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Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit now on display at Plainfield Public Library

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2024 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is currently on view at the Plainfield Public Library located at located at 800 Park Avenue.

This year’s exhibit is a selection of 21 works selected from the 2024 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day event celebrating creativity in the literary, performing and visual arts held at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.

“Union County is proud to showcase the incredible talents of our young artists through the Teen Arts Touring Exhibit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As a former educator, I have always believed in the power of the arts in education. This program not only highlights the creativity of our students, but also brings communities together to celebrate the arts. I encourage everyone to visit the Plainfield Public Library and experience the works on display.”

The Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, now on display at its final stop the Plainfield Public Library, has made its way across the County, inspiring audiences at each destination. Visitors can enjoy the exhibit in Plainfield through March 7, 2025. Admission is free and open to the public. The 2024 Teen Arts Tour includes the following exhibiting students:

Berkeley Heights

Governor Livingston High School
Sophia Castrovinci

Cranford

Cranford High School
Madison Cardona

Lincoln School CAP Program
Anthony Scherer

Elizabeth

Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy
Valentina Ocampo

Elizabeth High School at Frank J. Cicarell Academy
Angelina Correia

JVJ STEM Academy
Andy Medina

J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy
Maria Galarza

John E. Dwyer Technology Academy
David Mateo Garavito Ariea

Thomas Edison Career & Technical Academy
Halley Lowe Cabreja and Vanessa Ponce

Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy
Keziah Hanson

Kenilworth

David Brearley High School
Laura Limon

Linden

Linden High School
Lenara Osborn

New Providence

New Providence High School
Ava Cominsky

Plainfield

Plainfield Academy of Arts
Emanuel Perry

Roselle

Abraham Clark High School
Trinity Moore and Carla Torres

Roselle Park

Roselle Park High School
Anna da Silva and Emma Lantiqua

Scotch Plains

Union County Academy of the Performing Arts
Maria Thomas

Union County Vo-Tech High School
Anthony Granados

The Union County Teen Arts Festival & Touring Exhibit is coordinated each year by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs and the Department of Parks & Recreation. For more information about all Cultural & Heritage Affairs programs and services, please contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550; or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

Public Info Public Notices

Green Acre Public Notices

Jake’s Law

PURPOSE: The County of Union is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements at Unami Park located at 215 Hickory Avenue and 301 Hickory Avenue (Block 614, Lots 20 and 26) in Garwood, New Jersey.
PROJECT SCOPE: The County of Union proposes to create the following new facilities at Unami Park: a Completely Inclusive Playground to upgrade and improve the existing playground equipment, which may include features such as spinners, slides, climbing structures, swings, sensory play components, and/or overhead elements. Additional play elements may consist of sensory panels, rockers, bouncers, balance equipment, crawl tunnels, bridges, ramps, and/or nature-themed play structures. The project will also encompass the installation of an ADA-accessible pathway, constructed with either pavers or concrete, connecting the parking lot to the playground area. A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/.
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6pm. The meeting will be held in person, as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2^nd Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Urban Parks

PURPOSE: The County of Union is seeking funding through the State of NJ Urban Parks Program and the Green Acres Program for improvements at Wheeler Spray Park located at 248 W Stimpson Avenue (Block 463, Lot 13)in Linden, New Jersey.
PROJECT SCOPE: The County of Union proposes to create the following new facilities at Wheeler Spray Park: shading structures and a concession area; and/or to renovate the following facilities: replace the surfacing and upgrade existing fencing. A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants/.
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6pm. The meeting will be held in person, as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2^nd Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Stewardship

PURPOSE: Union County is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements at Watchung Reservation – Deserted Village located at Glenside Avenue; Block 5001, Lot 1, Block 5004, Lot 1, and Block 5005, Lot 1 in Berkeley Heights, NJ.
PROJECT SCOPE: Union County proposes the following improvements at Watchung Reservation: Meadow Restoration, including the removal of invasive trees, shrubs, and other plants and introducing new native vegetation; Green Infrastructure, including stormwater storage systems; and Tree Removal, including the removal of about 24 matured trees and restoring the cemetery to an open grassed area and planting Dogwood trees. A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: https://ucnj.org/green-acres-grants /.
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6pm. The meeting will be held in person, as part of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Victoria Durbin Drake, Director of Parks and Recreation vdurbin@ucnj.org at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2^nd Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07202.

