Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce a historic achievement that the Union County Regional Communications Center has been awarded the prestigious APCO International’s Agency Training Program Certification, a Project 33® Initiative. Union County is not only the first center in the state to receive this distinguished designation but also the only agency in the county to achieve this honor.

“Receiving this certification is a significant milestone for Union County and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing top-tier public safety services,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, “I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and the exceptional quality of our training program.”

This certification confirms that their training curriculum meets the APCO ANS 3.103.2-2015 standards for Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators. The certification is valid for three years and will require recertification on a three-year cycle. This certification highlights Union County Public Safety’s commitment to excellence in public safety communications and positions the center as a leader in the industry. The re-accreditation recognizes the superior quality of their training program and reaffirms their dedication to maintaining the highest standards in emergency communications.

“Achieving this certification as the first center in the state is a remarkable accomplishment for Union County,” said County Manager Ed Oatman. “It highlights the exceptional work and dedication of our training officers and the leadership of our Public Safety team, particularly Gareth Williams and Jim Harris. Their efforts have set a new benchmark for excellence in public safety communications and firmly position us as a leader in the field. We are honored to be recognized on a national level.”

The Union County Regional Communications Center will be honored during the Food for Thought Luncheon at APCO’s 91st Annual Conference & Expo, taking place in Baltimore, MD, from July 27-30, 2025.

Union County is proud to host the nation’s first-ever inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive National Night Out, taking place on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cranford Campus of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

This collaborative effort between the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Union County Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Department and UCNJ promises a fun-filled evening welcoming all ages and abilities.

The event will be held both indoors and outdoors at UCNJ and will feature a variety of activities for the whole family, including but not limited to:

• Interactive Activities: Photo Booth, Connect Four Game, Bubbles Corner, Silent Disco, Meet the Police Canines, Touch-a-Truck with Rescue Vehicles, and an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog.
• Food and Drinks: Delicious treats from Rita’s Italian Ice Station, fresh fruit, and snacks.
• Informational Tables: Representatives from Union County Public Information, UCNJ Admissions, Kean University, UCPO Welcome Headquarters & Volunteer Station, UCPO Table, ARRIVE Together/CIT, Blue Envelope/Special Needs Registry, Autism New Jersey, Inroads to Opportunities, The Arc, ICMS (Integrated Case Management Services), Children’s Specialized Hospital, Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.
• Sensory Support Stations: Dedicated spaces offering temporary tattoos, face painting, coloring sheets, activity sheets, color and calm books for caregivers, and electronic displays in a common area.
• Movement and Play: Interactive and movement-based games, a Lightning Wheels apparatus, a plastic can toss game, plastic Jenga, a Police Q&A spinning wheel, and an obstacle course.
• Relaxation and Support: A designated quiet zone with social stories available.

Union County Prosecutor William Daniel shares his excitement about the first-of-its-kind event.

“National Night Out is a wonderful tradition in building police-community relationships, but it is important to remember that not everyone experiences the world in the same way. It’s vital to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe. By creating an environment with designated quiet areas and offering adaptable activities, we can make this event truly inclusive for all residents of Union County, regardless of physical, intellectual, developmental, and cognitive abilities.”

“We are immensely proud to be the first county in the nation to host an inclusive and sensory- supportive National Night Out,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri- Mouded. “This event allows all residents, regardless of their abilities, to come together and celebrate, developing stronger, more inclusive connections across Union County. We invite everyone to join us for this historic celebration of community, safety, and inclusion.”

“We’re thrilled to be a partner of Union County’s National Night Out for Everyone and to share our expertise in creating an inclusive, sensory friendly and accessible environment,” said Matthew B. McDonald III, MD, President and CEO, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “We applaud the County for recognizing a gap in offerings at this national event and enlisting the needed support to create a space where everyone can participate equally. We look forward to a wonderful night of community camaraderie.”

“We are proud to partner with the County of Union and the Prosecutor’s Office to support this important community event. Not only is it a great way to connect law enforcement to residents, but it is an opportunity for us to showcase our Cranford Campus. As an open-access community college, we meet students where they are. We have students of all abilities, and we are particularly proud to partner on this kind of inclusive, welcoming event,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Union County’s event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local law enforcement, learn about valuable resources, and celebrate our diverse community in an inclusive, accessible, and sensory-supportive environment.

Union County National Night Out for Everyone promises to be a unique and memorable event for all. Join us as we celebrate community, safety, and inclusion!

