Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Senior Citizens can now learn if they qualify for property tax relief and all other relief programs currently offered by the state through an informative YouTube video.

The video can be viewed on the New Jersey Senior Citizens Council website njseniorcouncil.com.

“The new video is an informative tool for seniors and their families to explore the different relief programs available to them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank the NJ Senior Council for making this new resource available throughout our community.”

The YouTube video will highlight five kinds of property tax relief options available to seniors, senior freeze, homestead benefit, senior citizens annual property tax deduction, veterans’ property tax relief, and NJ state income tax relief: property tax deduction/credit.

“One of the programs, the Senior Freeze, returns a check for property taxes already paid.  The deadline for filing the 2019 Senior Freeze application is November 2, 2020,” said Ellen Steinberg, Director of the Senior Citizens Council.

For more information contact the Senior Citizens Council at 908-964-7555 or visit online at njseniorcouncil.com. The Senior Citizens Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 to assist older adults. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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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The Union County Freeholder Board is seeking public input on its Truck Mobility Study being conducted through the County Economic Department’s Division of Strategic Planning and Bureau of Transportation Planning.

The Truck Mobility Study analyzes the flow of truck traffic on the 174-mile County roadway network. In consideration are the needs of businesses located on County roads and residents who drive cars, walk or bicycle along the same network.

“Our Union County Truck Mobility Study has been underway for several months and we’ve reached a point where feedback from our residents is necessary,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage all residents to participate and do their part to help to make County roads safer.”

To obtain insights from residents and businesses, a “Wikimap” of Union County and County roadways has been created. All municipalities are marked and residents are asked to click within the map to comment on specific locations where they have concerns about trucks and congestion. Safety concerns as well as specific bicycle and pedestrian concerns will also be addressed.

Residents can access the “Wikimap” site at https://bit.ly/UCTruck to add their input.

Wikimap is an interactive, crowd-sourced online tool as well as an efficient means to get comments and feedback. The “Wikimap” is bilingual and can be access from any internet-enabled device.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gathering, this online tool is critical to the success of the Union County Truck Mobility Study. Residents are provided an opportunity to offer their feedback safely and at times convenient to them.

Reponses will be tallied at the conclusion of public outreach.

Businesses are attracted to Union County for its geographic advantage and skilled workforce. During the Truck Mobility Study, the Bureau of Transportation Planning has worked with local governments and businesses to learn more about the freight activity in the area.

The goals of the Union County Truck Mobility Study are to identify freight-focused improvements and upgrade safety and security for users and all modes of travel. The concerns of those who drive, bike, or walk and regularly share the roadway with trucks will also be addressed.

For questions or more information regarding the Union County Truck Mobility Study contact Liza Betz, Bureau of Transportation by phone at 908 558 2273 or email at ebetz@ucnj.org.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

 Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, October 24^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The distributions have been a lifeline to many of our residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We continue to work to ensure that our residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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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Union County, NJ – Starting on Monday, November 2, the Elizabeth Office of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will resume offering in-person passport, notary, and trade name services. The restoration of these services follows a temporary suspension for office upgrades. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, in midtown Elizabeth.

All in-person visits for passport, notary, and trade name services require an appointment in advance, by calling 908-527-3062.

“We are looking forward to resuming passport, notary, and trade name services at the Elizabeth office, and I would like to remind all visitors that masks and social distance are required,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The County Clerk’s Westfield office continues to be open for persons seeking passport, notary, and trade name services, with masks and social distance required. To make an appointment at the Westfield office, call 908-654-9859. The office is located in the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Both offices have also continued to provide election-related services to Union County voters throughout the upgrade.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, including office hours and locations, 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 on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a schedule of local walk-up sites, 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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The Union County Mobile Test Unit will conduct saliva tests for the public and for the UC-TEST school district program.

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board has announced a series of dates for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of October. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at these events.

The schedule includes events open to all Union County residents, and events that are part of the new UC-TEST Program for teachers, staff and school administration officials who work in Union County.

The Freeholder Board is proud to continue to offer free COVID tests county-wide, as we continue to work to keep our communities safe,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to get tested if they have any concerns about exposure to COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms.”

The Mobile Test Unit will hold COVID-19 testing for the general public on the following dates. Please note that any Union County resident may use any of these sites, regardless of their residence:

Tuesday 10/20

9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  St. Joseph Social Service Center, 118 Division Street, Elizabeth

3 p.m.- 6 p.m. Roselle Park First Aid Squad – 535 Laurel Street, Roselle Park  

Saturday 10/24

10 a.m. – 1p.m. Roselle Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut Street, Roselle

The Mobile Test Unit’s UC-TEST program will hold tests on the following dates. Please note that these events open to teachers, staff and school administration officials who work in Union County only. Any school personnel working in any Union County school district can use any of these sites:

Tuesday 10/27

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. – UC-TEST UCEA Headquarters, 77 Central Ave, Clark 

The UC-TEST program is a partnership between the County of Union and the Union County Education Association (UCEA) to test those working in schools within Union County.

Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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.

