The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce a special event for women looking to take charge of their financial futures, titled: Sip Your Way to Financial Success.
“The Sip Your Way to Financial Success event will provide a fun and informative setting for women to learn about financial planning and wealth management. We hope this event will empower and inspire women to take charge of their financial lives,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is a remarkable opportunity for attendees to network with other women in Union County, share laughs and learn about the information they need to make great economic decisions.”
The financial readiness workshop is being presented by margFINANCIAL and Securian Financial. Residents are invited to attend the event, enjoy a bite to eat and sample great wines, while mingling with other remarkable women.
“Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of information about how to strategically manage your finances,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This event is designed to make women feel comfortable and build their confidence about their finances. Participants will have the opportunity to meet other women of all backgrounds in order to grow their networks. I encourage women to come, invite a friend and register today.”
The event will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hill Tavern, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth, NJ.
Participants must be 21 and over to attend. Tickets are $20.00 and guests should purchase and register at www.ucnj.org/women. Space is limited.
Earlier this afternoon, Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, along with Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees President Georgette Bradshaw and Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Roselle Public Library’s renovation and expansion project. Also in attendance were Union County Commissioners, members of the Union County Improvement Authority, members of the Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees and Roselle Council Members.
“Libraries are not just about providing books; they are about access to information, community, public spaces, workforce job centers, learning and literacy, and opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank the Union County Improvement Authority, the State of New Jersey, and the Borough of Roselle for working collaboratively with the County of Union on this project. It is through our strong partnership that we are able to create a place that will serve as a hub for Roselle residents and neighbors to come together and learn, explore or engage with each other. I am looking forward to seeing the completed project.”
The Roselle Public Library announced its plans for a major renovation and expansion project to update its almost 90-year-old building and better serve the community’s growing needs. With increased demand for library services, the current building is beyond its capacity due to limited space and outdated design.
The funding for this $16 million project comes from a $5.5 million State Library Grant; $6.5 million from the Borough of Roselle Bond funds and $4 million from the State Legislative Funds, which were awarded to the County of Union, which was then awarded to the Borough of Roselle for this project.
“We are always looking for ways we can help our municipalities across the state and, of course, here in Union County. To help offset supply chain issues, working with the UCIA, we were able to secure $4 million dollars in grant funding – and I am so proud that we could contribute this significant investment in Roselle’s future,” said Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari. “This library is a sign of our commitment to working with this Administration and Borough Council; in the spirit of collaboration, we are able to achieve great things for our residents at no additional expense to taxpayers.”
The proposed plans call for a 15,400 square foot addition, as well renovation of the existing building, incorporating traditional library services with modern technology, infrastructure, and resources. This will enable the Roselle Public Library to provide programming, resources, and library services that will ensure the well-being and success of the community for many years to come. The addition also includes a new Youth Services section encompassing both teen and children’s zones, with a program room and small study rooms on the newly built second floor. The first floor addition contains an accessible main entrance, expanded technology, adult collections, and flexible meeting areas and multipurpose rooms. There is a separate wing with program rooms. These areas provide more latitude to expand the library’s strong community programming, which ranges from early literacy to senior computer classes.
“This project is a testament to the importance of public libraries and their role in fostering community engagement, education, and growth,” said Senator Joseph Cryan, 20th Legislative District. “The Roselle Public Library has long been a treasured institution, and this expansion will ensure that it continues to serve as a vital resource for generations to come.”
The proposed library project is cost-effective and its design elements aspire to meet LEED certifications and create a sustainable, user-friendly environment that supports more efficient energy use. By incorporating adaptable infrastructure, the building also has the inherent flexibility to meet future technology needs.
“This library represents a forward-thinking vision for the Borough of Roselle and I’m so glad the Mayor and his administration, the Borough Council, County Improvement Authority, and our partners in the State Government were able to help see that vision to fruition,” said Assemblyman Reginald Atkins of the 20th Legislative District.
