County of Union

In honor of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, unveils the distinguished winners of the annual Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Each year, the contest aims to inspire students in grades 4-8 to embrace environmental stewardship and advocate for tree conservation.

“Recognizing our students’ dedication to the environment through poetry showcases their thoughtful connection to nature,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Congratulations to all students for their efforts, and a special congratulations to the winners for their outstanding achievement. Your words encourage us all to protect our precious environment.”

A special awards ceremony, honoring the first, second, and third place winners across different grade levels, will be held during Wednesday, April 24^th at 6:00 p.m., where the winners will be recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

4th Grade

1st place – Nature’s Heroes – by: Arjun Verma, Jefferson Elementary School, Westfield

2nd place – The Tree – by: Ty Rios, Jefferson Elementary School, Westfield

3rd place – The Beautiful Giants – by: Luke Vinokur, Mountain Park School, Berkeley Heights

5th Grade

1st Place – The Tree Tale – by: Giovanna Flecca, Nettingham Middle School, Scotch Plains

2nd Place – What Will I Do? – by: Harper Feldman, Mountain Park School, Berkeley Heights

3rd Place – Overlooked Heroes – by: Nora Lee, Mountain Park School, Berkeley Heights

6th Grade  

1st Place:  Arbor Day – by: Sanai Johnson, Grover Cleveland School, Rahway 

2nd Place: Arbor Day – by: Noah Harvey, Grover Cleveland School, Rahway

3rd Place: Trees – by: Sloane Potocek, Terrill Middle School, Scotch Plains   

7th Grade 

 1st place –The Seasons of the Trees – by: Olivia Shamrakov, Terrill Middle School, Scotch Plains

2nd place – Towers of Nature by: Aidan Katz, Terrill Middle School, Scotch Plains

3rd place – Dance like a Tree by: Kelly Huang, Columbia Middle School, Berkeley Heights

8th Grade

1st place – Sturdy and Tall – by: Nyla Lopez, Mabel G. Holmes School #5 Elizabeth

2nd place- Tree Spirit – by: Mohamadi Saniwidi, Mabel G. Holmes School #5 Elizabeth

3rd place- The Red Maple Tree – by: Jesica Laskowski, Mabel G. Holmes School #5 Elizabeth

“The Arbor Day Poetry Contest encourages students to explore the importance of trees in our ecosystem through poetry,” said Commissioner James Baker, the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board. “By nurturing their creativity and environmental awareness, we equip them with the knowledge needed to become protectors of the environment.”

Arbor Day, observed every last Friday in April, has its origins in 1872 when it began in Nebraska, urging people to plant trees and raise environmental awareness. Over time, it has grown into a nationwide event promoting the appreciation of trees and their ecological importance. This year, Arbor Day falls on April 26th, highlighting the crucial role of environmental stewardship in safeguarding our natural resources.

For further inquiries regarding the Arbor Day Poetry Contest, please contact Andrea Staten at Andrea.Staten@ucnj.org or 908-789-3659. To learn more more about Union County’s commitment to environmental initiatives, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

In anticipation of the 2024 Film Ready New Jersey Workshop, the Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to encourage elected officials in Union County, as well as county and municipal employees, to attend the NJ Film Ready Workshop on Tuesday, April 23^rd, at the Morris Museum in Morristown from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. to learn more and discover the economic benefits of embracing film, TV, and movie productions in their communities.

“Union County had the honor of hosting last year’s Film Ready NJ Workshop. Since then, we have witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of this workshop in preparing and training our community to attract and accommodate film and television production companies,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As of this year, Berkeley Heights, Cranford, Plainfield, and Rahway have been designated as Film Ready Communities by the NJEDA, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this initiative. We encourage other towns throughout Union County to become certified.”

The Film Ready New Jersey Program, an initiative of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), is a five-step certification and marketing program designed to educate and prepare municipalities on the basics of motion picture and television production. During the workshop, participants will receive guidance and training from industry professionals and NJMPTVC staff on how to market and structure themselves properly to become desirable hosts for film and TV production crews.

Since Governor Murphy expanded the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program in 2023, New Jersey has seen a significant increase in entertainment production revenues, with earnings soaring from $67 million in 2017 to over $650 million in 2022. Major industry players like Netflix and Lionsgate plan to establish cutting-edge facilities in neighboring Monmouth and Essex counties, indicating a promising future for the industry’s growth statewide.

