Month: April 2021

Alexander Mirabella, Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners
Union County Commissioner and Shade Tree Advisory Board Liaison Bette Jane Kowalski
 
To the writers: Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest! We are all very proud to host this special display of your work on the County website. Please know that your work in raising awareness about the importance of trees is very much appreciated by the whole Union County family. Through your ability to create and communicate, you have each made a significant contribution to encouraging environmental stewardship throughout our community.
 
To the readers: Please enjoy this unique window into the world of our community treescape, as seen through the eyes of local students in grades 4 – 8. Our 2021 contest winners invite us all to reconnect with the environment that sustains and surrounds us, each in their own very personal and thoughtful way.
 
We hope this exhibit inspires residents and visitors alike to appreciate, plant, and care for trees throughout Union County, and beyond.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites non-profit organizations to attend a free online workshop, Website Accessibility for Non-Profits, on Monday, May 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The workshop will be presented via Zoom by Frank Louvis, owner of the Coastal Technologies, an internet and marketing agency.

“Online communication has become more important than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage all non-profit organizations in Union County, especially those receiving grants through County-sponsored programs, to come to the workshop and learn about the latest resources for creating more inclusive and accessible websites,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The workshop is free of charge, but online registration is required. To register, please visit:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YYvw-sgsRBKHld2O5DD-sQ.

Website Accessibility for Non-Profits will introduce participants to the various types of website accessibility. Participants will learn how to ensure their website is accessible, whether they are starting off with a website or want to enhance their existing website.

Resources and tools will be provided.

This workshop is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations are also welcomed to attend.

Website Accessibility for Non-Profits is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the event please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs.

For information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Vote-by-Mail applications can be picked up in person at the Union County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are available to voters for “One-Stop” Vote-by-Mail service. Eligible voters can pick up an application for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, receive their ballot, and cast it in a secure drop-off box all in one visit.

“We encourage all voters to vote early by using a Vote-by-Mail ballot, and the One-Stop service makes it easy and convenient,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a reminder, voters who are not on the permanent Vote-by-Mail list will need to request an application if they would like to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot this year.”

The County Clerk’s Westfield office is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East. Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Elizabeth Office is located in the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Starting on Saturday, May 1, the Elizabeth Office will also be open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Vote-by-Mail services, leading up to Primary Election Day on June 8.

Approximately 35,000 voters in Union County are on a permanent list, and will automatically receive their ballots in the mail in the coming days. Voters on the permanent list can check the “Status of Vote by Mail Ballots” section on the home page of the Union County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, to see when their ballots were mailed.

Voters who are not on the permanent list must submit an application in order to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot.

In addition to picking up an application in person at the County Clerk’s offices, there are three other ways to obtain a Vote-by-Mail application:

• Call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 to receive an application in the mail.
• Email the County Clerk at ucvote@ucnj.org to receive an application in the mail.
• Download the application from the County Clerk’s elections website, com, or use the free Union County Votes mobile app.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com, use the Union County Votes app, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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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County to promote upcoming event for Wonder offering dozens of open positions

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners announces that there will be a virtual job hiring event on Tuesday, May 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is coordinated by Wonder, a fast-growing food-tech startup based in Cranford, NJ.

The positions available include:

• Customer Experience Associates
• Culinary and Central Kitchen Operations
• Warehouse and Central Operations

Available Positions pay between $15 and $18 per hour and candidates can apply by visiting: https://www.wonderculinary.com/. Upon submitting an application, a Zoom link for the Virtual Job Hiring Event will be sent to applicants.

“Union County continues to work with businesses and organizations to provide job opportunities to our residents,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents looking for full time work to submit their applications and participate in this virtual event.”

“Our goal is to provide valuable job resources to our residents through partnerships with entities like Wonder,” said Commissioner and Liaison to the Workforce Development Board, Sergio Granados.  “We look forward to this and future job hiring events.”

The Union County American Job Center provides job training and employment related services to eligible jobseekers and employers in Union County. They operate two American Job Center offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.

For questions about the Wonder Virtual Job Hiring Event and other services and programs provided by Workforce Development, residents should call Director Elton Armady at 908-527-4812.

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 and the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board would like to thank all of the students who participated in the annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest.

“Arbor Day is a national celebration of environmental stewardship, and trees are a valuable resource in our densely developed area,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board I would like to thank all of the students who participated, for helping to raise awareness about the importance of trees in our community, and beyond.”

One winner was chosen for first, second, and third place at each grade level.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

4^th grade winners:

1. The Four Seasons by Madison Sartoretti of Valley Road School, Clark, NJ supervised by teacher, Janeen Allmendinger.
2. Trees Matter by Olesia Patterson of Jerome Dunn Academy School #9 supervised by teacher, Marianne English.
3. Arbor Day by Sahana Iyer of Thomas P Hughes Elementary School supervised by teacher, Andrea Masri.

