County of Union, New Jersey

Department of Parks and Recreation receives sixth NACo Award in 3 years

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Department of Parks and Recreation received a 2021 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for “Bringing Nature and History to the Homebound and Disabled Program”. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The Award was presented to County Officials on Sunday, July 11 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Prince George’s County, MD.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions closed many County facilities, the Department of Department of Parks and Recreation launched a two-prong program. The Trailside Nature & Science Center produced a host of online nature programs and the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs created a series of video tours of historic sites.

“The Board of County Commissioners is proud that our Department of Parks and Recreation has received its sixth NACo Acheivement Award since 2018. It’s especially noteworthy that Union County is one of only three counties in the State of New Jersey to receive an award in 2021,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We look forward to having residents of all ages enjoy these virtual programs to further their education of the history and natural heritage that Union County has to offer.”

The online nature programs and virtual tours can be found on the County website at ucnj.org. The Trailside productions allow for residents to learn all about bugs and birds, along with other wildlife adventures online. The multiple virtual tour options include a “visit” to Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth, where George Washington dined with his old friend Elias Boudinot before heading to New York to be sworn in as the nation’s first president. This menu of engaging and universally accessible virtual resources will become a permanent resource of Union County.

“During the pandemic the Department of Parks and Recreation was able to effectively pivot and adjust their programs so that our residents could continue to benefit from what the County has to offer,” said County Commissioner and Chair of the Parks and Programming Committee, Andrea Staten. “The Board of County Commissioners congratulates all those that worked towards making this program an award winning success.”

Since 2018, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation has received six NACo Awards for the programming developed, including:

2018 – Feltville Interpretation Program

2018 – Embracing our Historic Legacy

2019 – Experiencing Nature, Experiencing Play: Taking Inclusive From Lip Service to Reality

2020 – Engaging Children in our History

2020 – Every Kid in a Park

2021 – Bringing Nature and History to the Homebound and Disabled

For more information on Union County Parks call 908-527-4900, email parksinfo@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/.

Nationally, NACo awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more. For more information on the National Association of Counties, visit naco.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

 

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By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Commissioners

The country is gradually re-opening and COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, however, our residents are still suffering from the economic fallout of the pandemic.

In support of our residents in need, Union County is launching an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to provide financial relief for Union County residents unable to meet their rental obligation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program allows eligible applicants to receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent, as well as gas and electric utility expenses.

To make sure that every eligible tenant has an opportunity to apply for a grant, we are creating an online information portal in both English and Spanish. The portal will open for landlords to pre-register on Monday, July 26, and it will open for tenant applications on Monday, August 2.

To qualify for Union County ERAP funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Union County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;
• Make less than 80% of the average median income of Union County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four);
• Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Provide required supporting documentation (copies of identification, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).

Once the application is submitted, applicants will be notified of the funding decision. If approved, the funds will be provided to the landlord or utility provider on their behalf.

More information on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program will be available soon. Please check the County website, ucnj.org, or follow us on social media for updates.

Additionally, we will continue to hold our emergency food distribution events in July. The upcoming food distribution events are open to all Union County residents.

The food distribution schedule for July is:

• July 13 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Elizabeth
• July 17 at Kean University in Union
• July 27 at Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• July 31 at Kean University in Union

Although no registration is required, food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and take place rain or shine. For more information including hours and locations, please visit ucnj.org/covid19.

The Union County Commissioner Board created the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the food distribution events with funding from the Federal CARES Act for COVID-19 emergency relief. Additional CARES Act programs created by the Commissioner Board include child care assistance for low-income families and respite assistance for those caring for children with special needs and disabilities, and as well as grants for libraries, schools, restaurants and other small businesses, and non-profit organizations. For more details, please visit ucnj.org/covid19/cares-act-grants.

We are also continuing to intensify our efforts to ensure that every Union County resident can get a free COVID-19 vaccine at a convenient, easily accessible location. In addition to three permanent vaccine centers, our mobile unit visits local communities. We also bring vaccines to home bound residents, and we are extending our outreach to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, fact-based information about the vaccines. For hours and locations, and to book an appointment, visit ucnj.org/vax 24/7 or call 908-613-7829 during weekdays.

The fight is not over and the Commissioner Board will continue to seek every opportunity to provide assistance, services, and support during the pandemic. We are all in this together.

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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.

