Category: Public Info

The last paper shredding event of 2021 is for Union County residents only.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the last free paper shredding event of 2021, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The event will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nokia corporate campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.

The free shredding service will resume next spring after a seasonal hiatus during the winter.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts. We encourage everyone to participate, particularly since this is the last shredding event of 2021,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The free shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

The event is drive-up only. Ample signage will be posted to direct drivers from the entrance of the Nokia campus to the site.

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.

Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

As a precaution against COVID-19, participants should keep their windows rolled up and wear a face mask.

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 municipal recycling coordinator.

For more 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.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the County Clerk’s Elections Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours on Saturday, October 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2021 General Election.

Office visitors must follow all COVID-19 prevention rules, including masks and social distance.

“The additional Saturday hours will help ensure that all Union County voters can participate in the 2021 General Election during this important gubernatorial election year,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My staff is also available by phone and email to assist voters with any questions or concerns they may have.”

The County Clerk’s Main Office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth will be open for extra hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, to assist Union County voters.

The County Clerk’s Annex Office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield will be open for regular Saturday hours from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 30.

For more information about early voting and other matters pertaining to the 2021 General Election visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, download the Union County Votes mobile app, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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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Union County, NJ –The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites local non-profit organizations to attend Succession Planning – The Journey, a free professional development session on Wednesday, October 27 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Pat Bohse, President of Bohse & Associates, will present the program online through Zoom.

“Every organization needs to incorporate succession planning for long-term viability, and this workshop is designed to provide Union County grantees and other non-profits with reliable guidance that can help them continue to fulfill their community mission through the years,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Organizations that have received funding through Union County’s Local Arts, History, and HEART grant programs are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Other non-profit organizations are also welcome.

Registration is required at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register in order to access the Zoom link.

Succession planning enables organizations to prepare ahead of time when key staff members retire or leave due to family obligations, health issues or other circumstances. Ensuring a smooth transition of leadership roles is crucial for long term survival.

A nationally recognized speaker with more than 30 years of experience in advising non-profits on sustainable growth, Ms. Bohse will guide attendees on key aspects of succession planning.

Succession Planning – The Journey is funded in part by a grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

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.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

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Bring unwanted guns to Union County’s buy-back event, October 23

by

Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners

October 2021

Our nation has come a long way since the days when gun violence was associated almost entirely with known criminals and gang-related street violence. School shootings have become so commonplace that they rarely make headlines, and it seems that our youth are at risk no matter where they go, whether it’s a sporting event, a birthday party or a neighbor’s home.

All too often, the guns used in these violent outbreaks are wielded by youth and adults who have access to weapons at home.

In particular, the research shows that guns used in school related violence typically come from the shooters’s home, or from the homes of other family or friends.

Fortunately, many of our residents have the power to help keep guns out of the wrong hands.

New Jersey has among the most strict gun ownership laws in the nation, but it is not unusual for our residents to come into the possession of an unlicensed or unwanted gun, whether it’s the result of an inheritance, a gift, a hobby, or any other happenstance.

Here in Union County, we know that unwanted guns in the home are a common occurrence because we have taken hundreds of them out of our neighborhoods in recent years, thanks to the many residents who participate in our gun amnesty buy-back events.

Gun amnesty buy-back events are the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted guns in your possession, and to collect a reward for doing a good deed.

At Union County’s gun buy-back events, we offer up to $250.00 for each gun turned in, in any condition – working or not. Anonymity is guaranteed and absolutely no questions are asked.

Our next buyback event is coming up this Saturday, October 23. Residents can bring their unwanted guns at any time between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to any of these locations:

Elizabeth: Master’s Table Christian Fellowship, 207-211 Bond Street

Plainfield: Shiloh Baptist Church, 515-521 West Fourth Street

Westfield: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 506 Westfield Avenue

No appointment is necessary. We only ask that you convey the weapon in a secure container and bring it straight to the buy-back location of your choice, without stopping off along the way.

