Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County community invites all residents to honor the lives lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks at Union County’s September 11th Memorial in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside on Monday, September 11th.

“It has been 22 years since America was gripped by heartbreak, tragedy, and fear in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Although time has passed, the legacy of those we lost, including 60 Union County residents and thousands from across our nation, continues to reside deep within our hearts,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Each year, our community comes together in a solemn memorial to honor the exceptional bravery and selflessness of these individuals and I encourage all of our residents to attend this important vigil, as we pledge to never let their memory fade.”

A uniformed Honor Guard will stand watch at the memorial from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring and light candles in remembrance of those lives lost on September 11^th. Candles will also be available at the memorial, courtesy of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Completed in 2003, this memorial is dedicated to the sixty Union County residents who perished in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders worked alongside residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to design this memorial.

Two sections of steel from the World Trade Center are positioned next to each other on a five-sided brick base representing the Pentagon, alongside a sculpture of a hand holding an “Eternal Flame,” memorializing the Armed Service members, emergency responders, and passengers aboard United Flight 93 who lost their lives that day. The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union County’s Echo Lake Park, near the Springfield Avenue entrance.

For more details about the Union County September 11^th Memorial, please visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to award the recipients of the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Awards during the first day of Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

“Seeing Union County’s Hispanic cultures unite to celebrate their achievements is one of my personal highlights of the month,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It truly showcases the diversity and inclusion we’ve been working to achieve in Union County. Over one-third of our residents are of Hispanic origin, and it’s always great to acknowledge and honor some of the contributions that are being provided through our community members to enhance our community at large.”

The Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. on September 15^th at the Union County Performing Arts Center, with a concert by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra immediately to follow. Recipients of these awards include Alberto Goncalves, CEO and founder of Life Assets Capital, Olga Hugelmeyer, Superintendent of Schools of Elizabeth Public Schools, and the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County. Free limited tickets are available at www.ucnj.org/hhm.

“As the first Hispanic woman elected to the Board of County Commissioners, this award ceremony is especially important to me,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We are proud to have these individuals represent the very best of Union County.”

Recipient of the Business Leadership Award, Alberto Goncalves, has spent his professional journey dedicated to endeavors that bring about lasting improvements in urban neighborhoods across New Jersey. As CEO and founder of Life Assets Capital, a leader in the real estate development industry, he has been influential in generating employment opportunities and fostering growth for the community.

Olga Hugelmeyer, recipient of the Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award, is an experienced educator who has been involved in the Elizabeth Public School System for over 29 years. She is also on the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, which represents more than 470 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success.

Recipient of the Public Safety Award, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County, takes great pride in endorsing various community civic initiatives, offering scholarships to high school students, providing exam tutorials, and facilitating social events. The HLEAUC understands the complexity individuals of Hispanic heritage who aspire to enter the field of criminal justice face, which is why their scholarship committee is an integral part of their mission.

Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15^th to October 14^th. To view a full list of events, please visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.

We will post our 2024 schedule as the season approaches.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, August 31, 2023, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Elizabeth – Clarkson Av., Elizabeth/Essex Sewage Authority,
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., Orchard Ter., Union Ave.
• Linden – Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Miner Ter., Tremley Pt. Area,
• New Providence – Possum Way
• Plainfield – St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Allen St., Broad St., Donald Ave., Fulton St., Price St. Area, Central Ave., Hedin Pl., Riffle Ave., Revoir Dr., Madison Hill Rd.
• Roselle Park – Beechwood Ave. Area, W. Colfax Ave., Pinewood Ave., Woodside Ave.
• Roselle – Pine St., Oakley St.
• Scotch Plains – Seneca Rd. Area, Hill Top Rd., South Ave.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln. Area, Evergreen Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Vaux Hall Rd., Whitewood Rd., Clermont Ter., Fairway Dr., Tinkettle Turn
• Winfield – Union County Parkway

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. Projects related to local history, the arts and humanities are eligible for consideration for funding in the HEART Grant funding program.

“We are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program. These grants are a testament to our commitment to preserving our local history, fostering the arts, and promoting the humanities in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We invite our non-profit organizations, individual artists, and scholars to seize this opportunity and bring their creative visions to life. Together, we can continue to enrich our community and strengthen the cultural fabric that makes Union County so special.”

The HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) program serves as a catalyst for Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities.

Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets, writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more. Organizations can request a grant of up to $3,000, with a 25% cash match required for any amount over $1,000. Individuals can request up to $1,000, with no cash match required.

All projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well-being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.

“In 1998, we established the HEART Grant program with the aim of nurturing a vibrant arts and cultural landscape in Union County,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board. “Over the years, this initiative has garnered tremendous enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate yet another season of dynamic programming that will bring enlightening, educational, and entertaining experiences to thousands of our residents.”

Activities must take place in 2024 between January 1^st and December 31^st to be considered for funding. Applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County. The online application deadline for first-time applicants is Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The full application must be completed by Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Hard copies are no longer being accepted.

The HEART Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To receive the 2024 HEART Grant guidelines, visit ucnj.org/ cultural or email HEARTGrant@ucnj.org. For more information of all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs call 908-558-2565 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This series of events, aimed at showcasing and exploring the diversity of the Hispanic Culture, will include live music, movie nights, arts & crafts and much more.

