Category: Public Info

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, September 1, 2022, between the hours of 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below and see if your city is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control at 908-654-9873

• Clark – Featherbed Ln., Frances Dr., Lefferts Ln., Terhune Rd., Whitley Ter., Shetland Dr., Wendell Pl.
• Elizabeth – Union Ave.
• Hillside – Westminster Area, Kean U.
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd (County Yard). Epping Dr., 14^th St., Commonwealth Rd.
• Linden – Tremley Point Area, Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave.
• New Providence – Gales Dr., Fairmont Rd., Maple Ave.,
• Plainfield – Jefferson Ave., First St., Berkley Ter., Reeves Ter., Wiley Ave.
• Rahway – Elston St., Leesville Ave. Area, Donald Ave. Price St., Allen St., Jones Pl., Scott Ave., Whitter St., Elizabeth Ave., Randolph Ave., New Brunswick Ave.
• Roselle – 3^rd. Ave., 4^th Ave., Pine St., Woodland Ave.
• Springfield – Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., S. Springfield Ave., Cottage Ln.
• Summit – New Providence Rd., Summit recycling center
• Union – Dean Ter., Whitewood Rd., Livingston Ave., Lehigh Ave., Cranbury Rd.
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr

“Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community”

The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that September is National Recovery Month. To celebrate the strides made by those living in recovery and to raise awareness, the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse (OBHSA) acknowledges the focus and re-adoption of the 2021 theme by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

The 2022 National Recovery Month theme, Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community, emphasizes that resilience in the path to recovery is possible for all, with the strength and support of a thriving and educated community.

“The Commissioner Board is committed to empowering those around us by providing education about the various options for treatment and services available within Union County,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Treatment is effective and people can and do recover. We encourage residents to seek assistance if they need to address behavioral health or substance abuse issues.”

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Along with the Union County Board of County Commissioners, OBHSA will join the NAADAC, in declaring September 20, 2022 as National Addiction Professionals Day. Started by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals in 1992, the day was established to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication that addiction professionals provide to supporting our fellow residents to recovery.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with a substance abuse disorder, call the central line for NJ residents at 1-844-732-2465. It is available 24/7, and offers free, confidential, and live assistance. The trained staff will provide screening and quickly identify the caller’s needs to connect them to local treatment providers.

The OBHSA is a part of the Department of Human Services and is available provide resources to address well-being. For specific information about services for Mental Health, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, or prevention efforts, please visit: https://ucnj.org/dhs/individual-and-family-services/.

To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, residents can use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call the Action Line at 888-558-2288.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to attend the commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 16. The ceremony will start promptly at 11:00 a.m.

“We are proud to honor those men and women who were prisoners of war, and those who are still listed as missing in action,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Board of County Commissioners will continue to remember the sacrifices made by those in our armed forces as well as their families.”

The ceremony features Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, as the master of ceremonies and an invocation led by Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans.

The guest speaker will be United States Air Force Sergeant Ernesto M. Hernandez. The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Kimberly Pierre.

The presentation of colors will be performed by Honor Guards from the Union County Sheriff Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police and Fire Honor Guard.

The ceremony will include a rifle salute, TAPS performed by Alfredo Beltran and will conclude with the Retirement of the Colors.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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 to hold free drop-off event for old or unwanted household chemicals and many other items, Saturday, September 10.

Union County residents can safely dispose their unwanted household chemicals, old fire extinguishers, propane tanks and other potentially hazardous items at Union County’s next free Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, September 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union College (formerly known as Union County College), located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town. Residents participating in the event should go to parking lots 5A and 5B on the campus upon arrival.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drive-up only, and contact-free. Items for disposal should be brought in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area, where they can be easily unloaded by staff at the site.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Items accepted for disposal include outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

A list of items accepted at Household Hazardous Waste events is available at ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste. Residents with questions about items not included on the list should call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The next and last Household Hazardous Waste event of 2022 will take place on Saturday, October 22 in Scotch Plains. The recycling program will then go on winter hiatus.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Car tires are accepted at these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Leftover latex paint can be used around the house, shared, donated, or allowed to dry in the can. The dried can may be discarded in regular household garbage, with the lid off. To reduce drying time, add kitty litter, newspaper scraps or a commercial paint hardener.

The September 10 event is part of Union County’s annual series of recycling programs for household hazardous waste, scrap metal and personal paper shredding. Visit ucnj.org/recycle for dates, times and locations.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County’s “ASK” program will visit four locations in September, including bilingual assistance in Spanish

Union County seniors and their caregivers can come to any one of four Union County Aging Services Kiosk events this September and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms. Bilingual staff will be available to assist residents in Spanish during the event on September 21.

