Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – March 4, 2022 – In recognition of Arbor Day 2022, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to provide free trees for local schools.

“We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County, and we are looking forward to another successful season.”

Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.

In addition to the tree giveaway, the Commissioner Board also sponsors an annual Arbor Day poetry contest, provides municipalities with tree-for-tree matching grants, and supports the Master Tree Stewards volunteer tree conservation program.

This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.

The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

The deadline for free tree requests is March 18. Schools may contact Madeline Brigantino, Assistant to the Director, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management, mbrigantino@ucnj.org or 908-789-3653 to request a tree.

For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held at Williams Nursery in Westfield on Tuesday, April 5 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Arbor Day has been a National Observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees.  This year Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 29.

The U.S. Forestry Service, the Arbor Day Foundation and other partners have developed free, user-friendly software to calculate the dollar value of trees in urban communities. For more information visit iTreeTools.org.

To find out more about 4-H and the Master Tree Steward program, contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers 4-H agent, 908-654-9854 or jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No experience is needed to join the Tree Steward program. A training course is held each year, featuring guided walks in area parks and nature preserves.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Commissioner Board and is headquartered in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. For information on all Extension programs, including Master Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards, and the 4-H youth development program visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.

Image credit: via Creative Commons (By Eric Hunt – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0).

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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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How to Help Ukraine and Other Regions in Crisis

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sparked a new refugee crisis while raising awareness about the needs of millions of refugees around the world, and underscoring how racism and bias can obstruct those seeking safe haven.

Union County residents are encouraged to donate to local efforts in aid of Ukrainian refugees, and to international aid organizations in this time of extraordinary need.

A donation drive for emergency items in aid of Ukrainian refugees has been organized by 24 law enforcement agencies in Union County. Donation bins are available at:

• Offices of local police departments
• Office of the Union County Sheriff (lobby of the County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth)
• Office of the Prosecutor (lobby of the Ruotolo Building, 32 Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth)
• Union County Division of Police (lobby of the Ralph J. Froehlich Public Safety Building, 400 North Avenue East in Westfield)
• On Saturday March 26 only, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union Police Department will also accept donations during the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Caldwell and Morris Avenues in Union Township.

Financial donations: In addition to the Red Cross, many other international aid organizations are accepting donations in aid of refugees from Ukraine and other regions facing humanitarian crises, including:

• International Rescue Committee
• Doctors without Borders
• World Central Kitchen
• UNHCR (the United Nations Refugee Agency)

The following organizations are listed by the office of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for aid specifically to Ukraine refugees:

• Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (partners with New Jersey Hospital Association)
• Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey
• US-Ukraine Foundation (partners with American Hospital Association, Greater New York Hospital Association, and Afya Foundation)

The following organizations focus on overcoming racism and bias faced by non-citizen refugees attempting to flee Ukraine into Poland:

• United Sikhs, works with immigrants and minority communities around the world
• Fundacja Ocalenie (Rescue Foundation) provides resources for foreigners in Poland

Union County residents can also reach out to a their local civic or faith organization to find out how to help non-citizens, especially people of color, who have been victimized by racism and bias while attempting to flee Ukraine.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners works with faith based and non-profit organizations to help ensure justice and fairness for undocumented persons in our community, and to help legal immigrants on a path to full citizenship.

Recent actions include:

• Resolution condemning the attack on Ukraine, 2022.
• Assistance for Afghan refugees, 2021.
• Support for path to citizenship, 2015.
• Justice for immigrant families, 2014.

Additional Aid Organizations (this list will be updated periodically)

• CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
• International Medical Corps: Healthcare services, psychosocial support, and other services.
• Project Hope: Coordinates with health-care workers to provide on-the-ground medical support to countries in crisis
• Save the Children: Hygiene kits, food and water, financial support, and mental health services through the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.
• Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.

Full text of Union County press release, March 4, 2022:

Union County Commissioner Board Condemns Attack on Ukraine

Union County, NJ – March 4, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners condemns the unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine and encourages County residents to support organizations that are providing medical assistance and other supplies to victims of the war, including refugees as well as those within Ukraine.

