Month: January 2022

Union County, NJ – January 31, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to attend a flag raising ceremony to mark the beginning of Black History Month, on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 3:00 p.m., outside of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“The flag raising ceremony helps raise awareness that Black History Month is a significant time of year in our diverse community. It provides all Union County residents with new opportunities to explore important people, milestones and movements in American history, while enabling those of us who share in the culture to gain new insights into our heritage,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The ceremony will include opening remarks by the Chair, an invocation from Pastor Edwin Brown of the Progressive Baptist Church of Rahway, and remarks by Commissioner Dr. Angela R. Garretson and Commissioner James E. Baker, Jr.

“February is a month to become more enriched by sharing and celebrating the accomplishments and sacrifices through stories of resilience, survival and achievement in the African-American community, and to provide all of our residents with renewed inspiration to support members of the Black diaspora and beyond,” said Dr. Garretson.

The flag raising is the first in a series of Black History Month events hosted by the Commissioner Board. The series is free and open to the public. It includes:

• Wednesday, February 9^th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.: A virtual Lunch and Learn session titled, “Maintaining Our Mental Health: Wellness Strategies for Coping during the Pandemic,” focusing on the African American experience of COVID-19.
• February 18^th at 7:00 p.m.: In partnership with the City of Rahway, a live production of the award-winning play Fences at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The event includes the presentation of the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. Please note that COVID -19 safety measure apply to this venue.
• February 24^th at 6:30 p.m.: A free lecture on Zoom by Professor Keith E. Walcott of Union County College titled, “African American Survival: from Jim Crow to Civil Rights and beyond.” Professor Walcott will trace the capacity of African Americans to survive and achieve against great odds.

During Black History Month, the Commissioner Board also engages with various programs and activities throughout Union County, including an event featuring the 19 Black County-Elected officials in New Jersey on Wednesday, February 2nd at Kean University in Union Township. On February 4^th, 11^th, and 18^th, Union County’s social media channels will also feature Black History Month messages in recognition of the “Divine Nine” historically Black sororities and fraternities.

For more information and updates on Union County’s Black History Month series, including links for the virtual events, visit ucnj.org/black-history-month. In addition, if you would like to learn more about Black History Month programs, please contact Judith Guest of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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— January 28, 2022 — After a small hiatus due to the rising positive Covid cases, Union County will once again kick off their Child Seat Inspection Program on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.

Earlier this morning, Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams and Commissioners Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Bette Jane Kowalski visited the inspection location, where Commissioner Mouded had two of her children’s car seats installed.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of deaths of children over the age of six months in the United States. So ensuring your child’s car seat is properly installed is of highest importance.”

The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to check their child car seats for proper installation by visiting the County’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program Center, located at the Garwood Rescue Squad at 401 2nd Avenue in Garwood. The program will run every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and no appointment is necessary.  Covid protocols are still in place and masks for staff and all adults attending are required.

“It is a parent’s greatest responsibility to keep our children safe,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Car Seat Inspection Program is a great opportunity to help our community and help protect our children. I hope you come and take advantage, as I did, and allow our experts to help with the installation and provide any safety additional tips you may need going forward.”

Under the New Jersey Child Passenger Safety Law:

• Any child under the age of 8 years old and a height of 57 inches shall be secured as follows in the rear seat of a motor vehicle:
• A child under the age of 2 years and 30 pounds shall be secured in a rear-facing seat equipped with a 5-point harness.
• A child under the age of 4 years and 40 pounds shall be secured as described in (a) until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing seat, then in a forward-facing child restraint equipped with a 5-point harness.
• A child under the age of 8 and a height of 57 inches shall be secured as described in (a) or (b) until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing or forward-facing seat, then in a belt positioning booster seat.
• A child over 8 years of age or 57 inches in height must be properly secured by a seat belt.

All car seats and boosters have expiration dates. Parents or guardians should only buy a used car seat if they can verify the age of the seat. There should be a manufacturer’s label on the back or bottom of the seat that gives the manufacture date and/or specific expiration date.

“Union County has expert staff who keep up to date on new laws and car seat technology,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski. “This is the kind of information that will keep our children safe and protected in a vehicle.”

First launched in 1999, the Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Police Department, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, AAA Northeast – NJ Division, and the Garwood First Aid Squad.

For more information about the Safety Seat Inspection Program and other services visit online at ucnj.org/childseats or contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, by email at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-789-6830.

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For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County residents invited to attend law enforcement job fair, February 2.

Union County, NJ – January 28, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with state and local officials, invites residents to attend a recruiting session for open positions with the Union County Sheriff, Union County Division of Police, Elizabeth Police Department, New Jersey Transit Police and Port Authority Police.

The recruiting session is an in-person event to be held on Wednesday, February 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Erxleben Recreation Center, 513 Richmond Street in Elizabeth.

Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/recruitment. Attendees should wear attire appropriate to an interview. COVID-19 safety rules apply at this event and face masks are required.

