Category: Public Info

County distinguished with three awards in total for programming during 2021

Union County will receive a 2022 NACo Achievement Award, acknowledging the groundbreaking partnership between the County and Kean University, forming the first proprietary, County and academic run COVID-19 testing lab in the nation. NACo – the National Association of Counties – has awarded Union County with three 2022 Achievement Awards in total.

“Since the onset of operations in January 2021, the Union County COVID-19 lab at Kean has, through genomic sequencing, identified every variant of the COVID-19 virus,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We continue to provide this valuable COVID-19 testing service to our residents and the Board of County Commissioners is proud that this trailblazing work is being acknowledged by NACo with a 2022 Achievement Award.”

Union County will receive a total of three awards at the 2022 Annual NACo Conference that is scheduled to take place July 21 through 24 in Adams County, Colorado. The following programs have been awarded with 2022 NACo Achievement Awards:

• The Union County Testing Lab Partnership at Kean University – which expanded testing protocols at the first County and academic run lab in the nation to include detection of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. This lab is currently overseen by the Union County Department of Public Safety.
• Union County Fresh Start Mobile Program – this program, the first of its kind in New Jersey, was launched to provide shower, laundry and restroom facilities to persons who are unhoused, along with guidance and resources on additional services that foster self-sufficiency. This ongoing program was developed by the Union County Department of Human Services.
• The Pop-Up Parks Exhibits, celebrating 100 years of Union County Parks – which celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the Union County Parks system. The exhibit was on display at Warinanco Park, Oak Ridge Park, Rahway River Park, Conant Park, Nomahegan Park and Echo Lake Park. The program was run by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Union County runs dozens of programs every year and we are thrilled to have the work of several departments within our structure recognized,” said County Manager Edward Oatman. “These programs assist thousands of residents and enrich their lives in a myriad of ways. We strive to continue to be pioneers on various fronts and thank everyone within the County who worked toward these recognitions. We look forward to formally accepting these awards in July.”

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.  Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate county priorities in federal policymaking and promote exemplary county policies and practices. NACo’s work is also geared towards nurturing leadership skills and expanding knowledge networks while optimizing county and taxpayer resources while enriching the public’s understanding of county level government. For more information on the National Association of Counties, visit: https://www.naco.org/

For more information about programs offered by Union County, please visit ucnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Job seekers in Union County can find the perfect match at the next job fair sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 17^th, at the Warinanco Sports Center in Union County’s Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle. The job fair will begin at 10:00 a.m. and pre-registration is required.

“Union County residents and businesses within our community are still struggling through the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner Chair, Rebecca L. Williams. “Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a global company like IKEA in the most direct manner at this event and we encourage everyone interested in a new work opportunity to come and participate.”

IKEA, which is a Swedish-founded, Dutch-headquartered, multinational conglomerate that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories, among other goods and home services, will be hiring for multiple positions in their Elizabeth, NJ location. Openings include full-time, part-time and seasonal employment. This event is coordinated in partnership between the American Job Center and Union County College.

“The American Job Center continues to provide our residents with available job openings in various sectors for qualified workers looking for employment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “I want to thank IKEA for their efforts to connect with job seekers as our Commissioner Board continues find ways to help our Union County residents on the road to recovery.”

Attendees are advised to bring their resumes and wear attire that is appropriate for interviews. While this is a free event, registration is required. To register for this event, residents can follow this link: Register for Ikea Job Fair.

In addition, the American Job Center will be offering interviews and resume writing workshops to further prepare job seekers for their on the spot interview, in a private, secure area with IKEA. The link to access the workshops will be sent to the registrants. Water will provided and an indoor concession stand will be open for the purchase of food. Masks are optional.

“This initiative is an example of how employers, the Union County American Job Center and Union County College partner to provide career and employment opportunities to our residents. We look forward to continuing to build successful partnerships with Union County employers in connecting job seekers to employment opportunities,” said Dr. Lisa Hiscano, Executive Director Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Union County College.

In a statement from IKEA: “Being a good neighbor and demonstrating commitment to community is an essential part of who we are and the values that drive us as an organization. For this reason, we are honored whenever we have the opportunity to impact the lives of the members of the communities we serve.” 

For more information about employment services offered by Union County, please visit the Union County Works online portal at ucajc.org.

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For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that  sample ballots for the June 7 Primary Election can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through the Union County Votes app, a free download for all mobile devices.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter after the close of voter registration, approximately 10 days before the election.

