Category: Public Info

Amnesty program allows for the turn in of any gun and/or ammunition – no questions asked!

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners informs residents that those with unwanted guns in their possession can turn them in at the upcoming Union County Gun Amnesty Turn-In Event, scheduled for Saturday, April 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Calvary Assembly Church, located at 242 Shunpike Road, in Springfield.

No questions will be asked, and guns or ammunition in any condition will be accepted. All persons turning in accepted items may do so anonymously. Residents may also turn in unused prescription drugs in the form of pills and liquids during the event. Syringes and sharps will not be accepted.

“We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We will take any gun, regardless of how it came into your possession. Amnesty programs are needed now more than ever, as communities in New Jersey and across the country face a new wave of deadly gun violence.”

“Gun turn-in events have proved to be an incredibly successful opportunity for the community and law enforcement to come together in support of safer communities,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “I urge anyone with unwanted firearms, ammunition, and prescription drugs to participate in the upcoming amnesty turn-in program in Springfield on April 23rd.”

As a reminder, the event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 23, on a walk-in basis. No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and no questions will be asked.

There is no limit to how many guns, ammunition or prescription drugs that residents can turn in.

Those arriving on foot should convey their weapon in a sturdy, closed container. Persons arriving by car must keep the container in their trunk while in transit.

To reduce the risk of theft or mishap, participants are also advised to proceed directly to the drop-off location, without making any stops for errands or social calls.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed at the event. Masks are suggested indoors.

The Union County Gun Amnesty program is supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the Springfield Police Department.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.

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.

#  #

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 – March 29, 2022 — The spring holiday season is here, and the Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents to observe a few simple guidelines that prevent food contamination when cooking, displaying or decorating eggs.

“Food safety is always important, and at this time of year it is especially helpful to refresh our knowledge of fact-based guidelines that prevent contamination and illness related to food handling,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Union County residents can find expert guidance in a new article titled, “Egg Care for Spring Celebrations,” by Dr. Karen Ensle, EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS, through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The article is available online at ucnj.org/rce.

Dr. Ensle describes how to follow food safety guidelines during the holidays, such as keeping a clean kitchen, preventing cross-contamination, using thermometers, observing the “Two-Hour Rule” for decorated eggs, and more.

The Rutgers Extension is a statewide program based at Rutgers University. It is aimed at connecting the public with scientific research that benefits community health and well-being, and is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board.

More information on food safety is available at Gateway to Government Food Safety Information at www.foodsafety.gov, or call the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854, or TTY 1-800-256-7072.

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.

#  #

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 – March 30, 2022 — The 2022 trout season begins throughout New Jersey at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, and anglers are invited to try their luck in Union County parks.

“Our park system includes more than a dozen fishing spots stocked with trout by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We welcome anglers of all ages to come and enjoy the peace and serenity of our rivers and lakes.”

A complete list of trout-stocked fishing spots in Union County, and throughout New Jersey, is available at nj.gov/dep/fgw/accesscnty.

Fishing in Union County is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. To fish for trout, a fishing license and trout stamp are required for New Jersey residents age 16 through 69. A license and stamp are required for out-of-state visitors age 16 and older.

Licenses and stamps can be ordered and printed online or obtained through a local sporting goods store or other licensed agent. To find agents in and near Union County visit nj.gov/dep/fgw/agentlst.htm.

All anglers can help conserve and protect native species in Union County parks by observing the following practices:

• Dispose any leftover bait in a trash bin, or take it home for disposal. Live bait should never be set free in Union County parks.
• Remove stranded line from trees and other entanglements. Dispose broken line and other unwanted gear in trash bins, or take home for disposal.
• Avoid bringing plastic bags into Union County parks. They can easily become windblown and create hazards for wildlife in rivers, lakes and the surrounding area.
• Help remove spotted lanternfly egg masses: Look for flat, grayish patches on trees, trash bins, picnic tables, benches, fences and other surfaces in and around fishing spots. The masses should be scraped and crushed to prevent hatching.

To see photo samples of spotted lanternfly egg masses, visit the Union County Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information about programs and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Complete details about the 2022 trout season are available at nj.gov/dep/fgw/trtinfo.

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.

#  #

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.

Free, secure paper shredding event to be held in Plainfield 

Union County, NJ – Union County, NJ – Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event of 2022, sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The event will take place, rain or shine, on Friday April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

Union County’s free shedding events are for residential use only. Any Union County resident can use this service, regardless of their home town.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to securely dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

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

The event is drive-up only. The drive-up area within Cedar Brook Park for the Plainfield event is the parking lot at the intersection of Park Avenue and Pemberton Avenue.

Participants are reminded that 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.

Residents with magazines, junk mail and other waste paper to recycle can contact their municipal recycling coordinator for information on local recycling programs.

Union County’s series of free paper shredding events continues at various locations each month until November. 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.

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 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.

#  #

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 – March 30, 2022 — In recognition of April as Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is hosting a series of inclusive events and programs, to help raise awareness and acceptance for those with autism living in Union County and throughout the world.

“The Commissioner Board recognizes the unique dignity and value of every individual who calls Union County home. We encourage all residents to learn more about autism spectrum disorder, to recognize the different strengths and challenges, and to include our friends, neighbors and family members with autism in community activities that foster health and well-being.”

“The rate of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 44 children nationally and 1 in 35 in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board’s liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Hosting events such as the ones during Autism Awareness Month are important all year round and that is why the County Commissioner Board kept in line with our vision on making sure all of our residents feel included by creating the first office in New Jersey for people with special needs. Ensuring all of our residents in the autism community, as well as their family and friends, are aware and have access to the services or programs they need is a top priority for us. I hope to see you all at these upcoming events and learn more information.”