In advance of this Saturday’s event, I want to thank all the residents who are planning to participate. If you have not already done so, there is still time to look through your closets, drawers and garage shelves. Your participation in the buy-back event has the potential to save lives and help ensure that children in our community feel safe and secure, in school and out.

Union County’s gun amnesty buy-back events are a collaborative effort with the Union County Department of Public Safety, Union County Prosecutor William Daniel, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Jr. and local law enforcement. For more details visit ucnj.org.

Union County’s Senior Citizens Virtual Art Exhibit showcases artists age 60 and up.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the Union County 2021 Senior Citizens’ Virtual Art Exhibit, showcasing 125 original works created by residents aged 60 and above. The exhibit can be viewed on the Union County website at ucnj.org/senior-art.

“The Senior Citizens’ Virtual Art Exhibit provides senior artists in our community with an opportunity to reach new audiences, here in Union County and elsewhere,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 2021 exhibit showcases an array of work in the categories of Acrylic Painting, Craft, Digital Art, Drawing, Mixed Media, Oil Painting, Pastel, Photography, Sculpture, and Watercolor.

An independent panel of professional artists judged the show. The award for Best of Show by a Professional Artist went to Eileen Bonacci of Berkeley Heights for “Day at the Beach.” Tina Berlin of Scotch Plains was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist for “Painted Girl.”

These entries, along with all other artworks awarded First Place in their respective categories, will represent Union County at the state level in the 2021 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show, opening online later this month.

Among the artists whose work is being showcased is Joseph Schott of Fanwood, a 99-year old veteran of the World War II. Mr. Schott resumed painting last year after a decades-long hiatus, and received a Second Place award in the category of Oil Painting by a professional artist. He is also credited with inspired his son, Robert Schott of Cranford, who received a Second Place award for an Oil Painting by a non-professional artist.

The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and made possible by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, 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 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit https://www.ucnj.org/cultural.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

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Union is the only county in New Jersey and the entire Northeast currently with low community transmission rating from CDC.

Union County, NJ – According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Union County is the only county in New Jersey designated in the lowest tier for community transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and also the only county in the entire northeastern quadrant of the U.S. to achieve the low transmission designation.

The CDC currently designates 2,656 counties in the U.S. as high, 361 for substantial, and 148 for moderate community transmission. Union County is one of only 52 counties nationwide rated low.

The low risk designation is based on a seven-day rolling average charted by the Centers for Disease Control.

“The low transmission designation is a remarkable achievement that validates all of the hard work and extra precautions we have taken since the beginning of the outbreak, including vigorous guidelines on wearing masks. However, the data can change from one day to the next, and Union County is not an island. The fact that so few other jurisdictions have achieved the low risk status demonstrates how important it is for everyone to step up and get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. Vaccination is the only sure way to reduce the risk of death and long term health impacts from this devastating virus,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Union County was hit hard at the beginning of the outbreak, but our residents rallied to protect themselves as soon as guidance became available on masks, social distance, testing, and vaccination. We want to thank all the volunteers and professional staff who have worked long hours to ensure that everyone has had access to tests and vaccines as soon as they are available, and of course the ultimate credit is due to every Union County resident who availed themselves of these life-saving resources,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “We also want to emphasize that many thousands of Union County residents cannot be vaccinated due to their age or medical condition. COVID-19 will continue to be a matter of life and death until all eligible residents step up and get vaccinated.”

“This has been an all hands on deck, collaborative effort with a shared philosophy of handling this public health outbreak with the utmost seriousness and dedication to public service, including a continued emphasis on wearing masks,” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “The new CDC rating is a credit to professional staff and volunteers who worked long hours to coordinate and deliver resources to the people of Union County, including Kean University, municipal governments and federal funding through the CARES Act, along with countless individuals, businesses, schools, and other entities that have engaged with our services and followed emergency health mandates issued by Governor Phil Murphy. Union County will continue to apply every available resource to coordinate and amplify these efforts. We encourage all residents to remain vigilant until the pandemic is declared at an end.”

