County of Union, New JerseyDefault category for all normal press releases
Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Angel G. Estrada joined Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin, New Jersey’s Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, State Senator Nicholas Scutari, Chairman of the Union County College Board of Trustees Victor Richel, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, alumni and students at the Union County College 85th Anniversary Celebration at the Cranford campus. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that they can view and download sample ballots for all 21 municipalities on the County Clerk’s new elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through the Union County Votes app, a free download for all mobile devices.
“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Rajoppi.
Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter after the close of voter registration, approximately 10 days before the election.
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 all County Clerk programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed October 11, 2018 as National Coming Out Day throughout the County of Union and further declared Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals during the Freeholder Board mobile meeting in Plainfield on October 11, 2018.
The County observed National Coming Out Day on October 11 and participated in the one-day campaign that engages communities to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBTQ people by coming out in support of safe spaces where they “LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY.”
“The Freeholder Board has a proud history of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “The patchwork nature of current LGBTQ protections across the country and the recent significant reversals of Federal LGBTQ protections amplifies the urgency for local governments to provide non-discrimination protections. I am a strong believer in equality and inclusion for all and will not stop working until that is realized by all within our communities.”
Through a resolution declaring Union County a safe space for LGBTQ individuals, the Freeholder Board emphasizes the extensive legal protections, outreach and advocacy efforts to create a safe space for LGBTQ people in Union County, and reiterates its determination for providing the LGBTQ community meaningful support and resources.
“As a Freeholder representing the interests of all Union County residents, I believe it is extremely important to lead our communities toward acceptance and respect for all people,” Freeholder Alexander Mirabella, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Services will continue to be persistent and determined in our work to counter the atrocious actions of the current administration in Washington with programs and services that help ensure the rights and safety of LGBTQ individuals in Union County.”
Any individual, school, business or organization wishing to support to creating safer spaces for LGBTQ people can request a copy of the resolution for personal and professional display, by contacting the Office of LGBTQ Services Coordinator at DNewbury@ucnj.org or 908-527-4742.
Established as part of Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward initiatives, the Office of LGBTQ Services, under the Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Department of Human Services, is the first County government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey – and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices.
Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Services offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Services visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.
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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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Includes “Mercury Bounty” $5.00 gift card for residents turning in mercury thermostats.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for everyone to pitch in and help improve the environment. Residents can safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other special waste by bringing these items to a free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday, October 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nokia campus, located at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence.
Residents with paint cans to dispose of are advised to bring only oil-based paints and varnishes. Paint cans with a missing or illegible label are not accepted, and latex paint is not accepted. Residents who need to dispose of latex paint should let it dry in the can, then discard with their regular garbage.
“The Household Hazardous Waste program for Union County residents is particularly important as we become more aware of the need for safe disposal and recycling of commonly used household products and other materials,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Everyone can pitch in to help improve the environmental health and safety of our community, by clearing potentially harmful items from their homes and yards.”
Residents only need to drive to the Household Hazardous Waste event with their household special wastes; no further handling is required. Workers at the site will unload the vehicles.
The October 27 event continues Union County’s “Mercury Bounty” collection program through a partnership with the company Covanta. Covanta offers $5.00 Home Depot gift cards to any residents turning in mercury-containing thermostats.
“Covanta is proud to continue its partnership with Union County for this important mercury take back event,” said Covanta’s Director of Environmental Science and Community Affairs Kenneth Armellino.
Accepted items at the Household Hazardous Waste recycling event include oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.
Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. There is a limit of eight automobile tires (without rims) per household.
The household hazardous waste collection will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required.
For more information, call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on October 27 as well as all recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.
Union County’s recycling programs support the goals of Chairman Granados’s 2018 Moving Union County Forward “Plant a Seed” initiative for environmental stewardship and individual empowerment.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.
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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, NJ – Bring the kids, bring a friend, because once again it’s that time to ride the rails into history.
