Month: January 2022

UNION COUNTY, NJ— January 12, 2022 —Families with special needs children are invited to attend a free online event titled “Financial Education Workshop for Special Needs Families,” at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26. The event will be moderated by Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and will feature guidance from financial experts with The MidAtlantic Resource Group.

The event is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Union County Office on Women and the Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Department of Human Services. To register for the Zoom link, visit the Office on Women at ucnj.org/women.

“We know how difficult it can be to prepare for financial contingencies, and households that include special needs children face additional obstacles. This workshop will help parents and care givers sort through the estate planning process with reliable, expert guidance,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Conventional financial planning approaches may trigger unintended funding and tax issues where special needs children are concerned. The workshop will cover aspects of budgeting and estate planning that are unique to households with special needs children.

The panel will include Pasqual Rinaudo, Chief Operating Officer of MidAtlantic Resource Group, John Surguy, a Financial Advisor with MidAtlantic Resource Group.

The Mid Atlantic Resource Group offers a wide range of financial products and advice from financial professionals, with offices throughout New Jersey. It is associated with the independently owned and operated company Special Needs and Beyond, which focuses on helping families avoid common pitfalls and obstacles in financial planning for special needs children.

For more information about this program and other events organized by the Union County Office on Women, visit ucnj.org/women or contact the Office Coordinator, Jen Erdos, at jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4206, or use the online contact form.

For more information on the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, including recreational programs and resources, visit ucnj.org/special-needs or contact the Office Director, Manuel Ramirez at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4845.

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 11, 2022 — In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, the County of Union will now offer booster shots to eligible, vaccinated children aged 12 and older, beginning today, Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

“As we continue to combat the winter spike in COVID-19 cases, we are now offering the booster to eligible children over the age of 12,” said Chair Rebecca Williams. “Union County strongly urges parents and guardians to get their vaccinated adolescents boosted as this will help provide even greater protection against severe symptoms of this virus and will continue to keep our children healthy, safe and protected.”

Union County residents who are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot can receive a booster free of charge through Union County’s COVID-19 vaccination program at all of the Union County sites (Kean University in Union, Warinanco Ice Skating Center in Roselle & Plainfield High School in Plainfield) from Tuesday – Saturday. Residents can make an appointment and find the full schedule of the vaccines and boosters on the County’s website at http://www.ucnj.org/covid19.

At this time, adolescents aged 12 through 17 years old may only receive a Pfizer booster, while adults aged 18 and older may receive any of the FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) as a booster.

Below is the most current information on recommendations for receiving a booster:

• Everyone aged 12 and older who completed their initial 2-dose vaccination series with Pfizer at least five months ago;
• Everyone aged 18 years and older who completed their initial 2-dose vaccination series with Moderna at least six months ago;
• Everyone aged 18 years and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

People age 5+ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary shot of Pfizer- COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their second dose

In addition, the CDC has also updated its recommendation for when people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval to 5 months for people who received all mRNA boosters of COVID vaccines.

“The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority and it is critical that we do all that we can to protect our children from the effects of the COVID-19 infection,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee. “This booster will provide our youngest residents with an extra dose of protection they need as they return to school and extra-curricular activities and our Commissioner Board will continue to ensure that we have the necessary tools and resources required to combat this virus, together.”

Residents who are not yet vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The COVID-19 virus and its variants are still actively circulating throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, exposing Union County residents to additional risks when breakthrough infections. When breakthrough COVID-19 infections occur, vaccination has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death, as well as reducing the risk of permanent, long term health impacts and avoiding the financial consequences of hospitalization and follow-up care.

Residents wishing to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine can visit www.ucnj.org/vax or call the County of Union Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing hotline 908-613-7VAX (7829)

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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.

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Total for 2021 is highest in Union County History.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reports that revenues for property recordings by her office reached a historic high, totaling $75 million for 2021. In addition, revenues from other services totaled more than $651,000.

“The figure of $75 million for 2021 is a significant increase over 2020, when property transaction revenues were $48.6 million. The total for last year is far higher than in any year I have seen in the past 36 years, indicating a robust environment for economic activity in Union County” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Low interest rates and movement from cities to the suburbs have spurred the trend.”

Ms. Rajoppi was first elected to the office of County Clerk in 1995, having previously served as Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages beginning in 1985.

In addition to administering fees for property transactions, the office of the Union County Clerk is responsible for the administration of passport applications, notaries public certification, and business trade name registrations. The 2021 total of $651,767 in revenue for these services was more than double the $310,097 collected in 2020, when the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns were in force.

Due to a suspension of passport services by the US Department of State during part of 2021, the total of $651,767 was lower than the pre-pandemic peak of $850,623 in 2019.

Revenues from property transactions often reflect broader economic trends. In Union County, they previously peaked in the years leading up to the global financial crash of 2008. Revenues from property transactions stood at $48 million in 2006, fell to $45 million in 2007, and fell again in 2008, to $38 million. For several years following the crash, property revenues stayed in the range of $23 to $30 million.