Several major productions have already been successfully filmed in Union County, including “The Walking Dead,” “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” and “It Ends With Us,” among many others. Cities and counties designated as “film-ready” experience greater economic growth, increased tourism, and more job opportunities.

The Film Ready certification program has made a significant impact in Union County, with numerous films, TV shows, and other productions filmed in the last few months alone. Plainfield, the first city in the county to receive the certification, has experienced notable economic benefits from hosting film crews and supporting local businesses. The success of Plainfield has continued to inspire neighboring municipalities to pursue certification.

Union County is on the brink of a cinematic renaissance, leveraging the Film Ready NJ Program to promote the county and establish partnerships with producers. It is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for filming and production on the East Coast.

To register for the Film Ready NJ Workshop: www.events.morriscountyalliance.org/FilmReadyNJWorkshop. For more information on the Film Ready New Jersey Program, please visit www.nj.gov/njfilm/filmready-nj.

For information on Union County’s Motion Picture & Television Advisory Board, visit www.ucnj.org/ucfilmtv.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the UC STEP Civic Engagement Project for this year will be a “Stepping Up to Mental Health Summit.” Unlike previous years, Union County has decided to combine all three projects into one powerhouse initiative. The summit is scheduled to take place on May 18^th at Oak Ridge Park, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Further event details to follow.

“We are so proud of the dedication and creativity demonstrated by our high school students. The collaborative project they worked on this year is a great example of the power of teamwork in improving mental health and well-being,” said Commissioner Chairwoman and Liaison to the Mental Health Advisory Board, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The students’ ideas were innovative and thoughtful, and have the potential to benefit so many people in our community. Witnessing such inspiring teamwork among our young people is remarkable, and we are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on our community.”

Thanks to the extraordinary responses from our community, ideas presented by teams Light Green, Gold and Maroon will be featured as key components of the final community engagement project- the first ever Union County Stepping Up to Mental Health Summit.

Team Light Green’s idea of hosting a mental health summit will be the main feature of our culminating event. Other activities, including team Maroon’s Embrace(let)s project that focuses on embracing feelings whether they are good or bad will be included at the summit. Participants will make bracelets to spread mental health awareness to emphasize that “it’s okay to not be okay.” To honor Team Gold’s project, Union County will create an online resource portal connecting our youth to mental health resources. By making resources readily available online, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their mental health.

Each of the three projects presented at UC STEP address different aspects of mental health and in raising awareness. By pursuing all three initiatives simultaneously, our hope is to create a more holistic strategy that addresses the diverse needs of individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Students will still have a chance to win the $1,000 START NOW Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org

For more information about UC-STEP, please visit ucnj.org/uc-step/

Today, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the beginning of the Briant Pond restoration project in Summit. This significant initiative is in response to concerns voiced by Summit residents regarding the environmental condition and recreational potential of the pond. Scheduled to kick off on or around April 17, 2024, the project is expected to unfold over the course of several weeks.

“We share the concerns of Briant Park users, which is why the County of Union has been collaborating with the NJDEP to secure necessary permits. This investment in restoration emphasizes our commitment to attentively addressing issues and enacting meaningful change,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By undertaking this project, we are not only preserving natural habitats but also enriching recreational opportunities for our community. This endeavor highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship and genuine community engagement.”

In a competitive bidding process, T. R. Weniger, a contractor with experience in similar endeavors, was selected to lead the hydro-raking project. Providing oversight and management of the operation is Colliers Engineering, a firm known for its expertise in Engineering & Project Management.

The hydro-raking process represents a critical step towards revitalizing Briant Pond, aimed at improving its ecological health and recreational value. Summit residents can look forward to positive transformations resulting from this comprehensive restoration effort.

Central to the project is the utilization of specialized equipment, including an eight-ton excavator mounted on pontoons, equipped with a front rake. Operations are scheduled on weekdays, Monday through Friday, ensuring minimal disruption to park users while maximizing efficiency. The proven track record of T. R. Weniger in executing similar projects across New Jersey instills confidence that Summit residents will witness tangible improvements.

To keep the community informed and engaged, a general overview of the project timeline and potential impact on park activities has been provided. The hydro-raking operation promises to be a visually captivating endeavor that underscores Union County’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Summit residents and members of the broader community are encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the Briant Pond restoration project by visiting www.ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of the Community Outreach Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening community engagement and providing vital resources to residents. This program marks a significant step forward in enhancing communication and support within our diverse communities.