On October 20 and 21, Union County celebrates Four Centuries In A Weekend, when historic sites and museums across the County open their doors to the public, free of charge, from Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Many of the sites are within walking distance of the train stations across the County. To see the list, with directions, go to: ucnj.org/trainthrutime
“Four centuries is a wonderful event in and of itself,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “It is an opportunity to learn more about the rich history of our county. But that said, a train ride can make the day extra special, particularly for young families.”
Granados said he also appreciated how Mountainside and Kean University would be partnering again to enable people to visit several sites via trolleys and shuttles.
On both days, Kean University will provide free trolley service from NJ Transit’s Union Station to Liberty Hall Museum. Visitors arriving at the station should walk across the street to the Kean campus, where a trolley will be waiting.
Meanwhile, Mountainside will provide a free shuttle that will make a loop from the Westfield train station to the Deserted Village, with stops at the Miller-Cory Museum, the Reeve House and Mountainside’s Deacon Hetfield House, before reaching the Deserted Village, where the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors a host of activities and tours for young and old alike, from free hayrides to 18th century children’s games and history tours.
“Some sites, like Fanwood, are right at the train station,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Bette Jane Kowalski. “Others have further walks, but if it is a beautiful fall day, it may be just the right time to enjoy a leisurely stroll.”
NJ Transit allows children to ride free on weekends. Monthly commuter passes are also valid. For those wishing to cycle from a train station, be sure to check with NJ Transit’s guidelines for bringing bikes aboard the trains.
Long before the Raritan Valley Line, there was the Central Railroad of New Jersey. From stations across Union County, from Plainfield to Elizabeth, it was possible to board a train to Chicago, or from Jersey City, to board a ferry to New York City. The CNJ is long gone, but some of the historic sites along the route remain, and you can ride the train to visit some of them.
A number of other historic sites are within walking distance from the train station on the Northeast Corridor line (Elizabeth, North Elizabeth & Rahway) and on the Morristown Line, which stops in Summit. For those really looking for a rail adventure, it is possible to transfer between all the rail lines at Secaucus Junction.
For more details visit ucnj.org/4C and scroll down to see “Visit Union County’s Historic Sites via Mass Transit,” or visit ucnj.org/trainthrutime.
For quick links to all transportation options countywide visit Union County ConneXions at ucnj.org/connect.
For more information and complete details on all Four Centuries in a Weekend events visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs or contact the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay Users dial 711) or culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, which offers enriching public programs and activities all year. Visit online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.
Photo credit: Kean University Trolley by Kristen DeMatos.
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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, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a contract award to the company ES&S to provide a new vote tabulation system for the Union County Board of Elections at its regular meeting on Thursday, October 11, 2018.
The ExpressVote XL combines a touch screen ballot marking device with a voter verified paper audit trail allowing the voter to review their voting choices to ensure their vote is accurately recorded. The verified audit trail also provides a paper record of the election which can be used for recounts and will be used for audits.
The ExpressVote XL will be used in a pilot program in Westfield for the November 6, 2018 General Election. The new system will be used throughout the county by the end of next year, ahead of the 2020 Presidential Election.
The initial contract award for $1.9 million will include 190 voting machines, two vote tabulators, hardened workstations, software licensing, training and hardware and software maintenance. The balance of the contract will be included in the 2019 capital budget in the amount of $2.9 million for a total amount not to exceed $4.8 million.
This is the first time in 20 years that the county has taken steps to make a significant investment in its election infrastructure. The ExpressVote XL is federally certified by the Election Assistance Commission as well as the State of New Jersey.
“While federal certification is not required for state certification, the Election Board felt the extra scrutiny of the system is warranted considering the national conversation relative to election security,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator at the Union County Board of Elections.
The Union County Board of Elections will be hosting demonstrations for Westfield voters at the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield on Saturdays, starting October 13, 2018 from 9:00am – 1:00pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting October 16, 2018 from 8:00am – 7:00pm.
Voters from throughout the county are also welcome to view the new machine, as this machine will be coming to all election districts next year.
