Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program continues in May. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, May 6 and Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

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

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

The drop-off sites are available on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

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

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

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

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.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Chairman Alexander Mirabella issued the following statement today:

“A jury of Derek Chauvin’s peers heard the testimony and rendered him guilty of murdering George Floyd. Those jurors, from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, represent the America we believe in, one in which justice prevails over the abuse of power, and fact-based deliberation wins out against fear and prejudice. We hope this verdict marks the beginning of a more forceful, united effort to shed the systematic racism of the past once and for all, build a nation that moves ever closer to the democratic ideals of our founders, and set a worldwide example for all those who cherish freedom and liberty.”

Image source: https://etc.usf.edu

COVID-19 precautions will be observed at this event.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Union County residents of all ages are invited to participate in Paint in the Park, on Tuesday, April 27, at Mattano Park, located at 360-484 5^th Avenue in Elizabeth. This event is completely free and is sponsored by The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs in the Department of Human Services.

“Paint in the Park is an enriching outdoor event that brings awareness to Autism, while giving our residents the opportunity the express themselves creatively,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Paint in the Park encourages participants to express what Autism means to them by painting on a t-shirt. Participants will also be able to take the shirt home to wear all year long.

Paint in the Park will begin at 5:30pm and end at 7:30pm.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

Masks are required and must be worn by all participants, and social distancing guidelines must be observed.

This event is partnered by the Elizabeth Education Association, Elizabeth Parent Support Group, Elizabeth Strong, and Union County Spectrum All Stars.

For more information, please contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs by phone at (908) 527-4781.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that box-lunch meals will be available to seniors beginning in May, through the “Grab and Go” program. The program is run through the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection, in the Department of Human Services.

“This alternative dining option will provide seniors with access to nutritious lunches, while reducing the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Grab and Go program is offered for those seniors age 60 and up who reside in Union County, and who are not receiving home delivered meals from Meals-On-Wheels.

It will be available at 19 senior centers and senior housing sites throughout the county every Tuesday and Thursday, beginning on May 4.

Reservations are required, and are available by calling the Division on Aging by 9:00 a.m. on the previous Thursday for Tuesday pick-up, and by 9:00 a.m. the previous Monday for Thursday pick-up.

To make a reservation or to register for the program, please call the Union County Division on Aging at (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877.

A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal. Participants will receive guidance on masks, social distance, and any other COVID-19 prevention measures when picking up meals.

Any eligible senior can use the Grab and Go program at any of the following senior centers:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
• Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

The Grab and Go program allows for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older.

The Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is part of the Union County Department of Human Services, and is federally recognized as the Area Agency on Aging for Union County. The nationwide Area Agency on Aging “on-the-ground” model was established under the 1973 Older Americans Act, with the goal of helping seniors live independently, and with dignity, in their communities.

As an Area Agency on Aging, the Division on Aging is authorized to issue contracts for senior service providers including health aide/homemakers, nurse visits, social work visits, hospice, home delivered meals, kosher home delivered meals, congregate nutrition, caregiver services, legal services, information & assistance, social/medical adult day services, residential maintenance, emergency energy assistance, telephone reassurance, grocery shopping, transportation, grandparents raising grandchildren, and much more.

For more information on all ADRC programs call the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4877, or visit ucnj.org/aging and use the online contact form.

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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 – In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, The Union County Board of Commissioners invites all Union County residents to attend a virtual presentation on alcohol misuse featuring a panel of experts on treatment, counseling, and recovery. The program, titled “An Alcohol Misuse Learning Session” is being held on Zoom on Tuesday, April 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is hosted by the Union County Department of Human Services’ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse.

“The Commissioner Board has a longstanding commitment to help the Union County community know the facts about alcohol, keep the lines of communication open, and ensure that our community has access to resources that can prevent or overcome alcohol abuse.” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program will be hosted by Gene Tavera, Union County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Coordinator, and presented by Kelley Ryan, Director of Community Prevention at Prevention Links. The panelists are:

• Krystyna Vaccarelli, LCSW, LCADC, Director of Substance Abuse Services at Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
• Kristina Bloodgood, Director of Admissions at New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care (IBHC).
• Sabrina Sabater, MSW, Division Director of Recovery Support at Prevention Links
• Rosalina Tuazon, Licensed Clinician and Substance Abuse Counselor at PROCEED, Inc.

