After an extensive investigation by the Union County Police Investigations Division, two juveniles from Plainfield have been charged in connection with the October 23, 2024, arson of the Tëmike Park Playground in Plainfield, NJ.
“Acts of vandalism like this not only destroy public spaces but also impact the children and families who rely on them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I want to thank our Union County Police Department for their persistence in bringing those responsible to justice.”
On the night of October 23, 2024, Union County Police received 911 calls reporting a fire engulfing the playground. Fire crews responded quickly to extinguish the blaze, which was later determined to have been intentionally set, causing significant damage to the structure.
Through a thorough investigation, detectives identified and arrested two juvenile male suspects, aged 16 and 17. Both were charged with second-degree arson (2C:17-1B(2)) and criminal mischief (2C:17-3A(1)). The juveniles were released to their guardians pending a court appearance.
“Public parks are essential to our neighborhoods, and crimes like these will not be tolerated,” said Captain John da Silva, Officer in Charge of the Union County Police Department. “Our detectives worked diligently to identify the suspects, ensuring accountability and safeguarding our shared spaces.”
For more information, please contact the Union County Police Department at (908) 654-9800.
La Escribana del Condado de Union Joanne Rajoppi será la anfitriona de un seminario de capacitación para notarios públicos en la Academia de Policía John H. Stamler, situada en 1776 Raritan Road en Scotch Plains el viernes 11 de abril de 2025 de 8:45 a. m. a 11:30 a. m. El orador destacado será el primer Asesor Adjunto del Condado de Union, Moshood Muftau, Esq.
El espacio está limitado a los primeros 50 inscriptos. La fecha límite de inscripción es el martes 1 de abril de 2025 o hasta que se llenen las vacantes. Se requiere una tarifa de inscripción de $10.00 que incluye un desayuno ligero y se pagae por adelantado para asegurar la inscripción. Los asistentes deben tener en cuenta que el código de vestimenta informal de negocios en la Academia de Policía John J. Stamler se aplica estrictamente. No se permiten jeans ni zapatillas deportivas, y los hombres deben usar camisas con cuello.
“Este seminario de capacitación para notarios representa una oportunidad para que las personas adquieran habilidades y experiencia valiosas en servicios notariales”, dijo la Escribana del Condado, Joanne Rajoppi. “Nuestro compromiso de empoderar a nuestros residentes con las herramientas que necesitan para contribuir de manera efectiva es firme, y lo invitamos a ser parte de este viaje educativo”.
La Sra. Joanne Rajoppi hará comentarios de apertura y revisará el proceso de solicitud. El Sr. Muftau hablará sobre los aspectos legales de las funciones de los notarios públicos.
El seminario cubrirá el proceso de solicitud de Notario Público y los nuevos requisitos y responsabilidades legales. También cubrirá los pasos para una notarización adecuada y otros temas, incluyendo cómo completar un diario de notario y cómo examinar documentos de identificación.
Para registrarse, use el formulario en el sitio web de la Escribana del Condado, www.ucnj.org/county-clerk. Para obtener información adicional, comuníquese con Anna Lima al 908-527-4787. Para obtener más información sobre todos los programas y servicios de la Oficina de la Escribana del Condado, visite en línea at www.ucnj.org/county-clerk o llame al 908-527-4787.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a notary public training seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 8:45am to 11:30am. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.
Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. 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.
“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively is strong, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”
Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.
The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.
To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, www.ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a live speaking engagement titled, “Learning to Speak Up” featuring educator, storyteller and activist Annie Tan as keynote speaker. The free and informative event will take place on Thursday, March 20th, at 12:00 p.m. at the Student Commons area, nestled within Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford Campus, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.
“As an educator, I am exceptionally proud to welcome fellow teacher, Annie Tan to Union County as part of our Women’s History Month celebration,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Her story is one of resilience and advocacy, and it serves as a testimony to the transformative power education has in changing lives. By sharing her experiences, she embodies this year’s theme, reminding us of the critical role women play in shaping our communities through education and leadership.”
