Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi would like to provide an update on the unofficial results of the June 6, 2023 Primary Election in Union County.

While the majority of the ballots have been processed and counted, there are still Vote-By-Mail ballots, provisional ballots and cured ballots that required to be tallied before the results can be finalized.

The unofficial results can be found on the Union County Votes App, provided by the Clerk, or by visiting the website www.unioncountyvotes.com. It is important to note that these results are subject to change pending the review and counting of vote-by-mail, provisional ballots and cured ballots.

“It is important to provide timely and accurate election results to the public” Rajoppi said, “however, the process of reviewing vote-by-mail, provisional and cured ballots is mandated by law and essential to upholding the integrity of the election.” The official results will be released on Monday, June 19, 2023.

For more information or inquiries on any of the County Clerk programs and services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

• Heavy hazy and smoky conditions are present is our area due to the wildfires in Canada. These conditions can last the rest of the week. The NWS has an air quality alert in effect until midnight this evening. If you have a health condition please use caution when outdoors.
• Residents are advised not to call 9-1-1 unless they observe fire or smoke immediately associated with fire. Our dispatch centers are getting inundated with calls.
• The fire danger rating has been elevated to VERY HIGH. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has imposed Stage 3 campfire restrictions. In Stage 3, all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. No charcoal fires are allowed.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative, through his 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County, the upcoming event “Mental Health Roundtable Focus on Children & Youth,” on June 13, 2023. This important event aims to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and community members to discuss and address the critical issue of access, equity, and affordability of behavioral health services for children and youth in the county.

“Stepping Up to Mental Health was one of my main focuses within my initiatives from my 2023 theme,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This Mental Health Roundtable is a significant step in Union County’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and providing a platform for collective action and I am looking forward to attending, speaking and hearing from all of the panelists involved on how we can move forward together in helping our communities and residents who may be facing or know someone facing mental health issues.”

The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Liberty Academic Center, located at 1003 Morris Avenue, Building 2, in Union, NJ. It will feature engaging panel discussions led by prominent figures in the field, focusing on different aspects of the mental health system. The roundtable will serve as a platform to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration to improve the well-being of the children and youth in Union County.

The panel discussions will include: NJDCF Children’s System of Care, Improving Access, Equity & Affordability for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services, Union County Schools, and Hospital Systems. These panels will discuss how Union County, as a community, can address children and youth mental health challenges, while working with local leaders who understand the need and can be an active agent in facilitating a meaningful dialogue to analyze community supports and systems of care. Additionally, these panels will directly shape how collectively Union County can address the challenges and build a comprehensive Behavioral Health Continuum of Care for the children and youth of Union County. Attendee’s insight and collaboration in this high level discussion will create the playbook that will allow Union County to develop creative solutions towards influencing and impacting systemic change that will lead towards community alignment.

Recently, the State of New Jersey allocated $5 million funding for the Union County Mental Health Project, which will help expand access, equity, and affordability for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care Services. Furthermore, as part of the roundtable, Governor Phil Murphy and Senate President Nicholas Scutari will provide valuable insight on ways to explore strategies to improve this access and speak about the subsidies.

“The insights gathered during the event will contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and programs to improve the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services for the younger population,” said Debbie Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “I would like to thank the State of New Jersey, particularly Governor Murphy and Senate President Scutari for their continued support and commitment to Union County and our Mental Health initiatives.”

Anyone interested in attending and being part of this robust event, must register by Thursday, June 8^th, 2023 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stepping-up-to-mental-health-tickets-648953737097 or contact the Union County Department of Human Services at (908) 527-4846 or email difss@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend two events in Union County in honor of Juneteenth. First is a special free movie presentation of “The Woman King” at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on June 17, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. In addition, residents are invited to the fourth annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“This month, as we raise the Juneteenth flag high and celebrate other events, we honor the resilience, strength, and freedom of our African American community,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This flag represents the struggles and triumphs of a community that fought for their liberation against all odds. Let it serve as a symbol of unity, justice, and progress as we continue to strive for equality and a future where every individual is truly free. I hope to see all of our residents at the both the flag raising and the movie night.”

The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

“As a Commissioner and an educator with a deep personal connection to Juneteenth, I stand proud today, celebrating the emancipation of my ancestors and the resilience of the African American community,” said Commissioner Rebecca Williams. “Juneteenth is not just a historical event; it is a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and education. Through knowledge and understanding, we honor the past, empower the present, and shape a better future for generations to come.”

The movie in the park will take place around dusk at approximately 8:30 p.m. “The Woman King” is a 2022 film that offers a fictional representation of the historical West African kingdom of Dahoney. It tells the story of an all-female elite warrior unit called the Agojie and their quest for freedom and justice. Please note that “The Woman King” is rated PG-13, and some subject matter may not be suitable for children under the age of 13. Popcorn will be available for free while supplies last.

“Knowledge and awareness in the black community unites us and makes it unfit to ignore the historical past of enslaved people, which is emblematic of Juneteenth. As we gather this month to commemorate the federal holiday, let us remember the significance of this day in history,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “Juneteenth symbolizes the liberation of enslaved people, and it is a time to recognize the progress black people have made and recommit ourselves to dismantling systemic injustices that persist. Let us strive to educate minds of all generations, ignite hearts, and foster a society where freedom and opportunity flourish for all.”

At the Union County flag raising, there will be a poetry reading by Elizabeth resident, Jeremiah LaPorte and a reading of the General Order No. 3, by Commissioner Rebecca Williams. The people were informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. There will also be a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson, as a duet performed by singers Julia Arnold-Bouie and Willow Frazier, students at the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains.

“Together, let us stand as a united community, celebrating the diversity that enriches us and embracing the shared vision of a future where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every dream is within reach,” said Commissioner James Baker. “Embrace freedom. Celebrate Juneteenth.”

For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation are looking for volunteers in the Ashbrook Reservation Adopt-A-Park event on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. 

“This cleanup event will have a positive impact on the health of the Ash Brook Swamp and increase the enjoyment of the Ash Brook Reservation for all who pass through it,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank all of those for coordinating this event, as well as all of the volunteers who sign up – I encourage everyone interested to register today.”

The event will be focused on removing leaves and debris from a drainage swale that flows to the Ashbrook, an important waterway within the Rahway River Watershed. By removing the debris, the water’s flow will be restored and it will minimize flooding of an adjoining walking trail.

The Project will be directed by Union County Park Environmental Services staff, with all tools supplied by Union County Parks.

This Adopt-A-Park event will take place at Ashbrook Reservation (meeting at Union County Vo-Tech Parking Lot), located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Residents interested should register at www.ucnj.org/ashbrook23/. For more information, please call Robert Berns with the Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 789-3683.