Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners will be holding a special recycling event called Beyond the Bin on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at the Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains. All residents are asked to bring all unwanted, acceptable items to the event.

“As part of my ‘Building a Stronger Union County’ initiative for this year, we continue searching for new ways to take accountability of our waste production and strengthen our recycling systems. Beyond the Bin was perfectly designed to make it remarkably easy for residents to recycle multiple items by having all articles collected on the same day, at one location” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Together, we are taking the necessary steps to becoming a more environmentally conscious and responsible community. I hope to see you all there.”

The County of Union understands that several challenges within the current recycling program still exist. Some residents may be unaware that certain items, like plastic film newspaper sleeves or an old fax machine or broken computer for instance, can be recycled. Others are unsure of where to take items to be recycled, and may end up throwing them in the trash. Furthermore, with New Jersey’s highly successful ban of single use plastic bags well underway, we now have a surplus of reusable cloth bags piling up in homes, cars, and garages that residents just don’t know what to do with.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, comprises approximately 70% of our overall toxic waste, but only 12.5% gets recycled. According to data reported on globalewaste.org, e-waste climbed up 21% from 2014 to 2019 globally, with America taking second place on the list of the highest producers. With staggering numbers like these expected to climb in the coming years, a worldwide call to address the electronic waste problem and start recycling has been made.

Another staggering statistic is that the United States generates just over 17 million tons of textile (clothing/fabric) municipal solid waste per year, which is 5.8% of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) generation (2018 statistics, as per www.epa.gov). Instead of throwing this material in the trash, you can now give it a second life at this event.

Union County’s Beyond the Bin recycling event has partnered with the organizations MRM, Helpsy, Waste Management and GoaTote Inc. in the collection of the following items:

Covered Electronic Devices
Desktop or personal computers, computer monitors, portable computers, desktop fax machines, monitors, printers, tablets/e-readers, and televisions

Plastic Film
Clean, dry plastic bags, bubble wrap, Ziplock bags, dry-cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, produce bags, case overwrap (i.e. a case of bottled water)

Clothing/ Textiles
All textiles (Shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, pajamas, jackets, winter coats, rain coats), shoes, accessories, handbags, backpacks, household linens, sneakers, boots, etc.

Reusable Shopping Bags (non-plastic)
Cloth, canvas, cotton, #5 woven and non-woven shopping bags

Food Waste Recycling
Produce, Meat, Fish and Poultry, Dairy, Bread, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Coffee Grounds

Styrofoam

For residents interested in composting at home, we have partnered with BrandBuilders LLC in making backyard composters, rain barrels, and more available for purchase online and pick up at the event. For more information on composting materials for your home or to make a purchase, please visit us at  https://union.compostersale.com/

For a complete list of all acceptable items and materials for this event, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/

Union County’s Beyond the Bin recycling initiative is brought to you by the Union County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning and the Union County Department of Public Works.

If you have any additional questions or would like more information regarding this and other recycling events and services in Union County, please call 908-654-9890 or visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces the Maritime Port Authority Job Fair, hosted by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with the American Job Center and Union College of Union County, on Thursday, October 19^th, 2023 at Union College of Union County.

“I encourage all Union County residents to explore the vast career possibilities within The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “As part of my “Building a Stronger Union County” initiative, I made a promise to the residents of Union County that we would create more opportunities for employment and career advancement. This fair will allow job seekers to learn about the stable employment and various well-paying positions the Transportation, Logistics, and Distribution industry within The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has to offer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.”

The Maritime Port Authority Job Fair will be held from 10:00am-2:00pm on the Fifth Floor of the Kellogg Building of Union College of Union County at 40 W Jersey Street in Elizabeth on Thursday, October 19th. Job seekers will be able to learn about the TLD industry, and find out if a career with the Port Authority is the right fit for them. Many high-demand career paths are available within the TLD field, including drayage trucking (transporting goods over short distances), CDL-required pathways (jobs that require a Commercial Driver’s License), marine terminal operations (managing shipping terminals), or warehousing and logistics (managing storage and transportation of goods).