“The ASK program is a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services, and our bilingual staff will help ensure that we can reach everyone who is seeking assistance,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

ASK is 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.

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 September dates and locations will be:

Thursday, September 1

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, 07083

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Monday, September 12

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 07066

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Wednesday, September 14

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood, 07027

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Wednesday, September 21

Bilingual staff will be available at this event to assist residents in Spanish

Elizabeth Public Library

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

To check for other upcoming ASK events, call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.  

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free drop-off sites available on September 1 and September 17.

Union County residents can bring their old or unwanted scrap metal to free recycling drop-off sites sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Metal cabinets, wire hangers, appliances, gutters, kitchen ware and many other metal items are accepted at these sites.

“Recycling scrap metal is an important way to conserve resources, and we encourage every household to make use of this free service,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “These drop-off sites make it easy and convenient to clear your home and yard of unwanted metal items while helping the environment, too.”

The Union County scrap metal drop-off program operates at two sites, in Cranford and Rahway.

Both sites are open to all Union County residents regardless of their home town.

The sites are available for drop-off on the first Thursday morning and third Saturday morning of each month, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The locations and upcoming dates/times in September are:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Thursday, September 1 and Saturday, September 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Rahway: Rahway River Park, follow Park Drive off St. Georges Avenue to the service yard across from the swimming pool, Thursday, September 1 and Saturday, September 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Items accepted for recycling include, but are not limited to, air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing, 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: these events are drive-up only and contact-free. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove.

Union County’s scrap metal program runs every month from April to November each year. All events take place at the Rahway and Cranford locations, on the designated mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The remaining dates for 2022 are October 6, October 15, November 3 and November 19.

For more information about all Union County recycling programs visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 for a recorded message.

Download the free Recycle Coach mobile app to receive recycling alerts and information tailored to each municipality, in addition to countywide programs.

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 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.

The months of August through October are the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the experts are anticipating an above-normal scenario for hurricane activity this year. Union County residents are advised to refresh their emergency plans now, and prepare for the possibility of a damaging storm.

“The memory of Hurricane Ida is still fresh in our minds. It was a devastating storm, and it was another warning that destructive inland flooding is a hurricane hazard, as well as high winds and coastal flooding. We encourage all Union County residents to be vigilant, and take steps to prepare for an emergency,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Weather experts with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have calculated that there is a 60% chance of above-normal activity this year, a 30% chance of near-normal activity, and only a 10% chance of below-normal activity.

Union County residents can stay up to date on any changes in the hurricane season forecast by visiting the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

Basic hurricane preparedness guidance includes assembling an emergency kit that provides for three to five days of supplies in case of interruption in electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or other local services.

Emergency kits should include non-perishable food and water, prescription medications, baby supplies and any additional items for special medical needs.

The kit should also include important phone numbers for doctors as well as cell phone chargers.

A battery-operated radio, flash lights, extra batteries as well as non-electric items likes can openers should also be included.

The needs of pets should also be taken into consideration when planning and making an emergency kit.

Staying aware of developing news is also vitally important. Union County residents can sign up for Union County’s free alert system, First Alert, at ucnj.org/alerts, to receive automatic alerts and updates on their mobile devices and computers.

Residents without Internet access will receive alerts on their land line phones through the reverse 9-11 system.

For more details about preparing for an emergency in Union County, visit ucnj.org/prepare.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, recognizes National Preparedness Month each September with additional guidance, at ready.gov/september.

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.

Pursuant to an announcement by Deana Mesaros, Director of the Union County Paratransit System, notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 6th Floor, Elizabeth, NJ the COUNTY OF UNION, Department of Human Services Paratransit, will hold a Hearing accepting input concerning the 2023 Application to New Jersey Transit for funding under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program, at which time and place all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. To assure that all members of the public are given an opportunity to be heard, initial presentations will be limited to five (5) minutes.

In order to encourage full participation in this Hearing, please submit any requests for accommodation of people with disabilities to the Union County Paratransit 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl., Elizabeth, NJ 07207 no later than five (5) business days prior to the public hearing. People who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or speech impaired should access this service by contacting New Jersey Relay Service TTY/TDD 1-800-852-7899.

For those residents unable to attend the Hearing, please know that written comments and/or testimony will be accepted through September 6th. Please send correspondence to Deana Mesaros, Director, Union County Paratransit System 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl. Elizabeth, NJ 07207

Spotted lanternfly infestations begin with the appearance of small, beetle-like nymphs in the spring, which transform into large, destructive hopping insects over the summer. Union County residents can take steps now to help prevent spotted lanternflies from breeding in the fall, and help to reduce the habitat for next year’s nymphs.