“This was a great day for Roselle. This is what progress looks like. The proof is here with our State, County, and local governments who joined together to push this project forward,” said Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw. “This project is a fulfillment of Roselle’s tremendous potential, the fulfillment of what we are all capable of when we come together. This is good government at work and I’m so proud to live in a Borough that is focused on progress and focused on community.”
“The Roselle Library strives to inform, educate, enrich, entertain and empower our community by providing access to a vast and diverse array of information, activities and services,” said Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees President Georgette Bradshaw. “This expansion and renovation will more than double the size of the library. What a testament to our county government, the UCIA, the Borough government and the State Legislature that when at a time when libraries around the nation are under attack by having their funding cut or their offerings limited, here in Union County we’re expanding. Thank you on behalf of the Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees.”
This project was entrusted to be designed and built by the professionals working for the Union County Improvement Authority and is supported by funds raised by the Borough of Roselle, County of Union and from the New Jersey Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.
The Roselle Library is located at 104 West 4th Avenue in Roselle, NJ. For more information, please call the Union County Improvement Authority at 908-527-4250.
The fire danger rating is now at VERY HIGH for all of New Jersey, The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has imposed Stage 2 campfire restrictions, which include the following.
All fires within or adjacent to forested areas are prohibited unless in an elevated prepared fireplace, elevated charcoal grill or stove using electricity or a liquid or gas fuel.
An elevated prepared fireplace must be constructed of steel, stone, brick or concrete with its fire box elevated at least one foot above the ground surface and surrounded by at least a ten feet radius clearance to mineral soil.
An elevated charcoal grill may be stationary or portable and surrounded by at least a ten feet radius clearance to mineral soil.
At the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation, permit holders may use the group charcoal grill in each campsite, but not the fire rings on the ground. They may use the stone fire altars in the Council Ring.
At the Amphitheater behind the former Trailside Planetarium, permit holders may have a campfire on the raised fire altar.
In picnic areas, park users can use our permanent metal charcoal grills or they may use their own if they have metal legs to elevate them at least a foot off of the ground.
They may also use propane or liquid gas fueled stoves that are elevated.
Park users may not use stone or masonry fireplaces that are built at ground level, such as at Seeley’s Pond or the David Wright gazebo at Osceola (Winfield Park).
April 2023 is Second Chance Month and the Union County Board of County Commissioners with the American Job Center, would like to announce a free Expungement Clinic and Job Fair on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle.
“The entire expungement process can be overwhelming and there is a lot that goes into removing a conviction, so as part of my Second Chance initiative, through my Chairman’s “Building a Stronger Union County” initiatives for 2023, for the first time ever, we are hosting this expungement clinic to help our residents looking for clean slate,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Too often, even minor convictions can prevent someone from getting hired, obtaining a loan or finding somewhere to live and this event is designed to help those who want a fresh start, learn the different resources out there to help transition them back into the community. I firmly believe in second chances and I am looking forward to attending this event and us helping individuals across our County with not only expungements, but also employment opportunities.”
The event will have volunteer attorneys on site to meet with individuals to obtain free expungement. Employers will be present who are willing to hire second chance individuals. Various positions are available with employers, such as: PepsiCo, NJ Transit, Amazon, Wakefern, ShopRite, FedEx, Newark Airport and the Port Authority of NJ & NY. VET4U will assist with discharge upgrades.
While the event is free, pre-registration is required at www.ucnj.org/job-fair. Walk-ins are welcome, but all attendees must register on site prior to entering the event.
For more information or to register for this expungement and job fair, please visit www.ucnj.org/job-fair or call Carolina Marin at 908-380-6237.
Today, the Union County Board of County Commissioners launched a poll to invite residents to assist them in selecting a new seal for the County of Union.
“As we embark on this journey, we feel it is important that our community has a role in this process and therefore would love your feedback,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Since 1932, Union County has had a seal unlike any other, with the central image depicting the dramatization of the murder of Hannah Caldwell by a British solider. After her death, Hannah quickly became a symbol for the fight for independence, and the thought of changing this seal is not to take away the significance of our past but to recognize it in a different way, that is why we will be dedicating a page on our County website in honor of the important role she played in the rich deep history of Union County. By doing so we hope to educate our residents on who Hannah Caldwell was, the role she played in shaping history and how we can honor her in a more positive way than a dramatization of her death.”
