Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that after its successful launch during the summer, a full rollout of Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Youth Swim Ready” pilot program initiative this fall. This program will offer free swim lessons to eligible youth in communities across the County.

“In light of the remarkable success we witnessed with our pilot program offering free swimming lessons for youth, we are excited to announce the launch of an expanded fall program,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The urgency for such initiatives cannot be understated, as alarming statistics reveal that a significant number of children face the risks of drowning due to inadequate swimming skills. Our commitment to addressing this issue remains strong, and as we expand our efforts, we aim to reach even more children in our community, equipping them with the life-saving skill of swimming. Together, we can make a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our youngest residents.”

Keeping in line with Chairman Granados’ 2023 theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” this program will run from October to December through the Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Gateway Family YMCA. This initiative was designed to cater to two age groups: 3-5 years old and 6-12 years old. It is highly encouraged that residents sign up as soon as possible, as spaces are limited with 78 available spots.

Children/participants must reside in low-income households, they must check off one of the qualifying criteria and provide proof with their enrollment: QCT, TANF, SNAP, NSLP, SBP, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start and Early Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women (WIC), Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, and Pell Grants.

The swim program will be conducted at two convenient locations:

Rahway Branch – 1564 Irving Street, Rahway:

For 3-5 yr. olds:

• Thursdays: 5-5:40p (6 max) (11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
• Sundays 8:15-8:55a (6 max) (11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17)
• Sundays 10:30-11:10a (6 max) (11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17)

For 6-12yr. olds:

• Tuesdays 5:40-6:20p (6 max) (11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19)
• Wednesdays: 5-5:40p (6 max) (11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20)
• Sundays 9-9:40a (6 max) (11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16)
• Sundays 12-12:40p (6 max) (11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17)

Five Points Branch – 201 Tucker Avenue, Union:

For 3-5 yr. olds:

• Mondays 4-4:40p (6 max) (10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18)
• Wednesdays 4:45-5:25 (6 max) (11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20)
• Saturdays 12-12:40p (6 max) (11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16)

For 6-12yr. olds:

• Thursdays 5-5:40p (6 max) (11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
• Thursdays 7:20-8p (6 max) (11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21)
• Saturdays 9-9:40a (6 max) (11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16)

For more details about the application, including income requirements or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org, or contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.

The County of Union is partnering with local community groups to host a Union County Veteran Suicide Awareness Seminar on Thursday, October 26th to learn about community resources available to our veterans in crisis with presentations by community leaders and the Department of Veteran Affairs Suicide Community Engagement Team.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like toannounce the award recipients for the Union County On Stage! School & Community Grant, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Theater Initiative, through his Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” which aims to support students and educators across Union County in providing arts-based education and enjoyment.

“This Theater initiative stems from the recognition that arts funding is often among the first programs to face budget cuts and I wanted to support and promote arts funding for schools and organizations, highlighting our local talent,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Your dedication to the arts and commitment to enriching our community through creative expression are truly commendable. I am confident that each of you will demonstrate exceptional talent and passion, and I have no doubt that your projects will inspire and uplift Union County. Congratulations to all the recipients, and thank you for contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our county.”

This initiative, aimed at providing significant support to performing arts programs throughout Union County, was open to all Union County high schools and tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, and signifies an important investment in local arts.

The Union County On Stage! Grant Program included two types of grants, totaling $53,875.00: a school grant, where all Union County high schools were eligible to apply with the total amount of $29,775.00. Next was a community grant, which was open to local non-profit organizations in Union County with a tax-exempt status with a total amount of $24,100.00.

All applicants were to be based in Union County and the programming that would be covered by the grant must take place in Union County during Fall/Early Winter of 2023.

For additional information, please contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or email at acedeno@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that 12 Union County artists have been selected as award-winners in the 57th annual New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show. The exhibit includes original works of art created by both professional and non-professional artists, ages 60 and up, from all 21 counties across the state. Every artwork in the statewide exhibit was first entered in the juried exhibit within the artist’s home county, and received a First-Place award in their media category.

