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NJ DOH to Open COVID-19 Test Site in Plainfield

covid19Rapid and PCR tests will be available beginning Tuesday, January 18.

Union County, NJ – January 16, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises Union County residents that the New Jersey Department of Health is opening a free COVID-19 testing clinic in the City of Plainfield beginning on Tuesday, January 18. The clinic will be administered by the firm Vault Health.

“We continue to work with our partners at the New Jersey Department of Health to ensure that COVID-19 testing is available to everyone who needs a test,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “We also continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, as the most effective way to prevent serious illness, long term health impacts, or death from infection with this deadly virus.”

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve remained committed to providing the tools needed for our residents to fight back as effectively as possible,” said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “This testing site is one more resource for our residents and will augment the testing already taking place in various other parts of the city and alleviate the long lines and long wait times for results.  During times of crisis, we must be flexible and utilize our assets.  Using the Plainfield Performing Arts Center as a testing site is just one example of creatively finding solutions for our community and providing easy access to our residents. I continue to encourage our residents to get vaccinated and, if already vaccinated, get the booster.  This is the most effective way of fighting the virus if you contract it. We are grateful for the partnership of The Union County Board of Commissioners, the New Jersey Department of Health, and Vault Health, whose collaboration made this possible.”

Both the rapid and PCR tests will be available at the Plainfield site, located at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center at 724 Park Ave in Plainfield.

The Plainfield testing site will be open beginning on Tuesday, January 18, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It will continue every weekday until further notice, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm., and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The PCR test will be a saliva test, with results available in 24 – 48 hours. The rapid test will be a nasal test and results will be available in 15 minutes.

Online registration is required separately for each test. Please visit the Union County website at  ucnj.org/testing for links to the Vault Health registration system, and for information about all free COVID-19 testing services offered by Union County.

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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Freezing Temperatures, Rain and Snow Heading for Union County this Weekend

raining storm cloudPlan Ahead for the Next Winter Storm

Take basic precautions when using emergency generators and other alternative power and light sources.

Union County, NJ – January 14, 2022 – A deep freeze, high winds, snow, and rain are all coming to Union County over the weekend and into Monday. In case of any power outages, residents are reminded to take basic safety precautions when using emergency generators, candles, kerosene lamps and other alternative power or light sources.

Temperatures in Union County are expected to plunge overnight Friday into Saturday, with snow and rain expected Sunday evening into Monday.

Carbon monoxide gas comes from burning fuels. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, but it can quickly concentrate into a deadly poison in closed, unventilated spaces.

Carbon monoxide exposure from improperly used emergency generators is a serious health risk that can lead to hospitalization or death.

Basic emergency generator safety measures include:

  • Never place a generators anywhere inside a building. That includes basements, garages and sheds.
  • Never place a generator next to a building. Carbon monoxide gas can seep into adjacent buildings and collect indoors. Always check the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions.

Additional generator safety tips from the US Centers for Disease Control are available online at cdc.gov/co

Carbon monoxide poisoning can also result when gas cooking stoves, charcoal grills, and other open-flamed devices are used for indoor heating.

Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up when cars are idled in a garage, even with the garage door open. Carbon monoxide from an attached garage can easily seep into a home. Drivers who choose to warm up their vehicles should pull them fully out of the garage before letting them idle.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with symptoms of the common cold or seasonal flu. Residents who suspect carbon monoxide poisoning should call 911 immediately and let the responders know about any generators or fuel sources in or near their home.

Caution should also be exercised when using candles or kerosene lamps for lighting. Place them on a flat, stable surface that pets or small children can’t reach. Keep them well away from drapes, papers, and other fire hazards.

Visit ucnj.org to view receive winter weather updates, alerts, and other information from Union County.

To sign up online for emergency alerts by email or on a mobile device, use the “Citizen System” registration form ucnj.org/alerts. Please note that residents with land lines will continue to receive reverse-911 alerts on their home phones.

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 to Hold COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution [Updated: Event Postponed to February 5]

emergency food distribution rescheduling flyeremergency food distribution rescheduling flyer

Update: due to inclement weather, the  food distribution event originally scheduled for January 26 has been postponed to Saturday, February 5.

Union County, NJ – January 12, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that an emergency food distribution event will be held at Kean University in Union Township, for Union County residents affected by COVID-19.

(postponed to Saturday, February 5).

  • 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
  • Drive-thru

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County has distributed over 12 million pounds of food to families in need since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions and we are proud to continue to provide this valuable resource

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents still face housing issues, food insecurity and unemployment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution event at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

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“February Festivities” All-Ages Winter Fun Returns to Trailside, Feb. 19 and 20

people talking in the snowUnion County, NJ – January 14, 2022 – Union County residents looking for family-friendly outdoor fun during President’s Day weekend are invited to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center for a special series of outdoor nature programs. Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available at the site.

