County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce the first Union County WORKS Business Summit on September 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at Kean University’s Liberty Hall Academic Building, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union. As part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” Union County has launched the “Empowering Our Businesses” initiative, aiming to strengthen relationships between our Union County American Job Center and local businesses, providing even greater opportunities for employers and employees alike.

“Hosting this event marks a significant stride in our efforts to build a stronger Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I take great pride in introducing the first-ever Union County WORKS Business Summit, a testament to our commitment to cultivating the growth of local businesses and further strengthening the bonds between our Union County American Job Center and the business community. Together, we are continuing on a path towards a thriving business environment in Union County, and I encourage all businesses to join us on September 12^th, as we work to empower both our businesses and Union County.”

The Union County WORKS Business Summit is designed to empower businesses with valuable insights, expert advice, and unmatched resources. It aims to highlight Union County’s comprehensive list of available services and resources, including Workforce Information and Data Analysis, On-the Job-Training, Employer Support Services, Incumbent Worker Training, Recruitment Assistance, Training Services, and Customized Training. Participating businesses will receive access to up to $10,000 in on-the-job training costs per employee, up to 50% reimbursement for incumbent employee training, and free professional recruitment services.

Businesses can anticipate insights into targeted demographic data, targeted development areas, and strategic approaches for creating a thriving business environment in Union County.

Guests will also be able to listen to expert panelists offer valuable guidance for businesses of all sizes. These panelists include:

• Robert Croom – A 19-year employee of Union County, Robert’s journey began within Union County’s public service landscape and soon saw himself supervising the Department of Social Services. In 2022, Robert became Division Director of the Union County American Job Center, where he has shown an unwavering dedication to nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses and job seekers throughout the county.
• Antonio Rivera – Antonio currently serves as the Director of the Union County Workforce Development Board. His commitment to workforce development is evident through his membership in significant commissions and boards, including the Garden State Employment & Training Commission, the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Credential Review Board, and the Port Authority of NY & NJ’s Council on Port Performance, Workforce Development Implementation Team.
• Adam Farrah – As president of the Union County Economic Development Corporation, Adam spearheads yearly fundraising efforts through donations, foundation backing, and extended state and federal contracts. Before his role as president, Adam began his tenure in the UCEDC as Director of Financial Programs, and later was appointed Senior Vice President for 22 years, overseeing financial programs as well as government procurement assistance and business development divisions.
• Carlos Medina – As an accomplished professional with a background in mapping and engineering, Carlos has significantly expanded revenues and diversified services at Robinson Aerial, Inc., and has also played key roles in the media and as the President and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Additionally, he co-founded the Hispanic Chamber Fund and serves as a Corporate Board Member of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, showcasing his diverse and impactful contributions in various fields.
• Hilary McCarron – Hilary is the manager of Port Planning & Policy in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Port Department. Under her leadership, the workforce committee collaborates with Port businesses and stakeholders to host events that raise awareness about the importance of the Port of NY & NJ and the range of well-paying local jobs it offers in Union, Essex, Hudson, Richmond, and Kings counties.
• Mimi Nkwepo – In her role as National Director/Head of Talent Acquisition Diversity & Inclusion at Coach USA, Dr. Nkwepo oversees all recruiting activities and works to ensure that the company attracts and hires employees of the highest caliber that fit within Coach USA’s unique corporate culture. Prior to joining Coach USA, she held positions of increasing responsibilities at companies such as Atrium Staffing, Johnson & Johnson, Merck KGA, and PSEG.

Anyone interested in registering should visit www.ucnj.org/works23 to secure their spot. For more information, please contact Carolina Marin by phone at 908-380-6237 or via email at astrid.marin@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Newark Bait Fly Casting Club, invites residents of Union County to participate in the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs on Saturday, September 9th, at Lower Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“This event is the perfect way to spend some time outdoors and enjoy the end of summer,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Hosting a fishing derby for our residents with special needs and disabilities, alongside their families, is an initiative that reflects our commitment to providing quality programming and creating a truly inclusive community and county for all segments of our population. It is always a great time, so I hope to see many of our community there!”

The Fall Fishing Derby will begin at 10:00am. Participants of all ages are encouraged to bring their own poles, chairs and fishing gear, or they can use the equipment provided.

Admission to the Fall Fishing Derby 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 held in partnership with the Newark Bait Fly Casting Club, the oldest scientific angling and casting club in the east. This group of fishermen and fisherwomen unite through a shared commitment to assist veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities through various events held during the year.

The Fall Fishing Derby 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. The OPDSN offers recreational programs for people with disabilities year-round for children age 5 through adult across county facilities.