Any Westfield community groups wishing to host a demonstration prior to Election Day should contact the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.
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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, NJ – Have you received an unsolicited mailing that contains a Vote-by-Mail application in your name? If you have, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has some guidance for you.
“These mailings come from various groups, as a way to encourage registered voters to use Vote-by-Mail ballots,” explained Ms. Rajoppi. “It’s a common practice and is not prohibited by law, though it does seem to have caused some confusion. Voters have been calling my office to ask why they received the mailing.”
The mailings have been going out to voters statewide. The two groups reported to be sending the mailings are the Voter Participation Center, based in Trenton, and the Center for Voter Information, based Washington, DC.
Typically, the mailings include the name and address of the voter. Any organization can obtain this information through a public database maintained by the New Jersey Division of Elections.
“As long as the information in the mailing is correct, it can be used to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “However, voters should know that these mailings do not come from my office. There is no obligation to use them.”
In New Jersey, any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, for any reason.
Voting by mail is a process that begins when the voter sends an application form to the County Clerk’s office.
“The application forms are widely available through state, county, and local government offices as well as online,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “If you received an unsolicited application and discarded it, you can easily obtain another one if you wish to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot.”
To obtain a Vote-by-Mail application form and get more details about the Vote-by-Mail process, visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or download the free Union County Votes.
The next step in the process occurs when the County Clerk’s office reviews the application. The review includes comparing the voter signature on the application with the signature in their registration file.
When the application is approved, the County Clerk mails a personalized Vote-by-Mail ballot to the voter.
The voter then completes the process by filling in their Vote-by-Mail ballot and returning it the Board of Elections, using the envelope provided.
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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 history trading cards are available at Four Centuries In A Weekend sites
Union County, NJ — Langston Hughes lived in Westfield? Alexander Hamilton studied in Elizabeth? The cellphone has its origins in Murray Hill?
With Union County’s Four Centuries In A Weekend to return Oct. 20 & 21, historic sites across the county will all have history cards celebrating people, places and innovations that have connections to Union County, a county with a rich history, dating back to when the Lenape lived and hunted throughout the region long before the arrival of the first Europeans.
On Four Centuries, children of all ages—and adults– are invited to hunt down and collect Union County’s new History Trading Cards.
“Union County has an incredibly rich history—a history most residents are not aware of,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Union County has been home to celebrated authors, artists, actors, inventors—the list goes on.”
“When we rolled out the first four cards at the Deserted Village as a trial in the fall of 2016, we knew we had a hit,” Granados said. “The kids went searching all over the Village to collect the cards.”
The County’s Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs added another 25 cards this year to the series, bringing the collection up to nearly 50 cards, with every historic site having a card unique to the community.
While the Founding Fathers are well represented, from David Brearley — a signer of the US Constitution on behalf of New Jersey — who can be found at the Nitschke House in Kenilworth, to Abraham Clark, in Roselle and Clark, there are cards involving lesser known, but important figures in Union County’s 400-year history.
“We live in a County that is so long in history — and I’m not talking just about the Revolution –I’m talking about a County whose residents played vital roles in every century since New Jersey was first settled in the 1600s,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen.
“When babies are born and they want to check to see if they’re okay,” Bergen said, “they administer the Apgar test. Dr. Virginia Apgar, who invented that test, lived in Westfield.”
Visitors to Westfield will not only be able to collect the Apgar card at the Reeve House, but also added to the collection this year are cards for Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, and just this month, Charles Addams. To see the cards now available, and where to find them, go to: ucnj.org/tradingcards.
Among other new cards this year are Lionel Trains, which had a major production plant in Hillside, Telstar, the first communications satellite developed at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, and John Shippen Jr., who changed the face of golf and worked for years at Shady Rest Country Club in Scotch Plains.
The history card program is part of a larger initiative launched by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs to raise awareness of local history. The Office was recognized earlier this year by the National Association of Counties (NACo) with an achievement award honoring innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. A group of projects was recognized that included the history trading cards, signage marking the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage area, and sponsorship of the National Parks passport program.