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Free event at Mindowaskin Park in Westfield, July 17.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents of all ages with special needs are invited to participate in Paint by the Pond, on Saturday, July 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mindowaskin Park, located at 385 E. Broad Street in Westfield.

Paint by the Pond is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Town of Westfield. Participation is free but pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Union County has hosted Paint by the Pond in County parks, and the participation of Westfield enables us to present this popular event in additional communities,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is proud to partner with Westfield in creating new opportunities for our special needs residents to enjoy the outdoors in an inclusive, welcoming environment.”

Paint by the Pond encourages participants to express themselves and create art by painting cardboard model houses. The houses will be floated on the pond and participants will be allowed to take their creations home with them.

“I am thrilled to see the Paint by the Pond event come to my hometown again,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This collaboration with the Town of Westfield helps our special needs residents enjoy an enriching experience in a community setting.”

“This is a terrific initiative that supports one of my administration’s key priorities to ensure that Westfield is accessible and inclusive for all,” said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle. “We are thrilled to host Paint by the Pond in Westfield for the special needs community.”

For more information on the Paint by the Pond program, please contact Jasmine Whitous at the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs by phone at (908) 527-4781 or email at jwhitous@ucnj.org.

More information about the Union County Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs is available online at ucnj.org/special-needs.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications to the 2022 Local Arts Grant Program (LAP) are now being accepted by The Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs.

“In previous years, LAP grants have supported many enriching programs and projects for Union County residents, and we look forward to seeing the artistic experiences that will be offered in 2022,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is proud to support our arts institutions through this program.”

Qualifying non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply, as well as libraries, schools, and units of local government. Grants will be awarded to organizations demonstrating a high degree of professionalism in arts programming for activities taking place in 2022. Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and arts programming must take place in Union County to qualify for funding.

Full eligibility requirements, application components, and other pertinent details are outlined in the complete LAP Guidelines. All application materials must be submitted by September 14, 2021.

Applications must be submitted online at the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs Portal. To begin the application process and to create an account, request the link to the Portal by emailing msturm@ucnj.org and culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Arts organizations may apply for either General Operating Support (maximum request $8,000) or a Special Project (maximum request $5,000). Non-arts organizations may apply for funding of a Special Project, such as a performance series.

For questions about this grant, contact Martha Sturm, LAP Grant Coordinator, at 908-558-2552 or email msturm@ucnj.org.

Funding is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts, though a partnership between the state and Union County.

For information about all 2022 grants administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities/.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Union County has been awarded a $100,000 grant to support a new Rails-to-Trails Feasibility study by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The project is a collaborative effort between the Commissioner Board, Kenilworth Mayor Linda Karlovitch, Roselle Park Mayor Joseph Signorello III, and local advocates for rails-to-trails projects.

“This grant is the first step in creating a new safe bike and pedestrian travel opportunity in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The 3.52 mile long railroad track has been unused for over 50 years and the County Commissioners are excited to learn how we can convert it to become a valuable asset to the County.”

The Rails-to-Trails Feasibility Study was designed by the Union County Bureau of Transportation Planning to determine the steps necessary to convert the unused Central Railroad of New Jersey track to commuter friendly trails for cyclists and pedestrians. The railroad track lies between the Township of Cranford and the City of Elizabeth and is bordered by the Borough of Roselle Park and the Borough of Roselle.

“The bike and pedestrian paths that could come from this study are an excellent way to create new opportunities for recreational activities. My colleagues on the Commissioner Board and I are excited to receive this grant and see the Rails to Trails Feasibility Study come into fruition with the support of Mayor Karlovitch, Mayor Signorello, and local residents,” said Commissioner Christopher Hudak.

In addition to offering recreational opportunities, the transformation of the rail into a trail will support the redevelopment efforts of nearby communities and provide additional transportation alternatives between the Raritan Valley Line train station in Cranford and the Northeast Corridor station in Elizabeth.

“The Borough of Roselle Park borders the former Central Railroad of New Jersey and we are excited to see the once overgrown eyesore bloom into a worthwhile attraction to this Borough and County.  I would like to thank Councilman Jay Robaina for being a huge advocate for this feasibility study,” said Mayor Joe Signorello.

“The Borough of Kenilworth, Roselle Park and the County Commissioners have been collaborating with one another to convert this unused railroad into a very necessary bike and pedestrian pathway for years,” said Kenilworth Mayor Linda Karlovitch. “During the pandemic, many families sought out ways to stay active while keeping a safe distance; adding this new trail gives residents the opportunity to do just that.”

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.