Category: Public Info

By Rebecca L. Williams

Chair, Union County Board of County Commissioners

May 26, 2022

As Memorial Day approaches, our thoughts turn to those in our Union County community who made the ultimate sacrifice, and gave their lives in the service of our country.

Each year, the Commissioner Board honors their memory by distributing thousands of American flags to veterans’ groups and civic organizations. Together, we visit cemeteries across Union County to ensure that every veteran’s grave is recognized with a flag.

When we walk these sacred grounds, we are reminded that our safety, our security, and above all, our freedom, is a foundation built at great cost through generations of American history.

In death, those who served in the Armed Forces have left an eternal message for all of us, and for the world beyond.

They define us as one people, one country, one guiding principle to light the way.

Ours is the light of democracy.

Ours is the will to meet the future as a nation of respect for human dignity. 

And, ours is the obligation to carry forth the promise of so many brave service members, so many lives cut short, to preserve and protect our beloved country as a beacon of hope for the human spirit.

Those who have fallen have passed on to us a precious duty.

They have tasked us to carry out the cause for which they died, to continue our own journey in pursuit of equal justice and equal rights.

We, the living, can honor their memory on Memorial Day and all days, year in and year out, by striving for a better tomorrow, a stronger community, and a nation that embodies and transcends the vision of our founders.

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For information about services for veterans, active duty military and military families in Union County, please visit the Union County Office of Veterans Affairs at ucnj.org/uc-hero, email the Office Coordinator at W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org, or call during office hours, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays.

To reach the 24/7 VA Crisis Hotline call 1-800-273-8255 (24/7), or use the online chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

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.

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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Visitors to Union County parks this summer can give their outdoor gatherings a zero waste makeover by using washable or recyclable picnic gear including plates, cups, utensils and tablecloths.

“Cutting down on single-use paper or plastic items in our parks is a simple way to help the environment while enjoying the outdoors with friends and family,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Zero waste” generally refers to sturdy, reusable items that can be washed or recycled, instead of being disposed in landfills or incinerators.

First-timers can take a step-by-step approach to organizing zero waste meals, starting with a few items before moving on to others.

1. Inexpensive, reusable plates, cups and utensils are widely available for recreational camping and other outdoor uses. They come in a variety of patterns and shatterproof materials including bamboo and stainless steel (plain or enameled) as well as melamine and other durable plastics.
2. Reusable food containers can substitute for disposable plastic or foil food wrappings. Other reusable options include washable beeswax wraps and silicone pouches.
3. Washable cloth table covers or sturdy reusable plastic table covers can substitute for flimsy single-use plastic tablecloths.

Reusable options are also widely available for napkins, towels, table decorations and other items.

Union County residents can stay up to date with their local and countywide recycling programs by downloading the free Recycle Coach app.

For more information about Recycle Coach and all county-run recycling programs, visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning at ucnj.org/recycle.

More information about the Union County parks system is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County’s Aaa bond rating was reaffirmed by Moody’s Investor Services this week. The County maintains its strong financial position looking forward through 2022 and beyond. A rating of Aaa is the highest a county government can achieve. 

“The reaffirmation of a Aaa rating from Moody’s reflects the efforts of our County Management team and affirms our ability to continue fulfilling the civic mission of County government administration in the sectors of public safety, public works, human services and other foundational programs,” said Chair Rebecca Williams.

In its report, Moody’s noted that the Aaa rating reflects the county’s strong fundamental credit quality, reflected in its Aaa GOULT rating, healthy liquidity, and established record of market access.

 “As Chairman of the County Commissioner Fiscal Committee, I am proud of our continued efforts to responsibly manage our County’s budget as we provide for the many important needs of our residents. We strive to demonstrate fiscal responsibility with tax dollars, and this is our third consecutive year with a zero percent tax increase, all while maintaining current services and creating new programs to benefit residents as we navigate the post-pandemic recovery,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “County Management has worked aggressively towards our policy objectives while maintaining operating efficiency and that has led to material financial gains. This Aaa rating is a testament to the arduous work of our County Manager, Edward Oatman and Finance Director, Bibi Taylor. ”

“The Aaa rating also applies to the County’s outstanding general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) debt. This reflects the county’s favorable location and strong economy. Union County is located immediately adjacent to New York City (Aa2 stable) and benefits from easy access to major transportation networks. In addition, strong county management has aggressively pushed operating efficiency, leading to extremely strong finances. The rating also considers the county’s above average wealth and resident incomes and low long-term liabilities.”

