Author: corinnefiretto

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce the continuation of the Property Fraud Alert program, a free subscription service designed to safeguard Union County homeowners against property fraud. “Property fraud is a growing crime and homeowners need to protect themselves,” Clerk Rajoppi said.

Property fraud is committed when someone illegally uses your property for monetary gain, often by recording a fraudulent document in the Union County land records office to appear as if they own your home or property. It can also occur when someone illegally records a lien against your home or property.

“If someone files a property document with a similar or same name as yours, you will get an alert either by phone or email,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “Then you can go to the Clerk’s property website at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/ to check to see if the document refers to your property address. If it does, the homeowner should go to their local Police Department and file a police report. They can then take the report to the Office of the Union County Prosecutor who will investigate. Unfortunately, property fraud is one of the largest growing crimes in America today,” she added.  “I’m hopeful this program will give homeowners some peace of mind.”

Since its inception ten years ago, Property Fraud Alert has been widely adopted by Union County homeowners, with thousands of subscribers benefitting from its protection. Homeowners and their family members can sign up for free by visiting https://propertyfraudalert.com/select or by calling the hotline at 800-728-3858. Subscribers can choose how they would like to be notified whenever a document with their name is recorded in the participating County Land Records office – either by email, text message, or voice phone call.

This service is available for residential property owners as well as business owners and properties owned as part of trusts. The alert system is also useful to receive information of the recording of the documents prior to and after a real estate closing. It will also confirm that a lien discharge has been recorded.

Family members of elderly and health-impaired individuals may register for their loved ones. Although Property Fraud Alert cannot prevent fraud, it serves as an early warning system, allowing property owners to take necessary actions if they suspect fraudulent activity. For more information, please visit https://propertyfraudalert.com/select or call 800-728-3858.

Union County, NJ – March 6, 2025 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present the latest LGBTQ+ Empowerment Hour, a virtual event celebrating Women’s History Month on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM via Zoom. This special edition will be co-hosted by Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams and Micayla Mirabella, focusing on the contributions of LGBTQ+ women in history and ongoing efforts to uplift and support them.

“The Empowerment Hour provides a space to celebrate and amplify LGBTQ+ voices,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As we recognize Women’s History Month, it is essential to highlight the achievements of LGBTQ+ women and reaffirm our commitment to equality, inclusion, and progress for all.”

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams, Liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee, emphasized the significance of the event: “Women’s History Month is not just about honoring the past but also uplifting those shaping our present and future. LGBTQ+ women have played a crucial role in advancing rights and visibility, and we are proud to create a space where their voices can be heard and celebrated.”

The Empowerment Hour is part of Union County’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and provide resources for LGBTQ+ residents. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

To join the discussion, register at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

This program is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs. For more information about upcoming LGBTQ+ events, contact Robert Charkowsky at 908-527-4742 or visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to introduce the Swing Suite at Galloping Hill, a private virtual golf simulator now open at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Union. Whether you’re perfecting your swing or just here for the fun, Swing Suite delivers a high-tech, immersive golf experience with great food, cold drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere—all just steps away from one of Union County’s best-kept dining secrets: The Hill Tavern, which is open to the public.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Swing Suite at Galloping Hill was held on Wednesday, February 26, with Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon, Commissioner Sergio Granados, and Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded in attendance, along with other county and community leaders. The event marked the official launch of this exciting addition to Galloping Hill Golf Course, further expanding the recreational and social opportunities available to Union County residents and visitors.

“The new Swing Suite at Galloping Hill is an exciting addition to Galloping Hill Golf Course, providing a fun and interactive way to enjoy golf year-round,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether you’re here to refine your skills or just have fun with friends and family, this space offers a unique experience that complements everything Galloping Hill has to offer—including the championship golf course and fantastic dining at The Hill Tavern.”

With advanced golf simulation technology from Uneekor, the Swing Suite at Galloping Hill provides a realistic and interactive way to play golf indoors, tracking everything from club speed to ball trajectory. Guests can choose from a selection of world-renowned courses, making it the perfect year-round activity for golfers of all skill levels.

Beyond golf, The Hill Tavern, located inside the Galloping Hill Clubhouse, is a hidden gem that offers a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional dining experience year-round. Open to the public, this inviting restaurant features a full menu of delicious meals, complemented by daily happy hour specials and seasonal beer selections from local breweries. Guests can enjoy spacious indoor seating, as well as open-air dining and cozy fire pits, making it the perfect spot to relax after a round of golf or gather with family and friends. With family-friendly promotions, including ‘Kids Eat Free’ nights on select months, The Hill Tavern provides an ideal setting for casual outings, special celebrations, or simply unwinding with a great meal and a drink in hand.

