Author: corinnefiretto

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Plant a Seed Program Grants, supporting schools and community organizations in expanding garden-based education and sustainability initiatives. This year, in addition to the Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant and the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant, Union County is introducing the new Fruitful Futures Tree Grant—an initiative that will provide fruit trees to eligible schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal entities.

“We are happy to continue supporting school and community gardens through our Plant a Seed Program, and even more excited to introduce the Fruitful Futures Tree Grant,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “This new initiative will create a lasting impact, providing both an educational resource and a sustainable food source for years to come. I want to thank Commissioner Granados for his leadership in creating and now expanding this program, ensuring that our communities continue to have access to meaningful, hands-on sustainability projects.”

Administered through the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund, these grants give schools and community partners the opportunity to expand existing gardens or start new ones, creating hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, sustainability, and nutrition.

2025 Grant Opportunities

• Kids Dig In! School Garden Grant – Available to K-12 schools, this grant provides funding to create or expand school gardens, offering students hands-on opportunities to learn about healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
• Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant – Open to K-12 schools and community partners, this grant supports the development of community gardens that increase access to fresh produce and promote environmental awareness.
• NEW: Fruitful Futures Tree Grant – Available to K-12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal entities, this grant provides a fruit tree to be planted on-site, serving as a long-term reminder of the importance of conservation and providing a sustainable food source. This grant is limited in supply and will be awarded based on need, scope, population served, and readiness to proceed.

“Since we first launched the Plant a Seed Program, it has flourished, helping to create or enhance more than 159 school and community gardens across Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Union County Open Space Trust Fund. “These programs have introduced students and residents to hands-on sustainability education, increased access to fresh produce, and strengthened community engagement. As we continue to prioritize environmental responsibility, we are expanding this initiative to include the Fruitful Futures Tree Grant, ensuring that our communities not only grow their own food but also benefit from long-term, sustainable resources for years to come.”

Applications for all three grants are now open. Interested schools and organizations can learn more and apply at ucnj.org/plant-a-seed-garden-grants. The deadline for applications is April 7, 2025.

For questions or additional details, please contact Angelica Cedenoat 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2025 seasonal recycling events will begin this March. The program will kick off with a “Weekend of Shredding,” the first shredding events of the season, taking place on Saturday, March 29th and Sunday, March 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the West Hall parking lot (Police Academy) of the Union County VoTech Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“With Spring right around the corner, we are thrilled to bring back our popular seasonal recycling events. These initiatives not only help our residents refresh and declutter their living spaces, but they also play a vital role in our shared recycling efforts, conserving valuable resources, and protecting our environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Join us at the next recycling event in your area, and help make Union County a cleaner and safer space for everyone to enjoy.”

Union County’s free paper shredding events take place each year from March through October, bringing mobile paper shredding trucks to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident, regardless of their hometown, can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events and have them shredded onsite.

The shredding events are intended for personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

In addition to paper shredding, Union County’s additional seasonal recycling programs, Scrap Metal Recycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal, will resume this Spring.

Union County’s Scrap Metal events provide a space where residents can recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The scrap metal items are collected at two locations on the first Thursday and third Saturday of the month, from April to November. The first scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, April 3rd & Saturday, April 19th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. On these dates, residents may dispose of unwanted scrap metal items at either of our two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. George’s Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Union County’s first Household Hazardous Waste event of the season will take place on Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at UCNJ, Union College of Union County, NJ, parking lots 5A and 5B, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only.  Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

On February 12, 2025, Union County Police Officers Rijos and Pizzarelli arrested Pereire DeJesus for producing fraudulent motor vehicle insurance (2C:21-2.3b) and possessing fraudulent motor vehicle insurance (2C:21-2.3c) after he attempted to retrieve his impounded vehicle from Police Headquarters in Westfield, NJ.

“This arrest demonstrates the diligence of our Union County Police Officers in ensuring the integrity of our roads and preventing fraudulent activities that put our residents at risk,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We commend the officers for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.”

