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spanish-releases

El Condado De Union Y El Estado De Nueva Jersey Anuncian Que Los Servicios De Apoyo En Caso De Crisis Por Abuso Sexual Continuarán Bajo Un Nuevo Liderazgo en 2026

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union anunció hoy que los servicios del Centro de Crisis de Abuso Sexual del Condado de Union (CRCC) se transferirán a finales del año calendario 2025 a un nuevo proveedor contratado por la División de Mujeres del Departamento de Niños y Familias. Esta transición permitirá un alcance más amplio y un mejor apoyo para los residentes afectados, a la vez que garantiza una asesoría y una coordinación eficaces y de alta calidad.

Los servicios continuarán en la ubicación actual del CRCC, en el Edificio Colleen Fraser del Complejo del Condado de Union en Westfield, hasta diciembre. La línea directa de atención las 24 horas (908-233-RAPE (7273)) permanecerá activa durante el período de transición.

“Esta transición refleja un compromiso compartido para fortalecer y evolucionar la forma en que apoyamos a las sobrevivientes en nuestra comunidad”, declaró la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes M. Leon. “Al colaborar con el Estado, garantizamos que estos servicios esenciales no solo continúen sin interrupciones, sino que lo hagan bajo un modelo sostenible, receptivo y que refleje las necesidades cambiantes de las sobrevivientes y sus familias”.

Fundado en 1984, el UCRCC ha brindado apoyo confidencial y adaptado al trauma a sobrevivientes de violencia sexual en todo el Condado de Union. El Centro ofrece una línea directa las 24 horas, acompañamiento presencial durante procedimientos médicos y legales, defensa bilingüe y educación comunitaria, todo gratuito. También lidera la difusión comunitaria en todo el Condado durante el Mes de Concientización sobre la Agresión Sexual y capacita a voluntarios para convertirse en Defensores Certificados de Violencia Sexual (CSVA).

Solo en 2024, el UCRCC respondió a más de 970 llamadas de crisis, facilitó más de 70 acompañamientos presenciales e involucró a cientos de residentes a través de campañas de concientización y esfuerzos de prevención.

“Como Enlace con el Consejo Asesor de Servicios Humanos, he visto de primera mano el impacto que este programa ha tenido en la vida de tantas personas”, dijo el Comisionado Sergio Granados. Esta transición busca ampliar ese impacto, garantizando que las sobrevivientes ahora sean atendidas por un proveedor con la capacidad y el enfoque necesarios para continuar esta labor a largo plazo. No se trata solo de preservar lo existente, sino de mejorar el acceso, profundizar el apoyo y seguir luchando por un mundo libre de violencia sexual.

El Condado está trabajando en estrecha colaboración con la División de Mujeres del Departamento de Niños y Familias del Estado, que financia los servicios, para garantizar una transferencia fluida y compasiva al proveedor entrante, quien continuará con el legado de defensa y sanación del UCRCC. Los servicios de apoyo voluntario, el acceso bilingüe y la educación para la prevención seguirán siendo fundamentales para el programa.

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union y el Estado de Nueva Jersey se mantienen unidos en su misión de apoyar a las sobrevivientes de violencia sexual con dignidad, continuidad y atención. Para obtener actualizaciones e información sobre los servicios a partir de 2026, visite el sitio web del Departamento de Niños y Familias,  de la División de la Mujer: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/divisions/dow.

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spanish-releases

El Condado De Union, La Campaña Nacional De Fitness Y Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield De Nueva Jersey Organizarán Dos Aperturas Para Las Nuevas Canchas De Fitness Al Aire Libre en Rahway River Park Y Phil Rizzuto Park

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se enorgullece en anunciar la gran inauguración de dos nuevas Canchas de Fitness® de vanguardia, posibles gracias a la colaboración con Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield de Nueva Jersey (Horizon) y la Campaña Nacional de Fitness (NFC).

“Nos complace colaborar con Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield de Nueva Jersey y la Campaña Nacional de Fitness para brindar oportunidades de fitness inclusivas y accesibles a nuestros residentes”, declaró Lourdes M. Leon, Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union. “Estas Canchas de Fitness forman parte de nuestra misión más amplia: promover la salud, la equidad y el bienestar comunitario en cada rincón del Condado de Union. Invitamos a todos a salir, mantenerse activos y disfrutar de estos fantásticos nuevos recursos”.

Se invita a los residentes a unirse a las autoridades del Condado de Union, los socios del proyecto y los líderes locales en dos ceremonias de inauguración que celebran estos nuevos espacios gratuitos de fitness al aire libre:

  • Martes, 27 de Agosto a las 10:00 a.m. 