“It is my privilege to celebrate the vibrant and multi-faceted culture that makes up the Hispanic Community with our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “As a Hispanic leader in public service, I am honored to advocate for the hard-working individuals who make up approximately one-third of Union County. Please join me in celebrating this rich heritage by participating in these upcoming events, see you there!”

Hispanic Heritage Month’s calendar of events kicks off with the Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, September 15^th at 4:45 p.m.  Guest speakers will notably include Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Commissioner Lourdes Leon, and the Consul General of El Salvador, Ariel Valle.

The full schedule of events includes:

Friday, September 15th

4:45 p.m. – Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony
Union County Courthouse – 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth

6:30 p.m. – Union County Residents: Meet & Greet Your Local Hispanic Civic Organizations
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) – 1601 Irving Street, Rahway

8:00 p.m. – Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) – 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
Free Limited Tickets Available, Visit www.ucnj.org/hhm to reserve today

Wednesday, September 27th

6:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night- Playing: Spiderman: Across the Spider-verse
Hubbard Middle School – 661 West 8th Street, Plainfield

Thursday, October 12th

12:00 p.m. – Hispanic Leadership Event
Marelyn Rivera, NJ Department of State, Executive Director for Hispanic Policy, Research & Development
Union College of Union County – 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

Saturday, October 14th

2:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Family Fun Day
(Rain date Sunday, October 15th)
Free Live Music, Arts/Crafts, Food Trucks
Warinanco Park, Roselle/Elizabeth

5:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night
Playing: Vivo
Warinanco Park, Roselle/Elizabeth

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying Thursday morning, August 31, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Cities

• Berkeley Heights – Coolidge Dr., Wilson Dr., Harrison DR., Webster Dr., Harding Dr.
• Clark – Hill Crest Dr., Lawrence Pl., Thomas Dr., Armstrong Dr., Kennedy Dr., Miller Ave., Riverside Dr., Emeral Pl., Norwood St., Florence Dr.
• Fanwood – La Grande Ave.
• Plainfield – Brookside Pl., Geraud Ave., Jefferson Ave.
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Round Hill Rd., Wedgewood Way, Nepawin Ln., Crabapple Ln.
• Westfield – Grandview Ave.

City Parks

• Plainfield – Milt Campbell

County Parks

• Plainfield – Cedar Brook

The Union County Board of County Commissioners recognizes this September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by hosting a free webinar for all Union County Residents. The webinar, titled “Supporting Someone in Emotional Distress”will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb on September 13th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

“Recognizing the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing mental distress and knowing how to offer assistance can potentially make a significant difference in their life. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and increasing awareness about the connection between emotional distress and thoughts of suicide, we hope to provide support to those in need and guide them towards a path of recovery,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all residents to make the most of this valuable resource and participate in the upcoming webinar.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year.  Undergoing one (or multiple) stressful conditions, such as a demanding job, challenging home life, or traumatic life event, have been linked to making some people more susceptible to this illness.  This webinar will offer the education, awareness, and resources on how to support someone experiencing emotional distress.

This webinar is presented to you by the Union County Department of Human Services and in partnership with the organization, Caring Contact.  Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.

The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at www.ucnj.org/spmzoom

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone.  This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.

For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to fellow Commissioner Alexander Mirabella on his recent appointments to prominent leadership roles within the National Association of Counties (NACo).

“Commissioner Mirabella has been a steadfast advocate for Union County and New Jersey as a whole, and his new positions emphasize his dedication to serving his constituents at both local and national levels,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I wish him the best of luck in his new appointments and have no doubt that his passion and tireless work ethic will continue to bring people together and make a positive change not only to us here in Union County but to all those he will collaborate with across the nation.”

Since his initial appointment as the NACo Board of Directors New Jersey representative in 2020, Commissioner Mirabella has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing the interests of his constituents and collaborating with leaders across the nation to address common challenges. His dedication to public service has been further highlighted by his participation as one of only fifteen commissioners selected from across the country to join the NACo Economic Mobility Leadership Network (EMLN). This esteemed two-year program, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focuses on an in-depth study of economic mobility in the United States. Commissioner Mirabella’s involvement in the EMLN is a testament to his proactive approach to finding innovative solutions to promote economic equity and mobility.

“It is a great honor to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of NACo. I am very pleased to represent all of New Jersey and bring our concerns and questions to a national level,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella. “Serving on the Economic Mobility Leadership Network has been very rewarding, and I have incorporated my learnings into how I can be a better leader for the people of Union County. I am very grateful that NACo President, Mary Jo McGuire, appointed me to two leadership positions as Vice Chair of the Finance, Pension and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee and the International Economic Development Task Force.”

Commissioner Mirabella’s dedication to public service and commitment to enhancing the lives of his constituents exemplify the ideals that the National Association of Counties upholds. As he assumes his new roles within the Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee and the International Economic Development Task Force, we are confident that he will continue to represent the interests of Union County and New Jersey with distinction and diligence.

NACo President Mary Jo McGuire expressed her enthusiasm for Commissioner Mirabella’s appointments, stating, “As President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), it is my pleasure to appoint you to the committees in the attached letter He was chosen because my goal is to build a talented and committed leadership team for NACo. Our strength at NACo is in our members and your active involvement. As we move forward together, now is the time for county leaders to connect, inspire, and lead.”

For more information about NACo and Commissioner Al Mirabella’s appointments, please visit the NACo website at www.naco.org and the Economic Mobility Leadership Network at www.naco.org/resources/signature-projects/economic-mobility-leadership-network.