Programs are recommended for families with children ages four and older.

“February Festivities at Trailside offers a wide variety of programs designed to entertain and delight visitors of all ages, all taking place in the beautiful natural setting of the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Three programs will be offered each day on Saturday, February 19 and Monday, February 21, weather permitting.

A Wildlife Winter Walk is offered from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Participants will learn how animals adapt to long, cold days, and go on a hike to look for animal homes and hideouts and search for animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other telltale signs of a visit from animal neighbors.

The Journey of Sap to Syrup meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing.

A Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt takes place from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Investigate the winter woods for buck rubs, bird nests and bright red berries. Enjoy a scavenger hunt through the Reservation to see how many items you can find.

All participants are invited to conclude their outdoor nature experience around a warm campfire with some hot chocolate.

Pre-registration is required for all February Festivities programs. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page.

The fee per person per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.

Face coverings are recommended. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.

For more details about February Festivities and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. For quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by the Commissioner Board visit 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.orgcovid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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february festivities at trailside flyer

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 Commissioner Board Hosts Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service to Benefit Moms Helping Moms Foundation

diaper drive flyerUnion County residents invited to donate essential items for those in need, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Drop-off locations available in Elizabeth, Garwood, Springfield and Summit until Friday, January 21.

Union County, NJ – January 12, 2022 — Union County residents have an opportunity to help the youngest members of the community in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, by donating new packages of diapers, wipes and hygiene supplies for both baby and mom to the Moms Helping Moms Foundation for distribution to families in need.

Donation bins have been placed at four locations for drop-off during regular business hours until Friday, January 21:

  • Union County Administration Building lobby, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth
  • Garwood Borough Hall front hall, at 403 South Avenue in Garwood
  • Chisholm Community Center, at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield
  • Summit UPS Store, at 55 Union Place in Summit

Residents who would prefer touchless pick-up can make arrangements through the Union County Office on Women, by contacting Jennifer Erdos at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

“Residents who donate to the Diaper Drive will provide local families with much-needed assistance in meeting the cost of basic necessities. Together, we can all make a difference,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Moms Helping Moms is an organization that provides direct assistance to households with babies and young children up to age five. We are very proud to support their efforts, and we encourage everyone to pitch in,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

A group of new mothers launched Moms Helping Moms in 2011, with the goal of ensuring that every baby is provided with life’s basic necessities. Moms Helping Moms has since grown into a network that partner with community organizations, social workers, homeless shelters, schools, and others to collect and distribute essential items including diapers, clothing, formula, nursing supplies and strollers.

The collection bin in the Administration Building will be available during regular weekday hours until 5:00 p.m. beginning January 12th and ending January 21st. The Union County Administration Building will be closed on Martin Luther King Day holiday.  The Martin Luther King Day of Service collection is organized by the Union County Office on Women and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

For more information about the Office on Women visit online at ucnj.org/women or contact Jen Erdos, Coordinator, at jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4216.

More information on Moms Helping Moms is available at momshelpingmomsfoundation.org.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is observed each year on the third Monday in January. It is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

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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Free Financial Planning Workshop for Special Needs Families, Jan. 26

financial strategies workshop flyerUNION COUNTY, NJ— January 12, 2022 —Families with special needs children are invited to attend a free online event titled “Financial Education Workshop for Special Needs Families,” at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26. The event will be moderated by Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and will feature guidance from financial experts with The MidAtlantic Resource Group.

The event is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Union County Office on Women and the Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Department of Human Services. To register for the Zoom link, visit the Office on Women at ucnj.org/women.

“We know how difficult it can be to prepare for financial contingencies, and households that include special needs children face additional obstacles. This workshop will help parents and care givers sort through the estate planning process with reliable, expert guidance,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Conventional financial planning approaches may trigger unintended funding and tax issues where special needs children are concerned. The workshop will cover aspects of budgeting and estate planning that are unique to households with special needs children.

The panel will include Pasqual Rinaudo, Chief Operating Officer of MidAtlantic Resource Group, John Surguy, a Financial Advisor with MidAtlantic Resource Group.

The Mid Atlantic Resource Group offers a wide range of financial products and advice from financial professionals, with offices throughout New Jersey. It is associated with the independently owned and operated company Special Needs and Beyond, which focuses on helping families avoid common pitfalls and obstacles in financial planning for special needs children.

