Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce that on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., Senate President Nicholas Scutari will present a check on behalf of the State of New Jersey to the County of Union in the amount of $8 million dollars for a new indoor ice skating rink at the Warinanco Sports Center.

“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, I would like to thank the Senate President and the State of New Jersey for providing us the funding for this much-anticipated project,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Right now, we have a great facility in use, but it can only be used seasonally; with the construction of a new state-of-the-art indoor skating rink, we will be able to offer year-round use of the building, attracting even more visitors and leagues. I am looking forward to watching this rink come to life.”

In a contract to be awarded to USA Architects, the concept design for the new facility will feature a second sheet of ice increasing the capacity of the facility. The project for the new rink is slated to begin by the end of 2023 with an estimated completion date of 2025.

“We are proud to support a new skating rink that will serve communities throughout Union County,” said Senate President Scutari. “A year-round rink will provide more young hockey players and recreational skaters the opportunity to use a state-of-art facility for healthy and enjoyable activities. The Warinanco Sports Center will continue to be a premiere attraction for Union County.”  

Since 1961, area families have enjoyed the seasonal skating in the park — and in 2019 the skating building was renovated and renamed to the Warinanco Sports Center, which sits adjacent to the skating rink. The seasonal rink, which generally opens at the end of November is home to 8 Union County high school hockey teams and hosts more than 50,000 skaters every year.

“This is a real boost for families and young people in Union County who will now have a modern rink available throughout the year,” said Senator Joe Cryan. “The sporting events and recreational skating will be more accessible and more affordable for working families. The new Warinanco Center will be an active and important part of the Union County community.”

“As youth sports become more and more expensive, a new county facility will allow non-profits like the Cranford Hockey Club and many Union County high school boys and girls ice hockey programs to keep this sport affordable in the rapidly changing landscape of for-profit youth sports,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Once completed, the Warinanco Sports Center will be even more of an attraction to residents and visitors, who come from all over to use the facility.”

“The creation of a new ice rink at Warinanco Park is a transformative moment for youth sports in Union County and North Jersey,” said Mike DuHaime, president of the non-profit Cranford Hockey Club. “The new rink will allow us to keep costs down for families, play more games here in Union County, and most importantly start a scholarship program, opening the doors for so many more children locally to play ice hockey, so cost will no longer be a barrier to access to the ice. The Cranford Hockey Club and the entire hockey community of Union County and beyond thank Senate President Scutari, Commissioner Williams, and the entire board of commissioners for their foresight and efforts in making this new rink a reality.”

Established in 1956, the Cranford Hockey Club is the oldest travel hockey club in the state of New Jersey. Nearly 300 children ages 5-18 are currently part of the club’s travel and learn-to-play programs.  Warinanco Park has been its home rink for decades, though due to increased demand, the teams hold some of its home games and practices elsewhere.  As a non-profit, the club is run solely by volunteers, including the board, coaches, and team managers. More information on the club’s scholarship program can be found at https://www.cranfordhockeyclub.com/scholarship

For more information about Warinanco Sports Center and Ice Skating Rink, please visit https://warinancopark.com/.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters who intend to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the General Election to cast their ballot promptly, in order to avoid accidentally misplacing or losing it. Election Day 2022 is Tuesday, November 8.

“For voters who have requested one, a Vote-by-Mail ballot will arrive in a bright yellow envelope, so it stands out from other mail. Many times they get lost in a drawer or hidden under a stack of papers,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Voters can avoid the anxiety of a misplaced ballot by filling it out and returning it promptly.”

Voters who intend to return their ballot by U.S. Postal Service are reminded that ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day in order to be counted.

To avoid any unforeseen delays or disruptions in mail delivery, voters who plan to mail their ballot should do so well in advance of Election Day. All Vote-by-Mail ballots are provided with a pre-stamped return envelope.

Vote-by-Mail users can also drop their ballot off on or before Election Day in any secure drop box listed on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com. The drop boxes are available on a 24/7 basis, and are monitored by security cameras. The ballots are collected by election workers on a daily basis.

For more information about Vote-by-Mail ballots and all other elections services of the Union County Clerk, visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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 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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Multiple employment and credential opportunities to be offered at event at Union College

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, Port Authority, Union College and the American Job Center, will host a job fair for Union County residents ages 18 and older on Thursday, October from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. The job fair will take place at Union College of Union County on the 5^th floor of the Kellogg Building, located at 40 W. Jersey Street in Elizabeth. The event is free to attend.