“The MIG 1 short-term rating reflects the county’s strong fundamental credit quality, reflected in its Aaa GOULT rating, healthy liquidity, and established record of market access. The pandemic has not had a material impact on the county. The county’s property taxes are guaranteed by its municipalities and management is exceptionally strong and made budgetary adjustments early on in the pandemic,” explained Moody’s.

Among the benefits, maintaining an Aaa rating means the County can borrow money at the lowest available interest rates, saving tax dollars.

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For more 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County residents can come to the free “Native Plant Swap and Shop” event on Thursday evening, June 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and trade harmful, invasive plants from their yard for up to three colorful native varieties that attract butterflies and other pollinators, free of charge. More native plants will also be available for purchase at the event.

The Native Plant Swap and Shop is hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/plant-swap.

“The Swap and Shop is a fun way to start introducing beneficial native plants into your yard and garden. It has been a big hit with gardeners in our community, and we are delighted to bring it back this year,” said Union County Commission Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The Swap and Shop will take place at the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation, located below the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site.

Admission to the event is free. Attendees can arrive any time after 5:30 and stay as long as they like. Expert naturalists will be on site to provide guidance and information on gardening with native plants.

Attendees can bring any number of invasive plants from their yards to swap for up to three native flowering plants including swamp milkweed, blue wood aster, creeping phlox, narrow leaf sunflower, tall white beardtongue and cardinal flower.

Examples of invasive plants to bring are: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy and Chinese silvergrass. The invasive plants should be dug up with roots included, and brought to the event in a sealed box or bag.

Residents are also welcome to attend Swap and Shop to purchase native plants. It is not necessary to bring invasive plants from home in order to make a purchase. Toadshade Wildflower Farm will be on site with a variety of native plants for sale. Preordering for pickup is advised, online at toadshade.com.

For more guidance on gardening with native plants, download the free “Plant This, Not That” guide.

For more information about Union County parks visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 “The Union County Board of County Commissioners share our sentiments of sorrow and sadness over yesterday’s unspeakable tragedy in the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. It is extremely difficult to comprehend the horrible and violent actions of people, and even more so when directed at – what should be – a safe space. Violence on this scale at a school is almost impossible to process.

Far too often, we have seen horrific scenes like this play out, places like Newtown, Parkland and Columbine have been etched into our minds. And now, once again, we are left to try to make sense of a senseless act, one that cut short the lives of at least 19 innocent children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.

We stand with Uvalde, Texas and its community. We are heartbroken. We are frustrated, and we are dispirited as we mourn with their students, parents and staff who face a grief that is unimaginable. As we think about these losses and our shared values in relation to the Uvalde community, we need to also work together to find solutions with compassion and partnerships.

While there is so much more we can do as a country, the County of Union continues to fight for smarter Gun Sense laws with having partnerships in place like Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action. We continue to create initiatives such as the Gun Buyback/Turn-In Programs and mental health programs. As elected officials, we work to do everything in our power to protect our residents, our children and our families from gun violence—and we will continue to remain connected and vigilant.

The Board of Commissioners extend our deepest condolences to all those who have been impacted by this horrific crime. We remain united and County strong. May you keep your loved ones close to you during these unsettled times.”

Free, virtual workshop hosted by Union County for non-profits.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite non-profit organizations to attend Successful Grant-Seeking, a free professional development workshop on Tuesday, June 7 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The event is hosted and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

“This workshop is one of the opportunities the County of Union provides for non-profits and civic organizations to achieve their full potential. Their success benefits all Union County residents by strengthening our artistic and cultural quality of life,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Organizations that have received funding through Union County’s Local Arts, History, and HEART grant programs are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

Registration is required to access the Zoom link. Please click here to register.

Participants will receive guidance and insights about the grant-making landscape in New Jersey including the different types of funders, how to research funder organizations and identify which grants to apply for, and what funders currently look for and focus on.

The Successful Grant-Seeking workshop will be led by a panel of seasoned experts in the field of grant-making in New Jersey, who will provide resources, actionable steps and practical tips for real-world success in receiving funding:

Theresa Jacks, Acting President and CEO of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, has been instrumental in strengthening CNJG’s leadership work, building relationships with partners, and guiding policy and advocacy efforts.

Linda Czipo is President and CEO of the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, New Jersey’s statewide network and champion for the charitable community. The Center strengthens nonprofits individually and as a community through public policy, professional education and guidance, trainings, conferences and cost-saving services.

Leigh Clark, the Business & Funding Information Librarian at the New Jersey State Library’s Information Center, assists nonprofits in using the free resources available through the State Library to find funding and grow their organizations.

Annmarie Puleio is Executive Director of The Fred C. Rummel Foundation, a private foundation supporting non-profit organizations throughout New Jersey. Her extensive work on grant-funded programs has spanned both the grant-making and grant-seeking sectors.