For more information about this program and other events organized by the Union County Office on Women, visit ucnj.org/women or contact the Office Coordinator, Jen Erdos, at jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4206, or use the online contact form.

For more information on the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, including recreational programs and resources, visit ucnj.org/special-needs or contact the Office Director, Manuel Ramirez at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4845.

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 ROLLING OUT Free COVID-19 Booster Shots FOR CHILDREN 12+ through FREE Vaccination Program

covid19UNION COUNTY, NJ— January 11, 2022 — In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, the County of Union will now offer booster shots to eligible, vaccinated children aged 12 and older, beginning today, Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

“As we continue to combat the winter spike in COVID-19 cases, we are now offering the booster to eligible children over the age of 12,” said Chair Rebecca Williams. “Union County strongly urges parents and guardians to get their vaccinated adolescents boosted as this will help provide even greater protection against severe symptoms of this virus and will continue to keep our children healthy, safe and protected.”

Union County residents who are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot can receive a booster free of charge through Union County’s COVID-19 vaccination program at all of the Union County sites (Kean University in Union, Warinanco Ice Skating Center in Roselle & Plainfield High School in Plainfield) from Tuesday – Saturday. Residents can make an appointment and find the full schedule of the vaccines and boosters on the County’s website at http://www.ucnj.org/covid19.

At this time, adolescents aged 12 through 17 years old may only receive a Pfizer booster, while adults aged 18 and older may receive any of the FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) as a booster.

Below is the most current information on recommendations for receiving a booster:

  • Everyone aged 12 and older who completed their initial 2-dose vaccination series with Pfizer at least five months ago;
  • Everyone aged 18 years and older who completed their initial 2-dose vaccination series with Moderna at least six months ago;
  • Everyone aged 18 years and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

People age 5+ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary shot of Pfizer- COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their second dose

In addition, the CDC has also updated its recommendation for when people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval to 5 months for people who received all mRNA boosters of COVID vaccines.

“The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority and it is critical that we do all that we can to protect our children from the effects of the COVID-19 infection,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee. “This booster will provide our youngest residents with an extra dose of protection they need as they return to school and extra-curricular activities and our Commissioner Board will continue to ensure that we have the necessary tools and resources required to combat this virus, together.”

Residents who are not yet vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The COVID-19 virus and its variants are still actively circulating throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, exposing Union County residents to additional risks when breakthrough infections. When breakthrough COVID-19 infections occur, vaccination has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death, as well as reducing the risk of permanent, long term health impacts and avoiding the financial consequences of hospitalization and follow-up care.

Residents wishing to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine can visit www.ucnj.org/vax or call the County of Union Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing hotline 908-613-7VAX (7829)

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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.

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Union County Clerk Reports Historic Increase in Revenue from Property Transactions

government buildingTotal for 2021 is highest in Union County History.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reports that revenues for property recordings by her office reached a historic high, totaling $75 million for 2021. In addition, revenues from other services totaled more than $651,000.

“The figure of $75 million for 2021 is a significant increase over 2020, when property transaction revenues were $48.6 million. The total for last year is far higher than in any year I have seen in the past 36 years, indicating a robust environment for economic activity in Union County” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Low interest rates and movement from cities to the suburbs have spurred the trend.”

Ms. Rajoppi was first elected to the office of County Clerk in 1995, having previously served as Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages beginning in 1985.

In addition to administering fees for property transactions, the office of the Union County Clerk is responsible for the administration of passport applications, notaries public certification, and business trade name registrations. The 2021 total of $651,767 in revenue for these services was more than double the $310,097 collected in 2020, when the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns were in force.

Due to a suspension of passport services by the US Department of State during part of 2021, the total of $651,767 was lower than the pre-pandemic peak of $850,623 in 2019.

Revenues from property transactions often reflect broader economic trends. In Union County, they previously peaked in the years leading up to the global financial crash of 2008. Revenues from property transactions stood at $48 million in 2006, fell to $45 million in 2007, and fell again in 2008, to $38 million. For several years following the crash, property revenues stayed in the range of $23 to $30 million.

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 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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“CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY” INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED BY CHAIR REBECCA L. WILLIAMS DURING 166TH ANNUAL UNION COUNTY GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION MEETING

presenting connecting out community initiativescommissioner Chistopher Hudak taking oath presenting connecting out community initiativescommissioner james e. baker taking oath commissioner kimberly palmieri-mouded taking oath commissioner alexander mirabella taking oath

UNION COUNTY, NJ— January 6, 2022 — The 166th Annual Reorganization Meeting was held on a smaller scale due to the growing numbers of the COVID-19 pandemic, earlier this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Union County Administration Building, in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams was selected as the Chair of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and Commissioner Christopher Hudak, was chosen as the Vice-Chair for the 2022 year. In the Chair’s speech, Commissioner Williams thanked former Chairman Mirabella for his service for the last two years due to the ongoing pandemic.

