Author: corinnefiretto

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters that the polling place list and drop box locations for the Scotch Plains – Fanwood Special School Election are available on the UCBOE website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

The Scotch Plains – Fanwood Special School Election will be held on September 17, 2024 from 2pm – 8pm.  The polling locations being used in the Special School Election are the same locations as a typical Primary and General Election.

The secure ballot drop boxes are and will remain open through the close of the polls on September 17, 2024 at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible. 

The following locations are available for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Special School Election:

• Cranford Community Center
• Union College of Union County – Cranford Campus
• Elizabeth: Union County Board of Elections
• Fanwood Historic Train Station
• Garwood Public Library
• Hillside Senior Center
• Kenilworth Recreation Building
• Linden: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade
• Roselle Borough Hall Annex
• Roselle Park – Union County Emergency Services Building
• Scotch Plains Public Library; and Fraser Building
• Union Township Municipal Building
• Union Township: Kean University
• Westfield – Fraser Building

For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Elections website online at ucnj.org/boe.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 Union County History Re-Grant Program for Special Projects and General Operating Support are available on Thursday, August 8^th. All eligible non-profit organizations in Union County are invited to apply.  

“The History Re-Grant program was designed to support the preservation of Union County’s rich historical legacy, which continues to thrive in our museums, local libraries, and various historical organizations today,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I encourage all eligible organizations to seize this opportunity and apply.”

Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and the programming covered by the grant must take place in Union County during 2025. Applications must be submitted online to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To begin the application process and to create an account, request the link to the application portal by emailing John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at jprescott@ucnj.org.

The application deadline is Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:45 p.m. Application materials submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. 

Eligibility requirements, application components, and other pertinent details are outlined in the complete General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) guidelines.

The Re-Grant Program includes two types of grants:

• General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $7,500.

• Special Project (SP) grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum SP grant request is $5,000.

“The organizations we support through this grant provide valuable resources for our residents to creatively and engagingly explore the past, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the diverse culture in the community,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

For additional information on the Re-Grant program and other grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Funding for the History Re-Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org

The Union County Board of Elections announces that the voter registration deadline for the September 17, 2024 Scotch Plains-Fanwood Special School Election is Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the August 27, 2024 voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections Office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms in both English and Spanish can also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the 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.

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 receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the final show of this year’s Summer Arts Concert Series: Taylor Nation, coming to Oak Ridge Park in Clark on Saturday, August 17th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This energetic Taylor Swift tribute band will bring the excitement of a live Taylor Swift concert to the park, offering fans of all ages the chance to relive and sing along to the global superstar’s biggest hits.

“We’re excited to offer a day of music that families and young people in our community will really enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Taylor Nation brings the energy and excitement of a Taylor Swift concert to Oak Ridge Park, and we encourage everyone to join us for a fun and memorable experience together.”

In addition to the incredible music, families can look forward to a variety of activities for kids, including inflatables, craft stations, and delicious food trucks including treats from Cold Stone Creamery and Rita’s Italian Ice. The event will capture the same lively atmosphere as our recent The Little Mermen concert, ensuring a fantastic time for people of all ages.

Taylor Nation, led by the dynamic Melody Ebner, will take concertgoers on a journey through Taylor Swift’s iconic musical eras. Whether you’re a lifelong “Swiftie” or a newcomer, this concert promises an immersive experience that captures the essence of a live Taylor Swift performance. From “Love Story” to “Shake It Off” and beyond, expect a show filled with energy, emotion, and plenty of sing-along moments.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends, pack a picnic, and enjoy a day of music, activities, and unforgettable memories. This concert promises to be a memorable experience for all.

As the Summer Arts Concert Series wraps up with this exciting finale, Union County is already looking forward to the next big event: the 2024 Union County Fall Festival. Residents are invited on September 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark for a day packed with live performances from multiple bands, a microbrewery garden, and a diverse array of food trucks. For more information about the Fall Festival, visit ucnj.org/fall24.

For more information and updates on Union County events, visit www.ucnj.org/calendar. For additional details on Union County Department of Parks and Recreation activities and programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the County of Union is now accepting donations for its annual school supply drive, which will run from August 8th through September 2nd for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Residents may donate items online or in person at one of the designated collection sites.

“Having access to essential school supplies is vital for the academic success of our students. By equipping our children with the necessary tools, we empower them to thrive and achieve their full potential,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We take great pride in this initiative, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions of our residents. We encourage you to join us in supporting our students and donate today.”

Key items sought through donations include earbuds, single-subject spiral notebooks, plastic pocket folders, No. 2 pencils, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, 1-oz. hand sanitizers, glue sticks, sticky notes, highlighters, 12-inch rulers, pink erasers, and children’s scissors.

Residents may donate items in person at one of the following collection sites:

• Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ
• Union County Public Safety Building, 400 North Ave East, Westfield NJ
• Union County Engineering, Facilities, and Public Works Management Building, 2325 South Ave, Scotch Plains

Residents who wish to participate online may visit our Amazon Wish List at bit.ly/unioncountyschooldrive24.

For additional information on the Union County School Supply Drive, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator at 908-527-4388 or by email at Judith.guest@ucnj.org.

For more information on programs and events hosted by the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, please visit ucnj.org/community-engagement-diversity/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to a free scrap metal recycling drop-off event on Saturday, August 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event will take place at two collection sites in Cranford and Rahway and will be held twice a month from April to November.

“I want to encourage all residents who haven’t yet participated to consider joining our recycling efforts. By disposing of your unwanted scrap metal items, you can significantly reduce waste in your homes and the environment while also giving these items the chance to be repurposed,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We appreciate your support and hope to see you at one of our participating locations this August.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted on Saturday, August 17th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth

• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from Union County residents may be brought to either of these sites. Union County’s Scrap Metal events will continue next month on Thursday, September 5th and Saturday, September 21st. To receive schedule alerts and stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Residents must remain in their vehicle at all times. Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area, or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include unwanted pots and pans, air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chair/wire), freezers (doors must be off, by law), refrigerators (door must be off by law) stoves, tire rims, toasters, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), wire hangers and drained lawnmowers.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Please note rescheduled date.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing information and guidance on three 2025 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.

“Arts, history, and cultural programming are vital to the enrichment of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage organizations with interest to participate in this workshop and explore these funding opportunities to bring engaging programs to Union County.”

The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for the grants will be provided.

Union County arts, history, and cultural organizations, as well as municipal government offices and libraries, are welcome to register to learn about these opportunities to apply for funding of programming to take place during the 2025 calendar year, January 1 through December 31.

“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history and present arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop is an excellent opportunity for organizations to learn how they can benefit from these grants.”

The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

To register for this workshop, visit ucnj.org/cha-workshop. For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.