Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Union County Senior Art Exhibit. This annual showcase celebrates the creativity of Union County’s senior artists and will be on display from April 21^st to June 4, 2025, at the Scotch Plains campus of Union College of Union County, NJ.

Residents of Union County, age 60 and up, both professional and non-professional artists, are invited to submit original artwork completed between April 2022 and April 2025. The exhibit is coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and will conclude with a special reception for all exhibiting artists on June 4^th.

“The Senior Art Exhibit is a wonderful opportunity for our older residents to showcase their artistic talents and share their creativity with the community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We encourage all senior artists, whether they are seasoned professionals or trying something new, to participate in this inspiring event.”

Artists may enter their work in the following categories: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft. A panel of professional artists will judge the entries, with separate awards for professional and non-professional artists. First-place winners will advance to the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show in the fall.

“The Union County Senior Art Exhibit is an important celebration of artistic expression at any stage of life,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “Each year, we are amazed by the incredible talent on display, and we are proud to provide a platform for our senior artists to be recognized.”

The deadline to register is April 13, 2025, and online registration is required. Complete rules, instructions, and the registration form are available at https://ucnj.org/senior-art. Seniors without internet access may have a relative or friend register on their behalf, or they can contact the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs for assistance by calling 908-558-2552 (weekdays). Relay users dial 711.

This program 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 learn more about the programs and services offered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.

For more information or to request assistance with registration, email msturm@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2552.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to announce the 2025 Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair where law enforcement agencies from five states will come together to participate in a joint recruitment event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Kean University’s Harwood Arena, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey.

Over 110 federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies will be participating in this recruitment event. This follows a highly successful 2024 recruitment event, also hosted by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Kean University, which resulted in hundreds of hires across the state. We anticipate that this year’s event will be  even larger and more   impactful.

“The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is excited to announce our upcoming Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair on March 11th,” Union County Prosecutor William Daniel states. “This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in serving their community to connect with a variety of law enforcement agencies. We believe that strong community relationships are essential for effective policing, and we’re looking for dedicated individuals who are committed to building trust and making a positive impact.”

“The badge represents more than just authority; it symbolizes trust, service, and a commitment to our community. As law enforcement evolves, so must our approach to recruitment. On March 11th, we invite those with a passion for justice and a desire to make a difference to join us at the Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair. This is your chance to be part of a new generation of law enforcement professionals, where integrity, empathy, and a dedication to community are paramount”, Union County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Dr. Harvey Barnwell states. “As indicated in the past years, the fair is open to everyone interested in a career in law enforcement, regardless of experience or education level. Come explore your options, ask questions, and start your journey towards a meaningful career that makes a positive impact.”

Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., said he is proud to partner with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on this important event.

“Kean values its longstanding collaboration with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on this important recruitment fair,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “The University’s criminal justice program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in law enforcement, and this event helps open doors for them to pursue careers that positively impact our communities.”

“Law enforcement plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities, and it is essential that our agencies reflect the diversity, values, and strength of the people they serve,” said Union County Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This recruitment fair is more than a hiring event—it’s an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to step into meaningful careers where they can make a difference. I encourage everyone, whether you’re just starting out or considering a new path, to explore the many opportunities available and become part of the next generation of dedicated public servants.”

“This fair is a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in law enforcement,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “These are highly professional departments devoted to keeping our communities secure and residents safe. They will welcome recruits who value public service with good jobs that offer the satisfaction of contributing to our quality of life.”

Senator Joseph Cryan emphasized his support for those interested in a career in law enforcement. “The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Recruitment Fair is a great opportunity for those looking to serve their community through a career in law enforcement,” said Senator Joseph Cryan (D-Union). “Law enforcement is a noble profession that requires dedication, integrity, and a commitment to public service. I encourage anyone interested to attend, ask questions, and explore the many pathways available in this field.”

“I highly encourage anyone with an interest in law enforcement to attend the upcoming recruitment fair to learn about available opportunities,” said Senator Jon Bramnick. This is a great opportunity for those interested in a career in law enforcement to discover available opportunities to serve, protect and make a positive impact in our community.”