Their goal is to help people with disabilities achieve independent living and full inclusion in all aspects of county life. To find out more about special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4807.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday evening, September 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 Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Cities

• Berkeley Heights – Nancy Pl., Plainfield Ave., (Little Flower)
• Clark – Featherbed Ln., Miller Ave., Old Raritan Rd., Riverside Dr.,
• Cranford– Crane Pkwy., Hillside Ave., Wall St.
• Elizabeth – Clarkson Av., Elizabeth/Essex Sewage Authority,
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., Locust Ave., Orchard Ter., Union Ave.
• Linden – Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Linden land fill, Marion Ave., Range Rd., Tremley Pt. Area,
• Plainfield – St. Nicholas Blvd. Jefferson Ave., W. 8th St., Grant Ave., 1st St.
• Roselle – Oakley St., Pine St.
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Hetfield Ave., North Ave., Round Hill Rd., South Ave., Wedgewood Way, Hill Top Rd.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln. Area, Oakland Ave., S. Springfield Ave., Waverly Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Vaux Hall Rd., Whitewood Rd., Clermont Ter., Fairway Dr.S., Tinkettle Turn
• Westfield – Codding Rd., Dorian Rd., Dorian Pl., Hyslip Ave., Rahway Ave.(Armory), W. Broad St.
• Winfield – Union County Parkway

County Parks

• Cedar Brook – Plainfield
• Oak Ridge – Clark

The Union County community invites all residents to honor the lives lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks at Union County’s September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Monday, September 11th.

“It has been 22 years since America was gripped by heartbreak, tragedy, and fear in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Although time has passed, the legacy of those we lost, including 60 Union County residents and thousands from across our nation, continues to reside deep within our hearts,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Each year, our community comes together in a solemn memorial to honor the exceptional bravery and selflessness of these individuals and I encourage all of our residents to attend this important vigil, as we pledge to never let their memory fade.”

A uniformed Honor Guard will stand watch at the memorial from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring and light candles in remembrance of those lives lost on September 11^th. Candles will also be available at the memorial, courtesy of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Completed in 2003, this memorial is dedicated to the sixty Union County residents who perished in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders worked alongside residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to design this memorial.

Two sections of steel from the World Trade Center are positioned next to each other on a five-sided brick base representing the Pentagon, alongside a sculpture of a hand holding an “Eternal Flame,” memorializing the Armed Service members, emergency responders, and passengers aboard United Flight 93 who lost their lives that day. The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union County’s Echo Lake Park, near the Springfield Avenue entrance.

For more details about the Union County September 11^th Memorial, please visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to award the recipients of the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Awards during the first day of Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

“Seeing Union County’s Hispanic cultures unite to celebrate their achievements is one of my personal highlights of the month,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It truly showcases the diversity and inclusion we’ve been working to achieve in Union County. Over one-third of our residents are of Hispanic origin, and it’s always great to acknowledge and honor some of the contributions that are being provided through our community members to enhance our community at large.”

The Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. on September 15^th at the Union County Performing Arts Center, with a concert by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra immediately to follow. Recipients of these awards include Alberto Goncalves, CEO and founder of Life Assets Capital, Olga Hugelmeyer, Superintendent of Schools of Elizabeth Public Schools, and the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County. Free limited tickets are available at www.ucnj.org/hhm.

“As the first Hispanic woman elected to the Board of County Commissioners, this award ceremony is especially important to me,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We are proud to have these individuals represent the very best of Union County.”

Recipient of the Business Leadership Award, Alberto Goncalves, has spent his professional journey dedicated to endeavors that bring about lasting improvements in urban neighborhoods across New Jersey. As CEO and founder of Life Assets Capital, a leader in the real estate development industry, he has been influential in generating employment opportunities and fostering growth for the community.

Olga Hugelmeyer, recipient of the Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award, is an experienced educator who has been involved in the Elizabeth Public School System for over 29 years. She is also on the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, which represents more than 470 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success.

Recipient of the Public Safety Award, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County, takes great pride in endorsing various community civic initiatives, offering scholarships to high school students, providing exam tutorials, and facilitating social events. The HLEAUC understands the complexity individuals of Hispanic heritage who aspire to enter the field of criminal justice face, which is why their scholarship committee is an integral part of their mission.

Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15^th to October 14^th. To view a full list of events, please visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.

We will post our 2024 schedule as the season approaches.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, August 31, 2023, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Elizabeth – Clarkson Av., Elizabeth/Essex Sewage Authority,
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., Orchard Ter., Union Ave.
• Linden – Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Miner Ter., Tremley Pt. Area,
• New Providence – Possum Way
• Plainfield – St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Allen St., Broad St., Donald Ave., Fulton St., Price St. Area, Central Ave., Hedin Pl., Riffle Ave., Revoir Dr., Madison Hill Rd.
• Roselle Park – Beechwood Ave. Area, W. Colfax Ave., Pinewood Ave., Woodside Ave.
• Roselle – Pine St., Oakley St.
• Scotch Plains – Seneca Rd. Area, Hill Top Rd., South Ave.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln. Area, Evergreen Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Vaux Hall Rd., Whitewood Rd., Clermont Ter., Fairway Dr., Tinkettle Turn
• Winfield – Union County Parkway