Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to the next free paper shredding event, which will be held on Thursday, July 13^th. 

“Protect your privacy and the environment by joining us at the next free paper shredding event at Rahway River Park,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I hope our residents take advantage of this contact-free and drive-up paper event, which allows us to shield your personal information all while contributing to a greener Union County.”

The July 13^th paper shredding event will be held at Rahway River Park in the parking lot adjacent to the Park Service Yard off of St. Georges Avenue in Rahway.  There will be ample signage at the event to guide residents to the respective event site.

Union County’s free shredding events take place each year from March through October, as part of Union County’s recycling programs.  These events enable mobile paper shredding trucks to visit various locations throughout the County to assist residents in shredding personal documents. It is intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. 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.

Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity first. The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.  These events are funded through Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) grant funding, which is received by the County on an annual basis from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

For the complete schedule and 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. Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Stuart Newman, stuart.newman@ucnj.org.

Petitions must be returned before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 31, 2023, before 4:00 p.m. in the County Clerk’s Election Office, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113. The drawing for positions for the school board will be on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Petition forms are available at the County Clerk’s Election Office in Elizabeth, or they can be downloaded from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petitions.

“As a former school board member, I believe serving on a school board is not just a responsibility; it is a vital commitment to our community’s future,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “By actively participating in the decision-making process, individuals can shape the direction of education, ensuring that every child receives the best possible opportunities. I strongly encourage individuals to step forward and embrace this significant role, as they have the power to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young minds.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.

The 2018 law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words.  Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.

The County Clerk’s Elizabeth Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org. For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Thursday evening, July 6, 2023, between the hours of  5:00PM to 10:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office of mosquito control.

Clark – Featherbed La., France Dr., Lefferts Ln., Kathryn St., Old Raritan Rd., Terhune Rd., Whitley St. 

Cranford – Blvd. between Springfield Ave. and County Police yard

Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St.

Elizabeth – Clarkson Ave.

Linden – Grisselli Ave., Lower Rd., Main St., Range Rd., S.Wood Ave., Tremley Pt. Rd., Walter St.

Rahway – Allen St., Donald Ave., Egolf Dr., Elston St., Elizabeth Ave. Linden Ave., Price St., Randolph Ave., Whittier St., Walking trail between Whittier St. and Price St.

Roselle – Pine St., Raritan Rd., W.3^rd Ave., Westbrook Woods Condo’s

Roselle Pk. – Walking Path between Chestnut St. and Galloping Hill Rd.

Scotch Plains – Frank St., Hetfield Ave., North Ave., South Ave., Terrill Rd. between Cooper Rd. and Raritan Rd.

Springfield – Marion Ave., Oakland Ave., Perry Pl., Warner Ave., Waverly Ave.

Union – Carnegie Pl., Keller Crescent, Livingston Ave., Pitcher Ter., Shetland Dr., Wilshire Dr., Whitewood Rd. 

Winfield Pk. – Union County Pkwy.

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) on August 21st, 2023 will examine all aspects of the Union County Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services Chief Martin Mogensen announced today.

​“Verification by the team that the Union County Police Department meets the Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Chief Mogensen said.

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email.  The public may call (908) 654-9817 on August 21st, 2023, between the hours of 10 a.m & 11 a.m.  Email comments can be sent to dlynn@ucnj.org.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.  Please contact Detective Deanna Lynnat (908) 789-6834 for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Union County Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status.  Chief Mogensen indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”  

The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado, Ed.S.  “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.  Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status”, Harry J Delgado stated.  

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. 

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Monday morning, July 3, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contactour office.

County Parks:

Clark – Oak Ridge,

Cranford – Nomahegan

Elizabeth – Mattano

Garwood – Unami

Hillside – Conant

Linden – Wheeler

Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Res. Loop Area

Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook

Rahway – Rahway Pk.

Roselle – Warinanco

Springfield – Meisel

Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Town Parks:

Clark – ALJ High School Field

Linden – Memorial

Union – Biertuempful, Rabkin

Westfield – Mindowkaskin, Tamaques

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to come to Union County’s ASK community events in July, and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided and bilingual staff will be present at all of these events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“Emphasizing the significance of fostering connections between seniors, care givers, and the valuable resources available, we invite them to explore the nearby ASK program, said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our dedicated staff personally extend their support by venturing into libraries and community centers, ensuring in-person assistance at conveniently located spots throughout the County.”

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their caregivers.

The ASK program provides Union County residents with a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services for seniors and caregivers. The program brings professional staff from the Division on Aging to local public libraries and other community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed. The upcoming ASK events in June all include bilingual assistance in Spanish:

Thursday, July 6th
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue
Union, 07083
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, July 10th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue
Clark, 07066
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, July 12th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue
Garwood, 07027
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, July 19th
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 S. Broad Street
Elizabeth, 07202
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Monday, July 24th
Plainfield Public Library
800 Park Avenue
Plainfield, 07060
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Friday, July 28th
Roselle Library
129 Chestnut Street
Roselle, 07203
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced a full schedule of free music and fun for the whole family in their Union County parks this summer. The events continue throughout July and August with the Summer Arts concert series beginning on July 12, 2023.