Mr. DeJesus’ vehicle had been towed following a traffic stop on Liberty Avenue in Hillside, NJ, during which officers issued seven traffic summonses for multiple motor vehicle violations involving both the vehicle and its operator.

Captain John da Silva, Officer in Charge of the Union County Police Department, emphasized the department’s efforts to maintain accountability. “Insurance fraud not only undermines public safety but also increases costs for law-abiding residents. Our officers remain vigilant in detecting and addressing these offenses to keep our roads safe,” he said.

Following his arrest and processing, Mr. DeJesus was given a court date and released.

For more information, please contact the Union County Police Department at (908) 654-9800.

After an extensive investigation by the Union County Police Investigations Division, two juveniles from Plainfield have been charged in connection with the October 23, 2024, arson of the Tëmike Park Playground in Plainfield, NJ.

“Acts of vandalism like this not only destroy public spaces but also impact the children and families who rely on them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I want to thank our Union County Police Department for their persistence in bringing those responsible to justice.”

On the night of October 23, 2024, Union County Police received 911 calls reporting a fire engulfing the playground. Fire crews responded quickly to extinguish the blaze, which was later determined to have been intentionally set, causing significant damage to the structure.

Through a thorough investigation, detectives identified and arrested two juvenile male suspects, aged 16 and 17. Both were charged with second-degree arson (2C:17-1B(2)) and criminal mischief (2C:17-3A(1)). The juveniles were released to their guardians pending a court appearance.

“Public parks are essential to our neighborhoods, and crimes like these will not be tolerated,” said Captain John da Silva, Officer in Charge of the Union County Police Department. “Our detectives worked diligently to identify the suspects, ensuring accountability and safeguarding our shared spaces.”

For more information, please contact the Union County Police Department at (908) 654-9800.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a notary public training seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 8:45am to 11:30am. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively is strong, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”

Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, www.ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, invites residents to attend a live speaking engagement titled, “Learning to Speak Up” featuring educator, storyteller and activist Annie Tan as keynote speaker. The free and informative event will take place on Thursday, March 20th, at 12:00 p.m. at the Student Commons area, nestled within Union College of Union County, NJ’s Cranford Campus, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

“As an educator, I am exceptionally proud to welcome fellow teacher, Annie Tan to Union County as part of our Women’s History Month celebration,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Her story is one of resilience and advocacy, and it serves as a testimony to the transformative power education has in changing lives. By sharing her experiences, she embodies this year’s theme, reminding us of the critical role women play in shaping our communities through education and leadership.”

The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) has announced this year’s theme as “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme highlights the collective strength and impact of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they serve as an inspiration for past, present, and future generations.

Annie Tan is a NYC-based educator, activist, and storyteller from Manhattan’s Chinatown. For over a decade, Annie was an elementary special education teacher in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Little Village, Chicago. Annie always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and to support other children of immigrants like herself, but her perspective widened when she learned of her relation to cousin Vincent Chin, whose 1982 murder in Detroit, Michigan led to an Asian American Movement.

Annie’s work has been featured on Huffington Post, The New Republic, PBS’ Asian Americans, PBS’ Stories from the Stage, Edutopia, and on the NPR’s The Moth Radio Hour. Annie is currently writing a memoir chronicling her journey as someone who isn’t fluent in Cantonese or Toisan to know her immigrant parents who do not speak English.

“This year, we are highlighting the experience of one woman whose journey may resonate with many of our residents. Annie is the child of immigrant parents who navigated numerous challenges to pave a successful path for herself. Now she is dedicated to helping others find their voice and do the same,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. “We would love to have you join us in honoring the inspirational and brave women whose contributions and achievements have transformed society. I hope to see you there.”

National Women’s History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions women have made throughout history and in their communities. It is celebrated nationwide, every March. The special presentation is free of charge to all Union County residents. To register for this event, visit ucnj.org/whm. This event is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and held in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.