“In 2021, our theme was Union County Rising — and despite the circumstances, we did rise – thanks to former Chairman Al Mirabella,” said Chair Williams. “It takes a great leader to guide us during a time of uncertainty – and it was his ability to adapt and change direction as needed that took us to new heights.”

Continuing on, Commissioner Williams spoke on what the greatest initiative is for this term as Chair – which is remaining connected to the residents of Union County. Therefore announcing this year’s initiatives as “Connecting our Community.”

“There is no more important responsibility to us as commissioners—as a county government—than to keep our residents safe, and to provide ways for them to live, thrive, and succeed.”

The “Connecting Our Community” initiatives include:

“Technology & Infrastructure: “Being Connected Matters”: Union County is currently in the process of developing an all-inclusive countywide fiber ring. Funded through dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act, this fiber ring will be completed in three phases. Phases 1 & 2 are set to begin early in 2022. Connectivity between County buildings and our parks system will be addressed in these first two phases. Phase 3 will add municipal buildings and police departments to the network. Once complete, the life expectancy of this fiber network is 20 years, and will aid to bridge the digital divide to better ensure public safety and overall network reliability.

“Making Connections for Mental Health and Wellbeing”: Chair Williams will work with the Department of Human Services on additional programs and services in reference to the mental health of the County community.

“Connections through Cultural Enrichment and Recreation” & “Connecting & Engaging Residents”: A series of programs will be introduced that will not only help define and express who Union County is as a community, but also helps significantly contribute and enrich its ever-changing environment. From the creation of an Arts and Cultural Drama Development program for emerging playwrights to the opening of the all-inclusive park at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield and an Intergenerational Community Engagement program, where young people can work with senior citizens on different projects, the County of Union will continue to infuse arts, culture and recreation within its fabric, helping to lead the way of a place of distinction.

Chair Williams concluded the meeting with “The challenges we faced were countless. They were not always easy to solve. But we had the opportunity and the resources to face them head-on. Our Union County team was available and prepared to work together during a year of hardship and loss – and we owe it to those who elected us – to build a county that is truly heathier, connected and stronger. I am so honored and committed to serve all of you as Chair in 2022 and I am certain that if we stay connected and work together as one Union County – our future will be bright.”

In a private installation ceremony before the reorganization meeting, Commissioners Alexander Mirabella and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded were sworn in for their next term as Commissioners and James E. Baker, Jr., was sworn in for his first term as a Commissioner.

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Become a Certified Union County Master Gardener Volunteer in 2022

people standing for a photo outside in natureNo experience needed; training begins January 18 on a remote learning basis.

Update: For information about the 2023 Master Gardener training session contact To Madeline Flahive at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by phone at 908-654-9854 (ext.4) or by email at mflahive@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County gardeners have a chance to sharpen their skills while giving back to the community, by joining the Master Gardeners of Union County. All gardeners at any level of experience are welcome to join this popular volunteer program, from raw beginner to seasoned expert.

“The Master Gardeners program provides Union County residents with new opportunities to build their knowledge and apply their skills to help educate, engage and beautify our community. The Commissioner Board is proud to support this unique volunteer program and we are happy to see it return in 2022,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The Master Gardeners are volunteers who are trained and certified by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. They create and run programs for the public including educational workshops and horticulture programs for people with special needs. The centerpiece of the program is the 1.5 acre Union County Demonstration Garden, located adjacent to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

The 2022 Master Gardener training program begins on Tuesday, January 18 and runs through May. The program consists of weekly classes that cover basic botany, entomology and plant pathology, integrated pest management, vegetable gardening, tree fruit, lawn care and flower gardening among other topics.

Participants who complete the coursework and provide 60 hours of community service earn the title of Certified Master Gardener.

In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the 2022 training program will begin on a remote learning basis. Conditions permitting, outdoor workshops at the Demonstration Garden may be added in the spring.

To apply for the 2022 training course, visit the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County registration website at http://bttr.im/fem3x. There is a $200 program registration fee, and scholarships are available.

The courses will be presented through Rutgers Canvas, the online learning portal of Rutgers University. Participants can join the live sessions on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to noon, or view pre-recorded sessions at their convenience.

To learn more about the Master Gardeners program, contact Madeline Flahive at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County by phone at 908-654-9854 (ext.4) or by email at mflahive@ucnj.org.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. It is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rce.

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

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.