The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Human Services (DHS) are proud to announce a new partnership with TipCo Automated Systems (TipCo) to modernize and enhance accessibility to critical human services and resources by integrating artificial intelligence (AI).
As part of this innovative collaboration, DHS has launched EVA—a powerful AI assistant designed to support the DHS Action Line in handling high volumes of client inquiries across a broad range of services. These include SNAP, General Assistance (GA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, Paratransit, Housing Resources, Aging Services, and Special Needs Programs.
“We have a responsibility to embrace innovation that makes government more accessible, responsive, and centered on people’s real needs,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “With this new partnership, we’re using smart tools like EVA to connect with residents more efficiently and ensure they get the support they need, when they need it.”
Since its implementation, EVA has already answered nearly 6,000 calls from Union County residents in need, ensuring timely access to information, reducing wait times, and freeing up staff resources to focus on complex casework and direct service delivery.
“This partnership with TipCo reflects our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our residents through a unique approach to service delivery,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director Union County DHS. “By leveraging artificial intelligence, we’re enhancing how we connect clients with critical resources, improving efficiency, and maintaining our focus on full-service, person-centered support.”
Union County remains committed to adopting forward-thinking technology while maintaining full-service, client-centered operations. The successful integration of EVA marks just the beginning of a broader strategy to expand AI capabilities within human services, and DHS is actively working with TipCo to explore additional innovations to support this mission.
For more information about the Union County Department of Human Services and available programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/dhs.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation joyously invite residents, families, and friends to our annual Touch-A-Truck event, taking place on Sunday, May 18th, at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“Touch-A-Truck is always an exciting adventure for the whole family; with a variety of vehicles to explore, hayrides through the park, food trucks, and child-friendly activities, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for both the young, and the young at heart,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Don’t miss out on this free event. I can’t wait to see you all there!”
Union County’s Touch-A-Truck event is the ultimate hands-on experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of trucks and cars, including those from the Union County Departments of Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. Additionally, guests will be able to take a hayride through a portion of the park, and inflatable attractions will be available for children to enjoy.
All visitors are welcome to take part in a special Disc Golf demonstration presented by the Oak Ridge Disc Golf Club.
Food trucks will be on-site with a variety of food, drinks, and snacks available for purchase to all guests. Admission is free.
For more information on Touch-A-Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the 2025 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit has officially opened its annual tour at the Springfield Public Library, located at 66 Mountain Avenue in Springfield. The exhibit will be on display through June 9, 2025, during the library’s regular hours.
“This exhibit is a powerful reminder of the creativity and potential of our youth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We are proud to support platforms that elevate student voices, celebrate their artistic expression, and provide opportunities to share their work with our communities. Congratulations to all of the exhibiting students—you are truly inspiring.”
The exhibit features a curated selection of visual art created by talented middle and high school students who participated in the 2025 Union County Teen Arts Festival. This annual two-day celebration of creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts is held at UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey’s Cranford campus. Several pieces in the exhibit have also been selected for display at the prestigious New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival, taking place this June at Middlesex County College.
A public reception honoring the student artists will be held at the Springfield Public Library on Thursday, May 22, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Following its stay in Springfield, the exhibit will continue traveling through early 2026, with stops at the Union County Commissioners Gallery in Elizabeth and public libraries in Cranford, Elizabeth, Linden, and Plainfield. Admission is free and open to the public.
“This program not only showcases the artistic achievements of our students, but it also brings their work into local spaces where it can be appreciated by residents across the county,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. “The Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is a celebration of imagination, discipline, and talent—and we thank the students, teachers, and families who help bring it to life each year.”
