Category: Public Info

Community Gardeners looking to upgrade their gardening abilities can learn skills for managing their gardens so that they flourish with the help of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. A series of Community Garden Lunch and Learn webinars will be offered beginning on Wednesday, May 27 through Wednesday, July 1. 

“This series will assist gardeners of all levels by educating on the challenges of community gardening with strategies for growing great tasting fruits and vegetables while protecting the safety of fellow gardeners,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.         

The webinars will be held on consecutive Wednesdays, beginning May 27 from Noon until 1:00 p.m. The schedule for the series is as follows:

• May 27 – Getting a Head Start on Weed Control
• June 3 – People and Food Safety in the 2020 Growing Season
• June 10 – Soil Management Basics
• June 17 – Compost Considerations for the Community Garden
• June 24 – Tree Fruit in a Community Garden
• July 1 – Looking Ahead to the Fall Crop Season

The first webinar will begin Wednesday, May 27, however participants may register at any time throughout the series. To register online for the Community Garden Lunch and Learn programs visit https://go.rutgers.edu/tpgwbih2.  

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online 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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The Union County Freeholder Board on Thursday night approved its final 2020 budget with a zero percent tax increase that will maintain all essential services, with no layoffs.

It continues the County’s trend of fiscally responsible budgets, and maintains the County’s bond rating which is the highest attainable.

“As I said before, knowing the impact the COVID-19 epidemic is having on our residents and business owners, I instructed Fiscal Chairman Granados and our County Manager to tighten the budget as much as possible and deliver a zero percent tax increase,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This was not an easy task given the pressures that all governing agencies are under, but it was absolutely necessary.”

Freeholder Fiscal Committee Chairman Sergio Granados stated: “We know our residents and businesses have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we worked hard to find a middle ground that allowed us to fund the response, avoid layoffs and hold the bottom line.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a Catch-22 situation for our residents and all governing agencies. Unemployment has surged, revenue sources have been greatly diminished, while funding is needed to respond to the pandemic and assist our residents and business owners,” Granados said. “Through our collaborative efforts, we’ve been able to achieve our goals.”

Both Mirabella and Granados thanked the other Freeholder Fiscal Committee members, Christopher Hudak, Rebecca Williams, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, County Manager Edward T. Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner and Finance Director Bibi Taylor and her staff for leading the effort.  Both Freeholders also thanked all the County Directors who were asked to adjust their budgets accordingly.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is honoring graduates throughout Union County with banners at selected County parks and County roads. In addition, students can use the #UCGraduate hash tag to share graduation photos, which will be collected in a collage and posted on the County website.

Placement of the banners began on Friday, May 22 and will continue into next week.

 “This countywide celebration is a reminder that our most precious resources is the up and coming generation of Union County youth, and it is a reaffirmation of our love and support for every young person with hopes and dreams for the future,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, congratulations to the Class of 2020, and best wishes for success in all your future endeavors.”

“We are extremely proud of our Union County students and want to congratulate them on reaching an important milestone in their life as they graduate,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados. “These are unprecedented times, which makes it difficult for in-person celebrations, so this is just one small gesture where we can celebrate each and every one of our student’s accomplishments. I would like to thank all of the teachers, staff and families who helped contribute to your success. Congratulations, good luck on your future endeavors.”

Graduation banners will be installed along the following County roads, beginning on Friday, May 22:

Clark: Raritan Road

Elizabeth: Morris Avenue (at Phil Rizzuto Park)

Linden: Wood Avenue

Mountainside: Mountain Avenue

New Providence: Springfield Avenue

Springfield: Meisel Avenue (at Meisel Park)

Banners will also be installed at approximately 20 locations in County parks beginning next week. For maps and directions to Union County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks.

Park visitors must observe social distance rules that prohibit gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreaks. Masks are strongly recommended.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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 Fiscal Committee of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced a set of 3 open public hearings in March for the review of the 2020 Executive Budget.

“The Freeholder Board continues to provide the opportunity for engagement from our residents across the county, and bringing these budget hearings to different locations is a way to make sure as many people as possible can participate,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is also Chair of the Fiscal Committee. “The County has worked diligently to stay below the 2% increase for the third year in a row, maintaining a stable tax rate.”

All three hearings will begin at 6 p.m. and are as follows:

While there are no public comments at these meetings, the public is welcome to attend and listen to the discussion. The Freeholder Board’s Fiscal Committee will conduct their review before the Freeholder Board as a whole votes to introduce the budget later this year.

Gardening enthusiasts can now reap the many benefits of growing their own plants with the help of a new home, lawn, and garden resource website from Rutgers University, through the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES).

“The new NJAES website is a valuable resource for residents of all experience levels,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Gardening is a healthful, relaxing activity that we encourage throughout Union County.”

The Freeholder Board supports home gardening through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide community learning initiative run by NJAES.

The new NJAES website features themes such as what to plant, garden design, gardening with youth, nutrition and wellness, and more.

In addition to providing delicious, healthy food, gardening can offer an opportunity for family-friendly outdoor activities.

For a complete listing of all outreach events and webinars, visit the NJAES Calendar.

Residents with yard and garden questions can contact the Master Gardeners of Union County free Garden Helpline at (908) 654-9852 or mastergardeners@ucnj.org.

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online 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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As gardening season comes into full swing, Union County residents can get remote assistance improving their yards and raising backyard vegetable gardens while protecting the environment, too. Residents with yard and garden questions can contact the free Garden Helpline at (908) 654-9852 or mastergardeners@ucnj.org.

The Garden Helpline is a service of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the  Rutgers Extension and the Master Gardeners. During the COVID-19 outbreak the Helpline continues to be available to provide remote assistance to Union County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Other Rutgers Cooperative Extension remote learning services are also available to gardeners during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Earth Day at Home is a new interactive webinar series about eco-friendly yard and garden care, and related topics, continuing through May and into June.

