County of Union, New Jersey

April 13 is the deadline for voters who plan to change parties before the 2022 Primary Elections in June

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 13, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 7.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 7, 2022 Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 13.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:

• Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
• Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
• Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
• Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.
• To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 7 primary.

The April 13 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 7.

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. Upon receipt of a ballot for each party, unaffiliated voters should return only the ballot for the party to which they are declaring affiliation.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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, NJ – March 23, 2022  — Oral history has become a popular way to preserve personal experiences, family legacies and community heritage. Now Union County residents can learn how to create their own oral histories, through the new “Introduction to Oral History Workshop” on Wednesday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m., at the Liberty Hall Academic Center and Exhibition Hall on the Kean University campus, at 1003 Morris Avenue #2 in Union Township.

The event is free and open to the public. Update: pre-registration is requested by using the online form at ucnj.org/cultural.

“The Commissioner Board encourages all Union County residents with an interest in family or personal histories to come to the workshop, and learn how they can help preserve the past and inform future generations,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Kean University and the Union County Historical Society for partnering in this project.”

The hands-on oral history workshop will introduce participants to the practice of oral history. Participants will be able to apply the principles of oral history during the workshop, using any topic of their own interest from current affairs to life histories and community stories.

The workshop will be presented by Dr. Abigail Perkiss, Assistant Professor of History at Kean University.

Dr. Perkiss is the Managing Editor of the Oral History Review and Vice President of the organization Oral History in the Mid-Atlantic Region. She completed her joint J.D./Ph.D. in U.S. history at Temple University and earned a graduate certificate from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine.

Dr. Perkiss’s current project is Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore, an oral history documenting the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in three neighborhoods along the Sandy Hook Bay. The project was developed in the classroom with Kean undergraduate students in 2013.

She is also the author of Making Good Neighbors: Civil Rights, Liberalism, and Integration in Postwar Philadelphia, an examination of intentionally integrated neighborhoods in the latter half of the twentieth century, author of the forthcoming book, Staring out to Sea: Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey’s Forgotten Shore, and co-author of a manuscript for the Reacting to the Past game-based history curriculum at Barnard College titled, Changing the Game: Title IX, Gender, and Athletics in American Universities.

The oral history workshop is part of a series of history lectures hosted jointly by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Kean University, and the Union County Historical Society.

For more information about the series contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, at 908-436-2912 or jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on all programs and activities visit ucnj.org/ cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

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.

Union County, NJ – March 23, 2022 — In celebration of Autism Acceptance month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites special needs residents and their families to a “Day Out with the Red Bulls” on Saturday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Red Bulls Arena.

A limited number of tickets are available through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. The cost of $30.00 per person includes a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for the team on April 9,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Union County is excited to provide our residents with an inclusive community activity in a welcoming environment. We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

Red Bull Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The April 9^th match will see the Red Bulls face the CF Montreal.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Acceptance Month is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. For more information, residents can reach out to Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781, or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.

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.

Union County, NJ – March 22, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of two upcoming emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in March and April, to aid those affected by COVID-19. Any Union County resident in need can use any of these events.

Please note that the location of the March 26 event was originally scheduled to be held in Plainfield at Gerald B. Green Plaza. The event location has been changed to Cedar Brook Park, at Park Drive in Plainfield.

Saturday, March 26

• 11:00 a.m. – Cedar Brook Park, main parking lot
• Walk-up (please bring a cart or other conveyance for food)

Saturday, April 9 – Holiday Distribution

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru (please leave an open space in trunk or cargo area for food)

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County is proud to continue to provide assistance for those experiencing difficulties and we recognize that our food distributions have been a valuable resource for residents in need over the past two years,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Residents continue to experience food insecurity due to economic effects of COVID-19, despite the enormous progress made thus far,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are highly encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up participants should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution event at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated at this location.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

April 22 is Earth Day, and more than a billion people all over the world are expected to participate. Union County residents can take part in this unique global celebration by joining in local environmental activities throughout the month of April.

“Union County has long been identified with the movement to preserve open space for nature conservation and public recreation. In our generation the annual Earth Day celebration provides everyone with a chance to build their own environmental legacy for the future of our community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Earth Day truly is every day in Union County.”

Nature Appreciation: Residents and visitors can plan a trip to Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Admission and parking are free, and the interactive exhibits provide many opportunities for self-guided learning. For details visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Union County’s Tree Trails offer additional opportunities for self-guided learning. The Sensory Friendly Trail, on the grounds of Trailside, also provides new learning experiences for different abilities. More details about trails and paths in Union County parks are available online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

In May, Trailside will also host Union County’s annual Wild Earth Fest with lots of family friendly exhibits and activities on local environmental topics including energy, recycling, land and wildlife conservation, and pollution. Details are coming soon.

Learning about Trees: The Master Tree Stewards of Union County is a volunteer program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported by the Commissioner Board. Certified Tree Stewards visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to teach a fun, interactive lesson about trees. To arrange a visit, or to inquire about joining as a volunteer, contact Union County 4-H Agent Jim Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Watershed Ambassadors: Schools and organizations can contact Union County’s Watershed Ambassadors for an educational visit, or to help organize cleanups and other watershed activities. This federally funded program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. To contact a Watershed Ambassador in Union County email Cassidy Anastasio at wma7.njwap@gmail.com or Ginny Rockey at wm9.njwap@gmail.com.

“Earth Day Every Day:” The Commissioner Board also supports the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program, which offers live and pre-recorded webinars on a range of topics from native plants to recycling and composting. To sign up for webinars visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/earth-day-every-day. To inquire about joining the program as a volunteer next year, contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Master Gardeners of Union County: This Rutgers Extension program trains volunteer gardeners at all skill levels, from beginner to expert. To inquire about joining next year contact Madeline Flahive DiNardo at mflahive@ucnj.org. The Master Gardeners are currently planning their annual plant sale and fund raiser to be held in May. More details are coming soon.

Recycle Right: April is a good time to download the free Recycle Coach app, which provides recycling news and schedules tailored to each town along with details about countywide programs. For more information visit ucnj.org/recycling. On April 5 and 11 the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning will also present live webinars on recycling and the “bag ban,” hosted by the Libraries of Union County Consortium and the Clark Public Library. Schools and organizations can schedule an event with the Recycling Bureau by contacting Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

Prepare for the “Bag Ban:” April is also a good time to plan ahead for the statewide bag ban, which goes into effect on May 4. The Commissioner Board has joined in the effort to encourage residents to stock up on reusable shopping bags. Groups and organizations can share Union County’s new “Grab a Bag” PSA, posted on the County’s YouTube channel, unioncountynj.

Plant This, Not That: Gardeners can help restore pollinator populations by including native plants in their spring gardening plans. Union County’s free downloadable “Plant This, Not That” native plants guide is available at ucnj.org.

Spotted Lanternfly Prevention: The flat, grayish egg masses of the spotted lanternfly can be found on tree trunks, stones, lawn furniture, cars, bicycles and other outdoor surfaces until mid-May, when they begin to hatch. Scrape them off and crush them to prevent another infestation of this destructive, invasive species. For sample photos and more details visit the Union County Green Connection.

Adopt a Park/Adopt a Trail: Volunteers work year-round in Union County parks to clear away litter and debris, restore native plants, and help ensure that visitors can enjoy rustic trails and walking paths. For more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park.

Union County also provides support for local Earth Day activities in April, including:

• Annual Multi-Park Cleanup in Summit, April 2 (for locations and other details contact summitearthdaycleanup@gmail.com).
• Elizabeth River Cleanup at Kean University campus in Union Township, April 22 (sign up on EventBrite).
• Rahway River Cleanup with Boy Scout Troop 330 and Cub Scout Pack 30, the Union County Clean Communities Program, and members of the Rahway River Watershed Association, April 23 (for details email rivercleanup@comcast.net).
• Friends of Rahway River Parkway Cleanup at Rahway River Park, April 23. Meet at Lakeside Picnic Area near the pond in Rahway River Park. No pre-registration needed. For details visit org.
• Spring Migration at Sandy Hook with the Rahway River Watershed Association, April 24: Join John Parham, a naturalist from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, on a field trip to Sandy Hook to look for migratory birds. Jordan will share his expertise as an avid birder (sign up on EventBrite).

For other events taking place in Union County, check the website of your local municipality or schools, faith organizations and non-profits.

To find out more about all programs and activities in the Union County parks system, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation, email parksinfo@ucnj.org  or call 908-527-4900.

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

Earth Day falls on Friday, April 22. Learn more about events, activities and initiatives globally at earthday.org/earth-day-2022.

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.