Successful Grant-Seeking is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550, or visit online at ucnj.org/cultural.

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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 County Commissioners invites residents to the annual Union County Portuguese Flag raising ceremony in commemoration of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Communities. The event will take place on Thursday, June 2^nd at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free for all to attend.

“New Jersey is home to almost 80,000 people who identify as Portuguese descent and approximately 20,000 of those people call Union County their home,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The Commissioner Board is proud to acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years. We are thrilled that we can once again recognize the Portuguese community as we raise the Portuguese flag over the County Seat.”

The event is being co-sponsored by the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS). PALCUS is a national non-profit based in the Washington D.C. area with a defined mission to be the national voice that advocates for and promotes the advancement of the Portuguese-American community economically, professionally, culturally and politically.

“As a Commissioner of Portuguese descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Portuguese-American community across the country and especially within Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Our County is made stronger by its diversity and inclusion. This flag raising once again brings together our Portuguese Community at a County level, as we return to our annual traditions and celebrations, giving us a chance to once again showcase our hard work, pride and unity.”

The flag-raising will include a short speaking program as well as the singing of both “The Star Spangled Banner” as well as “A Portuguesa,” the national anthem of Portugal.

“PALCUS is grateful to once again co-sponsor the annual Portuguese Flag raising in Union County,” said PALCUS Chair and Union County resident, Katherine Soares. “We strive to give a voice to the 1.34 million Portuguese-Americans in the United States. Events such as these are yet another form of allowing them to be heard.”

For more information, please contact Katherine Soares from the Union County Office of Communications and Public Information at katherine.soares@ucnj.org.

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Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding events sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners during the month of June.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we encourage everyone to participate in our 2022 recycling programs,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Each shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

The locations for June are:

• Wednesday, June 1: Clark Public Works Facility (behind the Police Station), 315 Westfield Avenue, Clark
• Saturday, June 11: Union County College, Parking Lots 5A and 5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
• Saturday, June 25: Union County Vo-Tech, West Hall/Police Academy Parking Lot, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the municipal recycling coordinator.

For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For more 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.

Union County residents with old metal gutters, fencing, or appliances to dispose can bring these items and more to free scrap metal recycling drop-off sites in June. The scrap metal recycling program is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and takes place twice each month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca Williams. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), wire hangers and more.

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, June 2 and Saturday, June 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two free drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

The next scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, July 7 and Saturday, July 16.

Please note that Union County’s scrap metal recycling events are drive-up only, and contact-free.

Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible for staff to remove.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more 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.

Union County, NJ – Union County informs job-seeking residents that on Tuesday, May 24, a PepsiCo job fair sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on will take place 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.

PepsiCo will be hiring for 4 main positions:

• CDL Driver – includes a sign on bonus
• Warehouse Person
• Merchandiser
• Fleet Mechanic

All positions offer competitive pay and benefits. An on-the-spot interview is guaranteed to job seekers who complete the pre-registration form as well as the PepsiCo Job applications. Job seekers who do not complete these steps will not be guaranteed an interview slot.  The PepsiCo application link will be sent to job seekers that register to attend the event. All job seekers should report at the Warinanco Sports Center at 10:00 a.m. for orientation.

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo’s business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

Job seekers who plan to attend the May 24 event must use the online form at Pepsi Hiring Event Tickets| Eventbrite to pre-register. Attendees are advised to also bring their resumes and wear attire appropriate for interviews. 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 with PepsiCo. The link to access the workshops will be sent to the registrants.

“This latest job fair is part of our efforts that continues to ensure that qualified Union County job seekers can connect with a global company like Pepsi in the most direct manner. We encourage everyone to come and participate,” said Union County Commissioner Chair, Rebecca L. Williams.

“Union County residents and businesses within our community are still both struggling through the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “I want to thank Pepsi and the American Job Center for their efforts to connect with job seekers as they help Union County residents on the road to recovery.”

This event is coordinated in partnership between Pepsi and the American Job Center, which operates under the Union County Department of Human Services. While this is a free event, registration is required. To register for this event, residents can visit:  Pepsi Hiring Event Tickets| Eventbrite.  

“Pepsico is excited to partner with the American Job Center on this Community hiring event,” said Jackie Whitted, Staffing Analyst, PepsiCo Beverages North America.

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

Tables, chairs, table cloths, and water will be provided, and there will be a private area for interviewing purposes. An indoor concession stand will be open for the purchase of food. Masks are optional.

With high ceilings, contemporary styling and a view of Warinanco Park, Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center provides a welcoming, modern space for job fairs and other public events.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.