While at the fair, attendees can seek out apprentice and career programs that align with their personal interests, making their career journey more fulfilling and enjoyable. They can also explore the pathways to various qualifications and credentials in the field, boosting their career advancement strategy. To register for the fair, please visit  www.ucnj.org/job-fair. Residents must be over 18 to register. For more information, please contact Carolina Marin at (908) 527-4373.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the County of Union would like to express their solidarity and extend their heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families impacted by the recent horrific terrorist attacks in Israel.

In these challenging times, it is crucial to emphasize that every individual deserves to live in peace and security.

We stand firmly with the people of Israel in their pursuit of safety and sincerely pray for a prompt and equitable resolution to the conflict, one that brings enduring peace and stability in the region to both Israelis and Palestinians.

Together, we will continue to work towards a brighter future where all can live in unity and security.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites non-profit organizations to attend a free professional development workshop titled “Build Your Audience with Social Media,” on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., presented on Zoom by Jessica Maarek,founder of Red Root Marketing.

“In today’s digital age, social media has emerged as a vital tool for non-profits to connect with their communities and propel their organizations to new heights,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Social media serves as a gateway to developing stronger community bonds, and this workshop is the key to unlocking its full potential. I encourage non-profits to seize this opportunity and join us.”

Participants will learn ways to use social media to connect with their community to benefit their organizations in multiple ways. The workshop will show how to use a Community Map, and how to create compelling content and ads to meet fundraising goals, increase audiences and draw participants to events.

Red Root Marketing deploys efficient, effective, grassroots and hyperlocal techniques to create social-media marketing campaigns for small businesses and nonprofits in New Jersey.

Organizations eligible for funding from Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART Grant are encouraged to participate. Other non-profit organizations located in New Jersey are also welcome to attend.

Organizations who are interested in attending this webinar can register at https://ucnj.org/social-media-webinar/.

This workshop is coordinated and hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The event is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.

More than 30 historic sites across Union County will be open to the public — with tours and special events, exhibits and demonstrations

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce the return of Union County’s “Four Centuries in a Weekend” countywide history event on Saturday, October 21, 2023 and Sunday, October 22, 2023. Unless noted otherwise, historic sites are open from 12:00 p.m. noon to 5:00 p.m. Each day is packed with special exhibits and activities at more than 30 house museums and historic sites in Union County, all open to the public free of charge.

“Our history is not just a collection of dates and events, it is the very fabric of our community’s identity,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This annual celebration is a testament to our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of our past and this journey through time connects us to the generations who came before us. Our history is alive in the stories we tell and the lessons we learn, so I invite all of our residents to participate, to explore these historic sites, and to be a part of this living history.”

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with staff and volunteers at the sites and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Visitors will be able to stop by Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, quaint house museums, special exhibitions and more. Each site will provide visitors with a free Union County Passport to stamp. Visitors can also pick up free Union County History trading cards at many of the sites.

At most sites, representatives or docents will provide tours or answer questions. These exhibits provide the opportunity to learn about aspects of every-day life during the 1700s, the 1800s, and more recent times.

Participating sites are:

Berkeley Heights

Deserted Village of Feltville / Glenside Park
1 Cataract Hollow Road, Berkeley Heights

Clark

Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum
593 Madison Hill Road, Clark

Cranford

Crane-Phillips House Museum
124 North Union Avenue, Cranford

William Miller Sperry Observatory
Union College of Union County
1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Elizabeth

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
1073 E. Jersey Street, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Public Library
11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth
Open Saturday only. Closed Sunday

Nathaniel Bonnell Homestead &
Belcher-Ogden Mansion
1046 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth

Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy
42 Broad St., Elizabeth

Fanwood

Historic Fanwood Train Station Museum
230 North Avenue, Fanwood

Hillside

Evergreen Cemetery
1137 North Broad Street, Hillside

Woodruff House, Eaton Store Museum
111 Conant Street, Hillside

Kenilworth

Oswald J. Nitschke House
49 South 21 Street, Kenilworth

Mountainside

Deacon Andrew Hetfield House
Constitution Plaza, Watchung Avenue, Mountainside

New Providence

Salt Box Museum
1350 Springfield Avenue, New Providence

Plainfield

Drake House Museum
602 West Front Street, Plainfield

duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Avenue, Plainfield
Open Saturday only. Closed Sunday.