Regardless of the new CDC designation, businesses and other entities may continue to exercise additional precautions such as masks and social distance. Many individuals may also choose to take extra precautions. Union County residents and visitors are reminded to be respectful of these additional measures aimed at protecting public health and safety.

Union County was the first county in New Jersey to set up a free mass testing site for COVID-19 at the outset of the pandemic, in March 2020. The mass testing site is located on the campus of Kean University in Union Township, and it has operated continuously since then. It currently operates on a walk-up basis.

Union County also worked with Kean University to establish a certified, on-campus laboratory for COVID-19 tests, to help shorten turnaround time for results.

When COVID-19 vaccines first gained FDA approval on an emergency basis, Union County was among the first counties to make free vaccines available at a mass vaccination site. That site, located at Kean University, began dispensing vaccines in January 2021.

Union County’s free testing and vaccination services include mobile units that visit local neighborhoods and vulnerable populations such as senior residences and homeless shelters. Home bound Union County residents can also apply for a free in-home vaccination service.

After the FDA issued permanent approval for COVID-19 vaccines, Union County became one of the first counties to mandate vaccination for all County employees, with the alternative requirement of regular weekly testing. The County continues to observe mask requirements and other precautions within public buildings.

In its capacity as administrator of federal COVID-19 response funds, Union County also implemented grant programs aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 during the first year of the outbreak, while promoting economic recovery and aiding those most at risk of financial impact.

The initial grant programs included aid to schools, libraries, non-profits, small businesses, restaurants, and families with special needs children. This year, the County also administered the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for tenants behind on rent or utilities due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Union County continues to provide emergency food supplies to thousands of households each month.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

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Union County, NJ –Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado reminds Union County voters that a new Early Voting option is available for anyone who wishes to cast their General Election ballot in person, on a voting machine prior to Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. The Early Voting option began on Saturday, October 23 and will be in effect until Sunday, October 31.

“Early Voting is a historic first for New Jersey this year. Many voters wish to cast their votes in person, and the Early Voting option provides them with the opportunity to vote at a time and place of their convenience. Early Voting helps to reduce the chance of a last minute rush or mishap on Election Day, helping to ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard,” said Ms. DiRado.

Early Voting is a new option which enables all registered voters to cast their ballot in person, using a voting machine, during an eight-day period prior to Election Day.

There are seven Early Voting sites in Union County. For a complete list of locations visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/boe/early-voting.

The Early Voting sites are open to all Union County voters, regardless of their town of residence.

Voters who choose to cast their ballot on Election Day, Tuesday November 2, must use the polling place assigned to their street address. To find the correct Election Day polling place visit ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote.

Key dates for the 2021 General Election include:

• October 23 to October 31: In-Person Early Voting
• October 26: Deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail Ballot by mail for General Election
• November 1 at 3:00 pm: Deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person
• November 2: Election Day – Polls are open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

For more information about the General Election from the Union County Board of Elections, visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Union County residents who are interested in additional resources and information from the New Jersey Division of Elections can find the following resources online:

• Flyers – How to Vote, In Person Early Voting, Become a Poll Worker.
• Videos – How To Vote, How to Complete and Return Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot.
• Information on becoming a poll worker – Pollworker.NJ.Gov.
• Follow the New Jersey Division of Elections and participate on social media with the #NJVotes hashtag: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Final countywide scrap metal recycling events of 2021 will be held on November 4 and 20; program will resume next spring after winter hiatus.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s final free scrap metal recycling drop-off events for this year will take place in November. 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.

“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 free of charge on Thursday, November 4 and Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two countywide 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.

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.

These are Union County’s final two scrap metal recycling events for 2021. The schedule will resume in April 2022 after a winter hiatus.

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, pots and pans, 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.

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

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.