Category: Public Info

Ammunition and fireworks accepted – August event only

“Mercury Bounty”$5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for everyone to pitch in and help the environment. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other designated household items, from old mercury thermostats to automobile tires, by bringing these items to the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“The household hazardous waste program enables every Union County resident to make sure that household items containing toxic chemicals are safely and properly disposed,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “With everyone pitching in together, the result of our effort is safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families, friends and neighbors.”

Residents only need to drive to the site with their household special wastes and workers at the site will unload the vehicles.

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will also be on hand to collect unwanted ammunition and fireworks from residents.

The August 4 event continues Union County’s “Mercury Bounty” take back program through a partnership with the company Covanta. Covanta provides a $5.00 Home Depot gift card to any resident who turns in a mercury-containing thermostat.

“Covanta is proud to continue their partnership with Union County for this important mercury take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino.

Household hazardous waste accepted at the recycling event includes oil-based paint 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.

Please note that latex, or water-based paints will not be accepted. Residents should dry the paint out and discard with their regular garbage.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household.

The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine for all Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.

For more information, call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on August 4th as well as all recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Union County’s recycling programs support the goals of “Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental stewardship and individual empowerment.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection 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.

 Students throughout Union County can toss their recyclables into new recycling bins this fall, thanks to a free distribution program administered by Union County and funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. In all, 56 schools in nine municipalities received the bins.

“When students recycle in our schools, they learn lifelong lessons about environmental stewardship, taking responsibility, and making a positive impact on our planet,” said Chairman Freeholder Sergio Granados. “We are very proud to work with DEP and our local school districts to strengthen and enhance recycling programs in our schools.”

The nine municipalities receiving bins for their school districts are Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Hillside, Mountainside, New Providence, Rahway, Roselle Park, Springfield, and Summit.

“I believe we need to start at a young age in teaching children about recycling and going green,” said Chairman Granados. “Partnering up with our local school districts is one of the best ways to get them accustomed to a green lifestyle and inspire a new generation of leaders and innovators.”

The bin distribution follows a state-funded recycling program administered by Union County earlier this year, which provided grants to improve local recycling facilities.

Recycling supports the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for engaging the public in conservation and environmental education.

The Freeholder Board also encourages all residents to sign up for “Recycle Coach,” a free app that makes it easier to stay up to date about countywide recycling information and municipal recycling schedules.

More information on the Recycle Coach app can be found at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

For more details on all countywide recycling events, and contact information for municipal recycling coordinators, visit ucnj.org/recycling.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs can be found at https://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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Workforce Innovation Business Center will host a hiring event for the company Traffic Plan. The company has openings for 50 traffic-flaggers to be stationed at various locations.

“The WIB Center is designed to streamline the hiring process, enabling top rated companies and qualified applicants to find each other more quickly,” said Union County Chairman Sergio Granados. “If you are a job seeker who enjoys working outdoors, plan on attending this upcoming hiring event for Traffic Plan.”

The WIB Center was established by the Freeholder Board in partnership with Union County College and the Union County Workforce Development Board. The WIB Center offers a professional staff, programs and facilities to help connect employers and job seekers.

The Traffic Plan hiring event will be held at Union County College’s Kellogg Building, at 40 West Jersey Street in Elizabeth on Wednesday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m.

The positions involve working outdoors and controlling traffic flow in and around worksites. These are union positions starting at $12.50 per hour. No experience is necessary, but applicants must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license.

Registration for the Traffic Plan event is required by visiting ucnj.org/jobs. Attendees should dress appropriately and bring a copy of their resume.

Since it was established in 2014, the WIB Center has worked with more than 100 employers to offer more than 3,800 new employment opportunities to Union County residents.

For more information about the Workforce Development Board, visit ucnj.org/wdb.

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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 Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in the 2018 “Choose Your Cover” program, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Clark Community Pool, 201 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

The event is open to all, but pre-registration is required to schedule a free skin cancer screening.

“Summer is a great time to be outdoors but it’s extremely important to take smart precautions in order to prevent overexposure to the sun,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I’d like to thank the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Clark for raising public awareness about reducing skin cancer risks.”

To promote sun safety and help reduce the risk of skin cancer, personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Clark Health Department, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will be on site for the August 18 event to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn about the “Choose Your Cover” message.

The attendees who are pre-registered for a skin cancer screening will receive a special gift bag with skin cancer promotional materials, provided courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

Overexposure to the sun is a health risk for people of all ages and races. Before heading outdoors, a few simple precautions can protect your skin and lower your risk.

People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the United States.

“Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and all types of skin cancer. This is why it is so important to ‘choose your cover’ and reduce your risk accordingly,” said Chairman Granados.

The Choose Your Cover program offers these tips:

• Covering up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics can offer effective protection from the sun.
• Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of your head, ears and neck.
• Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
• Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
• Remember to liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently.
• Steer clear of indoor tanning beds. They are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

To pre-register for a free skin cancer screening call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620

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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 Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the Union County Workforce Innovation Business Center will host a hiring event for 30 sales positions at Victoria’s Secret, for its location at The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

“Since its inception in 2015, the WIB Center has worked with top rated companies to provide thousands of new employment opportunities for Union County residents, and we are looking forward to another successful hiring event,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The Victoria’s Secret hiring event will be held at Union County College’s Kellogg Building, at 40 West Jersey Street in Elizabeth on Thursday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m.