Rahway

African-American History & Heritage Learning Center
261 Central Avenue, Rahway
Open Saturday only. Closed Sunday

Union County Performing Arts Center
1601 Irving Street, Rahway

Roselle

Abraham Clark House
101 W. 9th Avenue Roselle

Roselle Park

Roselle Park Historical Society & Museum
9 W. Grant Avenue, Roselle Park

Scotch Plains

Frazee House
1451 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

Osborn Cannonball House Museum
1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains

Shady Rest Country Club
820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains

Springfield

Cannon Ball House
126 Morris Avenue, Springfield

Summit

Carter House
90 Butler Parkway, Summit

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
Closed Saturday. Open Sunday only.

Twin Maples
214 Springfield Avenue, Summit

Wallace Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
138-142 Broad Street, Summit

Union

Caldwell Parsonage
909 Caldwell Avenue Union

Congressman Donald M. Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center
333 Russell Street, Vauxhall (Union)

Connecticut Farms Church
888 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

Westfield

Miller-Cory House Museum
614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center
314 Mountain Avenue, Westfield

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information about all Cultural and Heritage programs, including grant opportunities, visit ucnj.org/cultural. For information about all programs and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

For details about the tours, exhibits and special activities at each site, including updates or late-breaking changes, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the individual site.

In celebration of World Space Week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to visit Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a series of special programs, crafts, activities, giveaways and more for the week of October 7 – 14. Programs are open to participants ages six and older.

“Trailside’s special presentations on solar eclipses offer visitors a fantastic opportunity to gain additional information and insight from knowledgeable speakers before the upcoming solar astronomical events on October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage anyone who is interested in learning about the wonders of our solar system to visit Trailside during this event.”

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside. A modest fee applies to most programs.

On October 7^th, visitors can join Paul Cirillo for a presentation at 1:30 p.m. on the 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse.  Paul is a member of the NJ Astronomical Association, which operates the largest public observatory in New Jersey. He is also a volunteer outreach “ambassador” for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His easy style of communicating allows diverse audiences to understand the wonders of the universe. His talks include the latest astronomical images from observatories both on and off the Earth.

On October 14, an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central and South America. Join members of the Amateur Astronomers, Inc. for a brief presentation on the partial solar eclipse that will occur on this day. The presentation begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a solar eclipse watch, weather permitting. Solar viewing glasses will be provided for all registrants.

Trailside will also offer two guided walks on the new, half-mile Solar System Trail in the Watchung Reservation.  Participants will learn how to use the audio guides to discover fun facts about our solar system. Every step on this walk represents a million miles in space. Walks take place on October 7 at 11:30 a.m. and October 14 at 1:30 p.m.

Trailside’s fall workshop series will continue for toddlers, families and seniors, featuring classes with space-themed topics. Programs began September 28 and run through December 5.

Toddler Time, for adults with children ages three and under, meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. To celebrate Space Week, young visitors can attend classes about the Stars & Planets and Sun & Moon. Additional topics include Monarch Mania, Bats & Beasts, Fall Fun, Wigwam Ways, Animal Architects and Nocturnal Neighbors.

The Senior Nature Walk series, for participants ages 55 and older, meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These guided walks are led by a Trailside naturalist and highlight a different topic each week. In preparation for the annular solar eclipse, participants will walk the Solar System Trail and learn all about solar eclipses on October 10.  Other topics include Pollinators, Spotted Lanternfly, Fall Foliage Walk, Fall Stroll at Oak Ridge Park, Living Lenape, Deserted Village Tour and Echo Lake Walk.

Four evening programs will be offered this fall for adults with children ages six and older. Families can explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and find out which animals become active at night. These programs include Harvest Moon Walk, Hunter’s Moon Walk, Nocturnal Neighbors and When I’m Sleepy.