Public Info

Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon Announces “Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress” at 168th Annual Reorganization Meeting

At the 168th Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon was sworn in as Chairwoman of the Commissioner Board, making history as the first Hispanic woman to lead the Board. Chairwoman Leon announced her initiatives for 2025 under the theme, “Union County 2025: Connecting Communities, Committed to Progress,” emphasizing grassroots engagement, access to resources, and developing opportunities for all residents.

“Union County is a vibrant and diverse community, and our strength lies in the connections between its people and the resources we provide,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As Chairwoman, my focus is on ensuring that every resident feels supported and empowered. Together, we will continue to build bridges, create opportunities, and create a community where everyone has the tools to succeed. I look forward to a year of connection, innovation, and growth.”

A lifelong resident of Elizabeth, Chairwoman Leon emigrated from Cuba with her family in 1971. She is a dedicated community activist and award-winning educator, serving more than 27 years in the Elizabeth School District, where she rose from a teacher’s aide to Vice Principal and Principal of the Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center. Her achievements include receiving the Donald Stewart “Strive for Excellence” Educator’s Award in 2004-2005.

After retiring in 2013, Chairwoman Leon continued her public service as President of the City of Elizabeth Mayor’s Community Development Advisory Committee and joined the Commissioner Board in 2020. She has played a critical role in initiatives like Union County’s COVID-19 response, which included administering hundreds of thousands of tests and vaccines, and distributing over 10 million meals to residents in need.

Chairwoman Leon’s 2025 initiatives include:

ACCESS Union County: A centralized initiative unifying critical programs like the Sheriff’s Lifesaver Program, Blue Envelope Program, and the Special Needs Registry to ensure accessibility and emergency support for residents.
Youth in Government Day: A new program allowing students to shadow county officials, inspiring civic engagement and future leaders.
Community Resource Access Initiative: Bringing county resources directly to residents through programs like Coffee with a Commissioner and multilingual digital tools.
Environmental Stewardship: Expanding tree planting programs, recycling initiatives, and community education for a cleaner, greener Union County.
Expanded Services for Families: Increased physical health services at county clinics, free swim lessons for seniors and children, and enhanced social services resource hubs.

Chairwoman Leon holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Kean University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Her commitment to public service and dedication to Union County’s residents reflect her passion for creating meaningful connections and driving progress.

At the Reorganization meeting, Commissioners Alexander Mirabella, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded were also sworn into their new terms; James E. Baker, Jr. was sworn into his new term prior to the meeting. Commissioner Joseph C. Bodek assumed the role of Vice-Chairman. During the meeting, the Commissioners also voted on appointments to various County advisory boards and approved the Board’s 2025 schedule and procedural rules.

Residents can find the full transcript of Chairwoman Leon’s remarks and learn more about the 2025 initiatives at www.ucnj.org.

Public Info

Notice from New Jersey American Water regarding the taste and odor issues affecting drinking water in several Union County Municipalities

Please find the latest update from New Jersey American Water (NJAW) regarding the taste and odor issues affecting drinking water in several communities, including those in Union County.

The towns in Union County currently impacted include Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Garwood, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Union, Vauxhall, and Westfield.

Late on December 17, NJAW began receiving reports of changes in the taste and odor of water in its Raritan System. NJAW immediately launched an investigation, taking water samples from the source, various points in the treatment system at two water treatment plants serving the region, and locations throughout the distribution system. Preliminary sampling results indicate that the water meets primary standards; however, NJAW continues to monitor water quality throughout the system.

Hydrant flushing began last night and will continue today as part of efforts to clear the system. This may result in low water pressure and/or discoloration for customers. If residents experience discolored water, they are advised to run cold water taps at the lowest level of their homes for 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear.

Updates can also be found on the Alerts page of NJAW’s website.

Public Info Public Notices

2025 Union County Reorganization Public Notice

Under the terms of the “Open Public Act” P.L.., 1975, C. 231, the 2025 Installation Ceremony and Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Assignment Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh, at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey.