“Galloping Hill Golf Course is already known for its premier public golf experience, and with the addition of the Swing Suite at Galloping Hill, there’s now an option for players of all skill levels to enjoy the game in a whole new way,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Board. “Beyond golf, we also want to reintroduce residents to The Hill Tavern, a hidden gem with great food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all. Whether you’re playing a round, perfecting your swing indoors, or just coming by for a meal, Galloping Hill has something for everyone.”

Galloping Hill Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the best public golf courses in New Jersey, featuring a challenging 18-hole course designed for golfers of all skill levels. With rolling fairways, picturesque views, and top-tier course conditions, it offers an outstanding golf experience close to home. The course also includes a state-of-the-art Learning Center, complete with a driving range, putting green, and instructional programs for all ages. Tee times can be booked online, and the course offers seasonal membership packages and junior golf programs to encourage more players to take advantage of this premier facility.

The Swing Suite at Galloping Hill is available for $60 per hour for up to eight guests, and reservations can be made at www.learningcenterghgc.com/swing-suite-reservations. To explore the full menu and specials at The Hill Tavern, visit www.gallopinghillgolfcourse.com/hill-tavern. Galloping Hill Golf Course is located at 3 Golf Drive, Kenilworth, NJ. For more information on the course, restaurant, or Swing Suite, call 908-241-8700.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that they are seeking residents who would like to volunteer with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. Volunteers at the Rape Crisis Center provide guidance and support for victims of sexual violence.

“We are seeking compassionate individuals in Union County who are willing to volunteer their time and support survivors of sexual violence through the Union County Rape Crisis Center,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our dedicated volunteers provide crucial guidance and empathy to those in need, offering vital support during a difficult time.  Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of survivors and foster a community that stands against sexual violence.”

The spring training dates will take place from April 1, 2025 to May 15, 2025 (subject to change) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bilingual volunteers are also welcomed.

While no previous experience in counseling is required, all those interested must:

• Be a Union County Resident
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have personal mode of transportation (own car)
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Undergo a personal interview
• Participate in a 40+ hour, state mandated training program

Once trained, Rape Crisis Center volunteers answer calls to the Rape Crisis Center hotline as certified Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates. They also provide medical or legal guidance in person by accompanying victims at hospitals, police departments, courtrooms and other locations related to the aftermath of sexual violence.

Training sessions are held at the Rape Crisis Center offices, located in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The Union County Rape Crisis Center is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual & Family Support Services and has been serving Union County residents since 1984. All volunteers are trained, mentored, and supported by professional Union County staff.

If interested and for more information about the volunteer experience, please contact the Union County Rape Crisis Center at (908) 233-7273 or via email rcc@ucnj.org by: March 21, 2025.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present a collection of artworks by women from Josephine’s Place in celebration of Women’s History Month. The gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza and its hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, weekdays. The exhibit will be displayed through April 18, 2025. 

The art classes at Josephine’s Place are made possible by a HEART Grant (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) from the Union County Board of County Commissioners. HEART grants serve as a way to strengthen Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, so they can provide innovative projects related to the arts, humanities, and history.

“We are honored to showcase the inspiring artwork of the women of Josephine’s Place in celebration of Women’s History Month. Each piece reflects their creativity and personal journeys,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “The HEART Grant is a vital resource for ensuring that the arts remain accessible and meaningful for all residents of Union County. We are especially proud to see its impact through the artwork on display this month.”

Josephine’s Place, located in Elizabeth, is a 501c (3) charity designed to facilitate the empowerment of women in the local urban area. The women who come to Josephine’s Place range in age and are from a variety of different countries and cultural backgrounds. The center is a place where women can be open and honest, and it reflects the needs of its participants. Opened in 2003, Josephine’s Place offers programs and events that include life skills, like citizenship preparation, English conversation, and job hunting and workforce readiness. It also provides instructional classes in art, gardening, and music; health and well-being programs like yoga, nutrition, and exercise; and support groups for domestic violence and parenting. The mission of the organization is to create a safe, welcoming space where women have access to classes, workshops, and programs that enable them to grow in confidence, develop competencies and life skills, realize their potential, and uplift their families, communities, and future generations.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the voices and contributions of women, both in history and in our own community. We are proud to support the artists of Josephine’s Place as they share their creativity and personal stories through this inspiring exhibit,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves on the Union County Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Commissioners Gallery. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, please contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone: 908-558-2550; NJ relay users dial 711; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.