The County of Union would like to invite its residents to submit their choice for one of the two options on the County website. To participate in the selection process, visit our website www.ucnj.org/seal or click the button on the homepage to cast your vote. Included on the website are images that show the two options with an explanation of what each seal represents.
With much consideration, two new seals were designed to represent the County’s strong roots, diverse present and future possibilities. When residents view the two seal choices, they will see that there is one seal with a quadrant that includes a portrait of Hannah Caldwell, one that memorializes her in life, and places her alongside other strong symbols of Union County – transportation, open space and the Union County Courthouse. The other option is representative of one of our most recognizable landmarks, the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, which holds the County seat.
“When you look at individuals like President Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr. or President John F. Kennedy for example, each one of them were leaders in their own right and all three were assassinated. However, when we visit their monuments or view photos of them, we are often looking at the portraits of who they were in life and what significance they played in our history,” continued Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
Polls will be open Monday, March 27, 2023 through Monday, April 24, 2023. The final result will be revealed at the Union County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in a special unveiling.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, C. 231, please be advised that the Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be hosting Special Meetings on the 2023 Budget on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 and Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Please be advised that both meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee will be held in the Commissioner Meeting Room within the Administration Building, 6th floor, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 07207 and will commence at 5:00 P.M. Please be further advised, the purpose of said meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee is to hear and review proposed 2023 budgets of various County departments.
Please be advised, these meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee are not Regular Meetings of the Board of County Commissioners, and as such, no action will be taken. While open to the public, there is no opportunity for public comment. The time and place for public comments on the 2023 Union County Budget will be provided during the official Public Hearing on the 2023 Union County Budget, which will be announced at the time of the budget introduction in accordance with the law.
As part of 2023 Chairman Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Division on Aging, is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 Social 60+ Program for qualifying senior Union County residents.
“After seeing the success of the pilot program last year, we have decided to launch the Social 60+ program again for 2023, which will include even more restaurants that seniors can visit and enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Seniors across Union County are active, engaged in their communities, and looking for ways to get out and enjoy the social scene with their friends and this program is a great way for them to do that, while enjoying a nutritionally balanced meal. As part of my Chairman initiatives, this is just another way we are taking care of our senior community, all while supporting local restaurants.”
Social 60+ was designed to bring the benefits of a healthy meal and socialization into the community for older adults in Union County. It is open to all Union County residents age 60 and over, with the exception of active County employees.
Participating restaurants include: the Garden Restaurant, located at 943 Magie Avenue in Union, The Tavern at Ash Brook, located at 1210 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains and Mambo Cuban Restaurant, located at 2185 US-22 W in Union.
Each participating restaurant has agreed to accept a voucher from the Union County Division on Aging in exchange for meal options designated by the restaurant and approved by a Nutritionist. To participate, one must be a Union County resident 60 years and over; agree to attend a nutrition education program offered by the Division on Aging at least once a quarter and provide all necessary information during intake.
“This senior dining program both expands access to nutritional meals as well as adds to community engagement,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “This is just another way to keep our older adult community active and there is no better way than breaking bread in a restaurant of their choosing with their peers. I would like to thank our Division on Aging for their constant efforts to improve our seniors’ quality of life and build a stronger community.”
All qualified residents are invited and encouraged to enjoy a meal through this program. The voucher process is done via the phone with the Division on Aging, once the intake is complete and approved, residents will receive their vouchers by mail. Vouchers must be used by 12/31/23. Expired vouchers will not be honored. Participants may select from a set menu of choices that have been designated to meet the Older Americans Act (OAA) standards of one-third recommended dietary allowances and compliance with the OAA dietary guidelines.
For the Social 60+ restaurant voucher, please call the Union County Division on Aging, at (908) 527-4870. Please visit www.ucnj.org/aging for information on any of their programs.
For more information about this or other programs offered, please call the Union County Division on Aging with any questions, toll-free at 1-888-280-8226.
The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.
Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.
No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course.
Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.
For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
