Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents and visitors to enjoy a day of free fun activities for children, parents, friends and family featuring the beloved rock ‘n’ roll of The Fuzzy Lemons, at the upcoming Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day event on Saturday, June 16 at Rahway River Park in Rahway. CommUNITY PRIDE Day activities begin at noon and the Fuzzy Lemons will take the stage at 1:00 p.m.

“Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day brings our community together for a family-friendly celebration in the name of human rights and equal rights for LGBTQ residents, and we are all looking forward to being joined by The Fuzzy Lemons,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

“For ten years The Fuzzy Lemons have celebrated the joys and struggles of being a kid,” said Dave Lambert, vocalist and guitarist for The Fuzzy Lemons. “The members of the band draw upon their own experiences as parents and teachers (and as former children themselves) to craft tunes that can be enjoyed by fans young and old, of all walks of life.”

The Fuzzy Lemons are known far and wide for their irresistible get-up-and-go approach to performing for young audiences.

“So pump your fist and shout along with the Lemons to ‘Girls Rock,’ stomp your feet for Kid-Dom to ‘Rough and Tumble,’ celebrate your uniqueness with some very individual animals in ‘It’s OK to be Different,’ or just put on your rain boots and join us as we ‘Jump in a Puddle’” said Lambert.

A celebration of all families, Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day is an afternoon packed with musical performances, arts and crafts, family lawn games, inflatable bounce houses, playground fun and more.

Families are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Food trucks will also be on site for those who wish to purchase lunch.

A Family Equality Rally will kick off at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring a hand-held sign that celebrates the strength of diversity in the Union County community.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees of all ages can visit an interactive display hosted by the Elizabeth Public Library, where they can make wearable items out of recycled materials, and sign up to walk the runway for the “Trash to Fashion” show at 3:00 p.m.

The afternoon’s festivities conclude at 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day visit ucnj.org/Pride, or find the Union County CommUNITY PRIDE Day event page at Facebook.com/CountyOfUnion, or call the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

In case of rain check Union County on social media for updates. If necessary due to inclement weather, CommUNITY PRIDE Day will be held indoors at the Warinanco Sports Center, at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

Union County’s Pride Month events are organized by the Office of LGBTQ Services, including the LIGHT UP THE NIGHT – TEEN PRIDE celebration for LGBTQ teens and their friends age 16-19 on Friday June 15, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway. For ticket information visit ucpac.org (a limited number of free tickets are also available on a first come, first served basis by calling the UCPAC box office, 732-499-8226).

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action.

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

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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, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is sponsoring a free recycling event for electronic equipment on Saturday, June 30, to help residents dispose of unwanted electronic equipment in an environmentally safe manner. The special E-cycling event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

All Union County residents may participate at no cost. There is a limit of six electronic items per car.

“Old televisions, computer monitors and other electronic devices are the source of a considerable amount of dangerous material, including lead, mercury and cadmium,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Up to 95 percent of most electronic appliances can be recycled and Union County’s recycling events provide a convenient, responsible way for everyone to help keep hazardous heavy metals out of our environment.”

Electronic equipment that will be accepted on June 30 includes televisions, computers, monitors, hard drives, modems, keyboards, printers, fax machines, DVD/VCR players, telephones, tablets and e-readers.

To participate in the E-cycling event, residents need only drive to the site with their unwanted electronic equipment. Workers at the site will unload their vehicle.

The electronics collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only and not for businesses. No pre-registration is necessary, but proof of Union County residency is required.

Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves and air conditioners will not be accepted at the e-cycling event. Residents who wish to dispose of these items can do so at Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program. For a schedule and locations visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrap-metal.

Many municipalities also offer E-cycling opportunities for residents. For a list of municipal recycling coordinators and contact information visit ucnj.org/recycle.

For more information about Union County recycling events and programs visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

The Freeholder Board is also encouraging 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.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs can be found 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.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados presents checks and resolutions to students and teachers congratulating them on winning the 2018 UC STEP Start Now Grant and the participating in the UC STEP “Branches Against Bullying” Civic Engagement Campaign. They were joined by Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner and Deana Mesaros of the Union County Department of Economic Development.

The first place winner of the UC STEP Start Now Grant “Branches Against Bullying” is Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in Elizabeth ($1,000). New Providence High School, Union County TEAMS Charter School and Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights received Honorary Mentions ($250 each)

UC STEP (Union County Student Training & Enrichment Program) was created to provide high school students the opportunity to develop a countywide community service around a topic they feel is important, while teaching them leadership, personal growth skills, and responsibility within their communities.

The exhibit will be on display until July 9 at Liberty Hall Center which is located at 1085 Morris Avenue in Union. Viewing times are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Due to popular demand, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is providing two additional CPR training classes in June. The classes are conducted by personnel from the Division of Emergency Services in the Union County Department of Public Safety.

The Freeholder Board is providing the instructional part of the program free of charge. Participants pay only for course materials, which total $19.50 for the classroom manual and certification card.

“When a medical emergency occurs, a bystander who is trained in CPR can make a crucial difference until professional help arrives,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage Union County residents to take this opportunity and be prepared to take effective action when someone needs help.”

Both classes are open to all Union County residents. Prior experience or training in emergency medical care is not required.

The classes can be taken by anyone with an interest in learning CPR. They can also be used to fulfill OSHA and other employment requirements. They will cover techniques for adult, child and infant CPR, and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator).