Rahway River Park in Rahway

  • Miércoles, 28 de Agosto a las 10:00 a.m. 

Phil Rizzuto Park in Union

“Invertir en las Canchas de Fitness es otra forma en que Horizon trabaja para empoderar a sus miembros y lograr una salud óptima, a la vez que colabora con organizaciones comunitarias para construir una Nueva Jersey más saludable”, afirmó Gary D. St. Hilaire, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Horizon. “Como aseguradora de salud local de Nueva Jersey, nos enfocamos en hacer que la buena salud sea más asequible y accesible. Las oportunidades que genera nuestra colaboración con la Campaña Nacional de Fitness se basan en los noventa años de trayectoria de Horizon apoyando a organizaciones locales y mejorando la salud de las comunidades de Nueva Jersey”.

“Nos entusiasma que el Condado de Union se una a nosotros en el camino para mejorar la salud y el bienestar, mientras trabajamos para lograr un impacto significativo y duradero en los resultados de salud y la felicidad, construyendo comunidades saludables en todo Estados Unidos”, afirmó Mitch Menaged, fundador de la Campaña Nacional de Fitness. “La incorporación de las Canchas de Fitness al aire libre, junto con la programación digital de bienestar, demuestra un gran compromiso con la salud y el bienestar de la comunidad”.

Estas Fitness Courts® son centros de bienestar al aire libre diseñados para ofrecer entrenamientos gratuitos y de alta calidad a personas de todos los niveles, mayores de 14 años. El circuito, de fácil manejo, cuenta con siete estaciones de entrenamiento completo que permiten a los usuarios usar su propio peso corporal a su propio ritmo. Los participantes también pueden descargar la aplicación Fitness Court® para recibir entrenamientos guiados y coaching para una experiencia mejorada.

El Condado de Union es uno de los primeros Condados de Nueva Jersey en introducir múltiples Fitness Courts NFC a través de esta iniciativa público-privada. Las instalaciones están diseñadas para brindar acceso equitativo al ejercicio y promover estilos de vida más saludables en toda la región.

Para obtener más información sobre Fitness Court® y las iniciativas de salud y bienestar del Condado de Union, visite ucnj.org. Para obtener más información sobre la Campaña Nacional de Fitness y el apoyo de Horizon en Nueva Jersey, visite nationalfitnesscampaign.com/newjersey.

Acerca de Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield de Nueva Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield de Nueva Jersey, la compañía líder en soluciones de salud del estado, y sus filiales ofrecen una amplia gama de productos y servicios de seguros médicos, dentales, de la vista y de medicamentos recetados. Horizon BCBSNJ lidera la transformación de la atención médica en Nueva Jersey al colaborar con médicos y hospitales para ofrecer programas innovadores y centrados en el paciente que vinculan mejor los pagos que reciben con los resultados que ofrecen a nuestros afiliados. Más información en: www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ es licenciatario independiente de la Asociación Blue Cross and Blue Shield y presta servicios a aproximadamente 3.5 millones de afiliados.

Acerca de la Campaña Nacional de Fitness

Fundada en San Francisco en 1979, National Fitness Campaign Es una consultora de bienestar que ofrece programas y servicios a ciudades, escuelas y patrocinadores. Nuestra misión es construir comunidades saludables en todo el país. La campaña ofrece una iniciativa integral de bienestar, centrada en Fitness Court®, el mejor gimnasio al aire libre del mundo. La Campaña Nacional de Fitness se prepara para dar la bienvenida a su comunidad saludable número 750 en 2025, mientras continúa desarrollando la mayor colaboración público-privada del país en apoyo al bienestar, con el objetivo de construir un Fitness Court® en un área de paseo en bicicleta de 10 minutos por cada estadounidense. Más información sobre la Campaña Nacional de Aptitud Física en nationalfitnesscampaign.com y siganos en  Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Public Info

Union County and State of New Jersey Announce Rape Crisis Support Services to Continue Under New Leadership in 2026

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that services at the Union County Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) will be transitioned at the end of calendar year 2025 to a new vendor contracted by the Department of Children and Families’ Division on Women.  The transition will enable broader reach and enhanced supports for impacted residents, while ensuring high quality and effective counsel and coordination. 

Services will continue at the CRCC’s current location in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County Complex in Westfield through December. The 24-hour hotline—908-233-RAPE (7273)—will remain active throughout the transition period.

“This transition reflects a shared commitment to strengthening and evolving how we support survivors in our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “By working with the State, we are ensuring that these essential services not only continue without disruption, but do so under a model that is sustainable, responsive, and reflective of the changing needs of survivors and their families.”