Law enforcement partners from federal, state, county, and municipal agencies will be in attendance. Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring their resumes.

In addition, individuals seeking a career as assistant prosecutors, lab technicians, administrators, and clerks will have the opportunity to discuss those careers and be advised of the process necessary to pursue those positions.

The Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair is jointly hosted by Kean University and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, with the support of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey Senators Joseph Cryan, and Jon Bramnick.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which scammers impersonate law enforcement and falsely claim that the person has an arrest warrant.

Scammers inform victims that they missed jury duty or failed to appear for a court date and must pay fines immediately to avoid arrest. The fraudsters even go so far as to spoof official law enforcement phone numbers, use real names of officials, and send fake warrant documents with the victim’s name. It is crucial to understand that these calls are attempts to steal money from victims.

WHEN IN DOUBT, HANG UP! Law enforcement agencies will NEVER request payment over the phone to avoid arrest, cancel a warrant, or make threats if action is not taken. We will also never request payment in the form of gift cards, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. If you receive a call making such requests, refuse and hang up. (No report is necessary.) If you fall victim to these scams or have already, please contact your local law enforcement agency to file a police report.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a free self-defense class for women ages 18 and older on Tuesday, March 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.This hands-on class will be held in the gym at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“After seeing such an incredible response last year and receiving so much positive feedback, I knew we had to bring this program back,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Many women shared how empowered they felt after attending, and countless others requested additional classes so they, too, could participate. As part of this year’s Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress initiative, we remain dedicated to expanding programs that directly enhance our residents’ safety and confidence. This class exemplifies that mission, and I encourage all Union County women ages 18 and over to take advantage of this free opportunity to learn essential self-defense skills. The well-being and security of women in our community remain a top priority.”

Experienced and certified officers will guide participants through effective self-defense moves, safety precautions, and strategies to minimize potential dangers. This class is designed for women to build confidence and gain skills to protect themselves and their loved ones, empowering them to respond to possible threats.

“Self-defense training is not just about learning techniques—it’s about creating awareness, confidence, and the ability to act under pressure,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “We are proud to partner with the Union County Commissioners in offering this invaluable program once again. Our goal is to provide women with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize and respond to potential dangerous threats, ensuring they feel safe and prepared in any situation.”

To participate in the hands-on instruction, attendees must complete on-line registration and waiver.  Comfortable gym attire is advised, no shoes allowed on the mats. For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/women. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce a new partnership with Helpsy, a leading sustainable clothing and textile recycling company, to launch a County-wide used clothing and accessory recycling program. This initiative, set to launch in the City of Plainfield, the Township of Scotch Plains, and the City of Summit, aims to reduce waste, support environmental sustainability, and provide residents with an easy and accessible way to recycle unwanted clothing and accessories.

“As part of my 2025 Chairwoman’s initiatives, Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress, we are proud to prioritize environmental sustainability through innovative programs like this new partnership with Helpsy,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “This initiative provides our residents with a simple and convenient way to recycle unwanted clothing and textiles, reducing waste and contributing to a healthier planet. Union County has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, and this year, we are doubling down on our commitment to creating a greener future for our communities.

Helpsy will supply designated drop-off bins for used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens    —regardless of condition—as long as these items are dry and odor-free, helping to divert them from local landfills. The collected items will be repurposed for resale, reuse, and recycling. Residents can drop off their items for free at the following locations:

Helpsy, a certified B-Corp and Public Benefit Corporation, is a recognized leader in sustainable clothing recycling. Their mission is to keep textiles out of landfills while promoting environmentally friendly practices. Helpsy kept over 31 million pounds of clothing, shoes, and other items from entering the waste stream, which is equivalent to 100 items of clothing every minute.

The launch of this program is part of Union County’s continuous efforts to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and encourage responsible consumption. Union County encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to declutter and recycle their unwanted textiles in a responsible and eco-friendly manner.

For more information on the program and a list of drop-off locations, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling. For more information on Helpsy, please visit www.helpsy.com.

