Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to invite residents to join the Master Trees Stewards of Union County. Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.”

“Through our Master Tree Stewards, students are gifted with enriching educational experiences and essential messages concerning trees and the environment,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This lesson instills a sense of appreciation and stewardship that young minds can cherish as they grow into adulthood, ultimately benefiting our community and the greater world for generations to come.”

Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4th-grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks.

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.

The 2023 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 6th to December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

The 4th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here. To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit www.ucnj.org/rce.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to participate in upcoming Opioid Settlement Funds Listening Sessions. The County will be holding these in-person sessions to gather public input on allocating the resources from the Opioid Settlement Funds.

“The County of Union recognizes the importance of community involvement and values the contributions of its residents in the ongoing fight against opioid addiction,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “By working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this and create a stronger, healthier, and safer community. Your input matters, so I hope to see many in attendance.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 75% of drug overdose deaths in the United States involved opioids in 2020. Eighty-two percent of those deaths involved the newer, synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, that affect communities like ours.

The following are the two dates and locations scheduled for the listening sessions, please register at www.ucnj.org/dhs/opioid-settlement/ to ensure a spot at each location:

August 8, 2023
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Plainfield Public Library
800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ

September 14, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ

“These sessions will provide an opportunity for our residents to address their concerns, contribute ideas, and get the most up to date information we have available,” Commissioner James Baker, Liaison for the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Advisory Board said. “Working together, our community leaders and residents are more effective in solving this epidemic.”

During these sessions, participants will have a unique opportunity to share their experiences, express their concerns, and offer suggestions on how best to utilize the Opioid Settlement Funds. The insights and perspectives shared by the residents of Union County will be pivotal in shaping the county’s approach towards combating opioid addiction and enhancing community well-being.

For more information or to register to attend one of the Opioid Listening Sessions, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/opioid-settlement/ or contact Miriam  Cortez, Director, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, by email at Miriam.Cortez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4846.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is urging constituents to be aware of a critical scam that could result in unnecessary waste of time and money when it comes to obtaining a passport.

In recent weeks, misleading social media videos have been circulating, suggesting that passports can be obtained for free by submitting form 1-912. It is essential to note that this form is meant for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) purposes and is not applicable to Passport Services. The U.S. Department of State does not recognize or accept this form.

The U.S. Department of State has informed all passport applicants that fees are required for all passport applications, and there are no waivers or free passports. Payments must be made at all Passport Acceptance Facilities, including the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth and the Union County Passport Office in Westfield.

The County Clerk is committed to providing accurate information and safeguarding the interests of Union County residents.

“Protecting the community from scams is paramount, and I urge constituents to remain vigilant with the information they may come across,” said County Clerk, Joanne Rajoppi. “With the rise of misleading social media videos circulating recently, it is vital for residents to be aware of potential fraudulent schemes. Stay informed and safeguard your time and money by relying on accurate information from official sources, such as our website.”

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi stresses that these social media videos are not endorsed or produced by government officials, leading to confusion among constituents who rely on their accuracy. For correct information on the Form 1-192 and its eligibility requirements, please visit www.uscis.gov/i-192.

For detailed information regarding passport documentation requirements and office hours at the Union County Clerk’s Office, please visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the County of Union share our sentiments of sorrow and profound sadness in the passing of the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. As the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker and Lieutenant Governor, we reflect on the remarkable impact she has left on our great state of New Jersey and the countless lives she touched throughout her illustrious career.

Lieutenant Governor Oliver was not only a trailblazer, but also an inspiration to all who had the privilege of witnessing her dedicated service to the people of New Jersey. Her passion for public service, her commitment to justice and equality, and her genuine concern for the welfare of New Jersey’s residents set her apart as a beacon of hope and progress in our community.

Throughout her tenure, Lieutenant Governor Oliver worked tirelessly to uplift the marginalized, advocate for the voiceless, and create a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of our state. Her tireless efforts in areas such as affordable housing, education, and economic empowerment demonstrated her belief that every individual deserved a chance to thrive and achieve their dreams.

As we mourn the loss of an esteemed leader, we also take solace in knowing that her legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those she served. Her dedication to public service will continue to inspire generations to come, encouraging them to follow in her footsteps and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

To the family and friends of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, we extend our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as we share in the grief of losing such an exceptional figure of our state.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire us to work for a better, more inclusive society. Rest in peace, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks  Tuesday, August 1, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).Check below for the list of Parks 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.

County Parks:

• Clark – Esposito, Oak Ridge
• Elizabeth – Mattano,
• Hillside – Conant  
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake 
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

City Parks:

• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Union – Biertuempful, Kawameeh, Rabkin

Golf Course:

• Ash Brook

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications to the 2024 Local Arts grant program (known as “LAP”) will be accepted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“The Local Arts Grant Program provides significant support for Union County’s thriving arts scene,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This program sustains our arts organizations and fosters numerous arts activities of all kinds. This well-conceived initiative continues to open its doors to non-profit arts organizations, libraries, schools, and local government units, creating an inclusive and vibrant network for artistic expression and cultural enrichment.”

Qualifying non-profit arts organizations can apply, as well as libraries, schools, and units of local government.

Two types of grants are available under the LAP program:

• General Operating Support grants are available to arts organizations. The maximum request for 2024 is $14,000 – and cannot exceed 40% of the organization’s 2024 budget.

• Special Project grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations, to fund a specific arts project, such as a performance series. The maximum request $5,000.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based in Union County, and arts activities must take place in Union County during 2024. Grants will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming.

Full details, including eligibility requirements, application components and other information, are outlined in the complete LAP Guidelines.

“This grant program plays a pivotal role in building a lively community where organizations can continue to present high-quality programs to the public, and artists can flourish, leaving a lasting impact on our residents,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board. “I encourage qualifying organizations to apply.”

All application materials must be submitted online through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs grant portal. The portal will open to LAP applicants on August 8, 2023. The deadline to submit a completed LAP application is September 21, 2023.

To obtain the link to the grant portal and begin the application process, first-time applicants must first send the name of their organization by email to Martha Sturm, LAP Grant Coordinator, at msturm@ucnj.org and culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Use both email addresses to ensure a timely response.

For questions about the LAP grant program, contact Martha Sturm at 908-558-2552 or msturm@ucnj.org.

This grant program is made possible by funds from the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

For information about all grants administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities/.