“This year’s show is nothing short of spectacular,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It’s inspiring to see Union County seniors receive recognition in this competitive state-wide show. We are proud that there are so many talented artists in Union County.”

Of 19 artworks by Union County seniors that advanced to the state show, those awarded at the state level are:

• Luciano Felicio (Union) — 1st Place, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Scrap Metal Duck”
• Lenny McDonald (Mountainside) — 1st Place, Digital Art by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Two Wise Men”
• William Gardner (Winfield) — 2nd Place, Digital Art by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Shattered”
• Elizabeth Gillin (Westfield) — 2nd Place, Oil Painting by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Costumes of East Asia”
• Marianne Jennings (Mountainside) — 2nd Place, Craft by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Forged and Flower Necklace”
• Lydia Watson (Plainfield) — 2nd Place, Works on Paper by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Solitaire, My Friend”
• James Chelland (Cranford) — 3rd Place, Photography by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Mist on the Lake”
• Karen Freudenberger (Berkeley Heights) — Honorable Mention, Oil Painting by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Glorious Sunflowers”
• Diane Gallo (Summit) — Honorable Mention, Pastels by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Red is a Lovely Color”
• Anne Occi (Cranford) — Honorable Mention, Watercolor Painting by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Pretty in Pink”
• Peter Pagano (Clark) — Honorable Mention, Craft by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Segmented Wooden Vase”
• Jeff Parsons (Cranford) — Honorable Mention, Watercolor Painting by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Lunch Break – Chrysemys Picta”

The 2023 New Jersey Senior Art Show can be viewed online at www.njseniorarts.com/gallery/. To see the show in person, visit the main building of Meadow Lakes Senior Living, 300 Meadow Lakes, in East Windsor. The public can view the artworks now through October 26 (Monday through Saturday, 10:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.).

Groups of six or more should contact Meadow Lakes in advance by calling 609-448-4100. Driving directions can be found on the Meadow Lakes website at https://meadowlakesonline.org/.

The New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show Honors the imagination, skills, and artistic ability of the state’s oldest artists. It is a co-sponsored project of Mercer County’s Division of Culture and Heritage and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about the New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show, visit https://njseniorarts.com.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with the nation of Israel, denouncing the recent attacks by the Hamas terrorist organization. These distressing events highlight the urgent need for lasting solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background.

While Union County currently faces no immediate threats, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, in collaboration with community members of faith, are taking a proactive approach and have collaborated to enhance security around houses of worship in response to the ongoing events in the Middle East.

“Our commitment to creating an inclusive and unified community remains firm during these turbulent times,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Our number one priority is the safety of our residents and we remain dedicated to providing a secure and welcoming environment for all community members. We pray for a swift and equitable resolution to the conflict, one that brings enduring peace and stability to the region, benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians.”

“A dedicated team of officers will be offering additional security for houses of worship throughout Union County as an extra sense of peace for those who gather to worship, ensuring that they can do so without fear,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “As the Sheriff of Union County, it is my duty to safeguard all of our residents, and this added layer of protection emphasizes our promise to that mission.”

The Union County Board of County Commissioners continue to share their thoughts and prayers to the people in the regions of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as to all the victims and their families during this devastating time.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are happy to announce that 18 towns in Union County have been the recipient of multiple grants that seek to improve the lives and environment of county citizens. The Preserve Union County Grant has granted Union County $300,000 in funding, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund has granted Union County $1 million dollars in funding, and the Greening Union County program has granted Union County $100,000 in funding.

“These grants play a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “When the Trust Fund was created over twenty years ago, our county residents made it clear they wanted to see Union County conserve open space, provide more recreational opportunities, and preserve historic sites. The Board of Commissioners takes great pride in its ongoing administration of the Trust Fund to accomplish these goals.”

Funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, this money is awarded to Union County towns on a matching grant basis. The mission of the Open Space Trust Fund is to assist in the execution of policy made by the Union County Board of County Commissioners to conserve open space, provide recreational opportunities, and to preserve historic sites.

“We are thrilled to announce another round of grants for 2023 from the Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund,” said Trust Fund Chair Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “Our county residents are enjoying the improvements in all aspects of their lives due to these grants. Their playgrounds are better designed for all children, including those with special needs. Our parks and city streets receive more trees, and our beautiful historic buildings are better preserved, so that we can share our Union County history with many generations to come.”

Eighteen municipalities received funding from the Kids Recreation Trust Fund:

• Berkeley Heights – $30,300.00. Implement a new foundation system at the lower pickleball and tennis courts at Columbia Park.
• Clark – $24,072.00. Install new playground equipment at Veteran’s Field.
• Cranford – $60,000.00. Install air conditioning at the new Recreation Center located at 375 Centennial Avenue.
• Elizabeth – $170,000.00. Replace the existing gymnasium floors at the Erxleben Recreation Center as well as revitalize the Lynch Memorial Playground through the incorporation of a new spray park and new playground equipment.
• Fanwood – $40,000.00. Install a new gazebo at Forest Road Park.
• Kenilworth – $50,000.00. Improvements to DiMario Park, Ninth Street Park, and Sixteenth Street Park.
• Linden – $60,000.00. Replace and upgrade playgrounds that have been identified by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) as being in the most immediate need for replacing in the City’s master plan.
• Mountainside – $40,000.00. Upgrade Deerfield School:  Replace the lights at the tennis and pickleball courts, upgrade the sod and sprinkler system at the softball and baseball fields, install water fountains, add safety netting at the fields, and repair the siding and second floor of the announcing area at the Snack Shack.
• New Providence – $50,000.00. New stand-alone pickleball courts adjacent to the existing tennis courts (court surface and lines, fencing, nets, and benches). Additionally, the funds may be used to line one of the current tennis courts to create four additional pickleball courts (including lines, nets, fencing).
• Plainfield – $55,630.00. Resurfacing of the basketball courts at Seidler Field and the removal of an existing fence and the reparation of a concrete ledge near the basketball court.
• Rahway – $65,000.00. Reconstruct and rehabilitate the playground structure located at Berzinec Park making it ADA accessible.
• Roselle – $50,000.00. Renovate and undertake repairs at Pine Street Park and Chandler Park.
• Roselle Park – $50,000.00. Renovate Acker Park and install ADA features at the playground area.
• Scotch Plains – $60,000.00. Resurface the basketball courts at Kramer Manor Park.
• Springfield – $40,000.00. Renovate the Tennis Court overlay new pickleball lines at Henshaw Park.
• Summit – $40,000.00. Resurface and make improvements to the basketball courts at Mabie Playground.
• Union – $65,000.00. Upgrade Alpine Park with ADA playground equipment and to do resurfacing.
• Westfield – $50,000.00. Upgrade and renovate the playground at Memorial Park as an ADA and inclusive playground.

Fifteen municipalities were awarded grants for planting trees under the Greening Union County program:

• Berkeley Heights – $4,000.00 (10 trees)
• Clark – $6,300.00 (25 trees)
• Cranford– $5,000.00 (30 trees)
• Elizabeth – $23,000.00 (150 trees)
• Fanwood – $2,200.00 (10 trees)
• Garwood – $8,000.00 (20 trees)
• Kenilworth – $2,000.00 (20 trees)
• New Providence – $2,500.00 (12 trees)
• Plainfield – $10,000.00 (60 trees)
• Rahway – $6,000.00 (35 trees)
• Roselle – $5,000.00 (70 trees)
• Scotch Plains – $5,000.00 (50 trees)
• Springfield – $7,287.00 (40 trees)
• Union – $3,713.00 (11 trees)
• Westfield – $10,000.00 (65 trees)

