County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Chris Hudak present a resolution to Union County Vocational-Technical School District Superintendent Gwendolyn S. Ryan, FFA Advisor and UCVTS Instructor Bonnie Baldasare and UCVTS FFA student members Aaron Etienne, Lucia Mauriello and Owen Miller designating the week of February 22, 2020 through February 29, 2020 as “National FFA Week” in the County of Union. The FFA and agricultural education provide a strong foundation for the youth of America for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture. It also provides a foundation for the future of the food, fiber, and natural resource systems. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded present a resolution to Daniel Sullivan commending him on 50 years of service to the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad as well as a host of other responsibilities throughout the State of New Jersey. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada present a resolution to Sally Straus of the Township of Union congratulating her for her dedication to her community and all its residents. They were joined by State Senator Joe Cryan and former State Senator Anthony E. Russo.

Sally Straus has been directly involved in many programs on a daily basis in the Township of Union, including activities for the betterment of its youth and senior citizens, and she has been extremely active in all those organizations and committees that are devoted to helping the Township of Union to be a better place. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten this morning welcomed leadership coach Tony Chatman as the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast at Kean University in Union. Tony Chatman has worked with hundreds of corporations and government agencies including the Chase Bank, Estee Lauder, NOAA and NASA.

Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, aimed at connecting the business community with hands-on guidance and resources for growth. For more information about Union County Means Business programs, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.
(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ — Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a training seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, on Friday, April 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“We offer this opportunity as a professional course that benefits the whole community, and all are welcome,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The seminar is also popular with current notaries who wish to ensure that they are up to date on issues affecting notaries.”

Ms. Rajoppi will introduce the session and review the application process. Union County Surrogate LaCorte, Esq. will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

Registration is required to attend and space is limited to the first 50 registrants. A fee of $10.00 is required to secure a spot. Downloadable registration forms are available through the County Clerk’s website, at ucnj.org/county-clerk/new-jersey-notary-training.

For additional information contact Donna Connell, 908-527-4999 or dconnell@ucnj.org.

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 Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Women of Excellence Awards. Ten Union County women were selected to receive awards for their outstanding contributions. The awardees will be honored at the annual Women of Excellence Gala Awards Dinner on March 27, 2020.

“For 28 years, the Freeholder Board has recognized women among us who lead, serve, and inspire. Through their work, they raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service and education,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to acknowledge their contributions towards a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in the County.”

The Union County women being recognized for their accomplishments by the Commission on the Status of Women are:

• Women’s Advocacy – Margot Baruch – Mountainside
• Mental Health Advocacy – Joyce Benz – Springfield
• Volunteerism – Joan Crout – Westfield
• Environmental/Activism – Marian Glenn – Summit
• Education – Monica Goncalves – Elizabeth
• Lifetime Achievement – Sister Percylee Hart, RSM – Scotch Plains
• Healthcare – Pamela Palmieri – Fanwood
• Special Education Advocacy – Diana Pinto-Gomez – Fanwood
• Entrepreneurial/Medical – Nancy Polow, PhD. – Scotch Plains
• Government – Clara Fernandez – Elizabeth

Each awardee will be presented with an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a Freeholder Resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

The 2020 Women of Excellence Gala Awards Dinner will be held on March 27 at 6:00 p.m., at the Gran Centurions in Clark. The cost is $60 per person.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Freeholder Board and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women. 

For any questions or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program and dinner, contact Nancy Malta, Commissioner Administrative Liaison at 908-527-4298  or nmalta@ucnj.org or Jen Erdos, Secretary to the Commission on the Status of Women, at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

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 Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2020 Union County Means Green community garden grants program. The UC Means Green program supports improved nutrition as well as new opportunities for recreation, social activities, education and community service through the experience of growing fresh produce in local neighborhoods.

“UC Means Green enables gardeners of all ages and abilities  to work cooperatively, share with the community, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing fresh food,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

UC Means Green was launched by the Freeholder Board in 2016. Since then, it has helped to transform bare fields and empty lots into thriving centers for community activities, with thousands of pounds of fresh produce raised for local consumption and donated to local food pantries.

Any Union County municipality or local nonprofit organization with 501-(c)-3 tax exempt status is welcome to apply for a UC Means Green grant. Groups organized as LLCs or other commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Gardens must be located on municipal property or on property owned by a non-profit organization (gardens located on privately owned or commercial property are not eligible).

In addition to traditional soil-based gardens, eligible garden types include but are not limited to rooftop gardens, vertical gardens, aeroponic gardens, mushroom gardens, milk crate gardens, pollinator gardens (must include food-producing plants), rain gardens (must include pollinator-attracting and food-producing plants), hay bale gardens, forest gardens and more.

Applications for a 2020 grant are due by March 27.

The non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth administers UC Means Green on behalf of the Freeholder Board. For more information and a downloadable application form, visit Union County online at ucnj.org/garden-grant or contact Groundwork Elizabeth, 908-289-0262 or info@groundworkelizabeth.org.

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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.