County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the recipients for the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Awards which will be presented at the annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Family Fun Day. This free event will take place on Saturday, October 5^th, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s award winners for their outstanding contributions, which have enriched not just the Latino community but all of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Their work adds to the notable legacy of Hispanic leaders who inspire future generations. I invite everyone to join us in honoring these incredible individuals and to stay for the festivities as we celebrate Latin culture this month. I look forward to seeing you all there.”

Family Fun Day is a free event open to all, featuring activities for residents of all ages, including music, arts and crafts, inflatable bounce houses, photo booth, live cultural performances, and informational tables with giveaways from community organizations and businesses. Local food trucks offering Latin-inspired cuisine and ice cream will also be on site. Free food vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for use at the food trucks or ice cream truck while supplies last. Once the vouchers are gone, attendees can purchase food and ice cream from the trucks or bring their own food and snacks.

The event will prominently feature the presentation of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to uplifting and representing the Hispanic community in Union County and beyond.

“As we celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic culture, it’s equally important to highlight the leaders of today who are breaking barriers and shaping the future for Latinos,” said Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I am especially proud to honor this year’s awardees, whose remarkable achievements reflect the strength and resilience of our community. As the first female Hispanic Commissioner on the Board, it is a privilege to recognize their contributions and celebrate the legacy they are building.”

This special recognition celebrates the honorees and the positive impact they have had. As part of the festivities, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of cultural experiences, connect with local vendors, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that highlights the richness and diversity of our heritage. This celebration underscores the collective strength and dynamic spirit of our community.

“As a proud Salvadorian-American, it is a privilege to recognize those who exemplify leadership within our Hispanic community,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “These recipients have transformed their personal experiences into powerful forces for change, driving success not only in their own lives but in the lives of those they serve. Their continuing commitment to empowering and uplifting others stands as a true testament to the impact of public service, inspiring all of us to do more for our communities.”

The 2024 Hispanic Heritage Award recipients include:

Maritza Martinez, President of Frente Independiente Emprendedores Latinos (F.I.E.L.), is honored with the Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award. With over 23 years of service to the Latino community, Maritza has made a profound impact through her work as a court interpreter and paralegal. As the first Hispanic Vice-President of the American Chamber of Commerce, she has broken new ground and demonstrated her exceptional leadership. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees of the Plainfield Library and the Board of Directors of the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital/Latino Directory. Her steadfast commitment has earned her the Woman of the Year and Community Leader awards from Latinos del Mundo V.I.P. in 2023.

Elizabeth Montes, Director of Immigration Compliance for the We Are One New-Jersey – Union County Program, is the recipient of the Community Advocacy Award. A dedicated advocate for the Hispanic community, Elizabeth began her career managing large caseloads for immigrants in Colombia before continuing her work in the United States. Over the past decade, she has guided Union County residents through their journey to U.S. citizenship with compassion and empathy. Elizabeth has helped over 4,000 individuals achieve citizenship and has been recognized with excellence awards from the Hispanic Community of New Jersey for her invaluable contributions to social service.

Detective Veronica Garcia of the Elizabeth Police Department and the members of the Elizabeth Police Explorers Program are receiving the Public Safety Award for their exceptional service. After emigrating from Ecuador at age 11, Detective Garcia shifted from a successful banking career to law enforcement, joining the Elizabeth Police Department in 2016 and being promoted to Detective in 2024. She specializes in handling juvenile and domestic violence cases and has led the Elizabeth Police Explorers Program for the past three years, where she mentors high school students. Under her leadership, the program achieved notable success at the NJ Youth Academy on July 13th, where twenty explorers from the program competed against numerous cadets from across the state. The explorers underwent intensive training at Drew University and earned the Director’s Award, along with several individual honors. Their outstanding performance highlights their dedication to the values and skills they have developed throughout the year.

Alejandro Mejia, Spanish Teacher at David Brearley Middle-High School in Kenilworth, is recognized with the Educational Leadership Award. Alejandro, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Rutgers Graduate School of Education, has been dedicated to teaching Spanish for the past five years. His use of interactive techniques and real-life concepts creates a deep understanding of the Spanish language and practical communication skills in his students. Alejandro’s achievements include being the Student Speaker at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education Commencement in 2019, the 2024 NJ Governor’s Educator of the Year for David Brearley Middle-High School, and Union County Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. His dedication to education and his students makes him a distinguished and inspiring figure in the academic community.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs annually from September 15th to October 15th. To view the complete list of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Union County, visit ucnj.org/hhm. For more information, please contact Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Judith Guest at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

For details on events and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or check Union County’s calendar of events.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners will join communities around the world in recognizing October 10^th as World Homeless Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness and advocating for solutions to end housing insecurity. Union County will mark the occasion with events and initiatives designed to educate the public, provide direct services to those in need, and promote community-based solutions to homelessness.

“Homelessness impacts individuals and families across Union County, including veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and those struggling with mental health challenges or financial instability,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our community must take collective action to address this issue and ensure access to safe, affordable housing. Together, we can reduce homelessness, making it rare, short-lived, and non-recurring, while building a more just and compassionate Union County for all.”

World Homeless Day is observed annually on October 10th to bring attention to the global challenge of homelessness and to remind communities of the role they can play in addressing housing insecurity. This day underscores the need for increased awareness, advocacy, and outreach, as well as the promotion of strategies that offer both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

“World Homeless Day is a critical reminder of the importance of uniting to tackle the underlying causes of homelessness and ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “By partnering with local organizations and expanding essential services, we remain committed to helping those in need find stability and developing sustainable solutions that uplift and protect our most vulnerable residents.”