Seven municipalities received funding from the Preserve Union County Grant:

• Berkeley Heights – Littell-Lord Farmstead – $40,000.00. Stabilize the foundation and ensure that necessary archaeological work will be completed in accordance with the procedures and standards of the NJHPO. There will be upgrades at foundations; first and second floor framing, stabilization of the interior stairs and sagging flooring, and stabilization of any additional flooring and ceilings needed to allow public entry.
• Fanwood – Fanwood Carriage House – $40,000.00. Repair and replace the cedar roof, refinish the floor, and paint the building.
• Kenilworth – Nitschke House – $11,500.00. Restore the doors, door frames, window frames, window sills and base molding in five second-floor rooms at the Nitschke House using the same multi-phase “faux-graining” technique as was used on the first floor.
• Plainfield – Plainfield Masonic Temple – $40,000.00. Prepare the design and contract documents for the exterior restoration and interior restoration and rehabilitation of the Plainfield Masonic Lodge. The focus of the restoration and rehabilitation work will be to restore exterior masonry, windows, doors, and at the interior to repair and restore interior spaces within the public areas of the lodge including the Lounge/Dining Room, repair and adding restrooms per code and to improve accessibility, and at the upper levels to upgrade the existing elevator, provide a barrier-free entrance, restore the Theatre/Ballroom including finishes, lighting, etc., and restore office space
• Plainfield – Plainfield YMCA Building – $40,000.00. Restore the building’s façade, removal and replacement of masonry, bricks, wood cornices and dried out mortar joints.
• Rahway – Merchant and Drovers Tavern – $40,000.00. Repair thirteen wood windows located in the building’s North elevation and its one-and-one-half story attached kitchen wing.
• Scotch Plains – Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Frazee House Inc – $40,000.00. Install new utilities at the site, including electric, heat, and water, as well as ADA compliant facilities.
• Scotch Plains – The Shady Rest Golf & Country Club – $40,000.00. Repair and restore the Shady Rest Country Club, including the clapboards, corner boards in the building, double hung wood windows, railings, and the replacement of the doors.
• Township of Union/Kean University – Liberty Hall Museum – $16,850.00. Replace the Cedar Shake Roof and the copper gutters attached to section of the roof.

For more information on the Open Space Trust Fund or the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit www.ucnj.org or contact Angelica Cedeno at 908-558-2279 or via email at acedeno@ucnj.org.

Today, Union County Police Chief Martin Mogensen, in conjunction with Rahway Police Director Nicholas G. Breiner, announced that a Rahway man has been charged with sexually assaulting a Rahway resident in the afternoon hours of Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Keon Hagans, 44, is charged with fourth-degree sexual contact.

On September 20, 2023, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Union County Police Officers responded to the Squires Island section of Rahway Park on River Road on a report of a suspicious event. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who reported that she had been touched inappropriately by an unknown male while walking through the park.

On Wednesday October 4, 2023, Hagans was arrested at his residence on a warrant by members of the Union County Police Investigations Unit.  He was processed and placed in the Union County Jail, where he currently remains pending court proceeding.

This investigation was led by the Union County Police Department with assistance from the Rahway Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit.

“We are grateful for the extraordinary work of our investigators which led to the quick identification and apprehension of Hagans,” Chief Mogensen stated.

This investigation is now closed and awaiting court proceedings.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces the Maritime Port Authority Job Fair, hosted by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with the American Job Center and Union College of Union County, on Thursday, October 19^th, 2023 at Union College of Union County.

“I encourage all Union County residents to explore the vast career possibilities within The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “As part of my “Building a Stronger Union County” initiative, I made a promise to the residents of Union County that we would create more opportunities for employment and career advancement. This fair will allow job seekers to learn about the stable employment and various well-paying positions the Transportation, Logistics, and Distribution industry within The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has to offer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.”