“We encourage residents to attend this job fair, as it is an excellent opportunity for job seekers to meet employers in the transportation, logistics and development workforce.” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank the Department of Human Services, the Port Authority CPP, the American Job Center and Union College for their collaboration in making this event possible.”

This Port Authority partner agency for the job fair is the Port of New York and New Jersey’s Council on Port Performance. The Council on Port Performance (CPP) provides oversight on the implementation of programs and initiatives that improve efficiency and service reliability at the Port of New York & New Jersey. The CPP brings together a cross section of stakeholders with expertise in all areas of ocean transportation and logistics, including trucking. These volunteers put their expertise and creative ideas together to ensure productive and efficient cargo movement for all port customers.

The objective of this event is to help maritime transportation, logistics and distribution (TLD) employers to recruit potential candidates for careers in this business sector. According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), TLD is the third largest employment sector in the state. The job fair will allow employers to promote training, available job openings and viable career pathways to community members. Independent Owner Operators will also be given the opportunity to connect with Licensed Motor Carriers. 

“The Maritime TLD Job Fair is a great way for job seekers to identify pathways to obtain new credentials while targeting career advancement,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “Attendees will have a chance to discover opportunities for in-demand, critical roles. The Commissioner Board works to continuously provide those seeking employment with a variety of pathways to further their professional curriculums.”

The Maritime TLD Job Fair is free to attend and registration is encouraged. To sign up for this event, residents can visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/port-authority-job-fair-tickets-432533297737.

Along with the Port Authority CPP and Union College of Union County, the Maritime TLD Job Fair is being coordinated by the American Job Center within the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information about future job fairs/hiring events, please call the American Job Center at (908) 558-8000. To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, residents can use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4847.

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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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Union County’s annual Four Centuries in a Weekend countywide history and culture event is packed with activities for children. Three dozen unique historical sites are participating this year. Along with special programs and events for all ages, visitors to each site can pick up an activity book, a stamp-able Four Centuries passport and history-themed trading cards free of charge.

“Four Centuries is an event for all ages to enjoy, and we thank our partner sites for creating new opportunities for children to participate with hands-on activities and other features,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

All Four Centuries sites are open this Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, from noon to 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For a map and complete schedule visit Four Centuries online at ucnj.org/4c.

The following sites offer programs for all ages, including activities and programs specially designed for children:

Deserted Village of Feltville (Berkeley Heights-Watchung Reservation

1 Cataract Hollow Rd., Berkeley Heights

ucnj.org/dv

• Apple cider pressing

• Hayrides

• Walking tour led by archaeologist Carissa Scarpa (departs 2 pm from Masker’s Barn on Sat. and Sun.); learn about excavations that revealed the social history of certain significant periods here, through examination of physical evidence

• Old-fashioned children’s games

• Quill and ink pen writing

• Campfire with marshmallow toasting

• Meet costumed characters from Feltville history, including Revolutionary War soldier John Willcocks, and David Felt, who owned and developed the mill town here

Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum (Clark)

593 Madison Hill Rd., Clark

DrRobinsonMuseum.org

Saturday hours: 11 am–4 pm (and 8–10 pm for evening program)

Sunday hours: 11 am – 3 pm

• Functioning 1919 Model T on display

• Living History program by BHistorical about our World War II armed forces, from multiple sides and theaters of the war; learn about civilian efforts that supported troops, including a USO show; displays include uniforms, weapons, and a signal corps tent with functioning equipment

Elizabeth Public Library (Elizabeth)

11 S Broad St., Elizabeth

elizpl.org

Open Saturday only (closed on Sunday)

• Historic Elizabethtown Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Library’s Local History & Special Collections Department. Pick up the Scavenger Hunt map/brochure at the library.  For more information, call 908-354-6060 x7220, or email afernandez@elizpl.org.

Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy (Elizabeth)

42 Broad St., Elizabeth

• Children’s games from the Revolutionary War period

• Arts and crafts for children and adults

Oswald J. Nitschke House (Kenilworth)

49 South 21 St., Kenilworth

kenilworthhistoricalsociety.org

• Tour this circa-1880 authentically furnished home and its “teaching” gardens.

