Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Workforce Development Board and Union County American Job Center, will host a Farmland Fresh Dairies Hiring Event at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 18 at the Plainfield Public Library, located at 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield, NJ.

This special event is open to all CDL Class A/B Drivers. Farmland representatives will be on site, ready to answer questions, accept applications and conduct job interviews.

“In continuing our initiative to present Union County residents with a diverse selection of career opportunities, we have partnered with Farmland Fresh Dairies to offer qualified candidates a career as a CDL driver for the top dairy brand in the Northeast,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison for the Workforce Development Board. “If you are looking for a career change, or have a strong interest in becoming a CDL Class A/B driver, Farmland representatives will also be seeking candidates for their paid apprentice program.

Farmland Fresh Dairies is a family-owned company with over 100 years of experience. Founded in 1914 in New Jersey, they have grown to a fleet of 100 trucks/tractor trailers and counting. Candidates with a relevant skillset, interest, and a clean driver’s license are encouraged to attend and apply.

While this event is free of charge, pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register online, residents can visit ucnj.org/job-fair.

The Union County American Job Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services which provides in-person career services, including job fairs and recruitment, training, and more.

Employers who are interested in partnering with the Union County American Job Center for future events can contact Carolina Marin, Senior Manager of Business Development, at 908-527-4373 or by email at astrid.marin@ucnj.org.

The Union County Workforce Development Board seeks feedback from employers to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with employing individuals with disabilities.

Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados is excited to share a significant initiative undertaken by Union County’s Board of County Commissioners and Workforce Development Board Disability Committee. As many of you may know, it is the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a milestone that signifies our commitment to promoting equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

To commemorate this significant occasion, we are launching an employer survey aimed at understanding the unique aspects of employing individuals with disabilities at ucnj.org/inclusionsurvey – the survey is open NOW and for 30 days.

Your input is crucial in helping us gain a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles and opportunities related to employing individuals with disabilities.

By participating in this survey, employers will actively contribute to the advancement of inclusive workplaces. Your feedback will pave the way for strategies that foster inclusivity, break down barriers, and create environments where all employees can thrive.

By understanding the challenges faced, we can create tailored solutions to ensure that individuals with disabilities can contribute their unique skills and talents effectively.

The data collected from this survey will serve as the foundation for shaping future initiatives in our region. Your valuable feedback will inform our policies, programs, and resources, ensuring that we address specific needs and create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

We assure all participants that their responses will remain confidential and anonymous. Please help us get a better understanding of the unique aspects of working with individuals with disabilities in your workplace.

Together, we can drive positive change in our workforce landscape. By working collectively, we can build a more inclusive, understanding, and equitable work environment for all employees.

Complete the survey now by visiting ucnj.org/inclusionsurvey

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, August 3, 2023, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Cities

• Clark – Conger Way, Dorset Dr., Jupiter St., Kennedy Dr.,
• Cranford – Birchwood Ave., Cranford Ave., Dermody St., High St., Wadsworth Ter., U.C.P.D.Blvd
• Elizabeth – 1^st St. Elizabeth/Essex Sewage Authority, Clarkson Ave. Dike, Niles St., Palmer St., (between 3^rd and 4^th Ave.)
• Fanwood – Cray Ave.,
• Hillside – Aldine St., Hillside Ave. (Rec. Center Area), Mertz Ave., Munn Ave., Orchard Ter.,
• Kenilworth– Dorset Dr. Area, Lenape Dike, Water Co.,
• Linden – Bower St., E. Curtis St., Hayes St., McCandless St., Pallant Ave., Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd.
• Plainfield– Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Jefferson Ave. Walking trail between to Rock Ave., Terrill Rd.,
• Roselle – Martin St., W.6^th Ave.
• Roselle Park – Laurel Av., Walking Path, Between Chestnut St. and Galloping Hill Rd.
• Scotch Plains – Country Club Ln., Frank St., Martine Ext., Terrill Rd.,
• Union – Brighton St., Colonial Arms Rd., Durham Ct., Gifford Ct., Livingston Ave., Vaux Hall Rd.
• Westfield– Dorian Ave. Area, Rahway Ave. (Armory)

City Parks

• Milt Campbell – Plainfield

Golf Courses

• Ash Brook – Scotch Plains

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that ballot position drawing for the November 7, 2023 General and School Board Elections will be both in-person and live-streamed on Facebook.

The ballot drawing will be held on Monday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, in Room 202 of the Rotunda. A link to the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing.

“As we approach the November elections, let us come together to exercise our democratic rights responsibly and make our voices heard,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “The ballot drawing serves as the cornerstone of this process, ensuring fairness and transparency in the electoral proceedings. Having both in-person and virtual options for viewing the drawing, makes it accessible to all residents.”