Mark your calendar for upcoming events at Trailside, including a live animal show on October 28^th at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:45 p.m.  Larry from Unique Creatures will educate visitors and give an up-close look at some unique animals from around the world, including snakes, lizards, insects, birds, and mammals.

To register and for more information about upcoming activities for children, families and seniors, including Space Week, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to any of our final two free paper shredding events of the 2023 shredding season, being held this October 7^th and October 21^st.

“This convenient and useful service makes it easier for residents to properly dispose of sensitive paperwork and documents that may be expired, no longer needed, and are otherwise using up valuable space at home,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all Union County residents to take part and attend these shredding events before they are gone for the season.  By continuously putting our efforts together, we make Union County a cleaner, more environmentally conscious place to live in.”

The first shredding event will take place on Saturday, October 7^th at Union County VoTech’s West Hall/Police Academy Lot, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The final shredding event of the season will take place on Saturday, October 21^st at the Berkeley Heights Municipal Complex, located at 29 Park Avenue in Berkeley Heights. There will be ample signage at both events to direct residents to the shredding sites.

Each shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed prior to arrival at the shredding site.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/ .  The shredding events are for residentially generated paper only.  Businesses and business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events.  If there is a business that needs guidance on how to shred documents, they can contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning via the online form at  ucnj.org/recycle.

For the complete 2023 paper shredding schedule and information on all 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.

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that seven locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2023 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 28 through Sunday, November 5.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

• Cranford: Union College of Union County, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near the Guard Booth – Parking in Lot 1
• Elizabeth: Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street
• New Providence: DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4th Street
• Plainfield, Union College of Union County, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Streets
• Rahway:  Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue
• Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• Union Township: Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 28,  10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 29, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, November 1, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, November 2, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, November 3, 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, November 4, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, November 5, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.

Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the twenty-four (24) Board of Elections’ secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 7, 2023 at 8pm.

To check to ensure your ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website. A complete list of secure ballot drop boxes in Union County can be found at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 7, must use their designated polling place.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents with overseas travel plans that the U.S. Department of State is continuing to experience extended wait times for processing passport renewals and new passport applications.

“As more people are traveling internationally,” Ms. Rajoppi said, “2023 is set to be the highest demand year ever for passports, surpassing volumes in previous surges. I encourage those who wish to travel to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel (you will need at least 6 months on your Passport prior to traveling) and renew your passport well in advance of travel.”

As of this week, the State Department is experiencing a wait time of 8-11 weeks for routine applications and 5-7 weeks for expedited applications. Processing times begin when the Department of State receives the application and does not include mailing times which can take up to 2 weeks. Depending on demand, processing times fluctuate throughout the year.

Ms. Rajoppi added that “the U.S. Department of State is aggressively recruiting and hiring for their passport facilities in an effort to reduce wait times for processing.  The Office of the County Clerk passport staff are experienced passport agents who can answer any questions you might have and assist you with applying or renewing a passport.”

Residents can make an appointment online for the Elizabeth or Westfield office, with several options including daytime, evening and Saturday hours. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth and the annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a minimal fee of $10.00 each. To make an appointment at either location, please visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/ and click “Make an Appointment Online.”

For the latest updates on passport wait times at the State Department, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is happy to inform residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program will continue in October. A wide variety of metal goods, from obsolete household appliances to air conditioners to dehumidifiers, metal gutters and pots and pans, and window frames are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“Through our Scrap Metal Recycling events, we’ve been able to retrieve a significant amount of waste in the form of household appliances, car and bicycle parts, aluminum siding and much more,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am amazed at how committed our constituents are to cleaning up their environment, and will continuously encourage all Union County residents to collect their unused scrap metals and bring them to one of our participating locations to be recycled.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted on Thursday, October 5^th and on Saturday, October 21^st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.  After the October events, the next Scrap Metal Events will take place on Thursday, November 2^nd and Saturday, November 18^th.  The November events will be the final events for the 2023 season.  To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

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

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.