“The online format provides voters with a convenient way to familiarize themselves with their ballot before voting.” said Rajoppi. “We also continue to mail sample ballots to all registered voters, to ensure that the information reaches everyone whether or not they have Internet access.”

Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that voters who wish to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the June 7 Primary Election can apply for one in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth starting today, Monday May 16. They can also fill out their ballot during the same visit and cast it in a secure drop box at the office, or take it with them to fill out later.

“We encourage voters to come to our offices and use our ‘one-stop’ service, which enables voters to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot and cast their ballot in the same visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It helps ensure that voters don’t misplace or mistakenly discard their Vote-by-Mail ballot.”

Any voter in New Jersey can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Voters who have not opted to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballots automatically can apply for one in person. Voters can also request an application form by mail, by contacting the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Application forms are also available for download through the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or from the free Union County Votes mobile app.

The County Clerk’s Westfield office is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East. Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The County Clerk’s office in Elizabeth is located in the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about all County Clerk election services visit unioncountyvotes.com, use the Union County Votes app, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Rahway are proud to present a live performance of the Broadway hit musical Head Over Heels at the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 30.

The performance is part of a series of events hosted by the Commissioner Board in recognition of Pride Month.

“With this special presentation of the musical comedy Head Over Heels, we continue to affirm Union County as a community that values the freedom of every individual to determine their own path in life,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Laughter clears the air and opens the heart, and we are proud to present Head Over Heels as a highlight of our Pride Month events.”

“We are very proud to include the Main Stage in Union County’s Pride Month celebrations,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella. “Preserving this historic gem has been a labor of love for the Commissioner Board and the Rahway community. As a centerpiece of our diverse cultural life, it is a wonderful venue for celebrating equality, dignity and mutual respect.”

“The Rahway City Council and I are thrilled to partner with the County Commissioners to present Head Over Heels as part of the City’s Pride Month activities. Rahway is a richly diverse city whose vibrance is fueled by arts and culture, so offering this high-quality production in celebration of inclusion is, in multiple ways, an expression of who we are as a community,” said Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe.

A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction, only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

You’ll meet a king about to lose his throne, a queen about to lose her inhibitions, and two princesses about to find love. It’s a modern musical fairy tale where once upon a time is right now.

Tickets are free of charge as part of Pride Month 2022 in Union County, but seats must be reserved in advance. To reserve a free spot, visit ucpac.org; do not use any other website.  Attendees can also call the box office at 732-499-8226 to reserve free tickets in advance.

Please note that COVID-19 safety regulations are in effect for all performances at UCPAC. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Those reserving tickets are advised to check for updates prior to arriving at the theatre.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Union County residents who are not registered to vote have until May 17 to register in time for the June 7 Primary Election.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Union County residents who are not registered to vote that they have until Tuesday, May 17 to register in time to vote in the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, June 7.

“We encourage all eligible residents to register to vote. Registered Democrats and Republicans are eligible to vote in a Primary Election. Also, unaffiliated voters will chose their party affiliation on Election Day,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator, Union County Board of Elections.

To register, a voter must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old by Election Day, and they must be a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

Under a new state law enacted last year, persons currently on parole or probation are eligible to vote. However, persons currently serving a sentence due to a felony conviction are not eligible.

Eligible residents can download a registration application by visiting the Union County Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/ucboe.

Residents who wish to receive an application by mail can use the online form at unioncountyvotes.com, or call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

Residents can apply to register in person at the Union County Board of Elections offices, located at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth during regular business hours. On May 17 the office hours will be extended through 9:00 p.m.

Residents can also visit the office of their Municipal Clerk to register.

Additionally, a new statewide online voter registration system was introduced by the New Jersey Division of Elections in 2020. Eligible residents who wish to register to vote online can visit the Division of Elections online at voter.svrs.nj.gov/register.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the Union County team for the 2022 AIDS Walk New York in Central Park on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

The Union County team is organized through the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. To join the team and participate in the walk, residents can register at ny.aidswalk.net/UnionCountyNJ.

“We are very proud to join the 2022 AIDS Walk in New York and show our support for Hyacinth and other groups that provide social and health services to those impacted by AIDS, including members of our own Union County community,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Much progress has been made on the treatment and prevention of AIDS over the past 40 years. We are committed to keep moving in the right direction by continuing to advocate for research, health and social services, and education,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella.

AIDS Walk New York is the world’s largest and most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising event.