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory. More information can be found at ucnj.org/ucnno.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to present a special performance by Five Against One, a tribute band dedicated to celebrating the music of Pearl Jam.

“Echo Lake Park provides a beautiful backdrop for an evening of great music and relaxation with family or friends,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are excited to host Five Against One, so I encourage our residents to bring their yoga mats for a rejuvenating yoga session before the concert, and then settle in for an evening of live music with all of those who attend. See you there!”

This concert will take place on Wednesday, August 7^th, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. The evening begins with a yoga session with Fearvana Yoga from Kenilworth at 6:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.

Five Against One pays homage to Pearl Jam, one of the seminal bands of the Seattle grunge rock movement that captivated America in the early ‘90s. The band passionately re-creates iconic hits like “Yellow Ledbetter,” “Alive,” and “Better Man,” offering concertgoers a nostalgic journey back to that unforgettable era in music history.

For more information or updates about the 2024 Summer Arts Concert Series, visit www.ucnj.org/summer24.

For more information about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation’s activities and programs, please visit ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the ballot drawing for the Special General Election for the 10th Congressional District will be held on Wednesday, July 31st at 3:00pm. The drawing will take place on the 2nd Floor Courtroom located in the Union County Jail at 15 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.  Elevator access is available. To view a livestream of the drawing, please visit the Union County Clerk’s website, www.unioncountyvotes.com.

“Union County is committed to ensuring a transparent and accessible electoral process,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “We encourage residents to stay informed and engaged by tuning into the livestream available on our website.”

The Special General Election, scheduled for September 18^th, will select a candidate to succeed the late Congressman Donald Payne Jr. in the 10^th Congressional District, which includes Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden (part), Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union Township.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, please visit www.unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the recycling of their personal documents and sensitive papers at the County’s next free paper shredding event on Saturday, August 17^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at Kean University in the Kean Hall Lot, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union.

“Our paper shredding events are not only essential for protecting against identity theft, but also for preserving trees and safeguarding our environment from potential hazards,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We invite everyone to join us in our recycling efforts as we work towards making Union County cleaner, safer, and more environmentally conscious.”

Upon arrival, there will be plenty of signage to direct residents to the shredding site. The shredding event begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. However, if the shredding trucks reach full capacity, the event will end earlier. Residents are advised to arrive at the start of the event to ensure that there is capacity for their materials.

All shredding events are drive-up and contact-free. We ask residents to have their papers in the trunk of their car or the cargo bed of their truck before arrival so that staff can easily remove the material to be shredded as easily and as efficiently as possible. Residents must remain in their cars while staff unload their papers, which are shredded on-site in a mobile shredding truck. Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed before arrival at the shredding site.

Union County’s free shredding events are intended for personal, sensitive, and residentially generated documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other waste paper through their municipal recycling program. For contact information regarding your municipal recycling program, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. Residents are limited to ten pounds (four bags/ boxes) per vehicle. Business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. Businesses that show up at the event will be turned away. Businesses that need shredding services can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning by phone at 908-654-9890 or via the online form at www.ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.

For the complete 2024 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 funded through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“Our veterans are accustomed to handling responsibility, have a strong work ethic, and understand the importance of serving the community with integrity. These qualities are exactly what our workforce needs and what employers are seeking out in potential candidates,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “We encourage all resident veterans, military personnel, and their family members seeking career opportunities to join us on August 21^st and explore the available career options.”

If you wish to have your organization participate as an employer in this event, please reach out to Carolina Marin at 908-527-4343 or ajcbusinessteam@ucnj.org.

Organizations Participating as of August 14th

• U.S. Marshal
• NJ Transit
• Assisting Hands
• Seafarers
• Propel America
• Springpoint
• NJ Veterans Network
• VFW
• Council for Airport Opportunity
• Port Authority
• Kelly Services
• DOL
• Community Hope NJ
• Red Cross
• New Jersey Department of Corrections
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 22 Apprenticeship and Training Program
• New Jersey Reentry Corporation
• ScaVet Technologies LLC (SVT)
• Home Depot
• Linden Police Department
• Tristate Medical

“Our primary aim with this job fair is to give back to our veterans for their service and sacrifice by placing them at the forefront of hiring,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “By prioritizing our veterans, we honor their contributions and support their transition to civilian life. Our American Job Center provides exceptional support and resources to help someone find a fulfilling career. I hope to see our veteran population there, as we work together to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce in Union County.”

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and are encouraged to bring their resumes to the event.