 

14 Municipalities also received matching “tree for tree” grants.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that grants have been awarded to 19 municipalities for improvements to recreation resources for children, through the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund. In addition, 14 municipalities were awarded matching grants for planting new trees through the Greening Union County program. Both grant programs are funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Since first established in 2000, the Open Space Trust Fund has enabled Union County residents of all ages to enjoy continued improvements in public recreation resources and local treescapes, in addition to historic preservation projects,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to carry on this mission as the Trust Fund attains its 20th year of service to the public.”

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on preserving open space and improving the Union County park system. In 2004 the mission expanded to include annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, and matching grants to encourage municipalities to plant new trees.

Since its inception in 2004, the Kids Recreation Trust Fund has provided local communities with almost $18.7 million in funding.

The following municipalities received grants from the 2020 round of the Kids Recreation Trust Fund:

Berkeley Heights: $50,000 to install new play area at the new municipal complex 29 Park Avenue, and to resurface tennis courts and bleacher pad at Columbia Middle School Softball field.. As part of the Columbia project, PAL will add gates to dugout fencing.          

Clark: $16,029 for improvements to the Nelson and Dolan Girls Softball fields and facilities, and for replacing the flooring the Senior Fitness Center.

Cranford: $65,000 for renovation of indoor tennis court, upgrades to the Memorial and Centennial Avenue Pool, and resurfacing of basketball courts at the Adams, Buchanan, and Johnson parks.

Elizabeth: $115,000 for ADA compliant improvements to the Kellogg Park playground.

Fanwood: $40,000 for Master Plans to improve Forest Road Park.

Garwood: $3,362 for a deep clean of the turf field at the Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex, and for the purchase of field hockey goals.

Kenilworth: $75,000 for removal and remediation of asbestos tile in the recreation building, and for removal of tennis courts.

Linden: $70,000 for reconstruction of the tennis courts at Dr. Martin Luther King Park.

Mountainside: $30,000 for upgrades to playground, and renovations to the Deerfield softball and baseball Fields.

New Providence: $40,000 for modifications to the walking path surrounding the Recreational Complex

Plainfield: $90,000 for the installation of new lighting at the basketball courts in Rushmore Park.

Rahway: $25,645 for milling, resurfacing, color coating, relining, and adding ADA access to the basketball court at Howard Field.

Roselle: $75,000 for Phase II of improvements at Grove Street Park, with new toddler playground that meets State of New Jersey safety requirements.       

Roselle Park: $50,000for recreational improvements that are part of a larger project planned for the Hawthorne Detention Basin, including installation and improvement of soccer fields and walking paths.

Scotch Plains: $65,000 for improvements to safety netting at the Scotch Hills Country Club, to protect the historic Shady Rest clubhouse from errant golf shots.

Springfield: $40,000 for installation of playground equipment, for fencing repairs, and for accessibility improvements.

Summit: $59,250 for improvements to the basketball courts at Soldiers Memorial Field.   

Union: $75,000 for updates and improvement to the equipment at Hoover Park, and the fitness path in Volunteer Park.                                                                                 

Westfield $52,500 for upgrades to Edison School Field, for recreation equipment at Tamaques Park, and for an ADA study of municipal parks.

The following municipalities received grants through the 2020 round of the Greening UC program:

Berkeley Heights: $2,000     

Cranford: $4,500

Elizabeth: $19,000

Garwood: $5,000

Linden: $10,000

New Providence: $2,500

Rahway: $4,500

Roselle: $5,000          

Roselle Park: $10,000

Scotch Plains: $3.750

Springfield: $6,000

Summit: $10,000                               

Union: $10,000                                                                                            

Westfield $10,000

The Open Space Trust Fund also provides grants for local historic preservation projects through the Preserve Union County program. Established in 2003, Preserve Union County awards grants every other year.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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.

Union County Freeholder Chris Hudak and Freeholder Sergio Granados, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran joined Community FoodBank of New Jersey President and CEO Carlos Rodriguez, Kean University students and County of Union volunteers at the drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

 

Union County, NJ – The Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to inform residents that the popular, free “Wildlife Wednesdays” program will conclude its 2020 programming over the next 2 Wednesdays, with a new starting time of 6:00 PM.

“Union County is striving to bring educational programs directly to our children that may not be accessible to everyone during these challenging times, and Wildlife Wednesdays is a great example of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage residents to register for any or all of these free programs and learn more about animals and the critical role they play in our environment.”

Participation is free and open to all county residents.   Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to the first 100 families who sign up.  The programs will be held on Zoom so a valid email and Zoom access are necessary to participate. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation and Zoom login information via email.        

October 21st’s program will feature Reptiles and Gators, while October 28th’s program will features Insects and Amphibians.

Wildlife Wednesdays is sponsored by Union County’s Clean Communities Grant Program as educators will raise awareness on how litter can be harmful to wildlife.   Rizzo’s Wildlife World educators will bring the classroom to you and present a myriad of wildlife critters. These programs aim to discourage littering to protect the diverse wildlife found in County parks.

For more information on upcoming Wildlife Wednesday, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/wildlife-wednesdays. 