Founded in 1984, the UCRCC has provided confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual violence across Union County. The Center offers a 24-hour hotline, in-person accompaniment during medical and legal proceedings, bilingual advocacy, and community education—all free of charge. It also leads countywide outreach during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and trains volunteers to become Certified Sexual Violence Advocates (CSVAs).

In 2024 alone, the UCRCC responded to more than 970 crisis calls, facilitated over 70 in-person accompaniments, and engaged hundreds of residents through awareness campaigns and prevention efforts.

“As Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this program has had on the lives of so many,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “This transition is about expanding that impact—ensuring that survivors will now be served by a provider with the capacity and focus to continue this work long into the future. It’s not just about preserving what exists, but improving access, deepening support, and continuing to fight for a world free from sexual violence.”

The County is working closely with the state Department of Children and Families’ Division on Women, which funds the services, to ensure a smooth and compassionate handoff to the incoming provider, which will carry forward the UCRCC’s legacy of advocacy and healing. Volunteer support services, bilingual access, and prevention education will remain core to the program.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the State of New Jersey remain united in their mission to support survivors of sexual violence with dignity, continuity, and care. For updates and information about services in 2026 and beyond, visit the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Division on Women: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/divisions/dow.

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Public Info

Union County, National Fitness Campaign and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to Host Dual Ribbon Cuttings for New Outdoor Fitness Courts at Rahway River Park and Phil Rizzuto Park

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the grand openings of two new state-of-the-art Fitness Courts®, made possible through a partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon) and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC).

“We are thrilled to partner with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the National Fitness Campaign to bring inclusive, accessible fitness opportunities to our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “These Fitness Courts are part of our larger mission to promote community health, equity, and wellness in every corner of Union County. We invite everyone to come out, get active, and experience these fantastic new resources.”

Residents are invited to join Union County officials, project partners, and local leaders for two ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating these new, free outdoor fitness spaces:

Wednesday, August 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Rahway River Park in Rahway

Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Phil Rizzuto Park in Union

“Investing in Fitness Courts is another way Horizon is working to empower our members to achieve their best health, while partnering with community organizations to build a healthier New Jersey,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Horizon’s President and CEO. “As New Jersey’s hometown health insurer, we’re focused on making good health more affordable and more accessible. The opportunities created by our partnership with National Fitness Campaign builds on Horizon’s ninety year history of supporting local organizations and improving the health of New Jersey’s communities.”

“We are excited to have Union Countyjoin us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long-lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy communities across America,’’ said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Courts, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the community.”

These Fitness Courts® are open-air wellness centers designed to bring free, high-quality workouts to people of all abilities, ages 14 and up. The user-friendly circuit features seven full-body stations that allow users to leverage their own body weight at their own pace. Participants can also download the Fitness Court® App to receive guided workouts and coaching for an enhanced experience.

Union County is one of the first counties in New Jersey to introduce multiple NFC Fitness Courts through this public-private initiative. The installations are designed to provide equitable access to exercise and support healthier lifestyles across the region.

For more information on the Fitness Court® and Union County’s health and wellness initiatives, visit ucnj.org/fitness. To learn more about the National Fitness Campaign and Horizon’s support across New Jersey, visit nationalfitnesscampaign.com/newjersey.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s leading health solutions company, and its affiliates provide a wide array of medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that more closely tie the payments that doctors and hospitals receive to the results they deliver for our members. Learn more at: www.HorizonBlue.com Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving approximately 3.5 million members.

About National Fitness Campaign

Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors. Our mission is to build healthy communities nationwide. The campaign delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered around the Fitness Court®– the world’s best outdoor gym. National Fitness Campaign is preparing to welcome its 750th healthy community in 2025, as it continues to grow the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court® within a 10-minute bike ride of every American.  Learn more about National Fitness Campaign at nationalfitnesscampaign.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Public Info

Commissioner Meetings and Ordinance Public Hearing Date Changes

Under the terms of the “Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10 of the Open Public Meetings Act, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2025 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

The Board has a need to cancel both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting held on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting will be rescheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025.  The Agenda Setting Session will commence at 6:00 P.M.  The Regular Meeting will commence as soon as possible following the Agenda Setting Session.

As a result of these changes, please note the Public Hearing and Final Adoption of Ordinance Number 858-2025 and Ordinance Number 859-2025, originally scheduled to be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 will now be heard on this new meeting date of Wednesday, August 20, 2025. A separate legal notice of said Public Hearing will be published in accordance to the law and shall reflect this new date and time.

For reference, Ordinance Number 858-2025 is entitled: BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY, NEW ADDITIONAL FURNISHINGS, NEW COMMUNICATION AND SIGNAL SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT, NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND NEW AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES, INCLUDING ORIGINAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, IN, BY AND FOR THE COUNTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $58,443,808 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO APPROPRIATE STATE GRANTS, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF $43,186,098 OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $43,186,098 OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS. 