To register for the Veterans Job Fair, please visit ucnj.org/job-fairs.

The Union County American Job Center is supported with funds from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), totaling $1,700,000. 100% of these services are financed through federal funding sources.

To learn how your business can participate in the Veterans Job Fair or all Union County job fairs, please contact Carolina Marin at (908) 527-4373 or at ajcbusinessteam@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, are proud to partner with the organizers of RiseUp for their LGBTQ+ Health Conference scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024 at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

“This conference reflects Union County’s dedication to educating healthcare providers about the critical issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Union County stands firm in its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that everyone receives the support they deserve.”

The conference is dedicated to educating healthcare providers on current issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community featuring keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities and will include the topics of grief, intimate partner violence, and financial abuse within the LGBTQ+ community.

“By bringing together healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders, we are creating an environment of learning, collaboration, and empowerment,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “This conference will also serve as a platform to honor those who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting visibility and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ health and rights.”

Clinical topics like advancing health equity and HIV are also included.  Additionally, it will honor individuals who have made significant positive contributions to the community. These honorees have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in advancing visibility and inclusivity.

The honorees for the 2024 Rise Up LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference are:

• Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, County of Union – Recipient of the Singer Lifetime Achievement Award
• Dr. Christopher Awwad, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center – Recipient of the Taylor-Ponterotto Prism of Inclusivity Healthcare Award
• Robert Charkowsky, County of Union – Recipient of the Sauer Service Award
• Sabrina Dias, Season 21 of The Voice – Recipient of the Rase Courage and Visibility Award
• Jamie Farley, PA-C, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Recipient of the Oullette Excellence in Education Award

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to improving the dignity and respect for LGBTQ+ patients and the community,” said Sherri Rase, Director of Marketing and Communications at Bridge to Visibility, an organization created to educate healthcare providers on the needs of underrepresented groups like the LGBTQ+ community.

The conference is proudly sponsored by Atlantic Health System and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

To register for the 2024 Rise Up LGBTQ+ Healthcare Conference, please visit www.riseuplgbt.com.

To learn more about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please contact Robert Charkowsky at 908-527-4897, rcharkowsky@ucnj.org or visit our website at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to welcome The Pink Floyd Project, the tri-state area’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band to the Summer Concert Arts Series on Wednesday, July 24th in Echo Lake Park.

“Our second concert in the Summer Arts Concert Series offers our residents a perfect outdoor summer activity where they can relax and unwind,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Don’t miss this opportunity to soak in the warm weather and enjoy a night of music and stunning display of lights, just like one of Pink Floyd’s legendary live shows.”

Known for their early psychedelic style, Pink Floyd gained fame through their experimental sounds, deep lyrics, and elaborate live shows. Paying homage to the one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time, The Pink Floyd Project’s set will feature a stunning stage presentation. A 6:30pm yoga class will take place before the 7:30pm concert in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside. The Summer Arts Concert Series is free for all Union County residents.

For more information about the Summer Arts Concert Series, please visit www.ucnj.org/summer24 or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners congratulates seven Union County high school students from the Union County 4-H Program for participating in this year’s Rutgers 4-H STEM Ambassador Program. The event was held at Rutgers University in New Brunswick from July 8th through July 12th. The program aims to train college-bound youth to lead STEM activities and share their skills with other students.

“As a proud public servant, I understand the importance of serving as a leader and making a positive impact in our community, and I commend these passionate students for their participation and for challenging themselves in order to make a difference,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I would like to also thank our partners in the New Jersey 4-H Program for their assistance in empowering these bright and talented young leaders. Their dedication gives hope for a more promising future ahead in Union County.”

Pictured, from left to right, are chaperone Sandra Wilson of Mountainside, Valerie Arias of Hillside, Josiah Philippe of South Plainfield, Immanuel Muhammed of Plainfield, Basil Glacken of Westfield, Evan Roe of Westfield, Anika Jolly of New Providence, Maria Mendonca of Elizabeth, and Jim Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent.

The New Jersey 4-H STEM Ambassadors Program provides a unique opportunity for college-bound youth with an interest in science and/or medicine to interact with professors, scientists, and engineers through a series of research projects, workshops, lab tours, and field trips. The experience allows students to ask questions to professionals working in their field, develop personal leadership skills, and understand the significance of collaborating with others to serve our community.

For more information about the 4-H STEM Ambassador Program, and other 4-H Programs, please contact Jim Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.