“The spotted lanternfly is a widespread problem in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Everyone can help reduce the infestation by taking steps to limit their chances of breeding this fall, and by reducing their preferred habitat,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Over the last year, the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation has been working with the US Department of Agriculture and the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station to assess various methods for locating and trapping lanternflies and preventing egg masses from hatching. Circle traps were set up in the Watchung Reservation, and they have already caught thousands of spotted lanternflies.

Union County has also assembled staff from the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Bureau of Shade Tree & Conservation, the Bureau of Mosquito Control, the Bureau of Geographic Information Systems and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to focus on fighting the infestation, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has awarded Union County a grant to fight the spotted lanternfly on a countywide basis.

The Union County Office of Public Information will provide updates on the work of this task force, and will continue to provide guidance on spotted lanternfly control for residents. A dedicated page on the County website for spotted lanternfly news and updates has been set up at ucnj.org/slf.

Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall. Residents can help prevent them from breeding now, by stomping on any lanternfly they see.

Residents with trees on their property can use circle traps to catch nymphs in the summer and mature lanternflies in early fall.  Lanternflies are known to feed on the sap of 70 different trees and plants, but the ailanthus tree, or Tree-of-Heaven, is their preferred host.

Please note that sticky tape and glue traps should never be used, because they can ensnare birds and beneficial insects. Circle traps are widely available online. They can also be made at home with simple materials.

For more information about circle traps and other environmentally safe methods of trapping nymphs and mature lanternflies, including a link for instructions on do-it-yourself circle traps, visit ucnj.org/slf.

Residents can also reduce the preferred habitat for spotted lanternflies by arranging to have ailanthus trees removed from their property. Because the ailanthus tree is an invasive non-native species, removing it can enable more diverse, native species to grow while also reducing breeding opportunities for the spotted lanternfly.

However, property owners are advised to consult a professional landscape or tree service to remove ailanthus trees. Sprouts and small saplings can be pulled up by the roots, but larger ailanthus trees require professional treatment with an herbicide to prevent them from growing back in greater numbers after cutting.

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.

Free Immunizations Available to Union County Residents Year-Round

In recognition of August as National Immunization Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that free immunizations are available to eligible children and adults at the Union County Immunization Center. The Immunization Center is located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

“Union County’s immunization clinic helps to ensure that every infant and child in our community can receive protection from preventable diseases, regardless of their insurance status or family circumstance,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We encourage everyone to check the eligibility for themselves and their children, and keep up to date on all needed vaccinations.”

Residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or who are covered by Medicaid Plan A are eligible for services at the Union County Immunization Center.

To receive vaccinations for a child, parents or guardians are required to provide the eligible child’s birth certificate, current vaccination records, parent or legal guardians ID and proof of address. Legal guardians must also have guardianship papers from the Court. If the child is in school, a referral by a school nurse must be presented. For adults looking to get vaccinated, photo ID is required as well as proof of address.

The Immunization Center provides information about available health services to families in need, screenings and more than a dozen immunizations for eligible children starting at 2 months of age as well as adults. Offerings have since been expanded to include the three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Historically, immunizations have helped to eliminate many transmissible diseases,” said the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Commissioner Sergio Granados, who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “The Commissioner Board is proud to provide this vital service to residents who lack sufficient medical coverage and want to get immunized.”

The following vaccinations are available at the Union County Immunization Center:

• TD – Tetanus and Diphtheria
• DtaP – Whooping Cough or Pertussis
• HIB – Haemophilus Influenza Type B
• Prevnar – Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (for bacterial infections that cause pneumonia, blood, and brain infections)
• Gardasil
• Proquad
• Rota
• Meningococcal
• Pentacel
• MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German or 3-day Measles)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella – Chickenpox
• Flu
• Pediarix – DtaP; Hepatitus B; and IPV (inactivated polio vaccine)
• Shenrix – Shingles
• COVID-19 Vaccines: Pfizer (12 years and up), Moderna (adults)

To make an appointment at the Union County Immunization Center, to determine eligibility for free immunization, or to find out more about available programs, call the Immunization Center weekdays during regular business hours at 908-965-3627/3868. Appointments for immunizations can usually be scheduled within 48-72 hours of calling.

The Union County Immunization Clinic opened in 2013 and is run as a service of the Union County Department of Human Services. Since opening, free immunizations have been administered for thousands of uninsured and underinsured children. Adult immunization began last year.

The Immunization Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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