The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) has announced this year’s theme as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme highlights the collective strength and impact of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they serve as an inspiration for past, present, and future generations.
Annie Tan is a NYC-based educator, activist, and storyteller from Manhattan’s Chinatown. For over a decade, Annie was an elementary special education teacher in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Little Village, Chicago. Annie always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and to support other children of immigrants like herself, but her perspective widened when she learned of her relation to cousin Vincent Chin, whose 1982 murder in Detroit, Michigan led to an Asian American Movement.
Annie’s work has been featured on Huffington Post, The New Republic, PBS’ Asian Americans, PBS’ Stories from the Stage, Edutopia, and on the NPR’s The Moth Radio Hour. Annie is currently writing a memoir chronicling her journey as someone who isn’t fluent in Cantonese or Toisan to know her immigrant parents who do not speak English.
“This year, we are highlighting the experience of one woman whose journey may resonate with many of our residents. Annie is the child of immigrant parents who navigated numerous challenges to pave a successful path for herself. Now she is dedicated to helping others find their voice and do the same,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “We would love to have you join us in honoring the inspirational and brave women whose contributions and achievements have transformed society. I hope to see you there.”
National Women’s History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions women have made throughout history and in their communities. It is celebrated nationwide, every March. The special presentation is free of charge to all Union County residents. To register for this event, visit ucnj.org/whm. This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and held in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que ya está abierta la inscripción para la Exhibición de Arte para Adultos Mayores del Condado de Union de 2025. Esta exhibición anual celebra la creatividad de los artistas mayores del Condado de Union y se exhibirá del 21 de abril al 4 de junio de 2025 en el campus de Scotch Plains del Union College del Condado de Union, Nueva Jersey.
Se invita a los residentes del Condado de Union, de 60 años o más, tanto artistas profesionales como no profesionales, a presentar obras de arte originales realizadas entre abril de 2022 y abril de 2025. La exhibición está coordinada por la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union y concluirá con una recepción especial para todos los artistas expositores el 4 de junio.
“La Exhibición de Arte para Personas Mayores es una oportunidad maravillosa para que nuestros residentes mayores muestren sus talentos artísticos y compartan su creatividad con la comunidad”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes León. “Alentamos a todos los artistas mayores, ya sean profesionales experimentados o que estén probando algo nuevo, a participar en este evento inspirador”.
Los artistas pueden presentar sus trabajos en las siguientes categorías: pintura acrílica, pintura al óleo, acuarela, pastel, obras sobre papel (dibujo), fotografía, arte digital (excluida la fotografía digital), técnica mixta, grabado, escultura y artesanía. Un panel de artistas profesionales evaluará las obras y se otorgarán premios separados para artistas profesionales y no profesionales. Los ganadores del primer puesto pasarán a la Exposición de Arte para Adultos Mayores de Nueva Jersey en el otoño.
“La Exposición de Arte para Adultos Mayores del Condado de Union es una celebración importante de la expresión artística en cualquier etapa de la vida”, dijo la Comisionada Bette Jane Kowalski, enlace con la Junta Asesora Cultural y Patrimonial. “Cada año, nos sorprende el increíble talento que se exhibe y estamos orgullosos de brindar una plataforma para que nuestros artistas mayores sean reconocidos”.
La fecha límite para registrarse es el 13 de abril del 2025 y se requiere la inscripción en línea. Las reglas completas, las instrucciones y el formulario de inscripción están disponibles en https://ucnj.org/senior-art. Las personas mayores sin acceso a Internet pueden pedirle a un familiar o amigo que se registre en su nombre, o pueden comunicarse con la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales para obtener ayuda llamando al 908-558-2552 (días laborables). Los usuarios de retransmisión deben marcar 711.
Este programa es posible gracias a los fondos del Consejo Estatal de las Artes de Nueva Jersey, una agencia asociada del Fondo Nacional para las Artes. Para obtener más información sobre los programas y servicios que ofrece la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y Patrimoniales del Condado de Union, visite https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.
Para obtener más información o solicitar ayuda con la inscripción, envíe un correo electrónico a msturm@ucnj.org o llame al 908-558-2552.