The Union County team will be captained by Patrick Koslecki, a member of the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee, and organized in support of Hyacinth, a proud partner of the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

Hyacinth is New Jersey’s largest and first HIV service provider. For more information visit hyacinth.org, email info@hyacinth.org, or call 732-246-0204.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs visit ucnj.org/ lgbtq.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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The annual Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale will be held on Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4:00 p.m., in the Union County Demonstration Garden at the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, in Mountainside.

The Garden Fair is a popular community tradition featuring native plants for sale along with hundreds of other flowering plants and shrubs, vegetable seedlings, educational displays and a chance to explore the many unique and unusual beds of the sprawling Demonstration Garden.

“The Master Gardeners are well known for their many contributions to the Union County community, and the Garden Fair is one of them. We are very proud to welcome this wonderful event back to the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

All proceeds from sales at the Garden Fair go to support community service projects of Master Gardener volunteers, including donations of fresh produce to local food pantries, educational events for youth and adults, programs for people with special needs, and more.

Admission is free and parking is free.  Attendees are advised to bring a wagon or cart to convey their purchases.

Please note that all sales are cash only; credit cards are not accepted. Pets are not permitted in the Demonstration Garden.

In addition to plants for sale, the 2022 Garden Fair will feature displays of Square Foot gardening and hydroponics, a clinic for plant and insect problems, soil test kits for sale, and guidance from the Union County Mosquito Control Bureau.

The Master Gardeners of Union County is a community volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with support from the Commissioner Board. No experience in gardening or horticulture is needed. Prospective volunteers take a training course each spring leading to certification as a Master Gardener.

For more information about the program, contact County Extension Agent Madeline Flahive at mflahive@ucnj.org.

For information about all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Tree Stewards, Environmental Stewards and 4-H youth clubs, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Quick links to all Union County programs related to gardening, sustainability and nature conservation are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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On Wednesday, May 4, a new state law called the “Bag Ban” goes into effect. When it does, supermarkets will not hand out any free, single-use paper or plastic shopping bags. Customers will have to bring their own shopping bags, or purchase them at the supermarket.

Other retail stores and restaurants can continue to provide free paper shopping bags, but they will not be allowed to provide free plastic bags.

“The new statewide Bag Ban is going to be a big change for many shoppers. We hope to help make the transition easier by sharing some tips on how to adjust to reusable bags,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

To help remind shoppers, Union County has produced the new “Grab a Bag,” video, now playing on Union County’s YouTube channel at youtube.com.

Individuals, schools, organizations and businesses are invited to share the video link free of charge.

Among the recommended tips are: hanging a supply of reusable bags by the door, placing some bags in the car, and keeping a lightweight bag in a pocket, purse or backpack in case of unexpected errands.

The Bag Ban comes under the heading of New Jersey Public Law. 2020, c 117, a comprehensive state law intended to reduce waste, litter and pollution. The provision dealing with single-use plastic bags applies to all retail stores in New Jersey. The provision dealing with single-use paper bags applies to grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet.

The law was enacted in 2020, providing retailers and the public with two years to prepare for the change to reusable bags.

Details about the law are available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at nj.gov/dep/plastic-ban-law.

Business owners and managers can find additional information at business.nj.gov/bags/plastic-ban-law.

For information about free County-sponsored recycling events and other recycling programs in Union County, visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a sensory friendly production of the beloved ballet Cinderella, performed by the New Jersey Ballet at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

The performance is part of the Sensory Friendly Theatre series sponsored by the Commissioner Board. All tickets are $8.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. To buy tickets online visit ucpac.org; do not use any other website.  Attendees can also call the box office at 732-499-8226 to buy tickets in advance.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre brings inclusive, enriching live performances to children with special needs, and we are delighted to welcome the New Jersey Ballet to our community,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Cinderella is One of New Jersey Ballet’s most popular productions for children. During a two-act romp through the classic fairy tale, the hours of the clock come to life and dance, a Fairy Godmother and Fairies of the Four Seasons make an appearance, and the pumpkin turns into a coach.

Splendid sets and costumes, glorious dancing, and New Jersey Ballet’s hallmark “Storyteller” narration ensures that everyone can follow the story with ease.

Please note that COVID-19 safety regulations are in effect for all performances at UCPAC. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Those reserving tickets are advised to check for updates prior to arriving at the theatre.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series showcases exciting live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during the performance. For complete details visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

To see a list of additional recreation activities for persons with disabilities and special needs sponsored by Union County, and to sign up for programs, visit the secure registration page at ucnj.org/reserve.

To contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs use the online form at ucnj.org/dhs or call 908-527-4807.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.