The 2025 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit features work by students from the following schools and municipalities:
Berkeley Heights
Columbia Middle School
Madison Howard-Rawles
Governor Livingston High School
Jane Geddis and Milagros Ramos
Clark
Carl H. Kumpf Middle School
Jiah Jeremiah
Mother Seton Regional High School
Anubha Baijpai, Jada Belin, Nia Harris, Kayla Hughes, and Mia Sivy Kelly
Cranford
Cranford High School
Maria Kuchurhura, Kathryn Campbell, and Elima Kahlivk
Hillside Avenue School
Gabriella Coakley
Lincoln School
Lily Pachana
Lincoln School CAMP
Lee Capers, Zoey Pinheiro, and Dylan Umali
Orange Avenue School
Sophia Golding
Elizabeth
Chessie Dentley Roberta Academy
Crisbell Pauta and Kaylee Valdez
Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy
Daniel Mateo & Zoe Gomez
Elmora School #12
Camila Ticona
Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy
Anasemo Adn, Melany Teixiera and Rosalie Villalba-Molina
JVJ STEM Academy
Victoria Johnson
John E. Dwyer Technology Academy
Jorge Caballero-Oroman
Joseph Battin School #4
Joshua Bueno
L’Ourverture-Lafayette
Deborah Pintado
Madison-Monroe
Yarielis Hierro
Terrence C. Reilly
Leslie Bibiano
Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy
Sheryl Lasprilla
Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy
Olivia Bailey
Victor Mravlag
Benjamin Afonso, Edward Afonso, and Demetri Melachrinos
William F. Halloran
Samantha Cermena
William Halsey Academy
Ruth Milfort and Erica Maria Rodriguez
Woodrow Wilson School
Dora Flores
Kenilworth
David Brearley High School
Madison Bennet and Ariela Rosado
Linden
Linden High School
Mia Gotowski and Arden Rosemond
McManus Middle School
Penina Riemenschneider
Soehl Middle School
Carlos Del Busto Alves
Mountainside
Deerfield Schools
Hana Barboiu
New Providence
New Providence Middle School
Astrid Isem Pacay
Springfield
Florence M. Gaudineer
Camila Ticona
Jonathan Dayton High School
Ren Versoza
Scotch Plains
Union County Vo-Tech High School
Emily Remy
Union
Union High School
Liana Brown-Bateman, Jochebed Quaye, and Anaisa Rodriguez
The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibit are coordinated each year by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks & Recreation, to highlight the exceptional artistic talents of local teens and encourage continued engagement in the arts.
For more information about Cultural & Heritage Affairs programs and services, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; call (908) 558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that beginning Thursday, May 15th, Farmers Market vouchers will be available for eligible Union County seniors. Each eligible senior can obtain a $40 e-benefit card to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables, and herbs at participating Farmers Markets.
“Challenges like fixed incomes, limited resources, and rising costs can impact our senior community’s ability to access quality, nutritious food. Through this program, we aim to ensure fresh, nutrient-rich foods sourced from our local farmers are available to those in need,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I encourage all seniors who meet the requirements to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”
To be eligible, seniors must be 60 years of age or older. A single person’s monthly income may not exceed $2,413 per month, and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $3,261 per month.
Eligible seniors can apply by calling the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on or after May 15, 2025. A limited number of vouchers are available, and applications will be evaluated on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
“Our Farmers Markets not only offer a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, but also serve as a popular gathering place for our community. This voucher program gives our seniors an easy and convenient way to socialize and engage with their community while accessing healthy food and supporting local agriculture,” said Union County Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
For more information about the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, or any other senior services provided by the Division on Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online atucnj.org/dhs/aging.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services are proud to announce a month-long series of events and initiatives in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. These efforts are designed to support mental wellness and provide residents with access to valuable resources and information about County services. Highlights include a virtual webinar on the ARRIVE Together program, a Community Mental Health Resource Fair, and a countywide call to wear green on Mental Health Action Day to show solidarity, support and raise awareness for mental health.
“Mental health is public health, and supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of our residents is a priority for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Mental health plays a vital role in every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our ability to thrive in our communities, yet many people who are struggling often feel alone or unsure of where to turn for help. That’s why we’re committed to not only raising awareness, but also making sure our residents know that support is available and help is within reach.”
Union County invites residents to a special virtual webinar focused on the ARRIVE Together program, a statewide initiative that pairs mental health professionals with law enforcement officers to respond to mental health crises with compassion and care. The discussion will feature panelists from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, RWJBH Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and local law enforcement. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 14th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will be hosted on Zoom and livestreamed via Facebook Live. Registration details can be found at ucnj.org/mental-health.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the Community Mental Health Resource Fair on Saturday, May 17th at 11:30 a.m. at the Roselle Memorial Library (104 West 4th Ave, Roselle, NJ). The fair will provide an opportunity to connect with local organizations, gather wellness tools, and learn about mental health services available for individuals and families.