Victoria’s Secret is currently looking for sales support associates starting at $12.00 per hour, with the possibility of moving to full time. The positions require availability on weekends.

Registration for this event is required by visiting ucnj.org/jobs. Attendees should dress appropriately and bring a copy of their resume.

The WIB Center was established by the Freeholder Board in partnership with Union County College and the Union County Workforce Development Board. The WIB Center offers a professional staff, programs and facilities designed to help employers in Union County connect with qualified job seekers.

For more information about the Workforce Development Board, visit ucnj.org/wdb.

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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 residents who are looking for a unique way to give back to the community can apply to volunteer with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center provide judgement-free guidance for victims of sexual violence through a phone hotline. They may also accompany victims in person, to help them navigate medical, legal and law enforcement issues.  

“Our Rape Crisis Center volunteers help victims of sexual violence take control of their situation by offering compassion, respect, and reliable guidance on victim’s rights and other aspects of advocacy,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “All too often those who experience sexual violence cannot rely on their own family or friends for support, but they can always rely on the Rape Crisis Center.”

The Rape Crisis Center is one of Union County’s longest-running volunteer programs. It has been part of the Union County Department of Human Services since 1984.

All volunteers are trained, mentored and supervised by professional staff from the Rape Crisis Center.

Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age, with a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle.

No previous experience in counseling or related fields is required. The training program qualifies Rape Crisis Center volunteers for certification as Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates.

The next round of training sessions will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from September 11 through October 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

An interview is required before attending the training sessions. Union County residents who are interested in becoming Volunteer Advocates can contact the Rape Crisis Center now at 908-233-7273 to schedule an interview.

The Rape Crisis Center offices are located at the Colleen Fraser Building, at the Union County complex in Westfield.

For more information about the volunteer experience at the Rape Crisis Center call 908-233-7273 or visit the Rape Crisis Center blog, unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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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.

ELIZABETH, NJ–Family Fun & Flix, a free summer entertainment and film series presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, continues on Tuesday, July 24 with the presentation of “Peter Rabbit” at Warinanco Park, on the border of Elizabeth and Roselle. 

As part of the evening’s events, UC Get Fit, a health initiative of the Union County Freeholder Board, will offer fitness fun for kids before the movie, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Yoga with Gisela Teixeira-Santos will conduct the pre-movie activities.

Peter Rabbit is a live-action/computer-animated comedy film based on the stories of Peter Rabbit crated by Beatrix Potter. Released in February of this year, Peter Rabbit has grossed $350 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from the critics. 

“Family Fun & Flix gives families the opportunity to visit our parks, enjoy a free movie and also participate in activities that promote healthy habits for our children,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

All movies will begin at dusk, with everyone encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim your spot on the lawn. Bleacher seating will also be available. Refreshments can be purchased from the Good Humor Truck, hosted by TG and Sons.

Following is a list of movies throughout the summer at Warinanco Park:

• Tuesday, July 24, Peter Rabbit
• Tuesday, July 31, Coco
• Tuesday, August 7, Cars 3 (Part of the National Night Out program at Meisel Park in Springfield)
• Tuesday, August 14, Wonder

All movies start at dusk, weather permitting. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org. In case of weather related matters, you can call 908-558-4079 after 3:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

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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.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ–The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues on Wednesday, July 25, with the Vinny’s & Katfish Lucy taking the stage at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The free concert series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Summer Arts Festival concert series is held at Echo Lake Park during the month of July and moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark during the month of August.

“As the summer continues we look forward to seeing everyone at Echo Lake Park enjoying another season of great music,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “And please arrive early and participate in UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a great way for families to stay healthy together.”

The Vinny’s are a classic rock cover band from right here in Union County. They put their own spin on the classics in a very loud, rock and roll fashion, with influences ranging from the Beatles and Bowie to Eric Clapton and Tom Petty. Katfish Lucy features the Jersey Shore Rock, Reggae, Blues and Funk with five musicians who have been playing the both locally and nationally for many years.

While enjoying the wonderful music, refreshments may be purchased from Benito’s Jersey Curbside Eats or Danny’s Soft Serve Ice Cream.  Attendees can also pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music under the stars.

Once again UC Get Fit Yoga in the Park, a Union County Freeholder initiative will be part of the Wednesday night pre-concert schedule, with House Yoga of Kenilworth presenting a free community class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Bring a mat or beach towel and participate in healthy activities for the entire family before the music begins.

Here is a list of the upcoming concerts (all shows begin at 7:30 p.m.):

Echo Lake Park, Mountainside

• July 25 The Vinny’s & Katfish Lucy

Oak Ridge Park, Clark

• August 1  Jobonanno & the Godsons
• August 8 American Rapture
• August 15 Brother John Brown Band
• August 22 Dead on Live

Please visit www.ucnj.org/summer for more summertime fun activities.

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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 Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the return of Shakespeare in the Park this weekend. The performance will be presented on Sunday, July 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

The Shrew Mechanicals Troupe from The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will present an hour long performance of “Shakespeare Gumbo,” a stirring collection of moments and music from Shakespeare’s great canon of plays, as well as selections from some of the profound, witty, and light-hearted works his plays have inspired over the centuries.

“We are thrilled to have the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey back in our parks this summer to offer their amazing performance to our Union County residents,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The performance is free and has something for every audience.

For more information on Shakespeare in the Park and other programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, visit online at ucnj.org, email parksinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4900.

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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.