Deacon Andrew Hetfield House (Mountainside)

Constitution Plaza, Watchung Ave., Mountainside

mountainsidehistory.org/contact-us

• John Sileo of the Tri-State Historical Education Simulations will discuss a Revolutionary War battle that was fought nearby, with discussion augmented by a miniature diorama showing the battle’s actions with hundreds of hand-painted soldiers

African American History & Heritage Learning Center (Rahway)

261 Central Ave., Rahway

ebenezeramechurch.com

 Open Saturday only (closed on Sunday)

• Interactive programs for children and parents/guardians

• Storytelling and oral histories

Frazee House (Scotch Plains

1451 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains

frazeehouse.org

• Saturday only: Harvest Festival with children’s activities including, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin tossing and pumpkin patch

Osborn Cannonball House Museum (Scotch Plains)

1840 Front St., Scotch Plains

historicalsocietyspfnj.org

• Tour this Colonial-era house and learn about the family who lived here during the American Revolution, and what life was like for the 13 Osborn children — two of whom fought in the war

• Feature program “The 18th-Century Child at Work & Play” — Children worked hard in the 1700s, but also found time to play. Explore the collection of hands-on 18th-century toys. Play a game of quoits and 9-pin bowling.

• Make a colonial hat, then wear it for a photo-op as you pose with colonial children cut-outs.

Shady Rest Country Club (Scotch Plains)

820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains

preserveshadyrest.org

• Arts and crafts for children

• FREE mini-golf

• Mini-golf putting contest — with prizes

• Saturday only: Presentation about the history of horses and horseback-riding at The Shady Rest — plus a horse on site, and horseback-riding opportunities from 2 to 4 pm.

Cannon Ball House/Hutchings Homestead (Springfield)

126 Morris Ave., Springfield

springfieldhistoricalsociety.webs.com

• Saturday only: Members of the Brigade of the Revolution will tell stories of life as a colonial-era soldier in the days leading to the 1780 Battle of Springfield during the Revolutionary War.

Caldwell Parsonage (Union)

909 Caldwell Ave., Union

unionhistory.orgor

uniontwphistoricalsociety.webs.com

• Appearance by Rev. James Caldwell, portrayed by Meridoc Burkhardt.

• Family/children’s activities include: create a tricorn hat and/or a colonial-style bonnet; make “church” dolls; play colonial and native-American games.

Liberty Hall (Union)

1003 Morris Ave., Union

kean.edu

• Tour the historic Firehouse Museum, with Union Township Fire Dept. on hand

• Children’s activities

Please note: The main house will not be open, due to a special event.

Reeve History & Cultural Resource Center

314 Mountain Ave., Westfield

westfieldhistoricalsociety.org

• Self-guided walking tour of the grounds includes gardens, an arboretum, and a “fairy house” hunt

• Saturday only: Annual Westfield Historical Society AppleFest celebration held outdoors, with music and children’s games

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For information about all Cultural and Heritage programs, including grant opportunities, visit ucnj.org/cultural.

For information about all programs and activities in Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s Great Pumpkin Sail at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside are still available. Tickets will be available online only at ucnj.org/reserve.

“Union County is proud to continue the great tradition provided each year by the Great Pumpkin Sail,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “It’s not too late to take part in this fun event for children and families of all ages.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail will take place on November 1 with three sessions scheduled. The first session will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the second session will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the third session will run from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for this event are sold on a per-family basis. One ticket will cover up to six family members.

Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a limit of two tickets per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents, and $16 per ticket for out-of-county residents. Please purchase only one ticket per family of six.

Please note that each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.

Space is limited; attendees are advised to purchase tickets early. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks when social distancing is not possible. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be November 2.

For further information, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.

Women in business have always faced obstacles, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added complex new challenges. New connections with resources and guidance are needed now more than ever. To help forge those bonds, the Union County Commissioner Board invites all women owners, managers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to attend the next Union County Women Mean Business Summit.

The UCWMB Summit is a full day of networking and peer learning, on Tuesday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

“We started the annual UCWMB series to help ensure that the rich, diverse talents of women are fully represented in the economic life of our community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We all thrive when women in business can make the connections that enable them to become leaders and influencers.”

The 2022 UCWMB Summit is supported by more than a dozen sponsors and partners, many of which will have representatives at the event who are eager to connect with Union County women in business.

The theme of this year’s UCWMB Summit is “Lessons in Leadership.” The program features skill-building breakout sessions that reflect the new normal of virtual meetings and remote work, along with sessions on negotiating, building relationships, and starting a small business.

The event includes ample time for networking and a keynote speech by Judith Persichilli, Commissioner of the New Jersey State Department of Health. Lunch and a continental breakfast are also included.