The Maritime Port Authority Job Fair will be held from 10:00am-2:00pm on the Fifth Floor of the Kellogg Building of Union College of Union County at 40 W Jersey Street in Elizabeth on Thursday, October 19th. Job seekers will be able to learn about the TLD industry, and find out if a career with the Port Authority is the right fit for them. Many high-demand career paths are available within the TLD field, including drayage trucking (transporting goods over short distances), CDL-required pathways (jobs that require a Commercial Driver’s License), marine terminal operations (managing shipping terminals), or warehousing and logistics (managing storage and transportation of goods).

While at the fair, attendees can seek out apprentice and career programs that align with their personal interests, making their career journey more fulfilling and enjoyable. They can also explore the pathways to various qualifications and credentials in the field, boosting their career advancement strategy. To register for the fair, please visit  www.ucnj.org/job-fair. Residents must be over 18 to register. For more information, please contact Carolina Marin at (908) 527-4373.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners will be holding a special recycling event called Beyond the Bin on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at the Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains. All residents are asked to bring all unwanted, acceptable items to the event.

“As part of my ‘Building a Stronger Union County’ initiative for this year, we continue searching for new ways to take accountability of our waste production and strengthen our recycling systems. Beyond the Bin was perfectly designed to make it remarkably easy for residents to recycle multiple items by having all articles collected on the same day, at one location” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Together, we are taking the necessary steps to becoming a more environmentally conscious and responsible community. I hope to see you all there.”

The County of Union understands that several challenges within the current recycling program still exist. Some residents may be unaware that certain items, like plastic film newspaper sleeves or an old fax machine or broken computer for instance, can be recycled. Others are unsure of where to take items to be recycled, and may end up throwing them in the trash. Furthermore, with New Jersey’s highly successful ban of single use plastic bags well underway, we now have a surplus of reusable cloth bags piling up in homes, cars, and garages that residents just don’t know what to do with.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, comprises approximately 70% of our overall toxic waste, but only 12.5% gets recycled. According to data reported on globalewaste.org, e-waste climbed up 21% from 2014 to 2019 globally, with America taking second place on the list of the highest producers. With staggering numbers like these expected to climb in the coming years, a worldwide call to address the electronic waste problem and start recycling has been made.

Another staggering statistic is that the United States generates just over 17 million tons of textile (clothing/fabric) municipal solid waste per year, which is 5.8% of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) generation (2018 statistics, as per www.epa.gov). Instead of throwing this material in the trash, you can now give it a second life at this event.

Union County’s Beyond the Bin recycling event has partnered with the organizations MRM, Helpsy, Waste Management and GoaTote Inc. in the collection of the following items:

Covered Electronic Devices
Desktop or personal computers, computer monitors, portable computers, desktop fax machines, monitors, printers, tablets/e-readers, and televisions

Plastic Film
Clean, dry plastic bags, bubble wrap, Ziplock bags, dry-cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, produce bags, case overwrap (i.e. a case of bottled water)

Clothing/ Textiles
All textiles (Shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, pajamas, jackets, winter coats, rain coats), shoes, accessories, handbags, backpacks, household linens, sneakers, boots, etc.

Reusable Shopping Bags (non-plastic)
Cloth, canvas, cotton, #5 woven and non-woven shopping bags

Food Waste Recycling
Produce, Meat, Fish and Poultry, Dairy, Bread, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Coffee Grounds

Styrofoam

For residents interested in composting at home, we have partnered with BrandBuilders LLC in making backyard composters, rain barrels, and more available for purchase online and pick up at the event. For more information on composting materials for your home or to make a purchase, please visit us at  https://union.compostersale.com/

For a complete list of all acceptable items and materials for this event, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/

Union County’s Beyond the Bin recycling initiative is brought to you by the Union County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning and the Union County Department of Public Works.

If you have any additional questions or would like more information regarding this and other recycling events and services in Union County, please call 908-654-9890 or visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/