As part of Mental Health Action Day on Thursday, May 15, residents are encouraged to wear green to raise awareness and show support for mental health. Mental health challenges are more common than many realize. 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 youth aged 6 to 17 are affected by a mental health condition. You are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible. For local mental health services or 24/7 support, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or scan the QR code on the Mental Health Action Day flyer.
“We want everyone in Union County to know they are supported and that resources are available no matter where they are in their mental health journey,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “Whether someone is seeking help for the first time or managing a long-term condition, they deserve to feel seen and heard. Help is also available if you are looking for resources to support a friend or family member. Together, we can continue to build a strong, compassionate community where mental wellness is prioritized and no one feels alone.”
The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse advises anyone needing support, information, or resources to reach out to NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service system. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, assessment of presenting problems, and information and referral. This is a free, confidential service with multilingual translation available. If you or a loved one is facing mental health related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support. The Lifeline provides free confidential emotional support to individuals in crisis or emotional distress. To learn more about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new Sensory Friendly Movie Series, with the first-ever screening set for Friday, May 23rd, featuring Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. This series is a new initiative funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund and expands upon the County’s commitment to inclusive arts and recreation programming.
“Union County is proud to lead the way in expanding inclusive programming that meets the needs of all residents, and we’re thrilled to bring our first sensory-friendly movie experience to the Hamilton Stage,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This new sensory-friendly movie series represents more than just a night at the theater — it’s about pride, joy, and equal access to experiences that many families have gone without for far too long. We’ve seen the impact of our sensory-friendly live performances, and now we’re taking that vision even further by expanding that accessibility through film.”
The May 23rd screening will take place at the Hamilton Stage, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the film begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person.
This sensory-friendly showing is tailored for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Audience accommodations include lowered volume, dimmed house lights throughout the film, and a relaxed environment where attendees are welcome to move, vocalize, and engage freely.
“I’m proud to announce this new initiative, which marks a major step forward in our mission to build a more inclusive Union County and reinforces our commitment to making arts and recreation truly accessible for all families,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chair of the Open Space Trust Fund. “We’ve heard from so many parents who’ve never been able to take their children to a movie theater due to sensory challenges — and that’s exactly why we created this. Families deserve to enjoy these experiences without fear of being judged or excluded. It’s about removing barriers, embracing inclusion, and creating lasting memories that every child and parent deserves. And this is just the beginning — we’re planning three more sensory-friendly movie nights in 2025 to continue expanding access and joy across our communities.”
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile tells the encouraging story of a singing crocodile who helps those around him find their voice. It’s an uplifting message that aligns well with the mission of Sensory Friendly Theater.
For more information about Sensory Friendly Theater and to purchase tickets for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, visit www.ucpac.org/sensory-friendly or call the Union County Performing Arts Center box office at (732) 499-8226.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the continuation of its 2025 recycling events this May. Residents are encouraged to participate by securely disposing of personal documents, scrap metals, and household hazardous items during the scheduled monthly events. This countywide initiative promotes eco-friendly practices by collaborating with residents to keep Union County clean, safe, and sustainable.
“Union County’s recycling programs provide an easy and convenient way to prevent identity theft, conserve valuable resources, and protect the environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I urge residents to inspect their homes and vehicles for unwanted or potentially hazardous items and to utilize these free recycling services.”
Union County offers free mobile paper shredding events from March to October, allowing residents to securely dispose of personal documents onsite. The events are held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or until trucks reach capacity. Residents are invited to the following shredding events in May:
Friday, May 16th: Hillside Pool Parking Lot, 1209 Central Avenue, Hillside
Sunday, May 18th: New Providence Community Pool Parking Lot, 1378 Springfield Avenue, New Providence
The shredding events are intended for personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.
Union County’s Scrap Metal Recycling Program also continues in May, providing residents the opportunity to responsibly recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The next scrap metal event of the season will take place on Saturday, May 17th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two convenient locations:
Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. George’s Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)
Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event will take place on Sunday, June 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at Union County VoTech, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. At these events, residents can properly dispose of a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling. These items include, but are not limited to, oil-based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, asbestos, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash. All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.
For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. 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. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the return of the much-anticipated 2025 Union County Women Means Business Summit (UCWMB). The event will take place on Wednesday, May 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.