James E. Pellettiere
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners

Public Info

Law Enforcement Advises Public How to Report Drone Activity

Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Union County Chief of Detectives Dr. Harvey Barnwell, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Police Chiefs Association President David Hart, and Union County Director of Public Safety Dennis Burke issue a joint public statement regarding recent drone activity in Union County:

County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of recurring reports of drone activity in and around Union County and understand the public’s concern about these sightings.

We are working closely with the FBI, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor and investigate this activity. At this time, there is no known threat to public safety.

The FBI and New Jersey State Police encourage the public to report any information related to recent sightings of possible drones.

To report information, you can:

Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Submit it online at tips.fbi.gov. Citizens can also upload videos directly through the FBI’s online portal.

For more information about drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), please visit the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness website: NJOHSP

We thank the public for their vigilance and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of our community.

Public Info

Union County Human Relations Commission seeking nominations for their 2025 Unity Achievement Awards

The nominee must live, work, and/or attend school in Union County. Categories include Individual, Business Establishment, Community Organization, Nonprofit Organization, Student, Educator, Clergy/House of Worship, Faith-Based Organization, Public Servant, Law Enforcement, Healthcare, Veteran, and Media. Visit ucnj.org/uchrc to submit your nominee online.

Public Info

Be The Change Your Community Needs: Volunteer As An Environmental Steward In Union County In 2025

With support from the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County invites residents with a passion for environmental issues and a willingness to help to consider becoming a volunteer in 2025 by joining the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program. This dynamic program empowers individuals to learn from leading scientists and environmental experts about critical environmental issues and the impact of climate change on New Jersey. Stewards then give back to their communities by tackling these issues on a local scale.

“Our Environmental Stewards program connects residents with professionals in the field, providing them with the necessary skills to foster an environmentally conscious community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “If you wish to turn your passion for the environment into meaningful action, I encourage you to register for our Environmental Stewards volunteer program. Together, we truly will make a difference in our community and ensure that the legacy we leave behind is a greener planet for our loved ones to enjoy.”

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program of Union County offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with topics such as climate change, habitat protection, environmental justice, water quality, food waste, recycling, and solid waste management.

Classes will be held weekly on Tuesdays, starting January 21st and continuing until May 13th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Each session will feature a content expert who will cover the topic for that week. From 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, the classes will break out into regional groups to discuss local issues and meet with their coordinators for further discussions and activities.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension in our shared mission to empower the public with practical skills while also protecting our environment,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Caring for our environment is a team effort. Be sure to explore our sister volunteer programs, Master Gardener and Tree Stewards, or contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension for more ways to get involved.”

The program fee is $325, with an early bird rate of $300, valid through December 31st. To register or for more information about the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program, please visit go.rutgers.edu/RES2025. If you are committed to environmental stewardship, willing to learn, and ready to volunteer, this program is for you!

For additional assistance with the Environmental Steward program, contact Michele Bakacs, County Agent and Associate Professor for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

For additional information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards, and the 4-H youth development program, please visit ucnj.org/rce.

Public Info

FBI requesting Public’s Assistance Reporting Suspicions Drone Activity

Since November 18, residents from neighboring counties have reported seeing large drones, sometimes nightly, and for several hours, over Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Morristown, Morris Township, Chester, Randolph, and nearby towns. Local and state police have referred reports to the FBI. Anyone with relevant information are asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI noted that witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft.

Public Info

Union County hosts final ‘Aging Services Kiosk’ events of the season this December

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to visit their local Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) for the final events of the 2024 season this December. The monthly event is an opportunity for residents to engage with experienced professionals and learn about valuable senior programs and resources that are available in Union County. Bilingual staff will be present on all designated dates in December to offer assistance in Spanish.

“As colder weather approaches, it is essential for our senior community to receive proper care and support. They need access to nutritious meals, transportation to medical appointments, and various other services,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Our Aging Services Kiosks are designed to connect seniors and their caregivers with essential resources through live, in-person assistance. I encourage all senior residents and their caregivers to visit their local library this December to learn more about the services we offer, and how we can help.”

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in December:

Wednesday, December 11th
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, December 18th
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

“Our Division on Aging, along with their knowledgeable and friendly staff, remains dedicated to supporting our seniors and making it as simple as possible to obtain resources, discover programs, as well as receive assistance with reading or even translating forms,” said Union County Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We want our senior community to know that your quality of life matters to us, and we are committed to supporting initiatives like these that uplift and empower this community.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging .