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Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Union Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and volunteers from the County of Union at a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. The food distribution was sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Black Lives Matter banners will also be placed throughout Union County

The Union County Freeholder Board will sponsor the placements of Black Lives Matter murals that will be painted on Chestnut Street in Roselle and Liberty Avenue in Hillside.

The eight-foot letters will be in yellow, and the murals will be painted on the street in front of Borough Hall in the 200 block of Chestnut Street in Roselle, and on Liberty Avenue at/around Shelton Terrace in Hillside. Both street murals should be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

“This Freeholder Board expresses its unequivocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Affirming that Black Lives Matter is expressing our support for inclusivity, working for a more just and equitable political and economic system for Blacks, and fighting for justice against racist practices to which Black people have been subjected to throughout their lives.”

Freeholder Andrea Staten, a resident of Roselle said: “Black Lives Matter is meant to represent a commitment to social justice in our community and a call for all people of color to be valued, treated humanely and fairly. It’s our demand for equal treatment under the laws of the land. It’s our demand to be allowed to work, recreate, and sleep without fear for losing our lives, being mistreated, or fearing for the lives of our children and family members. This movement must continue forward until all understand this and we create an environment where Blacks have an equal opportunity to thrive in.”

Freeholder Angela Garretson, a resident of Hillside, said: “The mural will be painted near the railroad tracks in my hometown, that in the past created dividing racial lines that no longer persist today.  These murals throughout the county are true reflections of our collective mission to unify, strategize and advance with ourselves against racism and discriminatory practices, in all aspects of society.”

Freeholder Staten, Freeholder Garretson, and Freeholder Rebecca Williams championed the initiative. Banners will be placed throughout the county and the Union County Advisory Board on the Status of Minorities will also continue to dedicate its work to social justice efforts, including Black Lives Matter in the county

Black Lives Matter originally began as a movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-Americans. Since the George Floyd incident in Minnesota, the movement has grown exponentially still embracing its original goals, but also broadening its mission.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that $1 million in Kids Recreation matching grants and $100,000 in Greening Union County matching grants are available to municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Letters were mailed out to all 21 municipalities this past week, and applications must be submitted by September 16, 2020.

The Kids Recreation grants can be used to acquire, develop and/or refurbish parks and recreational facilities.  The Greening Union County grant provides funding for municipalities to purchase plant and maintain trees within their towns.  

“The Trust Fund was established almost 20 years ago with the overwhelming support of Union County voters, and it continues to fulfill its mission today,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Now more than ever before, our public open spaces and recreation resources are of vital importance to the health and well-being of our residents.”

The Open Space Trust fund has provided more than $16 million in matching grants to municipalities since its inception in 2000, to plant trees and build or improve playgrounds, pocket parks, recreational areas, playing fields, pools, picnic areas and more.

More than 300 acres of open space land have also been preserved from development and added to the Union County park system through the trust fund.

“Open Space funding furthers Union County’s mission to create healthy opportunities for children to learn and play,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board. “These projects enrich our lives and serve as our legacy to future generations.”

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks. 

In 2004 the mission of the Trust Fund was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, as well as annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants to plant trees on municipal properties.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Electric

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734
Outages: Report Map

JCP&L (First Energy)
Report An Outage: 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
Report Outage Online

Gas

Elizabethtown Gas
1-800-242-5830 Website

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734 Website
Report gas leak 1-800-436-7734

Water

Cable / Phone

Cablevision
1-866-575-8000 Website

Comcast
1-800-266-2278 Website

DISH Network
1-800-333-3474

Verizon FiOS
1-888-438-3467 Website

Verizon
1-800-827-4966 Website

Time Warner
201-886-0900 Website

Students looking to enhance their artistic abilities are encouraged to take advantage of a series of free virtual art lessons with Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Club of Union County.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H to provide learning opportunities and activities to Union County students,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These virtual lessons offer new learning opportunities to youth in our community with a wide variety of techniques and styles.”

The four day series will be instructed by Miss Martha Garcia, a professional art teacher working in Jersey City Schools and a former Union County 4-H member and club leader.

All classes are from 11:30 to 12:30 and can be accessed via Zoom. The schedule for the series is as follows:

• Monday, August 3rd – Learn about a mandala and be able to create one yourself. Materials: various sized lids or circles templates such as a paper plate. Paper, pencil, and coloring supplies such as (color pencils, crayons, or markers)
• Tuesday, August 4th – The importance of Value in Art! Learn how to create a value scale and practice using a value in a Cubism inspired hand project. Materials: Paper, pencil, and/or color pencils 
• Wednesday, August 5th – Learn about zentangles and creating different patterns. Materials: Paper, pencil and/or marker. If you have a dual tip sharpie that would come in handy but not required.
• Thursday, August 6th – Learn about perspective and how to create a horizon line with a vanishing point. Materials: Paper, pencil, ruler or straight edge like a book, and coloring supplies such as (color pencils, crayons, or markers) 

Space is limited for this program and registration is required. Participants do not have to be 4-H members to participate.

To register or to inquire more information, contact Tamisha Hopkins, 4-H office manager at thopkins@ucnj.org.  Please specify the days you will be attending. Access passwords will be sent to registered participants.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that it has voted to extend funding to The Simon Youth Foundation for another 18 months, beginning July 1, 2020 and concluding December 31, 2021, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Out-of-School Youth Grant.

The Simon Youth Academy is a partnership between the Simon Youth Foundation, the Freeholder Board and the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools District. The academy was established at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall in 2018, providing at-risk youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma.

Thirty-two students were enrolled during the 2019-2020 school year with a waiting list of students wanting to enroll.

 “The Freeholder Board is proud to continue to support the Simon Youth Academy in our community,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “It provides a positive, supportive academic experience for our county’s at-risk youth and helps empower them to grow and reach their own individual goals.”

The Simon Youth Academy is the first school of its kind in New Jersey. It is one of more than 40 high schools in the U.S. established by the Simon Youth Foundation in partnership with local school districts. Located primarily at shopping malls owned by Simon Properties, the schools are designed to help make learning accessible to students who struggle to connect with material in a traditional classroom or school because of homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, supporting their families, or other challenging personal circumstances.

“I am pleased that the Simon Youth Academy is continuing to make a difference in the lives of at risk youth in Union County,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who announced the creation of the academy in 2018 as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiative during his term  as chairman. “I am a strong believer that education is the key to success and we will continue to champion this through various educational initiatives that benefit our residents. This academy is providing students with a second chance to gain a high school diploma through a different educational approach than in their local school district that is tailored to them.”

The Simon Youth Academy at The Mills has maintained a 100% graduation rate, with eight graduates in the 2018-2019 school year and 10 graduates in the 2019-2020 school year.

Over the summer of 2019 the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience Strength and Hope (E.S.H) recovery high school became the second Simon Youth Academy in New Jersey.

For information about enrollment, eligibility criteria and curriculum, please contact Simon Youth Academy Principal, Syreeta McClain, by phone at 908-977-1697 or by email at smcclain@ucvts.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Rebecca Williams joined Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and volunteers at a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. The food distribution was sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. As part of the collaboration, Stop & Shop donated fresh local produce to be distributed. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Janna Williams, a military veteran and community advocate, has advanced to the final round of the Ms. Veteran America pageant, a national competition celebrating women who have served in the military and have established a record of service in their communities.

Janna serves as coordinator for Union County’s Office of Veteran Services.

“Janna Williams connects veterans with resources and programs, and she plays an invaluable role in the Freeholder Board’s commitment to serving our military community,” Said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We would like to congratulate Janna and wish her much success as she competes for the title of Ms. Veteran America.”

Williams, a United States Air Force veteran from Roselle, is pursuing the title that honors her three years of service as an airman and her nearly twenty years of accomplishments as an advocate for military veterans.

 She serves veterans through her work coordinating veteran services in Union County and as the founder of Vets4U, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing and other resources to military veterans in need.

“I am beyond excited about making it to the finals,” said Williams who has lived in Roselle for nearly 16 years. “I consider myself a veteran’s advocate and a leader of the veteran community. This will give me the opportunity to take my advocacy and passion for helping veterans to a higher level.”

Williams worked in the pharmaceutical division of her military unit while stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. During her service, she was named “Airman of the Quarter,” and received the Wing Commander “Attitude Is Everything” honor, along with other accolades.

After her service, she took a position in New Jersey as an Accredited Veteran Service Officer for the Union County Office of Veterans Services, and is a member of several civic, community and veteran service groups.

She served on the Roselle Board of Education and the Roselle planning board. Williams has also been recognized for her community service with the NCAAP Community Service Award in 2017, the United States Congress Award and other honors.

Williams is a single mother of three children: Jayla, Laci and Elijah. She is the daughter of Lorraine Shipp, a U.S. Navy veteran.

Williams competed on June 27 and 28 in a virtual competition and secured her spot in the final round, scheduled to be held on Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The semifinals were originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas but were converted to a virtual competition due to the coronavirus outbreak travel and social restrictions.

Williams is fundraising for Final Salute, Inc., a charity that helps homeless female veterans find shelter and other resources. Those interested in donating can make a donation through her Facebook page at JannaW4MVA2020 (https://www.facebook.com/JannaW4MVA2020/), her Twitter page at @JannaW4MVA2020 or by visiting https://charity.gofundme.com/finalsaluteinc

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Masks and social distance required during COVID-19 outbreak.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper shredding program of 2020 for personal and confidential documents will be held on August 8th, at Kean University in Union.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred your confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “It promotes our County’s recycling efforts and ties in with other Green Initiatives in Union County.”

The August 8 shredding event will take place at Kean University on Morris Avenue in Union.  The program will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.  The event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach capacity.  Residents should enter the University from the main entrance on Morris Avenue. 

Residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and stay in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in vehicles trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, who will remove it from the vehicle

The next shredding event will be Saturday, September 12^th at Union County College on Springfield Avenue in Cranford, also from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. It is preferred that materials be brought in paper bags.

Documents should not be bound and plastic binders and paperclips should be removed. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.  Paper that is already shredded will not be accepted. 

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then placed onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled via local paper mills. 

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

The Freeholder Board also reminds residents to download the free Recycle Coach app for the latest news and information on all countywide and local recycling programs, located at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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 Connect with Union County on social media.