“This yearly seminar is an invaluable opportunity for professional women, managers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to come together, strengthen their networks, and equip themselves with the essential tools for success in our ever-changing world,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I encourage all women seeking to transform their business and grow personally to sign up and not miss this opportunity to learn from our knowledgeable presenters. I can’t wait to see you there!”
Now in its 11th installment, the UCWMB Summit is a yearly conference dedicated to women that offers participants a truly empowering experience. Attendees will enjoy breakfast and lunch, choose from four engaging breakout sessions, and be inspired by this year’s keynote speaker, Dean Meghan Rehbein of Douglass Residential College at Rutgers University.
Dr. Meghan Rehbein serves as the eleventh Dean of Douglass College, a role she has held since July 2022. As Dean, she has championed bold strategic priorities, shaped a curriculum centered on leadership development, and strengthened alignment between Douglass and Rutgers University’s Academic Master Plan.
Dr. Rehbein first joined Douglass in 2018, most recently serving as Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, where she led innovative collaborations with a special emphasis on communications and sustainability. Prior to her tenure at Rutgers, she led the record-breaking conclusion of the Power of 100 Years Campaign and served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Georgian Court University.
With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, higher education, and human services, Dr. Rehbein is widely recognized for her transformative approach to institutional growth and mission-driven leadership. Her research focuses on gender and leadership development in the nonprofit sector. She is a contributing author to Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead—a compelling collection highlighting how adversity can shape authentic leadership identities. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College, a master’s degree from Sacred Heart University, and an Ed.D. from Stockton University.
The 2025 Union County Women Mean Business Summit is a program organized by the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors JCT Solutions, Atlantic Health, United Airlines, ConnectOne Bank, L’Oreal, and Kemper Sports.
Throughout the day, there will also be open networking opportunities for attendees to make meaningful professional connections. Admission to the 2025 UCWMB Summit is $55 per person. Don’t miss out! Explore this year’s exciting breakout sessions, meet our dynamic speakers, and secure your spot today at ucnj.org/ucwmb.
For more information about this event, please contact Jennifer Erdos, from the Union County Office on Women at (908)527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org.
Party Dress by Audrey Yankielun (Westfield) – Craft – Best of Show Professional 2025Patience by Mark Albertson (Westfield) – Oil – Best of Show Non-Professional 2025
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the 2025 Union County Senior Art Exhibit, featuring more than 160 original works created by older adults, age 60 and above. The public is invited to view the exhibit now through June 3, in the Conference Center of UCNJ Union College of Union County NJ, at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.
The exhibit is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, and open until 8 pm on Tuesday evenings. The venue is located approximately a quarter-mile from Martine Ave. Upon entering the campus from Raritan Road, visitors should proceed to the third building on the right. Ample parking is available on site.
The annual Senior Art Exhibit showcases artworks by both professional and non-professional artists who reside in Union County. The varied media categories include drawing, pastel, watercolor, oil painting, acrylics, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, craft and sculpture.
“This annual celebration brings people together in a way which encourages our seniors to develop their interest and cultivate local community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to dedicate space for this art exhibit each year, and we hope everyone in Union County—regardless of age—can take something great away from this experience.”
Awards for outstanding entries in each media category were selected by independent professional artists Barbara Wallace, Brian Branch-Price and Joseph Borzotta.
Best in Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Audrey Yankielun of Westfield for her craft work created from thousands of postage stamps, titled “Party Dress.” Best in Show by a Non-Professional Artist was awarded to Mark Albertson of Westfield for his oil painting titled “Patience.”
First-place artworks will advance to the state level, to be exhibited in the fall at the 2025 New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show in East Windsor.
The Union County Senior Art Exhibit is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The exhibit is coordinated annually by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, email msturm@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550 weekdays (relay users dial 711).
For more information about cultural programs offered by the County of Union, visit www.ucnj.org/cultural.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the June 10th Primary Election are now available at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth during each office’s regular working hours.
“Offering flexible options like vote-by-mail makes participating in our democracy more accessible for everyone. The goal is to make voting as easy and secure as possible,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.
Voters can download the vote-by-mail application and bring it with them to the office, or they can apply by mail. Working hours at each office are listed below:
Elizabeth Office: Union County Courthouse, Election Division
