Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reports that revenues for transactions recorded by her office totaled more than $40 million in 2016, the highest since the global financial crash of 2008.

“The robust level of activity in 2016 is further evidence that the Union County economy is on a strong footing,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Under the New Jersey Constitution, the office of the County Clerk is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages and all documents related to land transactions.

“The global financial crisis had an immediate effect on real estate activity in Union County,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “County Clerk revenues dropped from approximately $48 million in 2006 to $45 million in 2007, and then down to $38 million in 2008. Revenues hovered in the $23 million range for the next three years before beginning to pick up in 2011.”

Final revenue figures for 2016 totaled $40,443,756. The Recording Division yielded $39,800,756 in transactions. The Business Division revenue totaled $642,452.

“Even with the increased activity, my office ensures that all documents are recorded on the same day,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Our staff is experienced, professional and dedicated to excellence.”

Ms. Rajoppi’s office provides an online recording service in addition to accepting submissions in person, or via courier service including USPS, UPS, FedEx and NJLS.

“E-recording is by far the most convenient method because it is available 24/7 from any location with an Internet connection,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “We encourage our clients to use e-recording, but our one-day turnaround commitment also applies to walk-ins and mail.”

By law, the majority of County Clerk revenues are remitted to the State of New Jersey. In 2016, Union County retained $8,724, 042 of the total and remitted $32,503,298.

In addition, Union County retained $216,416 for the Union County Homeless Trust Fund.

Established in 2010 under a State law, the Trust Fund is financed with a $3.00 fee on each transaction handled by the County Clerk.

“I’m proud to say that Union County was among the first counties in New Jersey to establish a Homeless Trust Fund,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The funds have made a great deal of difference in the lives of Union County residents who struggle with housing issues.”

To date, the Homeless Trust Fund has collected $973,546. The funds go to homelessness prevention services as well as affordable housing and rental assistance vouchers.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Freeholders encourages residents to attend two informational meetings in Cranford and Rahway hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Rahway River Flood Risk Management Study.

The meetings are part of a 45-day public comment period for the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report (DIFR) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Rahway River Flood Risk Management Study, from December 9, 2016 to January 23, 2017.

“The Freeholder Board strongly supports this flood control project, which has been many years in development,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “These two meetings provide an excellent opportunity to stay informed about this significant addition to our regional infrastructure.”

“Our colleagues on the Freeholder Board, our local officials on the Mayors Council Rahway River Watershed Flood Control, and our state and federal legislators are to be commended for working diligently to ensure that the planning process keeps moving forward,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski. “I encourage members of the public to register their views by attending the upcoming meetings, and by submitting comments online before the January 23 deadline.”

Residents may attend either or both of the two meetings, at the following locations:

Wednesday, January 11, Roy Smith Theater at the Union County College Cranford Campus, 1033 Springfield Avenue.

Thursday, January 12, Rahway Public Library, 2 City Hall Plaza.

Both meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at 9:00. They will include formal presentations and information exchange sessions.

The Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and EIS, and instructions for submitting comments are available online from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at nan.usace.army.mil/Rahway.

General questions regarding the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study can be directed to Ms. Rifat Salim, Project Manager, Rifat.Salim@usace.army.mil, 917-790-8215.

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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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Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza.

Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series explores the wonders of science in the dynamic and uniquely funny live performance of Bubble Trouble on stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Available now, all tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to present the sensory-friendly performance series, designed to increase access to the arts for children and adults with sensory sensitivities,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Bring the entire family to experience this uniquely interactive sensory-friendly performance where the audience participates in the creation of art.”

A bubble volcano. Bubble roller coaster. A kid in a bubble? Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza. It’s the craziest, most creative bubble show around. Jeff juggles bubbles, sculpts and builds with bubbles, makes fog-filled bubbles and more. Mixing comedy, music and interactive bubble-magic, he engages and delights audiences of all ages. A hit at performing arts centers, festivals…anywhere there’s air.

For each of the performances in Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series the theatre environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at each of the sensory-friendly performances. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Mary Kooi of Summit in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located in the historic St. John’s Parsonage at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “County Clare to Cuenca” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery through March 31. The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit during regular gallery hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

“The talent and diversity of our county artists assure an inspiring variety of exhibits at the Pearl Street Gallery,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We are pleased to display Ms. Kooi’s beautiful landscape paintings.”

Mary is originally from the Chicago area, and transplanted to Summit in 2000.  She works in textile and furniture as an outside sales representative at Thibaut/Duralee in the D&D building in NYC servicing the interior design community.

Mary has been a student of art most of her life, minoring in Art at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana, and earning a BFA in Textiles from the Art Institute of Chicago.  Mary continues her studies under the instruction of Valeri Larko at the New Jersey Center for Visual Arts in Summit.  Mary has had the opportunity to travel to Monhegan Island, Maine, Maryland, the Cape, Delaware, Ireland, Italy and Spain with fellow artists to find inspiration for canvases like those displayed in this exhibit.

Mary’s painting reflects her love of light and color, particularly as reflected in outdoor scenes. Her work has been exhibited extensively in one-woman and group shows including: the Papermill Playhouse, Millburn, NJ; Edward Hopper House, Member’s Show, Nyack, NY; the Springfield, New Providence, Summit and Bernardsville Libraries; Visual Art Center of NJ, Summit; and other venues.