The focus will be on providing an understanding of what exactly alcohol misuse means, what it looks like and how it can impact a life.

Additionally, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to speak with local experts and learn about the services they provide.

This event is free, however, pre-registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register at bit.ly/alcoholmisuse427.

For more information on An Alcohol Misuse Learning Session contact Gene Tavera, Union County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Coordinator at gene.tavera@ucnj.org.

More information on all Department of Human Services programs is available online at ucnj.org/human-services.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 18 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2021 Primary Election. Voters who are registered in the Democratic and Republican parties will be able to vote in the Primary Election to choose their party’s nominee to run for Governor in the General Election, in addition to voting on local candidates.

Primary Day will be on Tuesday, June 8.  Election Day will be primarily in-person, with vote by mail ballots available to voters who choose that option.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

To download a voter registration form visit the New Jersey state elections website at nj.gov/state/elections/voter-registration. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To receive a voter registration form by U.S. Post, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of Elections is open to assist residents who wish to register.  The address is 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth and office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Board will host extended hours on May 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Drainage improvements in Berkeley Heights. A detention basin in Elizabeth. ADA Improvements at the Municipal Complex in Roselle Park.  Repaving on numerous roads. These are some of the projects that this year’s Union County Freeholders Infrastructure Grant program will fund throughout the County.

In all, the Union County Board of Commissioners made awards to 21 municipalities as part of the seventh annual Union County Infrastructure Grant program, funding projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, and providing indirect tax relief.

The program was conceived by Commissioner Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the County’s Commissioner Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development.  This year’s Fiscal Committee is comprised of Commissioner Chris Hudak as Chair. Also on the Fiscal Committee are Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams as well as Commissioners Sergio Granados and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Road improvements once again topped the list as the most requested program for funding, among the municipalities.

“This past winter provided us with plenty of inclement weather and as a result, there are multiple roads in need of repair or resurfacing,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Infrastructure grant program is aimed at helping our municipalities make these and other needed improvements that benefit the residents of Union County and improve their quality of life.”

Commissioner Hudak agreed, adding:

“Our goal is to provide an economic boost to our municipalities and leverage their funds in making essential improvements,” said Fiscal Chair, Commissioner Chris Hudak. “With more people moving into Union County than ever before, and new development coming on line, it’s important that we continue to make infrastructure our highest priority.”

The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2021.

Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014.

The Union County Infrastructure Grant Awards for 2021 are as follows:

Municipality	2021 Projects	Award Amount
Berkeley Heights	Drainage Improvement at Glenside Road & Various Locations	$62,000.00
Clark	2021 Clark Capital Road Improvement Program	$65,000.00
Cranford	2021 Cranford Resurfacing Project	$90,000.00
Elizabeth	Elizabeth River Flood Control Project/Ursino Detention Basin	$145,000.00
Fanwood	2021 Fanwood Road Improvement Program	$40,000.00
Garwood	-Paving Improvements to Section of Locust Avenue -Paving Improvements to Section of Center Street -Improvements to Public Works Municipal Garage -Community Enhancement Improvements to Downtown Area-Various	$35,000.00
Hillside	Hillside Municipal Building Security Improvements Project	$20,525.06
Kenilworth	-Records Mangement Scanning-Phase 2 -Sanitary Sewer Evaluation -Repair & Replacement of Borough Sidewalks -Digital Signage	$55,000.00
Linden	2021 Linden Resurfacing of Various Streets	$90,000.00
Mountainside	Resurfacing of Garrett Road & Hickory Lane	$40,000.00
New Providence	2021 New Providence Roadway Paving Project	$50,000.00
Plainfield	2021 Plainfield Roadway Improvement Project: East Third Street	$145,000.00
Rahway	2021 Rahway Resurfacing Project	$95,000.00
Roselle	2021 Roselle Various Street Improvements	$70,000.00
Roselle Park	ADA Improvements at Municipal Complex	$62,500.00
Scotch Plains	2021 Scotch Plains Roadwork Assistance Program	$100,000.00
Springfield	2021 Springfield Paving Improvements on Various Streets	$60,000.00
Summit	-Butler Parkway Improvement Project -City Hall Records Management Improvement Project	$75,000.00
Union	2021 Union Road Improvement Project-Phase II	$95,000.00
Westfield	Improvement of Willow Grove Road	$100,000.00
Winfield	-Power DMS for 11 Users: Police Department; -Firefighter Projective Clothing & Equipment, 28′ Extension Ladder	$5,000.00