For further reference, Ordinance Number 859-2025 is entitled: CAPITAL ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN, BY AND FOR THE COUNTY, APPROPRIATING THEREFOR THE SUM OF $10,000,000 AND PROVIDING THAT SUCH SUM SO APPROPRIATED SHALL BE RAISED FROM CAPITAL SURPLUS OF THE COUNTY. 

James E. Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board

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Public Info

Mosquito Spraying Thursday, August 14th

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday August 14, 2025, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM ((Weather Permitting)). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Garfield St., Kuntz Ave., Camptown Dr., La Secla Pl.

Clark – Jupiter St., Dorset Dr., Surry Rd., Byron Pl., Eton Pl., Kennedy Dr., Avon Rd. Brentwood Rd., Frances Dr., Featherbed Ln., Blake Dr., Parkway Dr., Highland Pl.

Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd., Riverside Dr., Ludlow Av.

Kenilworth – Dorset Dr. Area, Water Co. Rd., N.20th St., N.21 St.

Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd.

Mountainside – Dogwood Way, Longview Dr., Rt.22, 1400 Block

New Providence – High St., Providence St., Westview Ave.

Plainfield – Jefferson Ave., 1st St., Rock Ave., Bradford St., Adams Circle

Rahway – Elston St., Randolph Ave., Leesville Av., Wall St., Lakeside Dr., Crescent Dr., Midwood Dr. Area

Roselle Park – W. Grant St., Hawthorne St., Meadow St.,

Scotch Plains – Church Ave., Portland Ave., South and North Ave. between Hetfield Ave. and Crossway

Springfield – Oakland Ave., Waverly Ave., Cottage Ln.,

Westfield – Westfield Armory Westfield Ave., Codding Rd.

Winfield Park – U.C. Parkway, Seafoam Ave., Wavecrest Ave.

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spanish-releases

Boletos De Votación Por Correo Disponibles Para La Elección Especial De La Junta Escolar De Clark Del 16 De Septiembre

La Escribana del Condado de Union, Joanne Rajoppi, anuncia que las papeletas de voto por correo para las próximas Elecciones Escolares Especiales en Clark estarán disponibles a partir del lunes 11 de agosto en la Oficina de Westfield de la Secretaria durante el horario laboral habitual. Las elecciones escolares especiales se celebrarán el 16 de septiembre de 2025.

Se recomienda encarecidamente a los votantes que aprovechen esta oportunidad para votar anticipadamente y asegurarse de que su voz sea escuchada en estas importantes elecciones locales. El horario de atención de la Oficina de Westfield de la Secretaria del Condado de Union, ubicada en 300 North Avenue East, es de lunes:

miércoles y viernes de 8:00am a 4:00pm

martes y jueves de 8:00am a 7:30pm

sábados de 9:00am a 1:00pm

Para obtener más información sobre las papeletas de voto por correo, la votación anticipada o las fechas límite de las elecciones, visite www.unioncountyvotes.com o comuníquese con la oficina al 908-527-4996 o envíe un correo electrónico a ucvote@ucnj.org.

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Public Info

Mosquito Spraying Wednesday Morning, August 13th

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying county and municipal parks Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks

  • Clark – Oak Ridge
  • Cranford – Nomahegan
  • Garwood – Unami
  • Hillside – Conant
  • Mountainside – Echo Lake
  • Plainfield – Cedar Brook
  • Rahway – Rahway
  • Roselle – Warinanco
  • Scotch Plains – Ponderosa, Brookside
  • Springfield – Meisel

Municipal Parks

  • Plainfield – Milt Campbell
  • Union – Biertuempful, Kearse
  • Westfield – Tamaqus
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Public Info

Mail-in Ballots Available for the September 16 Clark Special School Board Election

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that mail-in ballots for the upcoming Special School Election in Clark will be available beginning Monday, August 11th at the Clerk’s Westfield Office during regular business hours. The Special school election will be held on September 16th, 2025.

Voters are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to vote early and ensure their voices are heard in this important local election. Business hours of the Union County Clerk’s Westfield Office, located at 300 North Avenue East, are below:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm

Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:00am to 7:30pm

Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm

For more information about mail-in ballots, early voting, or election deadlines, visit www.unioncountyvotes.com or contact the office at 908-527-4996 or email ucvote@ucnj.org.

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Public Info

Substitute Teacher Workshop

Thinking about becoming a substitute teacher? Join us at Kean University on August 20, 2025 for a hands-on workshop that walks you through the entire certification process — no education major required! Learn the steps, meet the experts, and enjoy a pizza lunch while you get closer to the classroom.