En conmemoración al Mes de la Historia de la Mujer, la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se enorgullece de anunciar el lanzamiento de los Premios SHERO 2025 del Condado de Union. Esta iniciativa anual honra a las mujeres excepcionales del Condado de Union que demuestran fortaleza, liderazgo y compromiso con la mejora de sus comunidades.
“Los Premios SHERO celebran a las mujeres extraordinarias que nos inspiran todos los días con su resiliencia, liderazgo y dedicación para marcar una diferencia”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes M. León. “Alentamos a los residentes a aprovechar esta oportunidad para reconocer a la SHERO en su vida, ya sea una madre, hermana, amiga, mentora o líder de la comunidad, que ha tenido un impacto significativo”.
Este año, los criterios de nominación son abiertos, lo que permite que las nominaciones sean de mujeres de todos los orígenes que han tenido un impacto significativo en sus comunidades, independientemente de su función o enfoque.
Para presentar una nominación, los residentes deben proporcionar una fotografía de la nominada junto con un breve párrafo (200 palabras o menos) que destaque sus contribuciones. Se acepta documentación de respaldo adicional, pero no es obligatoria.
La fecha límite para las nominaciones es el 30 de abril de 2025 y los ganadores se anunciarán en mayo, a tiempo para el Día de la Madre. Para enviar una nominación, visite www.ucnj.org/shero-award.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Jennifer Erdos en la Oficina de Mujeres del Condado de Union al 908-527-4216 o envíe un correo electrónico a jerdos@ucnj.org.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Union County SHERO Awards. This annual initiative honors exceptional women in Union County who demonstrate strength, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting their communities.
“The SHERO Awards celebrate the extraordinary women who inspire us every day with their resilience, leadership, and dedication to making a difference,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We encourage residents to take this opportunity to recognize the SHERO in their life—whether it’s a mother, sister, friend, mentor, or community leader—who has made a meaningful impact.”
This year, the nomination criteria are open-ended, allowing submissions to be for women from all backgrounds who have made a meaningful impact in their communities, regardless of their role or focus.
To submit a nomination, residents must provide a photograph of the nominee along with a brief paragraph (200 words or less) highlighting their contributions. Additional supporting documentation is welcome but not required.
The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2025, and the winners will be announced in May, in time for Mother’s Day. To submit a nomination, visit www.ucnj.org/shero-award.
For more information, contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Union County Senior Art Exhibit. This annual showcase celebrates the creativity of Union County’s senior artists and will be on display from April 21st to June 4, 2025, at the Scotch Plains campus of Union College of Union County, NJ.
Residents of Union County, age 60 and up, both professional and non-professional artists, are invited to submit original artwork completed between April 2022 and April 2025. The exhibit is coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and will conclude with a special reception for all exhibiting artists on June 4th.
“The Senior Art Exhibit is a wonderful opportunity for our older residents to showcase their artistic talents and share their creativity with the community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We encourage all senior artists, whether they are seasoned professionals or trying something new, to participate in this inspiring event.”
Artists may enter their work in the following categories: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft. A panel of professional artists will judge the entries, with separate awards for professional and non-professional artists. First-place winners will advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show in the fall.
“The Union County Senior Art Exhibit is an important celebration of artistic expression at any stage of life,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Each year, we are amazed by the incredible talent on display, and we are proud to provide a platform for our senior artists to be recognized.”
The deadline to register is April 13, 2025, and online registration is required. Complete rules, instructions, and the registration form are available at https://ucnj.org/senior-art. Seniors without internet access may have a relative or friend register on their behalf, or they can contact the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs for assistance by calling 908-558-2552 (weekdays). Relay users dial 711.
This program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.
For more information or to request assistance with registration, email msturm@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2552.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se enorgullece de anunciar que el Condado de Union ha recibido una subvención de $1,996,800 del Departamento de Trabajo de Nueva Jersey (NJDOL) para apoyar el Programa de Experiencia Laboral de Verano para Jóvenes, que brindará oportunidades de empleo a 480 jóvenes en todo el Condado de Union.