“The Union County Community Outreach Program will see dedicated teams actively engaging with residents throughout the county, delivering valuable information and resources directly to their doorsteps,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our outreach teams are committed to ensuring that every resident receives the necessary support and information by directly connecting them to county resources and essential services.”

The outreach teams will be visible in the community, wearing distinctive safety vests and carrying identification for easy recognition. Residents can expect to encounter these teams from Monday through Thursday, between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, as well as on Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Through these regular hours and visible presence, the program seeks to maximize accessibility and ensure that residents can easily engage with the outreach teams.

Union County residents are encouraged to engage with the outreach teams, ask questions, and provide feedback to help shape future initiatives and services. The County of Union remains dedicated to building stronger, more resilient communities, and the Community Outreach Program is a testament to that commitment.

For more information about the Union County Community Outreach Program, please contact our Department of Human Services Action line at 908-677-5405 or visit our website at www.ucnj.org/outreach.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is announcing a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign in the Borough of Roselle. This education campaign is aimed at changing unsafe behavior and reducing pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes at the intersections of W. Second Ave. & Chestnut St. and W. Second Ave. & Locust St in Roselle.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents remains a top concern for Union County,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Street Smart NJ campaign will help educate drivers and pedestrians about the safe use of our roadways and is part of a broader set of initiatives to make our community safer.”

The campaign will kick off on Wednesday, April 10th, at 5:00pm in front of Roselle Borough Hall near West Second & Chestnut Street. Speakers will include Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner and NJTPA Trustee; Mayor Donald A. Shaw; Cindy Thomas, Council President; Councilwoman Isabel Sousa; Helder Freire, Acting Chief of Police; Dr. Nathan Fisher, Superintendent of Roselle Public Schools, Michael Rizol, Director, NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and Lisa Lee, Director, EZ Ride.

Street Smart NJ, initiated in 2013 and managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), is a statewide collaborative effort between public, private, and non-profit organizations. The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role in making our streets safer. Drivers must obey speed limits and stop for people crossing; people walking or biking must use crosswalks (marked and unmarked) and cross with the signals; and everyone must avoid distractions. Street Smart NJ is one of many initiatives working to reach zero pedestrian fatalities and more than 240 communities in NJ have successfully implemented the campaign.

EZ Ride, the Transportation Management Association serving Union County, will manage the local campaign and work with the municipality, county, schools, and community partners to educate and distribute safety information. Large educational signs will be displayed at the intersections, and local and County police will enforce traffic and pedestrian laws as part of the campaign.

Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is particularly important in New Jersey. On average, one pedestrian is killed every two days in New Jersey, and 12 are injured daily. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, New Jersey ranked 18th in the US in pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people, and pedestrians comprised 30 percent of the 699 traffic fatalities in New Jersey in 2021, far more than the national average of 17 percent. The two focus intersections for this campaign were selected due to recent pedestrian crashes and a fatality in December 2023.

“Through initiatives like Street Smart NJ, we’re developing a culture of safety so that every resident can navigate our streets with confidence,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “It will take statewide efforts to eliminate accidents and injuries, but we are dedicated to working toward that goal.”

Anyone interested in helping to promote the Street Smart NJ message in Union County should contact Lisa Lee at 201-939-4242 ext. 123 or LLee@ezride.org. Learn more at bestreetsmartnj.org. The campaign is also on Facebook and X (@njstreetsmart).

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that a sample ballot for the upcoming Westfield School Board election on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 is now available for viewing on the Clerk’s website.

“This resource allows voters to familiarize themselves with the choices they will encounter on Election Day, enabling them to make informed decisions that reflect their values and priorities for the education system in Westfield,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “I encourage all eligible voters in Westfield to take advantage of the resources available and participate actively in this important election. By exercising your right to vote, you play a vital role in shaping the future of education in your community.”

The sample ballot provides voters with essential information regarding the candidates running for the School Board as well as details on the question included in the Westfield Election. Furthermore, Clerk Rajoppi would like to inform voters that vote by mail ballots are currently being mailed out to eligible voters. This convenient option allows individuals to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes, ensuring that all voices are heard in this critical election.

For those who prefer to vote in person, vote by mail ballots will also be available at the Clerk’s office in Westfield starting tomorrow, April 3^rd. This option provides flexibility and accessibility for voters who wish to participate directly in the democratic process.

It is important to note that the Westfield Election encompasses not only the selection of School Board candidates but also includes a question regarding education.

For additional information and updates regarding the Westfield School Board election or information on all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at www.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.