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery space are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Free on-site parking is available. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. Send E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County Government will hold its annual reorganization at the County Courthouse on Sunday, January 8th, which begins at 12 p.m.

Those scheduled to be sworn into new terms include: Freeholders Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Sergio Granados. Freeholder Bruce Bergen is expected to be appointed Chairman for a second-straight year, and Freeholder Granados is expected to be appointed, also for a second-straight year, as Vice Chairman.

Freeholders will also vote to fill numerous positions on county advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2017 schedule and more.

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are looking for ways to go green in 2017 now have a handy online tool to help out: the new Union County Green Connection. The Green Connection provides quick links to Union County programs related to environmental conservation, including volunteer opportunities, recycling events, educational programs, alternative transportation and much more.

The Green Connection is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/green-connection.

“The Green Connection is a colorful, user-friendly experience that can be enjoyed by all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “If you are looking for ways to make a difference in your community, exploring the Green Connection is a good way to start.”

The Green Connection is part of Chairman Bergen’s “Union County Means Green” initiatives for 2016, which also included a seminar for local businesses, a series of recycling programs for elementary school students, and a Community Garden Grants program that provided matching funds for 19 gardens in 10 municipalities.

In addition to services run by Union County offices, the Green Connection provides links to municipal websites and local organizations that offer programs related to sustainability and the environment.

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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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Marking the beginning of Chanukah, Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Union County Manager Alfred Faella gathered with Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky and representatives from Bris Avrohom of Hillside to light the menorah in Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Manager Alfred Faella honor and thank Chairman Bruce H. Bergen for an outstanding year at the helm of County Government with a plaque in honor of his “One County, One Community”  Chairman’s initiatives for 2016. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that online voting has begun for the 2017 UC-STEP countywide community service project. The annual event is created and run by sophomore and junior high school students participating in the Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program.

This year’s community service theme addresses the problem of food insecurity and hunger in local neighborhoods, especially among children.

“Over the past four years, UC-STEP has provided hundreds of high school juniors and seniors with a chance to meet and collaborate with their peers all across Union County, to create service projects that engage the whole community. UC-STEP is a rewarding experience that underscores how young people can make a real difference, by pulling together for a good cause,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

“There are three wonderful ideas on the table, and I am very proud of all the students who participated,” said Freeholder Linda Carter. “They brought their enthusiasm, creativity and a lot of heart to make this year’s UC-STEP summit a success.”

UC-STEP was initiated by Freeholder Carter in 2013, when she served as Chairman. The focus of the program is a day-long youth development summit in December.

The highlight of the summit is an exercise in which teams of students collaborate to create ideas for community service projects. The ideas are put up for a public vote, and the winning idea is developed as a countywide community service effort with support from the Freeholder Board.

This year, 195 students from 27 high schools participated in the UC-STEP summit.

The three ideas to be voted on are:

Miles for Meals — a fundraising event that incorporates a 5k run with local performing talent and food concessions.  Registration fees will go to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and a portion of the proceeds from food sales will go to ending childhood hunger.

Flip for Food — a school vs. school water bottle flipping team competition. Schools will contribute an entry fee to participate, and the fees will go to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Kans 4 Kids — a collection project that will focus on nutritious canned goods. Student teams from different schools will assemble the cans for display in a structure-building contest that helps to draw attention to the issue of food insecurity.

Votes may be cast on the UC-STEP website at ucnj2.org/uc-step or on the UC-STEP Facebook page. Voting closes on January 5, and the winning project will be announced on January 8.

For more information about UC-STEP and to view recorded student presentations about the three projects, visit ucnj2.org/uc-step.

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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 is pleased to announce that Second Chance, a program of the Plainfield Area YMCA is now accepting applications from out-of-school youths and young adults ages 16-24.

Second Chance is a free program designed to help young people gain life skills and training that leads to gainful employment and career advancement.

“Second Chance will help bring together educational and workforce development resources, to help ensure that every young person in Union County is in a good position to find work and improve their situation,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The Second Chance program provides assistance with GED preparation and testing, as well as employment training and services.

“Second Chance offers an intensive, multi-faceted approach that helps young people assemble a stronger foundation for success in life,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

Key topics covered by the program include leadership development, financial literacy, secondary school alternatives, entrepreneurial skills training, and healthy living.

Participants will have access to the YMCA computer room, fitness center and other resources.

Second Chance is fully funded under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a national program that coordinates educational and career training resources. The Freeholder Board is responsible for administering federal WIOA funds in Union County.

The Freeholder Board designated the Plainfield Area YMCA to receive the funds for Second Chance based on the recommendation of the Union County Workforce Development Board.

Second Chance will be offered at the Plainfield Area YMCA, 518 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield, in a series of classes that meets Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program begins in January and will conclude in March.

Partnering with the Plainfield Area YMCA in the Second Chance program are Union County College, and the non-profit organizations Homefirst, United Family and Children Services, and Venture Venture.

For more information about Second Chance contact Program Director India Hughes at the Plainfield YMCA, 908-756-6060 ext. 104 or ihughes@plainfieldymca.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.

Connect with Union County on social media.