“We encourage Union County residents to come to the law enforcement job fair and learn what opportunities there are to make a career in this rewarding and challenging field. We place a high value on individuals who make a lifelong commitment to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of our community and I hope many will come out and see what there is to offer,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

“A career in law enforcement is one of the most meaningful ways in which an individual can have a positive and lasting impact on the whole community.  This can only be achieved when residents see police officers that truly reflect the population.  Today is a great step forward in our commitment as a state to rebuild that trust in our public servants.” said Senate President Nick Scutari.

“Union County is proud to provide law enforcement services that protect and serve the community,” said Senator Joseph Cryan. “I highly encourage members of the community to come out to the recruiting event and see if law enforcement is the right path for them.”

“I would like to thank our elected officials and the Elizabeth Branch of the NAACP for putting this event together, said Earl Graves, Police Director, City of Elizabeth. “This will be an excellent outreach opportunity that will be inclusive to all of our diverse residents.”

“The Housing Authority of The City of Elizabeth (HACE) is pleased to support the endeavors in providing a forum for interested candidates to apply for careers in law Enforcement in and around our community. We recognize the importance of hosting a successful recruitment opportunity but also know there are tremendous challenges set before us that require effort, experimentation and a commitment to continuous improvement of approaches.  We are hopeful that the outreach we make today from within our community of residents will make a difference tomorrow for all communities!”

“I have heard numerous complaints about our law enforcement not having enough African American and people of color as officers, so we see the need to get the word out to as many as we can who may not have considered a career in law enforcement,” said Shawn McClain, President of the Elizabeth Branch NAACP. “The NAACP’s role is to expose opportunity to the people and we are happy in taking a lead in collaboration with the County, City and State on a much needed initiative.”

“We need help representing every corner of this county and are looking for applicants who have always dreamed of serving and protecting their community,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “A career in law enforcement is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have and this is a chance for those to come out, apply and work to represent the great county we live in.”

The Law Enforcement Job Fair is a collaborative initiative partnering the Commissioner Board with New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey Senator Joseph Cryan, Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Elizabeth Branch NAACP President Sawn McClain, and the Elizabeth Housing Authority.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Commissioner Board will host a series of Black History Month events beginning with a flag raising ceremony on February 1.

Union County, NJ – January 28, 2022 — In recognition of Black History Month 2022, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to a series of events in February, highlighting key historical and cultural themes throughout Black history.

“The course of American history has been defined by the contributions, experiences and achievements of African Americans for more than 400 years. The Commissioner Board is very proud to provide Union County residents with new opportunities to explore the legacy of the past during Black History Month, and help chart a path of justice and equality to the future,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The month-long series of events will begin with a Black History Month flag raising ceremony in front of the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

The series continues on Wednesday, February 9^th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a virtual Lunch and Learn session titled, “Maintaining Our Mental Health: Wellness Strategies for Coping during the Pandemic.” With a focus on wellness, the Lunch and Learn will address ways in which African Americans, disproportionately affected by COVID-19, can learn to cope with the mental and psychological stressors caused by the pandemic and its effects.

On Friday, February 18^th at 7:00 p.m. the Commissioner Board is partnering with the City of Rahway to present a live production of the award-winning play Fences, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The event includes the presentation of the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award.

On Thursday, February 24^th at 6:30 p.m., the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will present a free lecture on Zoom by Professor Keith E. Walcott of Union County College titled, “African American Survival: from Jim Crow to Civil Rights and beyond.” Professor Walcott will trace the capacity of African Americans to survive and achieve against great odds.

During Black History Month, the Commissioner Board also engages with various programs and activities throughout Union County, including an event featuring the 19 Black County-Elected officials in New Jersey on Wednesday, February 4^th at Kean University in Union Township. On February 4^th, 11^th, and 18^th, Union County’s social media channels will also feature Black History Month messages created by the “Divine Nine” historically Black sororities and fraternities.

For more information and updates on Union County’s Black History Month series, including links for the virtual events, visit ucnj.org/black-history-month. In addition, if you would like to learn more about Black History Month programs, please contact Judith Guest of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

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For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

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.

Enjoy a winter wonderland hike in the snow, from the comfort of home.

Union County, NJ – January 27, 2022 — As the winter cold snap continues, nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors from indoors, thanks to a team of expert naturalists from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center. The team took a tracking hike through Conant Park in Hillside on a snowy day and filmed the adventure, featuring hawks, foxes, woodpeckers and many other signs of local wildlife.

A link to the YouTube video of the hike is available at the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside.

“It is always surprising to learn how close we are to nature in Union County. The Conant Park winter walk demonstrates how our parks serve a crucial role in habitat conservation and biodiversity, while providing open space for thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy all year,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

An oasis of nature bordered by bustling neighborhoods, Conant Park features a diverse habitat including open fields, forests and waterways, along with public recreation facilities.

The nine-minute Winter Walk in Conant Park video takes the viewer on a virtual tracking hike to learn about animal signs in winter, how plants and animals cope with the cold weather, the benefits of snow cover, and more  Viewers can also learn which trees keep their needles year-round and which hold onto their leaves long into the winter season.