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners will hold additional emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in April and May to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Conant Park in Hillside
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from the Community FoodBank of NJ

Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

• Kean University in Union
• Drive-thru only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce, and CMC Foods

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to continue to provide this valuable resource to our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“During this time as residents continue to deal with unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce, the Community Food Bank of NJ, and CMC foods for their continued partnership.”

Residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Plainfield, Hillside, Elizabeth, and Roselle must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated at either location.

All drive-up recipients at Kean must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing and other protocols.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

To learn more about the Community FoodBank of NJ, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoodsus.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters of the polling place and drop box locations for the 2021 Primary Election. The 2021 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 8.

Beginning in May, the Board of Elections will mail post cards to voters whose polling places are affected by a change in location.

“Many of the polling locations closed last year due to the COVID pandemic, will be open this year, with health and safety precautions in place,” said Ms. DiRado. “The post cards will help ensure that voters who plan to vote in person know of any changes to their polling place. Voters are also encouraged to review this information contained on their sample ballot.”

There will be at least one secure ballot drop box in every town within Union County.  Secure ballot drop boxes opened on Friday, April 23 and will remain open through the close of the polls on June 8, 2021 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible. Board of Election staff will pick up ballots every day with a police escort.

For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Election website online at ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote.

In-person voters are encouraged to wear masks and observe social distance precautions to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19 when visiting a polling place.

For updates and information on all Board of Elections services visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call  908-527-4121. All email and phone messages will be returned.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

COUNTY OF UNION, NJ—The Union County Board of Commissioners today announced the beginning of its Homebound Vaccination Program in an effort to vaccinate its residents who are unable to leave their homes.

“Our most vulnerable communities must not be left behind and the effort to vaccinate the homebound is critical to the success of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is a major step forward as we continue to build toward herd immunity in Union County.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the County’s Public Safety Committee which oversees the response to the pandemic, said: “I am excited to announce the homebound program. We have been working through our County’s Human Services and Public Safety Department to develop this program and serve residents, beginning at age 18 and older. We won’t stop until we vaccinate all of Union County’s homebound residents who want a vaccination and who are among the most vulnerable to the virus.”

The program will be administered through the County’s Human Services Department. The nurse-led teams will begin vaccinating the homebound Wednesday (tomorrow) in three towns, Clark, Garwood and Cranford, and will move on to other towns after that. The County is partnering with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Holy Redeemer Visiting Nurses and Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey to offer the program.

The County has identified and targeted well over 2,000 residents through a number of resources in all 21 municipalities thus far, according to Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

Residents who are homebound and wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may call the County’s Division on Aging and Disability Resources at 1-888-280-8226 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Currently, the County will begin by offering the Moderna vaccination, and then transition into the Johnson and Johnson one-shot vaccination.

You are considered to be homebound  (18 years and older) if any of the following categories apply:

a)         The person’s doctor believes that their health or illness could get worse if they leave the home.

b)         The person requires the help of another person and/or medical equipment to leave the home, or finds it difficult to leave the home and typically cannot do so.

c)         The person is served by a home health care organization.

d)         The person is served by social services agencies (e.g. non-medical home care, Meals on Wheels, Community Action Programs, Paratransit services, etc.).

e)         The person is physically or intellectually disabled.