For more information on the trading cards, Four Centuries In A Weekend and all Cultural & Heritage Affairs programs and activities call 908-558-2550 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
Union County, NJ – There is still time to register for Union County’s second annual Lunch & Learn educational series for entrepreneurs, business owners and managers, featuring the popular Memory Switch workshop created by Matthew Goerke. The event takes place on Wednesday, October 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway.
The Memory Switch program enhances essential cognitive skills, including the ability to recall names, faces and key information. Participants will learn how to boost sales and networking skills as well as reduce stress and improve their confidence.
Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business/#memoryreg. The $10 registration fee includes a boxed lunch.
Lunch & Learn is sponsored through the Freeholder Board’s Union County Means Business initiative in support of local businesses.
For more information about Lunch & Learn, and more information about Union County Means Business, visit ucnj.org/ucmb or contact Deana Mesaros at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org.
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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, NJ – With the upcoming General Election approaching on November 6, the Union County Board of Elections advises residents to be aware of important deadlines, changes in statewide regulations and other items of interest for Union County voters this year.
October 16 is the Deadline to Register to Vote (applies to unregistered voters only):
Union County residents who are eligible to participate in elections but have not registered to vote can obtain a registration form online from the Board of Elections, the County Clerk, or their municipal clerk’s offices.
Unregistered voters who need assistance can call the Board of Elections during regular business hours, 8am – 4pm, at 908-527-4123. The office will be open until 9pm on October 16 to accommodate new registrations.
Polling place access (voters with disabilities):
Most of the polling places in Union County have a main entrance that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A number of polling places do not have an ADA-compliant main entrance, but they do provide an alternate entrance for persons who need one.
For the first time this year, the location of any alternate entrance will be listed on the Board of Elections website, along with the location of the main entrance, and the location of alternate entrances will also be provided on sample ballots. Sample ballots are mailed to each voter and made available online seven to ten days before an election.
Polling Place Changes (Elizabeth, Fanwood and Linden voters only):
Polling places in the following districts have changed. The new polling place is noted below. If voters are not sure what election district they live in, they should call the Board of Elections, 908-527-4123.
Polling place corrections (may impact some voters in various municipalities):
As part of an upgrade to the State Voter Registration System, the New Jersey Division of Elections has been correcting instances in which an address has been located in the wrong district, ward or municipality. These voters were notified of the error by letter and provided with the correct information, including the location of the correct polling place.
All voters can find their correct polling place information listed on their sample ballots.
New Voting Machines (Westfield voters only):
Voters in Westfield will be using new voting machines that provide a paper audit trail. As with all voting machines, the new machines are not connected to the Internet.
The new machine also features a touch screen that mirrors the layout of the sample ballots.
Westfield residents can familiarize themselves with the new machines by visiting the Board of Elections website. A new voting machine is also on display at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. It may be viewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Board of Elections will be attending the upcoming Westfield council meeting on October 23 to demonstrate the machine, which is streamed live on Facebook.
Additional municipalities will receive the new machines in upcoming elections.
In addition to these advisories, the Board of Elections reminds voters that all eligible Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots are always counted, and are included in the final, certified results for each election. Any Vote by Mail ballot that is mailed and post-marked on Election Day, and received within 48 hours of the close of the polls, will be counted. The Board of Elections office will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on November 7 and November 8 in order to receive all mail delivered within 48 hours. Vote by Mail ballots cannot be hand delivered during this time.
All Vote-by-Mail ballots will be counted on Friday, November 9. All provisional ballots will also be counted on Friday, November 9.
The deadline for final, official certification of the election results is normally set for the Monday following an election. However, due to the expanded 48-hour window to receive Vote by Mail ballots, state elections officials have set Wednesday, November 14 as the deadline.
For more details about voter registration, polling places, and other election information visit the Board of Elections at ucnj.org/board-of-elections, call 908-527-4123, email ucboe@ucnj.org or visit unioncountyvotes.com.
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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.