5^th grade winners:

1. A Tree Limerick by Taylor Tripet of Thelma Sandmeier Elementary School in Springfield, NJ supervised by teacher, LeEtta Palumbo.
2. Trees by Julia Pappalardo of Terrill Middle School , Scotch Plains, NJ supervised by teacher, Erika Vaughn.
3. Yoga Tree by Twana Tsuro of Thelma Sandmeier Elementary School in Springfield, NJ supervised by teachers, Anthony Scarppelli and Linda Schmidt.

6^th grade winners:

1. I Cannot Imagine a World without Trees by Morgan Sinclair from Orange Ave. School, Cranford, NJ supervised by teacher, Liz Chandler.
2. Untitled by Sharika Dhar of Columbia Middle School, Berkley Heights, NJ supervised by  teacher, Belinda Healey.
3. A Helping Hand by Michelle Paida of the Queen City Charter School, Plainfield, NJ supervised by teacher, Schuyler Davis.

7^th grade winners

1. Masterpiece by Olivia Castro of Lincoln Ave. School, Garwood, NJ supervised by  teacher, Tamara Benc.
2. The Importance of Trees by Kayla Hill of Maxson Middle School, Plainfield, NJ supervised by teacher, Jan Gwyn-Thompson.
3. Beautiful Trees by Karen Luna of Abraham Lincoln School # 14 of Elizabeth supervised by teacher, Miss Tavormina.

8^th grade winners

1. The Life You Give by Jadali Feliciano of Joseph Battin School #4, Elizabeth supervised by teacher, Shara Greenberg.
2. Tree by Fransisco Villalta Escobar of Maxson Middle School, Plainfield, NJ supervised by teacher, Menon.
3. Delightful Days by Nyla Castro, Lincoln School, Garwood, NJ supervised by teacher, Tamara Benc.

The contest was open to students in grade 4-8. There were 130 entries in all.

*Updated 4-28-21: Please note, the virtual awards ceremony originally scheduled for April 29 has been cancelled.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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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COUNTY OF UNION, NJ—The Union County Board of Commissioners today announced the beginning of its Homebound Vaccination Program in an effort to vaccinate its residents who are unable to leave their homes.

“Our most vulnerable communities must not be left behind and the effort to vaccinate the homebound is critical to the success of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is a major step forward as we continue to build toward herd immunity in Union County.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the County’s Public Safety Committee which oversees the response to the pandemic, said: “I am excited to announce the homebound program. We have been working through our County’s Human Services and Public Safety Department to develop this program and serve residents, beginning at age 18 and older. We won’t stop until we vaccinate all of Union County’s homebound residents who want a vaccination and who are among the most vulnerable to the virus.”

The program will be administered through the County’s Human Services Department. The nurse-led teams will begin vaccinating the homebound Wednesday (tomorrow) in three towns, Clark, Garwood and Cranford, and will move on to other towns after that. The County is partnering with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Holy Redeemer Visiting Nurses and Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey to offer the program.

The County has identified and targeted well over 2,000 residents through a number of resources in all 21 municipalities thus far, according to Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

Residents who are homebound and wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may call the County’s Division on Aging and Disability Resources at 1-888-280-8226 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Currently, the County will begin by offering the Moderna vaccination, and then transition into the Johnson and Johnson one-shot vaccination.

You are considered to be homebound  (18 years and older) if any of the following categories apply:

a)         The person’s doctor believes that their health or illness could get worse if they leave the home.

b)         The person requires the help of another person and/or medical equipment to leave the home, or finds it difficult to leave the home and typically cannot do so.

c)         The person is served by a home health care organization.

d)         The person is served by social services agencies (e.g. non-medical home care, Meals on Wheels, Community Action Programs, Paratransit services, etc.).

e)         The person is physically or intellectually disabled.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters of the polling place and drop box locations for the 2021 Primary Election. The 2021 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 8.

Beginning in May, the Board of Elections will mail post cards to voters whose polling places are affected by a change in location.

“Many of the polling locations closed last year due to the COVID pandemic, will be open this year, with health and safety precautions in place,” said Ms. DiRado. “The post cards will help ensure that voters who plan to vote in person know of any changes to their polling place. Voters are also encouraged to review this information contained on their sample ballot.”

There will be at least one secure ballot drop box in every town within Union County.  Secure ballot drop boxes opened on Friday, April 23 and will remain open through the close of the polls on June 8, 2021 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible. Board of Election staff will pick up ballots every day with a police escort.

For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Election website online at ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote.

In-person voters are encouraged to wear masks and observe social distance precautions to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19 when visiting a polling place.