Union County residents and visitors can find information about all Trailside programs and activities, both virtual and in-person, at ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for holidays. Please note that COVID-19 safety rules apply.

Winter Walk in Conant Park is part of an award-winning video series created by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, including historical sites as well as nature themes. The history videos are available online from the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Parks Department, at ucnj.org/cultural.

Wintertime visitors to Union County parks are reminded that sledding and ice skating are permitted only in designated areas according to safety guidelines. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the many paths and trails in County parks. Downhill skiing is not allowed in any County park.

Conant Park is one of 36 parks in Union County’s park system. For more information on all Union County parks visit ucnj.org/parks.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

UNION COUNTY, NJ— January 26, 2022 — On Tuesday, January 25th, Union County kicked off their annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and Survey of the Homeless population throughout the cities in their jurisdiction. The PIT, also known as NJCounts, takes place every January and asks for a count of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. This program, which will run through Wednesday, February 2nd, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and for the ninth year, Monarch Housing Associates is coordinating the statewide effort.

“There are so many reasons an individual can become homeless, and as we are still recovering from the pandemic from the last two years, it is so important to find these individuals and make sure they are aware of the resources available,” said Rebecca Williams, Chair of the Union County Board of Commissioners. “Being out in communities, seeing where people are living and having an opportunity to speak with them truly gives a rich perspective on the severity of this issue and will help us in the long-run in addressing this concern.”

Due to the pandemic, Union County has altered how they will conduct the count versus previous years. This year, teams of Union County staff, government officials and local nonprofit organizations will band together in smaller groups of 4-6 people in three separate shifts during the morning, afternoon and late evening hours. Smaller groups will survey people throughout the County who “sleep outdoors, in parks, alleys, under bridges, or places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, abandoned buildings, garages, or other structures without electricity or water.”

The Eviction Moratorium ended in New Jersey on January 1st, 2022 and there are concerns that as courts are beginning to see eviction cases and as lockouts are being issued, there will be a large number of persons entering the homeless service system. It is critical to have the data from NJCounts 2022 to assess the system’s current capacity and prepare for the influx of households that will enter the system.

“It is our hope that we get as accurate of a count as possible so we can continue to provide services to all of those in need,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “The data that is gathered during this survey will provide us with the necessary information we need to raise public awareness and develop better strategies to assist our Human Services Department in strengthening their services and response to our most vulnerable residents. No one should be without a roof over their head, and together we can combat this issue.”

The data collected during NJCounts also helps determine how much McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance HUD funding New Jersey will receive. The State will then decide how it will use the money to fund various statewide programs.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Expert offers insights on food trends and hot topics for the coming year.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can catch up on interesting food and nutrition trends in the year ahead by reading Healthy Food Predictions for 2022, an article authored by Dr. Karen Ensle, Family and Community Health Sciences Educator at Rutgers University and Department Head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The article is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/rce.

“The Rutgers Cooperative Extension connects Union County residents from all walks of life with useful information based on expert insights and scientific, peer reviewed research. The Commissioner Board is very proud to support this mission, especially in regards to providing our community with guidance and information that supports a healthy diet,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Healthy Food Predictions for 2022 highlights a wide variety of interconnected trends including the rise in online food shopping, changes in food habits associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, the explosive growth of restaurant delivery service, a heightened awareness of the importance of food sustainability and security, and improvements in eco-friendly packaging by food producers.

In terms of nutrition guidance, Dr. Ensle observes that the research continues to support the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recently updated for the years 2020-2025. The Guidelines focus on plant-based, minimally-processed foods that are low in added sugar, salt, and processed fats.

“The science stays the same,” Dr. Ensle explains.  “The DASH Diet and Mediterranean Diet along with the MyPlate icon still provide the most relevant scientific information for nutrition and health as they support the Dietary Guidelines.”

The MyPlate icon has replaced the once-familiar U.S. Department of Agriculture “food pyramid” as a visual guide for organizing eating habits around a healthy diet. For more information visit myplate.gov.

DASH is a common sense, easy-to-follow heart-healthy eating plan based on foods commonly available at local grocery stores. Details and guidance are available from the National Institutes of Health.

The Mediterranean diet is a generic term for diets that focus mainly on fruits, vegetables, bread and grains, as well as potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, with fat coming mainly from olive oil. Red meat is minimized in favor of low-to-moderate amounts of dairy, eggs, fish and poultry.

Residents who would like to know more about DASH and the Mediterranean diet can attend a free Zoom class presented by Dr. Ensle, titled “Which is Better:  DASH or Mediterranean Diet?”

The class will be held on Wednesday February 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., as part of the Rutgers Family and Community Health Sciences Wellness Wednesday series. To register and get the Zoom link, visit go.rutgers.edu/e1n0alph

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including 4-H clubs for youth and the Master Gardner, Master Tree Steward and Environmental Steward community volunteer programs for adults visit ucnj.org/rce.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.