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Union County, NJ – Union County voters who need in-person assistance with matters pertaining to the 2020 General Election can visit the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield during regular weekday business hours. In addition, both offices are open on selected Saturdays prior to Election Day, November 3.

Office visitors must follow all COVID-19 prevention rules, including masks and social distance.

“The additional Saturday hours will help ensure that Union County voters can access the information they need in order to participate in this important election cycle,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “My staff is also available by phone and email to assist voters with any questions or concerns they may have.” 

The County Clerk’s Annex Office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 and on the following two Saturdays, October 24 and 31.

The Main Office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31.

For more details on office hours and locations, visit the County Clerk online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

For more information on the 2020 General Election visit the County Clerk’s election website, unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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

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Michael Shephard and Union County VO-TECH Share $50,000 Award

Contact: David Connerty-Marin
207-831-3313
david.connertymarin@gmail.com

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J.—An automotive technology teacher from Scotch Plains has been named a winner of the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $50,000 as part of $1 million awarded to 18 trades teachers nationwide today.

Michael Shephard, who teaches automotive technology at Union County Career and Technical Institute in Scotch Plains, will receive $50,000—including $35,000 for the school’s skilled trades program and $15,000 for him personally. He joins 14 other Prize winners, who each received $50,000, and three Grand Prize winners, who each received $100,000 as part of the annual prize.

“This year has been one of the toughest on record for skilled trades teachers as they switch between in-person, remote or blended learning—all while trying to do their life’s work of preparing the next generation of tradespeople,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “At a time when tradespeople are more essential than ever, so is trades education. We are honored and grateful to have the chance to shine a spotlight on these teachers’ amazing work.”

Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Superintendent Gwendolyn Ryan said:  “Mr. Shephard brings valuable industry experience, great enthusiasm for Career and Technical Education, and a love of learning to the Automotive Technology students at the Union County Career and Technical Institute,” said .  We rely on industry partners to provide meaningful support of our programs.  We are grateful both for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools’ partnership and for recognizing Mr. Shephard for the commitment he has made to our students.  We could not be more proud of his initiative, his creativity and of this accomplishment!” 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “We congratulate Mr. Shephard for receiving this award and we thank Harbor Freight Tools for Schools for their partnership. We also thank Mr. Shephard for his commitment to his students and excellence in vocational education. Now more than ever, we must continue to develop the skills of our students who wish to work in vocational fields and deliver essential services.”

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, the founder of national tool retailer Harbor Freight Tools, to recognize outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the teachers who inspire students to learn skills to prepare for life after graduation. As recent research from JFF (formerly known as Jobs for the Future) and funded by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools found, students who “concentrate” (or take multiple trades courses as part of a program) are more likely to graduate than their peers. Upon graduation, students are prepared for either further education or work in fields that routinely rank among the hardest jobs to fill and that have come to be widely recognized as “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Trades teachers are educating and developing the tradespeople of the future,” Smidt said.  “Many of the students in their classes today will become—as soon as next spring—the workers who keep our critical care infrastructure, our communication networks, our homes and cars up and running. The prize is our way of saying thank you to their teachers.”

Michael Shephard teaches automotive technology at Union County Career and Technical Institute in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He has taught at UCCTI for four years. Shephard’s students learn how to rebuild engines by running diagnostics and performing repairs. During his time teaching, Shephard has expanded his program to include a third year, during which students fix customer cars. In the shop, Shephard teaches students according to their learning styles, using the Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) method. Upon completion of his program, 90 percent of Shephard’s students earn an Automotive Service Excellence certificate.

For a list of all 18 winners and finalists, click here.

Grand Prize winners will each receive $100,000, with $70,000 going to their public high school skilled trades program and $30,000 to the individual skilled trades teacher behind the winning program. The 15 Prize winners will each be awarded $50,000, with $35,000 going to their public high school program and $15,000 to the teacher. Because of school, district and/or state policy regarding individual cash awards, the schools of two teachers will receive the entire prize winnings. Cash awards given to schools will support winning teachers’ skilled trades programs. Individual winnings can be used however the winner wishes.

The 2020 prize drew more than 600 applications from 48 states and included three rounds of judging, each by an independent panel of experts from industry, education, trades, philanthropy and civic leadership. The application process, which included responses to questions and a series of learning modules, was designed to solicit each teacher’s experience, insights and creative ideas about their approach to teaching and success in helping their students achieve excellence in the skilled trades. All learning modules are available here.

In July, the field was narrowed to 50 finalists. The 32 finalists who were not named winners today will receive $1,000 gift cards from Harbor Freight Tools. Additionally, given the challenges teachers are facing due to COVID-19, teachers who applied for the prize but did not advance to become finalists were eligible to receive $100 gift cards from Harbor Freight Tools.

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About Harbor Freight Tools for Schools

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation, established by Harbor Freight Tools founder Eric Smidt, to advance excellent skilled trades education in public high schools across America. With a deep respect for the dignity of these fields and for the intelligence and creativity of people who work with their hands, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to drive a greater understanding of and investment in skilled trades education, believing that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs and a workforce our country needs. Harbor Freight Tools is a major supporter of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program. For more information, visit us at HarborFreightToolsforSchools.org and Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.