For updates and information on all Board of Elections services visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call  908-527-4121. All email and phone messages will be returned.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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 will hold additional emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in April and May to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Conant Park in Hillside
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from the Community FoodBank of NJ

Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

• Kean University in Union
• Drive-thru only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce, and CMC Foods

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to continue to provide this valuable resource to our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“During this time as residents continue to deal with unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce, the Community Food Bank of NJ, and CMC foods for their continued partnership.”

Residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Plainfield, Hillside, Elizabeth, and Roselle must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated at either location.

All drive-up recipients at Kean must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing and other protocols.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

To learn more about the Community FoodBank of NJ, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoodsus.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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 – Drainage improvements in Berkeley Heights. A detention basin in Elizabeth. ADA Improvements at the Municipal Complex in Roselle Park.  Repaving on numerous roads. These are some of the projects that this year’s Union County Freeholders Infrastructure Grant program will fund throughout the County.

In all, the Union County Board of Commissioners made awards to 21 municipalities as part of the seventh annual Union County Infrastructure Grant program, funding projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, and providing indirect tax relief.

The program was conceived by Commissioner Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the County’s Commissioner Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development.  This year’s Fiscal Committee is comprised of Commissioner Chris Hudak as Chair. Also on the Fiscal Committee are Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams as well as Commissioners Sergio Granados and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Road improvements once again topped the list as the most requested program for funding, among the municipalities.

“This past winter provided us with plenty of inclement weather and as a result, there are multiple roads in need of repair or resurfacing,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Infrastructure grant program is aimed at helping our municipalities make these and other needed improvements that benefit the residents of Union County and improve their quality of life.”

Commissioner Hudak agreed, adding:

“Our goal is to provide an economic boost to our municipalities and leverage their funds in making essential improvements,” said Fiscal Chair, Commissioner Chris Hudak. “With more people moving into Union County than ever before, and new development coming on line, it’s important that we continue to make infrastructure our highest priority.”

The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2021.

Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014.

The Union County Infrastructure Grant Awards for 2021 are as follows:

Municipality	2021 Projects	Award Amount
Berkeley Heights	Drainage Improvement at Glenside Road & Various Locations	$62,000.00
Clark	2021 Clark Capital Road Improvement Program	$65,000.00
Cranford	2021 Cranford Resurfacing Project	$90,000.00
Elizabeth	Elizabeth River Flood Control Project/Ursino Detention Basin	$145,000.00
Fanwood	2021 Fanwood Road Improvement Program	$40,000.00
Garwood	-Paving Improvements to Section of Locust Avenue -Paving Improvements to Section of Center Street -Improvements to Public Works Municipal Garage -Community Enhancement Improvements to Downtown Area-Various	$35,000.00
Hillside	Hillside Municipal Building Security Improvements Project	$20,525.06
Kenilworth	-Records Mangement Scanning-Phase 2 -Sanitary Sewer Evaluation -Repair & Replacement of Borough Sidewalks -Digital Signage	$55,000.00
Linden	2021 Linden Resurfacing of Various Streets	$90,000.00
Mountainside	Resurfacing of Garrett Road & Hickory Lane	$40,000.00
New Providence	2021 New Providence Roadway Paving Project	$50,000.00
Plainfield	2021 Plainfield Roadway Improvement Project: East Third Street	$145,000.00
Rahway	2021 Rahway Resurfacing Project	$95,000.00
Roselle	2021 Roselle Various Street Improvements	$70,000.00
Roselle Park	ADA Improvements at Municipal Complex	$62,500.00
Scotch Plains	2021 Scotch Plains Roadwork Assistance Program	$100,000.00
Springfield	2021 Springfield Paving Improvements on Various Streets	$60,000.00
Summit	-Butler Parkway Improvement Project -City Hall Records Management Improvement Project	$75,000.00
Union	2021 Union Road Improvement Project-Phase II	$95,000.00
Westfield	Improvement of Willow Grove Road	$100,000.00
Winfield	-Power DMS for 11 Users: Police Department; -Firefighter Projective Clothing & Equipment, 28′ Extension Ladder	$5,000.00

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 Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 18 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2021 Primary Election. Voters who are registered in the Democratic and Republican parties will be able to vote in the Primary Election to choose their party’s nominee to run for Governor in the General Election, in addition to voting on local candidates.

Primary Day will be on Tuesday, June 8.  Election Day will be primarily in-person, with vote by mail ballots available to voters who choose that option.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

To download a voter registration form visit the New Jersey state elections website at nj.gov/state/elections/voter-registration. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To receive a voter registration form by U.S. Post, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of Elections is open to assist residents who wish to register.  The address is 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth and office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Board will host extended hours on May 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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.