New gardeners can learn how to start vegetable seeds indoors, and how to find an appropriate location to start a backyard garden.

The Plant This, Not That guide assists residents in selecting native plants for the garden. Plant This, Not That was created by a local Girl Scout with assistance from the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, to show how to use colorful native plants instead of invasive species.

The Master Gardeners program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. It is supported by the Freeholder Board as part of a national county-based community agriculture program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Extension offices are located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield, and the Demonstration Garden is located in the County’s Watchung Reservation near the Trailside Nature and Science Center.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online 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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Users must follow rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is offering a simple, easy way for residents to safely and properly dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other chemical wastes. The next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the back parking lot of Union County College in Cranford.

Car tires will also be collected during this event. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Residents must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Residents must arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
• Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
• Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
• Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
• Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.

“Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “By observing these simple precautionary measures, we can all work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular garbage with the lid off.  To help dry out paint, residents can add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste event provides Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (NO LATEX) 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.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on June 6 as well as all upcoming recycling event dates and locations, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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Union County – Union County residents who are interested in building key communication skills that influence positive social change and increase LGBTQ acceptance are invited to join a free social media advocacy training course hosted online by experts from the GLAAD Media Institute through a collaboration between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and GLAAD.

The course, titled Engagement 202: Telling Your Story Through Social Media, will take place via interactive livestream on Friday, May 22 beginning at 1:00 p.m. The presentation will last approximately three hours. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage in the session in real time.

The course is free but pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/lgbtq. A link and password will be sent by email ten minutes before the 1:00 p.m. start time.

“The Freeholder Board is committed to work for a community of respect and dignity for all, and we are continuing that work throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to partner with GLAAD in sharing their expert guidance with the public and encouraging people to speak up for LGBTQ inclusion and acceptance, while observing every precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The GLAAD Media Institute uses best practices, tools, and techniques perfected over the organization’s 30 years of experience to help transform individuals into compelling storytellers, media-savvy navigators, and effective ambassadors for LGBTQ acceptance.

Engagement 202 will focus on the use of social media in LGBTQ advocacy. Participants will receive a comprehensive review of the distinct personalities of each social media platform, and learn how to leverage them to expand their audience, enhance their storytelling, and accelerate acceptance. Participants will also learn how to avoid the notorious pitfalls of each platform.

“This effort is especially important to the LGBTQ community, where many people may be vulnerable to feelings of isolation during this period of separation and social distance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Through innovative online courses like these, we continue to encourage people to connect, learn, and share with one another.”

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides 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 Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

For additional details about Engagement 202, visit the GLAAD Media Institute blog at glaad.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has ordered that the upcoming July 7 Primary Election will take place primarily by mail-in ballot, in order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Existing New Jersey state law permits all eligible voters to use a mail-in ballot, for any reason.

“My office has anticipated that significantly more voters will use a mail-in ballot during the COVID-19 outbreak, and we have already begun printing additional ballots,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “We have been preparing well in advance to ensure that every eligible voter in Union County has the opportunity to participate in the July 7 Primary while observing precautions against spreading or contracting the virus.”

The County Clerk will provide all postage for mail-in ballots and applications. In addition, all envelopes will be self-sealing.

The following adjustments have been made to normal mail-in balloting procedures in Union County and throughout New Jersey:

• All registered Democrats and Republicans will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot in June.
• All registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party, and all inactive voters, will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail application in June. These voters must fill out and return the application in order to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot.
• Sample ballots will be posted onunioncountyvotes.com prior to Election Day; they will not be mailed to voters.

The following deadlines apply for the July 7 Primary Election:

• Residents who wish to register to vote must do so by June 16. Registration forms are available online at unioncountyvotes.com.
• Applications for a mail-in ballot must be filled out and returned to the County Clerk by June 30 in order to receive a mail-in ballot in time for the Primary Election.
• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than July 7 and received by the Board of Elections no later than July 14.

“My office is working with officials in all 21 municipalities to help alert voters as to upcoming mailings and deadlines,” added Ms. Rajoppi. “Please do not let your ballot, or your ballot application, sit under a stack of other mail. Fill it out and return it promptly, so that your voice may be heard on Election Day.”

Also in accordance with Governor Murphy’s order, a limited number of secure ballot drop-off locations will be available for persons who cannot return their ballots by U.S. Post. A limited number of in-person polling places will also be provided, for voters who are unable to use a mail-in ballot. Ballot drop-off and in-person polling place locations will be posted on unioncountyvotes.com when available.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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Union County, NJ – From dandelion greens to bone health and the secrets of the Mediterranean diet, health experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension are sharing their knowledge with the Union County community through the new “Wellness on Wednesday” free live webinars. The weekly series focuses on practical, affordable tips for improving diet and overall well-being.

“All through the COVID-19 outbreak, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension has continued to connect the public with fact based guidance for healthy living,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The new Wellness on Wednesday series is especially welcome at this time, as many families are coping with the economic impact of the outbreak.”

Wellness on Wednesday features experts from the Rutgers University Department of Family & Community Health Sciences.

The series takes place every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. from now until August 26. Each session last approximately 45 minutes. Participants will need a computer, tablet, or smart phone with speakers.

Topics include how to prepare greens, improve bone health, satisfy picky eaters, avoid stress-eating, read nutrition labels, spot hidden sugars, and much more.

The series is free but registration is required to join. For a list of topics with more details and registration links, visit Rutgers University online at sebsnjaesnews.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is dedicated to connecting the public with science based knowledge that can be applied to improve daily life. It is supported in part by the Freeholder Board through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with offices at the County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and assistance through the Union County Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.