In recognition of World Homeless Day 2024, the County of Union, in partnership with local agencies, shelters, and community organizations, will host an event designed to provide direct services and raise awareness about homelessness and housing instability. The goal is to reduce stigma, educate the public, and encourage more compassionate responses to homelessness.

As part of the county’s observance of World Homeless Day, the following actions will be taken:

• FRESH START Event: On Thursday, October 10^th, Union County will host a FRESH START event that brings together local service providers to offer on-the-spot shower and laundry services, along with housing assistance, substance abuse and mental health support, and job placement resources.

• Resource Guide Distribution: Union County will expand the distribution of its 2024 Resource Guide, which includes a comprehensive Homelessness Chart of Services, outlining available resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

• Official Proclamation: The County of Union will declare October 10, 2024, as “World Homeless Day” and encourage all residents, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and organizations to support efforts that reduce homelessness and promote long-term, community-based solutions.

Homelessness is a complex and multi-faceted challenge. It affects millions of individuals each year, with over 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the U.S. alone. Its causes are varied and include economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, mental health conditions, substance abuse disorders, and domestic violence, among others.

The County of Union is committed to addressing these issues by increasing access to essential services such as affordable housing, mental health support, emergency shelters, and job training programs. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations, the County is dedicated to helping individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or housing instability, there are resources available. For more information, please call the Union County DHS Action Line at 908-677-5405.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the recycling of their personal documents and sensitive papers at the County’s next free paper shredding event, taking place on Friday, September 27th. The event will be held at the Westfield Pool Parking lot at 713 Cumberland Street in Westfield, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m.

“By giving your items a new purpose through recycling, we are helping to conserve natural resources,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I’m incredibly proud to see that our collective efforts are contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity and bring their personal documents to the next paper shredding event.”

Upon arrival, there will be ample signage to direct residents to the shredding site. The paper shredding event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. However, if the shredding trucks reach full capacity, the event will end ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to arrive promptly at the start of the event to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for their materials.

All paper shredding events are drive-up and contact-free. We kindly ask residents to have their papers in the trunk of their car or the cargo bed of their truck before arriving, to facilitate efficient removal of materials by staff. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff handles the unloading and shredding of papers, which are shredded onsite in the mobile shredding trucks. Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Additionally, bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other extraneous materials must be removed before arrival at the shredding site.

Union County’s free shredding events are intended for personal, sensitive, and residentially generated documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other waste paper through their municipal recycling program.  For contact information regarding your municipal recycling program, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. Residents are limited to ten pounds (four bags/ boxes) per vehicle. Business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. Businesses that show up at the event will be turned away. Businesses that need shredding services can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning by phone at 908-654-9890 or via the online form at www.ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.

The last free paper shredding event for 2024 will take place on Saturday, October 19^th in the parking lot of the Municipal Complex in Berkeley Heights. For the complete 2024 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 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, Summit Ave., Garfield St. Area, Berkshire Dr., Orion Rd.,Watchung Way, Circleview Ave.
• Clark – Conger Way, Schwinn Dr. Area, Kennedy Dr. Area, Jupiter St.
• Cranford – Casino Av., Pacific Av., Wadsworth Ter., Manor Av., Parker Av. Tuxedo Pl.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St. Area, Mertz Av., Munn Av., Bond St. Area
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area,
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., 1st St., Rock Av., Wiley Av. Area, E.3rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Martin St., Dudley Ct., Leesville Av.
• Roselle – Pine St., Holly Dr., Cherry St., Birch Dr. Area, Path by RXR Tracks
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Raritan Rd., Martine Extension, Tussle Ln., Goodmans Crossing
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Berkeley Rd. Area, Oakland Av., Waverly Av.
• Union – Hickory Rd. Area, Liberty Av.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, is excited to offer free specialized self-defense training classes for women ages 18 an over at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Two sessions are being offered – Tuesday, October 8^th, and Thursday, October 17^th, both from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

“Empowering women to protect themselves and their families is at the heart of this class. Through the hands-on training in these classes, women will gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed for various situations, ensuring they walk away from their session feeling stronger and more secure,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

This essential class is designed to empower women with the skills and confidence needed to protect themselves and their families. Led by trained and certified officers, participants will learn practical self-defense techniques, safety strategies, and ways to prevent and avoid risks. The hands-on training also helps build assertiveness, leaving women feeling more confident and prepared.

“As Sheriff, I am proud to support this vital program, which equips women with the practical skills and confidence needed to stay safe,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “Our certified officers are committed to providing hands-on training that not only teaches self-defense, but also empowers participants to prevent and avoid dangerous situations.”

Participants are required to sign a waiver to take part in the hands-on training, and comfortable clothing is recommended. Due to limited space, registration is required, and participants may only sign up for one of two session. For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/oowselfdefense. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquito Saturday, September 14, 2024, between the hours of 3:00AM to 8:00AM (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.

• Clark – Oak Ridge Rd., Conger Way Area,
• Scotch Plains – Union County Votech., Police Academy, Martine Extension, Tussel Ln., Goodmans Crossing

County Parks

• Oak Ridge
• Green Brook
• Cedar Brook

City Parks

• Plainfield – Milt Campbell