledge that can be applied to improve daily life. It is supported in part by the Freeholder Board through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with offices at the County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and assistance through the Union County Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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As gardening season comes into full swing, Union County residents can get remote assistance improving their yards and raising backyard vegetable gardens while protecting the environment, too. Residents with yard and garden questions can contact the free Garden Helpline at (908) 654-9852 or mastergardeners@ucnj.org.

The Garden Helpline is a service of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the  Rutgers Extension and the Master Gardeners. During the COVID-19 outbreak the Helpline continues to be available to provide remote assistance to Union County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Other Rutgers Cooperative Extension remote learning services are also available to gardeners during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Earth Day at Home is a new interactive webinar series about eco-friendly yard and garden care, and related topics, continuing through May and into June.

New gardeners can learn how to start vegetable seeds indoors, and how to find an appropriate location to start a backyard garden.

The Plant This, Not That guide assists residents in selecting native plants for the garden. Plant This, Not That was created by a local Girl Scout with assistance from the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, to show how to use colorful native plants instead of invasive species.

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

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

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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.

Homebound senior citizens in Union County continue to be served during the COVID-19 Pandemic through the Meals on Wheels program. The program is funded through the Union County Department of Human Services Division on Aging.

“Eligible seniors have continued to receive nutritious meals during the COVID-19 out-break through Meals on Wheels,” said Free-holder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This program is a lifeline, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board I thank all of the volunteers who make it possible.”

In order to comply with social distancing policies put in place during the pandemic, Meals on Wheels has modified its procedures to provide for contactless delivery.  Meals on Wheels volunteers assemble, de-liver, and personally greet homebound seniors, many who have no other human contact during the day. All drivers and deliverers wear gloves and masks, as do the volunteers in kitchens where meals are prepared. From March 18 to May 6, 32,559 meals have been delivered through Meals on Wheels in Union County. In the event of delivery interruption, seniors have been given a two week supply of emergency meals.

Residents wishing to apply for Meals on Wheels are urged to contact the program directly at 908-486-5100. The applicant will be interviewed to see if they meet program criteria.

Under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Union County has received $399,000 to fund meals through September 2021. The Union County Division on Aging anticipates additional funding from the federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) for food, home and community based services, including respite services for caregivers.

Union County is observing the national Administration for Community Living’s Older Americans Month through the Division of Aging. The May 2020 Older Americans Month theme is “Make Your Mark”. To learn more about Older Americans Month please visit https://acl.gov/oam/2020/older-americans-month-2020.

Residents seeking additional help or information may call the Division of Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863. Residents may also email the Division of Aging’s Action Line atDHSAction@ucnj.org.

Union County residents looking for reliable guidance on health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic can take part in three online programs created by the Rutgers University Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. The programs are offered through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with support from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

“These programs will equip residents with simple, common sense tools for practicing wellness at home and at work,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Extension in its efforts to provide valuable, fact-based guidance to the public during this time.”

Participants will receive weekly messages that focus on health and wellness. By the end of each program residents will understand how eating nutritious foods can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strategies for changing eating and exercise habits; and practical tips for adapting your lifestyle from the comforts of your home.

The first program, Healthy on the Job Self-care is a 12 week series focused on essential workers. This series is emailed and can be tailored for any group to have more or less weeks.

Get Moving, Get Healthy at Home is geared toward those who are at home. This series is available up to 24 weeks and may continue longer depending on the demand.

The Live Well-Stay Healthy program sends gentle wellness messages Wednesdays and Saturdays of each week. Participants can sign up for this program at any time through the Remind App or Remind.com with class code: @f3ccc46.  

Residents interested in these programs should contact the local Rutgers Cooperative Extension Union County FCHS educator Dr. Karen Ensle at kensle@njaes.rutgers.edu. For more information and other programs visit the  Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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 – With Union County parks open on a limited basis during the COVID-19 outbreak, visitors can follow specially marked trails to learn about champion trees, ancient geological features, and key moments in local history while observing social distance rules.

“Since the parks have re-opened, it has been encouraging to see visitors looking out for one another and practicing social distance, while reconnecting with nature,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our specially marked trails provide an extra opportunity for visitors to learn more about unique features in Union County parks.”

In accordance with statewide COVID-19 prevention measures, Union County parks closed on April 8. They re-opened on May 2 for passive recreation only.

No group activities are permitted in Union County parks. Individual activities like walking and hiking are permitted. Visitors are required to stay at least six feet from others and give way when passing each other on trails and paved paths. Face masks are strongly recommended.

Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths; trail riding is strictly prohibited in all Union County parks.

For a list of specially marked trails in and around Union County Parks, along with nature guides and a list of all multi-use paths, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/paths-trails-greenways.

To find trees that stand out due to their size, age, species, historical significance and other factors, look for trees along walking paths that are tagged with small green signs. The tags were placed by volunteer members of the Union County Master Tree Stewards.

Tree trails are located in the following parks:

• Oak Ridge Park in Clark (trails starts near the east end of the parking lot)
• Briant Park in Summit
• Cedar Brook in Plainfield
• Echo Lake Park in Mountainside
• Echo Lake Extension (trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building)
• Lenape Park (trail is located to the east along the Kenilworth dike)
• Meisel Park in Springfield
• Nomahegan Park in Cranford
• Rahway River Park in Rahway
• Warinanco Park in Elizabeth

Residents and visitors can also locate “champion” trees in and around County parks by visiting the State of New Jersey Big Tree conservation program online at state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests.

Union County provides nature conservation and educational programs throughout the year, and programming continues online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Activities and programs are available for all ages through the Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, and the Union County Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

Union County’s Falcon Cam livestream continues to provide an inside view of the peregrine falcon nest on the roof of the County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth. Four eggs hatched in the nest between May 1 and May 4. Visit ucnj.org/falcon to see the free livestream and watch the chicks grow.

More details about social distance rules in Union County parks are available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.