Participants may choose either of the following dates:

June 16, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (the June 16th class includes additional First Aid training).

June 19, 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

All classes will be held in the Union County Emergency Services Building, at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park.

The materials fee of $19.50 is accepted by check, made out to RWJ Rahway (checks will be collected at the beginning of class). 

Participants should be prepared for physical movement including kneeling, bending, and simulation of chest compressions. The class also includes video presentations.

Registration is online at ucnj.org/public-safety/division-of-emergency-services.

For additional information contact the Office of Emergency Management at ucoem@ucnj.org or call Lt. Sara Chmura at 908-654-9881.

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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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Please note: normal Saturday admission fees apply to this event.

Union County, NJ – The Model Railroad Club plans to thrill model train fans of all ages when it holds its annual Invitational Operating Session on Saturday, June 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to view the action on elaborately detailed multi-track layouts.

Normal Saturday admissions fees apply to the event. It will take place at the club’s facility in Union Township, behind the Home Depot at 954 Route 22 East (enter the parking lot and follow the signs to the service road by the garden center).

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Model Railroad Club, which has provided a generation of Union County residents and visitors with unique and enriching experiences,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados.

The Invitational Operating Session will involve 30-50 club members and other invitees operating three railroads in a prototypical fashion.

A snack shop, gift shop and toddler play round out the amenities for visitors.

“Last year, over 100 people attended our special invitational operating session,” said Model Railroad Club president Tim McCollum. “This is a unique opportunity for our fans to come out and see our railroads operating as realistically as possible. We think it is quite entertaining for those who understand railroad operations, and extremely educational for those that do not.” 

The Model Railroad Club is a non-profit organization focused on engaging the public with the history of the Union County region through the art and craft of model railroads.

The organization operates and maintains a large layout and workshop located in a mixed use area of Union County’s Lenape Park, off Route 22 in Union Township, under an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

New members are welcome, and visitors may come and view the layouts during special events and regular Saturday open hours.

For more details visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/model-trains or contact The Model Railroad Club by email at info@tmrci.org.

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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, NJ – Summer is the season to enjoy car trips and bike rides, and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a series of free programs to help parents, caregivers and children ensure safety on the roads.

“It’s always important to make sure child car seats are properly installed and bike helmets are properly fitted,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “These free programs are designed to help parents and caregivers provide for safe and enjoyable summer activities for the whole family.”

The next program in the series takes place on June 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1000 IKEA Drive in Elizabeth. Trained technicians will be on hand, free of charge, to provide guidance and answer questions about bicycle safety and bicycle helmets, and to ensure that car seats are installed correctly.

Additional programs are scheduled for Saturday, July 14 and Saturday, August 4 at 1000 IKEA Drive from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Basic road safety guidance for bicycling includes:

• Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible while keeping an eye out for sewer grates and other hazards.
• Use hand signals when making turns: hold left arm straight out to the left for left turns, hold left hand with forearm up for right turns.
• In case of heavy traffic or other hazards at intersections, play it safe: dismount and walk the bicycle across.
• Be visible by wearing bright colors. If cycling at night is unavoidable, use headlights and reflectors.

Drivers should be aware that bicycling is popular for sport, recreation and commuter travel. Be alert for bicycles on the road and be prepared to slow down or stop when necessary.

For more information about Union County’s car seat and bicycle safety programs, or to request a presentation on bicycle safety for a community group or other organization, contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or 908-789-6830.    

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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:

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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 Freeholder continues to encourage recycling as the summer season kicks in, with several free opportunities this coming week. All Union County residents can participate in any event and at any location.

“Our free countywide recycling events continue all summer long, providing many opportunities to remove extra clutter from your home and yard in a secure and environmentally safe manner,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Recycling makes a big difference and we are very proud of the many Union County residents who participate in our free events.”

On Wednesday, June 6 there will be a free paper shredding at the Clark Department of Public Works, located at 315 Westfield Avenue. The event is scheduled to last from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. but may end earlier if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

Residents can bring up to four bags of confidential documents for shredding weighing less than 10 pounds each. 

Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling program continues this Thursday, June 7. Residents are able to drop off their metal at two locations, one in Cranford at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard and one in Rahway at the Park Service Yard at Rahway River Park.

Both drop off locations will last from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents are invited to drop off old appliances, bicycles, air conditioners, microwaves and more.

The scrap metal recycling program runs April through November on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month.

A Household Hazardous Waste Program will occur on Saturday, June 9 at the Union County College campus in Cranford. The program is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Items for drop off include old pesticides and herbicides, pool chemicals, gasoline, oil-based paints, propane tanks and deck stain, automobile tires and more. 

As part of Union County’s recycling programs, the recycling events support the goals of Chairman Granados’s Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for building participation in recycling countywide, and engaging and the public in conservation and environmental education.

The Freeholder Board is also encouraging 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 upcoming 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 Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados, Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholders Bruce H. Bergen and Rebecca Williams joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli and other public officials at the Union County Pride Flag Raising Ceremony event on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse on Broad Street in Elizabeth. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed June 2018 as Pride Month in Union County. Union County’s Pride Month events are organized by the Office of LGBTQ Services.

Established as part of Chairman Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, serving as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action. For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services, contact Danni Newbury, coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.