Este programa vital ofrecerá a los jóvenes participantes experiencias laborales remuneradas significativas, capacitación laboral y oportunidades de desarrollo profesional para ayudarlos a desarrollar habilidades laborales esenciales y prepararse para futuras carreras.
“El Programa de Experiencia Laboral de Verano para Jóvenes es una iniciativa transformadora que empodera a nuestros jóvenes al brindarles una experiencia laboral invaluable”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes M. León. “Esta inversión no solo beneficiará a los participantes, sino que también fortalecerá nuestra fuerza laboral y economía locales. Agradecemos al NJDOL por reconocer la importancia de este programa y a nuestros socios dedicados por hacerlo posible”.
Esta iniciativa es un esfuerzo colaborativo que involucra a varias organizaciones claves comprometidas con el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y el empoderamiento de los jóvenes, entre ellas United Way of Greater Union County, Community Access Unlimited, Project SEARCH en Overlook Medical Center, Union College of Union County, NJ (UCNJ), Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, Elizabeth Development Company, Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth y las ciudades de Elizabeth, Rahway y Plainfield.
“Siempre he creído que el acceso a oportunidades laborales significativas puede cambiar la trayectoria de la vida de una persona joven, y esta financiación nos permitirá hacer exactamente eso para 480 jóvenes en el Condado de Union”, dijo el Comisionado Sergio Granados, enlace con la Junta de Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral del Condado de Union. “Esto es más que un trabajo de verano: es una inversión en su futuro, un trampolín hacia el éxito a largo plazo y una oportunidad de romper las barreras que muchos jóvenes enfrentan al ingresar a la fuerza laboral. Con el apoyo de nuestros socios, les estamos brindando a estos jóvenes las herramientas, la experiencia y la confianza que necesitan para prosperar en sus carreras y contribuir a nuestra comunidad. El Condado de Union mantiene su compromiso de ampliar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral y garantizar que cada residente tenga un camino hacia el éxito”.
El programa se lanzará este verano y ofrecerá a los participantes la oportunidad de participar en experiencias laborales estructuradas en diversas industrias, lo que los ayudará a adquirir habilidades valiosas, explorar intereses profesionales y construir una base para el éxito a largo plazo.
Para obtener más información sobre los programas y servicios de la Junta de Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral del Condado de Union, visite www.ucnj.org/wdb/ o comuníquese con Antonio Rivera, Director de Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral, al 908-527-4195.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Union County has been awarded a $1,996,800 grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) to support the Summer Youth Work Experience Program, which will provide employment opportunities for 480 youth across Union County.
This vital program will offer young participants meaningful paid work experiences, workforce training, and professional development opportunities to help them build essential job skills and prepare for future careers.
“The Summer Youth Work Experience Program is a transformative initiative that empowers our young people by providing them with invaluable work experience,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This investment will not only benefit the participants but also strengthen our local workforce and economy. We are grateful to the NJDOL for recognizing the importance of this program and to our dedicated partners for making it possible.”
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several key organizations committed to workforce development and youth empowerment, including the United Way of Greater Union County, Community Access Unlimited, Project SEARCH at Overlook Medical Center, Union College of Union County, NJ (UCNJ), Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, Elizabeth Development Company, Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, and the cities of Elizabeth, Rahway, and Plainfield.
“I have always believed that access to meaningful job opportunities can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and this funding will allow us to do exactly that for 480 youth in Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “This is more than just a summer job—it’s an investment in their future, a stepping stone to long-term success, and a chance to break barriers that too many young people face when entering the workforce. With the support of our partners, we are giving these young individuals the tools, experience, and confidence they need to thrive in their careers and contribute to our community. Union County remains committed to expanding workforce development and ensuring that every resident has a pathway to success.”
The program will launch this summer, offering participants the chance to engage in structured work experiences across various industries, helping them gain valuable skills, explore career interests, and build a foundation for long-term success.
For more information about the Union County Workforce Development Board’s programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org/wdb/ or contact Antonio Rivera, Director of Workforce Development at 908- 527-4195.