Union County residents and visitors are encouraged to wear blue on Friday, April 1^st, in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by differences in sensory sensitivity, social skills and other behavior. There are many subtypes, and each person with autism can exhibit unique qualities.

Union County regularly hosts inclusive programs for children and adults with autism, through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Department of Human Services. The schedule for Autism Acceptance Month includes three special events:

April 2: Come to Union County’s World Autism Acceptance Celebration at Mattano Park, at 360-484 5^th Avenue in Elizabeth. This free outdoor event is co-sponsored with the Elizabeth Board of Education of the City of Elizabeth and other partners (pre-registration required at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or call 908-527-4781 for more information).

April 9: Soccer fans can enjoy “A Day Out with the Red Bulls.” Red Bulls Arena is known for creating inclusive spaces for fans of all ages and abilities. Union County is offering a limited number of tickets for persons with autism and their families at $30.00 each, which includes a food voucher at the venue worth $10.00 (order tickets online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg).

April 24: Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series will feature a live performance of “Pete the Cat” at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. Tickets cost $8.00 per person and can be ordered online at ucpac.org, or call the Box Office at (732) 499-8226.

The Commissioner Board introduced Sensory Friendly Theatre in 2012, to help ensure that children with autism and other sensory sensitivities can enjoy the enriching experience of live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment. The series has continued every year since then except for a hiatus related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information about all special needs programs and events hosted by the Commissioner Board, visit the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4807.

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.

#  #

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 – March 30, 2022 — High up in their nest on the roof of the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth, two peregrine falcons are keeping watch over four new eggs. Union County residents and people all over the world can observe the falcons and watch the eggs hatch by tuning into the County’s free livestream Falcon Cam, at ucnj.org/falcon.

“The Falcon Cam has become a familiar rite of spring for Union County residents of all ages, and we are all looking forward to observing as the two parents raise their young and teach them to fly,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Union County has helped to preserve and protect peregrine falcons since 2006, when County personnel affixed a nesting box to the Courthouse Tower roof under the guidance of state wildlife experts.

The population of peregrine falcons in the U.S. was decimated by use of the pesticide DDT during the mid-20^th century, and they vanished from New Jersey and other eastern states. They have been making a comeback in recent years, following an intensive preservation effort that began in the 1980’s.

For more news and updates from the Falcon Cam, visit Conserve Wildlife Foundation, at conservewildlifenj.org/education/uc-falconcam.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

#  #

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 residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2022 election cycle are informed that Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (A-208) to increase pay for New Jersey’s election workers. The bill increases the compensation of election workers from $200 per day to $300 per day.

Under the former law, election workers were paid $200 per day each time the primary election, the general election, or any special election is held. This increase will assist local election officers by incentivizing residents to serve their communities as poll workers, thereby staffing polling locations at appropriate levels.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

“Poll workers are the face of our democratic process and deserve to be properly compensated for their time and commitment,” said Nicole DiRado, Administrator of the Union County Election Board. “We are grateful for the support of both the legislature and the Governor for ensuring this increase is now law in New Jersey.”

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. All new poll workers must attend a single-session training course.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker for the Primary Election on June 7th are advised to apply now to reserve a spot.

To apply, complete the online application at the Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/pollworker, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or emailing pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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.

#  #

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 supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

April is the 21^st anniversary of the pronouncement of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). While the first official declaration of this month was in 2001, by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the Union County Board of County Commissioners have been a strong advocate of awareness and prevention for decades, most particularly with the opening of the Rape Crisis Center in 1984.

“Sexual assault is an unfortunate reality that many are afraid to speak out about – it is often kept behind closed doors, where victims suffer in silence,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.  “This month is an opportunity to build your knowledge, access resources, and share your ideas with us. It is through these awareness months where we can hopefully inspire others to speak out and I would like to encourage everyone to use this opportunity to consider how they can be part of the solution.”

The Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC) is a program under the Division of Individual & Family Support Services in the Union County Department of Human Services. It is largely staffed by volunteers, who offer support and advocacy to help victims navigate the medical, legal and emotional aftermath. The volunteers are very well trained and fully prepared to respond to victims over the phone on a 24-hour hotline, or in person as advocates who accompany victims to hospital emergency rooms, police interviews, and courts.

“Both women and men who are dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault can encounter obstacles, many may not want to speak out or have a lack of support within their family or friends,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “Under complete discretion and privacy to the clients and themselves, our volunteers help victims overcome these barriers, reclaim their lives and be an advocate who can accompany them to hospitals, police stations and courts. The Union County Board of Commissioners encourage anyone in need of these services to reach out for help.”

Each year Union County hosts Denim Day, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and on Wednesday, April 27^th, Union County invites everyone to join the Union County Rape Crisis Center and other Union County allies in wearing denim to raise awareness about sexual assault and to show support for survivors of sexual violence.

To join the movement, participants can snap a group photo of you and your friends/co-workers wearing denim and send it to websupport@ucnj.org for a feature on: the County website, the County’s social media platforms and the Rape Crisis Center Blog.

To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Union County Rape Crisis Center, please call 908-233-7273.

Union County, NJ – April 1, 2022 — Union County residents interested in learning more about local recycling rules can join two free webinars presented by the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning in April.

“Many of our residents want to do the right thing and recycle everything they can. It’s important to know which items can go into the recycling bin, and which have to go in regular household trash,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The free “Recycle Right” webinars are as follows:

Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.: This presentation will be hosted by Libraries of Union County Consortium. The Zoom link is available at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register.

Monday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.: This presentation will be hosted by Clark Public Library on April The registration link is available at https://clarkpl.librarycalendar.com.

Schools and community organizations can schedule a presentation by contacting Heather Miara at the Bureau of Recycling and Planning, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

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.

#  #

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.