For more information on voting in Union County elections, including how to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to invite residents to join the Master Trees Stewards of Union County. Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.”

“Through our Master Tree Stewards, students are gifted with enriching educational experiences and essential messages concerning trees and the environment,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This lesson instills a sense of appreciation and stewardship that young minds can cherish as they grow into adulthood, ultimately benefiting our community and the greater world for generations to come.”

Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4th-grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks.

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.

The 2023 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 6th to December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

The 4th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here. To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit www.ucnj.org/rce.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to participate in upcoming Opioid Settlement Funds Listening Sessions. The County will be holding these in-person sessions to gather public input on allocating the resources from the Opioid Settlement Funds.

“The County of Union recognizes the importance of community involvement and values the contributions of its residents in the ongoing fight against opioid addiction,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “By working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this and create a stronger, healthier, and safer community. Your input matters, so I hope to see many in attendance.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 75% of drug overdose deaths in the United States involved opioids in 2020. Eighty-two percent of those deaths involved the newer, synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, that affect communities like ours.

The following are the two dates and locations scheduled for the listening sessions, please register at www.ucnj.org/dhs/opioid-settlement/ to ensure a spot at each location:

August 8, 2023
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Plainfield Public Library
800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ

September 14, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ

“These sessions will provide an opportunity for our residents to address their concerns, contribute ideas, and get the most up to date information we have available,” Commissioner James Baker, Liaison for the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Advisory Board said. “Working together, our community leaders and residents are more effective in solving this epidemic.”

During these sessions, participants will have a unique opportunity to share their experiences, express their concerns, and offer suggestions on how best to utilize the Opioid Settlement Funds. The insights and perspectives shared by the residents of Union County will be pivotal in shaping the county’s approach towards combating opioid addiction and enhancing community well-being.

For more information or to register to attend one of the Opioid Listening Sessions, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/opioid-settlement/ or contact Miriam  Cortez, Director, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, by email at Miriam.Cortez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4846.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is urging constituents to be aware of a critical scam that could result in unnecessary waste of time and money when it comes to obtaining a passport.

In recent weeks, misleading social media videos have been circulating, suggesting that passports can be obtained for free by submitting form 1-912. It is essential to note that this form is meant for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) purposes and is not applicable to Passport Services. The U.S. Department of State does not recognize or accept this form.

The U.S. Department of State has informed all passport applicants that fees are required for all passport applications, and there are no waivers or free passports. Payments must be made at all Passport Acceptance Facilities, including the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth and the Union County Passport Office in Westfield.

The County Clerk is committed to providing accurate information and safeguarding the interests of Union County residents.

“Protecting the community from scams is paramount, and I urge constituents to remain vigilant with the information they may come across,” said County Clerk, Joanne Rajoppi. “With the rise of misleading social media videos circulating recently, it is vital for residents to be aware of potential fraudulent schemes. Stay informed and safeguard your time and money by relying on accurate information from official sources, such as our website.”

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi stresses that these social media videos are not endorsed or produced by government officials, leading to confusion among constituents who rely on their accuracy. For correct information on the Form 1-192 and its eligibility requirements, please visit www.uscis.gov/i-192.

For detailed information regarding passport documentation requirements and office hours at the Union County Clerk’s Office, please visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the County of Union share our sentiments of sorrow and profound sadness in the passing of the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. As the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker and Lieutenant Governor, we reflect on the remarkable impact she has left on our great state of New Jersey and the countless lives she touched throughout her illustrious career.

Lieutenant Governor Oliver was not only a trailblazer, but also an inspiration to all who had the privilege of witnessing her dedicated service to the people of New Jersey. Her passion for public service, her commitment to justice and equality, and her genuine concern for the welfare of New Jersey’s residents set her apart as a beacon of hope and progress in our community.

Throughout her tenure, Lieutenant Governor Oliver worked tirelessly to uplift the marginalized, advocate for the voiceless, and create a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of our state. Her tireless efforts in areas such as affordable housing, education, and economic empowerment demonstrated her belief that every individual deserved a chance to thrive and achieve their dreams.

As we mourn the loss of an esteemed leader, we also take solace in knowing that her legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those she served. Her dedication to public service will continue to inspire generations to come, encouraging them to follow in her footsteps and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

To the family and friends of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, we extend our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as we share in the grief of losing such an exceptional figure of our state.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire us to work for a better, more inclusive society. Rest in peace, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks  Tuesday, August 1, 2023, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks:

• Clark – Esposito, Oak Ridge
• Elizabeth – Mattano,
• Hillside – Conant  
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake 
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

City Parks:

• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Union – Biertuempful, Kawameeh, Rabkin

Golf Course:

• Ash Brook