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 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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Connect with Union County on social media.

UNION COUNTY, NJ— January 6, 2022 — The 166th Annual Reorganization Meeting was held on a smaller scale due to the growing numbers of the COVID-19 pandemic, earlier this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams was selected as the Chair of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and Commissioner Christopher Hudak, was chosen as the Vice-Chair for the 2022 year. In the Chair’s speech, Commissioner Williams thanked former Chairman Mirabella for his service for the last two years due to the ongoing pandemic.

“In 2021, our theme was Union County Rising — and despite the circumstances, we did rise – thanks to former Chairman Al Mirabella,” said Chair Williams. “It takes a great leader to guide us during a time of uncertainty – and it was his ability to adapt and change direction as needed that took us to new heights.”

Continuing on, Commissioner Williams spoke on what the greatest initiative is for this term as Chair – which is remaining connected to the residents of Union County. Therefore announcing this year’s initiatives as “Connecting our Community.”

“There is no more important responsibility to us as commissioners—as a county government—than to keep our residents safe, and to provide ways for them to live, thrive, and succeed.”

The “Connecting Our Community” initiatives include:

“Technology & Infrastructure: “Being Connected Matters”: Union County is currently in the process of developing an all-inclusive countywide fiber ring. Funded through dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act, this fiber ring will be completed in three phases. Phases 1 & 2 are set to begin early in 2022. Connectivity between County buildings and our parks system will be addressed in these first two phases. Phase 3 will add municipal buildings and police departments to the network. Once complete, the life expectancy of this fiber network is 20 years, and will aid to bridge the digital divide to better ensure public safety and overall network reliability.

“Making Connections for Mental Health and Wellbeing”: Chair Williams will work with the Department of Human Services on additional programs and services in reference to the mental health of the County community.

“Connections through Cultural Enrichment and Recreation” & “Connecting & Engaging Residents”: A series of programs will be introduced that will not only help define and express who Union County is as a community, but also helps significantly contribute and enrich its ever-changing environment. From the creation of an Arts and Cultural Drama Development program for emerging playwrights to the opening of the all-inclusive park at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield and an Intergenerational Community Engagement program, where young people can work with senior citizens on different projects, the County of Union will continue to infuse arts, culture and recreation within its fabric, helping to lead the way of a place of distinction.

Chair Williams concluded the meeting with “The challenges we faced were countless. They were not always easy to solve. But we had the opportunity and the resources to face them head-on. Our Union County team was available and prepared to work together during a year of hardship and loss – and we owe it to those who elected us – to build a county that is truly heathier, connected and stronger. I am so honored and committed to serve all of you as Chair in 2022 and I am certain that if we stay connected and work together as one Union County – our future will be bright.”

In a private installation ceremony before the reorganization meeting, Commissioners Alexander Mirabella and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded were sworn in for their next term as Commissioners and James E. Baker, Jr., was sworn in for his first term as a Commissioner.

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No experience needed; training begins January 18 on a remote learning basis.

Update: For information about the 2023 Master Gardener training session contact To Madeline Flahive at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by phone at 908-654-9854 (ext.4) or by email at mflahive@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County gardeners have a chance to sharpen their skills while giving back to the community, by joining the Master Gardeners of Union County. All gardeners at any level of experience are welcome to join this popular volunteer program, from raw beginner to seasoned expert.

“The Master Gardeners program provides Union County residents with new opportunities to build their knowledge and apply their skills to help educate, engage and beautify our community. The Commissioner Board is proud to support this unique volunteer program and we are happy to see it return in 2022,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The Master Gardeners are volunteers who are trained and certified by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. They create and run programs for the public including educational workshops and horticulture programs for people with special needs. The centerpiece of the program is the 1.5 acre Union County Demonstration Garden, located adjacent to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

The 2022 Master Gardener training program begins on Tuesday, January 18 and runs through May. The program consists of weekly classes that cover basic botany, entomology and plant pathology, integrated pest management, vegetable gardening, tree fruit, lawn care and flower gardening among other topics.

Participants who complete the coursework and provide 60 hours of community service earn the title of Certified Master Gardener.

In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the 2022 training program will begin on a remote learning basis. Conditions permitting, outdoor workshops at the Demonstration Garden may be added in the spring.

To apply for the 2022 training course, visit the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County registration website at http://bttr.im/fem3x. There is a $200 program registration fee, and scholarships are available.

The courses will be presented through Rutgers Canvas, the online learning portal of Rutgers University. Participants can join the live sessions on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to noon, or view pre-recorded sessions at their convenience.

To learn more about the Master Gardeners program, contact Madeline Flahive at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by phone at 908-654-9854 (ext.4) or by email at mflahive@ucnj.org.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. It is 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 Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs are available at 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.