Please note, tickets will not be sold at the door. Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/ucwmb. Lunch and breakfast are included in the registration fee.

The “early bird” registration fee of $50.00 is in effect until midnight on Friday, October 14. After 12:01 a.m. on October 15, a registration fee of $55.00 applies.

The sponsors of the 2022 Union County Women Mean Business are Atlantic Health System, Kemper, The Mills at Jersey Gardens, the leading communications firm JCT Solutions, the new “mobile restaurant” company Wonder and United Airlines.

The partners are: the Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC), Cranford Chamber of Commerce, Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union College, New Jersey Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Union Township Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce.

The Union County Women Mean Business Summit is a program of the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. For more information about this event, please visit ucnj.org/ucwmb or call Jennifer Erdos of the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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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UThe Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present Moments, and exhibit by the interdisciplinary artist Hao Feng. Moments will be on exhibit at the Commissioners’ Gallery from Monday, October 17 to Friday, December 9.

The Commissioners Gallery is located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in midtown Elizabeth, and is open weekdays during regular business hours.

“The works of Hao Feng encourage reflection and appreciation for the experiences of our daily lives, expressing a unique and powerful vision across a wide range of media. We are very proud to bring her creative insights to the Commissioners’ Gallery,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Hao Feng works in multiple disciplines including paint, sculpture, photography, video, graphic design, and performance. She was recently honored with two solo exhibitions at the Gallery of Amerasia Bank in New York and the Harold B. Lemmerman Gallery in New Jersey.

 Her work has been exhibited at many galleries and venues in New Jersey and New York, and is in the collections of the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland as well as the National Museum of China and the National Library of China.

The goal of Hao Feng’s work is to give viewers the mental space to value their daily lives.

“I think my different pieces are like gifts I offer viewers. In a way, they are ‘threshold gifts,’ which may not be about the threshold between big events like life and death, but maybe about the threshold between being present to experience and being too busy or anxious to stop and notice experience,” she explains.

Hao Feng currently lives and works in the NYC metro area.

Among the works featured in the Commissioners’ Gallery exhibit are:

• Laughter in the Dark 1, 2020 (watercolor on paper)
• Your Ticket_Save Earth Now, 2022 (digital image print on paper)
• Dark Matter_Burger Voyage,  2021 (still of a video installation)

The Dark Matter Burger Voyage video can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33gPmEMksbM.

The Commissioners’ Gallery was created more than 20 years ago to help connect visual artists, and arts organizations, to the Union County community. Exhibits are coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about the Moments exhibit, the Commissioners’ Gallery, grant programs and other activities of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550(NJ relay users dial 711).

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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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Session One (9:40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.)

“How & Why It Is Essential to Build & Maintain Valuable Relationships” Whether in private industry or public practice, understand the value of honing your networking skills and learn some practical tools for becoming more efficient and effective at developing meaningful relationships. Everyone, personally and professionally, can benefit from having a powerful network of contacts. During this one-hour interactive session, Sally Glick shares insights on the best practices that will enable the participants to develop a personal plan for integrating meaningful relationships into every aspect of their professional and personal lives. Presenter: Sally Glick, Principal & Chief Growth Strategist, SobelCo

Or “Navigating the New Normal” The workplace looks a lot different in a post-pandemic world and many of us are still working from home, trying to juggle work duties and regular life. We are job searching, trying to build valuable work relationships, and learning how to present our best selves virtually rather than face-to-face. On top of it all, this “new normal” can take its toll on us emotionally. Panelists from this session will help you navigate this changing landscape for the best outcomes possible. Presenters: Dr. Peter Bolo, Psychiatrist, Atlantic Health, Katie Tempesta, Director, Human Resources, JCT Solutions, Moderator – Marcella Gencarelli, Event Chair, Suburban Chamber of Commerce

Session Two (10:50 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.)