The Echo Lake Dog park will be temporary closed for an installation of a new shade structure from Monday, February 24th to Monday, March 3rd – weather dependent. We will keep you updated when the dog park reopens.

The County of Union is expected to receive a wintery mix between tonight, Wednesday February 5th and tomorrow, Thursday, February 6th

We would like the opportunity to once again remind all employees that the County of Union offices do not close during major weather or storm events.

As is the County of Union’s practice, if anyone feels they cannot safely travel to work during these possible weather events, please consider using vacation or personal time to stay home. If a State of Emergency affecting the County of Union is declared during a weather event, employees will be permitted to use their available sick, vacation, personal or comp time for their absence as per resolution 2014-481. If no accrued leave time is available, employees may take the day without pay.

To ensure all County of Union employees can easily access information during such weather events, we will utilize all media channels below to ensure redundancy and availability:

• UC-First Alert
  • www.ucfirstalert.org
  • Register your e-mail address and mobile phone numbers to receive notifications.
• County website
  • www.ucnj.org
  • Alerts will be posted on the County’s home page. The website can be viewed easily from your computer, mobile and tablet devices.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Union County Employee Announcements
Division of Personnel & Labor Relations
County of Union
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207
908-527-4160

Draft Plan | Learn more

How do you see yourself getting around in the future? Would you consider driving an electric vehicle or riding in a self-driving car or shuttle? Are there regional transportation projects that you want prioritized for funding?

These are some of the questions the public will be asked as Union County works with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) on the region’s next long range transportation plan, Connecting Communities. The plan will detail new programs and recommend policies and transportation investments for the next 25 years, including projects in Union County.

“As our communities grow and evolve, so must the ways we move within and between them. Union County residents have a unique opportunity to shape a future that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and innovation in transportation,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “I encourage everyone to make their voices heard—your input is essential to creating a transportation system that supports the needs and aspirations of our diverse population.”

The NJTPA region includes 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey and is home to 7 million people, with the population expected to hit 7.8 million in 2050. The NJTPA works with local partners and state agencies to provide more than $3 billion in transportation investments annually. In order for the region to be eligible to receive federal transportation funds for programs and projects, the NJTPA must adopt a long-range transportation plan every four years.

“Union County has worked closely with the NJTPA to secure federal funding for infrastructure projects that improve safety, and advance our rails-to-trails efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who serves as Third Vice Chair of the NJTPA Board of Trustees. “I encourage Union County residents to share their ideas about the future of transportation with the NJTPA so we can continue this important work and create a long-range plan that meets the needs of our diverse communities.”

The NJTPA has approved funding for several projects in Union County, including construction of the recently reopened Gordon Street Bridge in Roselle Park and Roselle Borough. The NJTPA has also approved funding for several local safety projects, including $1.3 million in improvements to three intersections along East Front Street (CR 620) in Plainfield, which is currently under construction; and $11 million for improvements to another four intersections in Plainfield and 10 intersections in New Providence, Summit and Roselle, which are currently in the design phase of work. In addition, the NJTPA approved $1.5 million for the Rahway Valley Rails-to-Trails Project in Kenilworth and Roselle Park. The NJTPA has also funded transportation planning studies, including the Union County Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Study completed in 2023 and the Union County Truck Mobility Study completed in 2021.

Public input plays a critical role in the plan. The feedback the NJTPA gathers through an online survey and events will be considered and incorporated into the plan, which the NJTPA Board of Trustees is expected to adopt in September. Everyone who lives in the NJTPA region is encouraged to participate.

The survey launched today and is available in six languages – English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Chinese and Korean. Virtual public outreach will begin later this month with a Let’s Talk Transportation event on January 28 at 11:30 a.m. focused on creating a safe biking and walking transportation network.

The NJTPA will also be conducting pop-up outreach at events throughout the region this spring. To share your ideas, interests, and concerns about the future of transportation in northern and central New Jersey, please take the NJTPA’s brief survey and sign up for virtual events at the Connecting Communities website: njtpa.org/connecting.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects. The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ Transit, the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a Citizen’s Representative appointed by the Governor.