“The Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce another unforgettable summer of free and fun-filled concerts in our wonderful Union County parks,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all of our residents to grab their family and friends and come out to enjoy great bands at our concert series. With something for everyone, these events are the perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and experience the sounds of music with your community. See you there!”

All Summer Arts concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free yoga session for all, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.

The series will take place in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside each Wednesday throughout July, including:

• July 12th – Pink Floyd USA Experience: A tribute band that captures the essence and magic of the legendary British rock band, Pink Floyd. Their meticulous attention to detail and performances recreate the timeless hits that have made Pink Floyd a lasting musical phenomenon.
• July 19th – Winslow-An Evening of the Eagles: This talented tribute band pays homage to one of the greatest American rock bands of all time, The Eagles. Winslow captures the essence of The Eagles’ harmonies, soulful melodies, and timeless classics, bringing audiences back to the era of California rock.
• July 26th – Dead On Live: This remarkable tribute band recreates the spirit, jams, and vibrant energy of the iconic band, The Grateful Dead. Dead on Live brings the timeless songs and free-spirited vibes of the Grateful Dead to life, creating an immersive concert experience for Deadheads and music enthusiasts alike.

In August, the Summer Arts series moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark, each Wednesday for three more shows and one in Warinanco in Elizabeth to end the series.

• August 2nd – The Benjamins: The Benjamins were established in 1999 and are a trusted high-end live music act that plays an energetic mixture of pop and rock from the 80’s through today.
• August 9th – Rob Messina’s Dave Matthews Experience: Rob Messina and his talented band pay homage to the legendary Dave Matthews Band.  Experience the magic of their incredible tribute performance, filled with soulful vocals, masterful musicianship, and the timeless songs.
• August 16th – Ray Andersen’s Bowie & Beyond: Celebrate the iconic David Bowie’s music and journey through a blend of his greatest hits and innovative compositions.
• August 23rd – Afro Dominicano – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth: Enjoy the vibrant rhythms of Afro Dominicano, a dynamic ensemble that fuses Afro-Caribbean beats with Latin flair.

For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to inform all residents of the reopening of Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” outdoor movie series. On July 11, 2023, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, will kick off the series at 7:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“We are very excited to bring back our summer movie nights in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This a free, fun way to spend time with your family and friends, embrace the summer nights and let our parks be the backdrop to a great movie. I look forward to seeing you there.”

The fun begins with a family-friendly dance party before each movie at 7:30 p.m. and the movies will start promptly at dusk. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to save a spot on the lawn. Movies will be shown on a weather-permitting basis.

The 2023 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule is:

• Puss In Boots: The Last Wish: July 11, 2023 – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania: July 18, 2023 – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• Sonic The Hedgehog 2: July 25, 2023 – Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
• Minions: The Rise of Gru: August 8, 2023 – Kawameeh Park, Union

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invite residents to a Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which will celebrate the 33^rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“The Summer Festival is a joyous occasion that aims to foster inclusivity, empower individuals with disabilities, and provide a fun atmosphere for families to enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This event is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the valuable contributions made by people with disabilities. I hope to see you all there!”

The event will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

The festival will feature a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages and abilities. Attendees can look forward to inflatable rides, music, games, crafts, and a captivating magic show. With a focus on accessibility, all areas of the event will be designed to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the festivities.

Admission to the Summer Festival is free of charge; however, we kindly request attendees to register in advance. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg 

This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.

To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are delighted to announce, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Building a Stronger Union County” initiative, the installation of new water filling stations in several parks across the County of Union. These modern and innovative fountains, equipped with advanced features, such as a Water Bottle Filling Station, an ADA Compliant Drinking Fountain and a Pet Fountain, aim to provide residents and visitors with convenient and sustainable access to refreshing drinking water.

“These new water filling stations exemplify the County’s dedication to promoting sustainability, fostering a healthier lifestyle, and implementing cost-saving measures for our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “By installing these stations, we not only are working on safeguarding our environment but also acknowledging the challenges faced by families dealing with escalating inflation costs. It presents a practical solution that allows families to save money while enjoying activities and sports in our wonderful parks and playgrounds. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing public spaces, the County of Union plans to expand the installation of additional fountain stations at various locations in the future, ensuring an even greater number of communities can enjoy these exceptional amenities.”

The following park locations will now feature Elkay’s cutting-edge water filling stations:

• Warinanco Park – Roselle
• Rizzuto Park – Union
• Rahway River Park – Rahway
• Cedar Brook Park – Plainfield
• Nomahegan Park – Cranford
• Briant Park – Summit

Produced by Elkay, a renowned leader in water solutions, these water filling stations are designed to meet diverse needs, featuring the following components:

• Water Bottle Filling Station: This feature promotes sustainability and encourages the use of reusable bottles, reducing plastic waste. It allows users to conveniently refill their water bottles on the go, making it easier to stay hydrated while enjoying the parks.
• ADA Compliant Drinking Fountain: Ensuring inclusivity, these fountains comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, providing accessible drinking water for individuals with disabilities.
• Pet Fountain: The addition of a pet fountain caters to the needs of furry friends accompanying their owners to the parks. This feature offers a refreshing drinking solution for pets, promoting their well-being and enhancing the overall park experience for families.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the newly installed water filling stations in the above-mentioned parks and enjoy the convenience and benefits they offer.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website: www.ucnj.org. 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.