“Nailing the Negotiation” Negotiating can be challenging. Whether you need to do it for yourself, your company or something else in your life, we all are faced with the need to negotiate from time to time. In this session, we will discuss strategies for successful negotiation to achieve the best outcomes. Note: this is a guided interactive session that is driven by audience participation. Presenter: Cherron Rountree, President & Partner, Direct Development: Design + Communications

OR “Turning Passion into Profits” Do you have a hobby or activity you really enjoy? Have you ever wondered how you could turn your passion into a profitable business? The women on this panel have done just that — and will share what they have learned along the way. You will hear from a business counselor about what it really takes to start your own business and make it a success. This panel will be your guide to turning what you love into a profitable venture. Presenters:  Mary Adelman, Business Counselor, UCEDC, Melanie Cecilio, Founder & CEO, Little Fox Kitchen, Sneh Kadakia, Founder & CEO, from HERE, Radiance “Rae” Ashe, Owner, HEIGHTMagazine, Felice Twaddle, Board Member, New Jersey CannaBusiness Association, Moderator – Kay LiCausi, President & CEO, Hoboken Strategy Group

Register Online Now

The UCWMB Summit is made possible by the following sponsors: JCT Solutions, Atlantic Health System, Kemper, The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Wonder and United. Partners for this event include: The County of Union, UCEDC, Suburban Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Kean University, Union College, SBDC, The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, Union Township Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce.

The 2022 Union County Women Mean Business Summit is a program of the Union County Department of Economic Development through the Office on Women. For more information about this event, please visit ucnj.org/ucwmb or call Jennifer Erdos of the Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters who are using a Vote-by-Mail ballot that they can monitor the status of their ballots online, by using the free “Track My Ballot” portal provided by the Division of Elections in the New Jersey Department of State.

“The Track My Ballot portal enables Vote-by-Mail users to see if their ballot has been received. It provides voters with transparency and clarity regarding the Vote-by-Mail process,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “We encourage all Vote-by-Mail users to sign up for this free service.”

When the Vote-by-Mail ballot is received by the Board of Elections, Track My Ballot will indicate “received.” On or shortly after Election Day, Track My Ballot will indicate if the ballot was accepted.

Voters can access the Track My Ballot portal by following the “Track My Ballot” link on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters can use the system at any time on a 24/7 basis.

In case of a rejected ballot, the voter is provided with an opportunity to cure their ballot. They will receive a letter from the Board of Elections with instructions on how to proceed.

Vote-by-Mail users are reminded that the counting of both Vote-by-Mail and in-person ballots will begin after the polls close on Tuesday, November 8.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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 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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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and to honor that, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs and the American Job Center, will host an Inclusive Hiring Event for Union County residents with disabilities and specials needs who are 18 years of age and older on Friday, October 28, 2022.

“We encourage all residents to attend this inclusive hiring event, where they can speak in-person with representatives from various companies and learn about the different positions available,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “This is a great opportunity and on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs and the American Job Center and its participants for coordinating these efforts.”

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the Inclusive Hiring event will be held at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park. Various positions are available with employers Walgreens, Council for Airport Opportunity (CAO), Port Authority of NY/NJ, and IKEA.

“After speaking to many residents and their families about hosting an inclusive hiring event  dedicated to those with special needs and disabilities, I brought this initiative to our committee and I am so thankful we were able to put this together for our residents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “We have worked with the employers you will find at this hiring event at previous events and they continue to advocate for our County community. Holding this hiring event truly embraces inclusivity and I hope everyone looking for employment will join us.”

While this is a free event, registration is required. The deadline is register is October 21, 2022. To sign up for this event, residents can visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inclusive-hiring-event-tickets-390661568267 .

“The Council for Airport Opportunity is excited to partner with the Union County Board of County Commissioners to present airport employment opportunities at the upcoming inclusive hiring event,” said a representative from CAO. “The Council for Airport Opportunity works to support people from all backgrounds and abilities to secure employment at our local airports.  We are committed to helping all of our customers attain success in their career goals.  Our airports are booming with activity and we want to ensure that local residents of all backgrounds are benefiting from the jobs created by this economic engine.”

“Walgreens is excited to be a hiring employer at this Inclusive Hiring Event and look forward to meeting our customers who may potentially become team members,” said a representative from Walgreens.

“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has a long-standing commitment to an inclusionary workplace and continues to take steps to cultivate, recognize and celebrate a welcoming and respectful work environment,” said Daniel Duffy, President, Port Authority Abilities Network.  “Events such as this help us develop a pool of highly qualified job applicants that reflects our commitment. Additionally, the Port Authority Abilities Network is instrumental in meeting the agency’s commitment to exceptional customer service.”

The Inclusive Hiring Event is an event of the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services and the American Job Center, Union County Department of Human Services. This event was made possible by a grant provided to us through the Kessler Foundation.

More information about the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, please call the office at 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781. For more information about future job fairs/hiring events, please call the American Job Center at (908) 558-8000.

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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.