The Ukrainian flag has also been raised at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, as symbol of solidarity.

“The democracies of the world have united to condemn the attack, and a coalition of allies led by the United States has taken action to assist Ukraine. In support of this effort, we encourage Union County residents to help the people of Ukraine by contributing to reliable, trusted aid organizations that are providing medical supplies, food, and other forms of relief,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

In addition to the Ukrainian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, some of the many aid organizations accepting contributions are:

CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.

Doctors without Borders: Mobilized in Ukraine and nearby countries to provide medical support.

International Medical Corps: Healthcare services, psychosocial support, and other services.

International Rescue Committee:  Resources for refugees facing a humanitarian crisis.

Project Hope: Coordinates with health-care workers to provide on-the-ground medical support to countries in crisis

Save the Children: Hygiene kits, food and water, financial support, and mental health services through the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

US-Ukraine-Foundation: airlifting medical supplies into Ukraine.

Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.

On Thursday, March 3, the Commissioner Board passed a resolution, sponsored by the entire Board, condemning the declaration of war and subsequent invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation last week, and supporting the right of Ukraine to exist as a democratic, independent nation free of the influence of Russia or any other country.

The full text of the resolution is as follows:

WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation declared war and began a large-scale invasion of Ukraine from the North, East, and South and bombed various regions across Ukraine including the capital of Kyiv in violation of international law; and

Whereas, As of February 28, 2022, a United Nations human rights monitoring team had confirmed 376 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 94 deaths, after only three days of fighting, and that as each day has passed, more casualties have been tallied and more destruction documented; and

WHEREAS, the United States of America, as well as the international community have responded to these violations by levying some of the toughest sanctions ever imposed against Russia and top Russian individuals, resulting in immediate and significant financial consequences for the Russian banking and financial markets; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey condemns the invasion of Ukraine, and supports continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, echoing the voices of people all over the world in saying “No” to war; and

WHEREAS, the people of Ukraine, led by their democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have shown unwavering bravery in response to the unprovoked act of aggression by Russia and are determined to preserve their country and democracy:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board joins with the Legislature of the State of New Jersey and condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and supports the citizens of Ukraine in pursuing democracy and independence.  In addition, this Board supports New Jersey’s proposed ban on pension fund and local government investment deals with Russia and Belarus;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners implores Russia to return to diplomatic solutions to resolve this situation with the democratic and independent government of Ukraine.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

During tonight’s Union County Board of Commissioners meeting it was announced by Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chair for the Fiscal Committee, that there will be a zero percent increase in Union County’s 2022 Budget for the 3rd year in a row.

“I would like to recognize that while it is not easy to always get there – our Union County team were once again able to provide all of the services, programs and help our residents need, while maintaining this zero percent tax increase another year in a row,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Our residents will always be a top priority for us and I am looking forward to expanding our initiatives for an even better Union County.”

Since the pandemic began, the County of Union has prioritized its efforts to strengthen the safety and services for its residents and this year’s budget continues to reflect those essential services. It was also announced by Commissioner Granados that the County of Union continues to maintain their Aaa credit rating, which is the highest a county government can obtain, further demonstrating their strong fiscal footing.

Some of the essential services that were funded include:

• COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Centers at various locations throughout Union County – including stationary sites, mobile units, pop-up locations, registration and call-in center operations.
• Opening of the new federally certified campus lab in conjunction with Kean University for diagnostic testing and critical public health research during the pandemic.
• Emergency COVID-19 food distributions, which included 45 distribution events throughout Union County, providing over 4.1 million meals to approximately 35,000 households.
• Assisted over 71 families and 257 individuals residing throughout the County who were impacted by Hurricane Ida by providing emergency housing, meals, and support services.
• Thousands of Senior Citizens throughout the County received a variety of cultural, educational, nutritional, medical, health related and recreational programs.

“Still impacted from the effects of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida, residents across our county are still facing various issues such as unemployment and food hardships to needing property tax or rental assistance,” said Commissioner Granados. “As Commissioners, we knew that we needed to keep the tax increase at zero percent to further help our constituents and it was through the vision and advisement of the County Commissioners, as well as the planning & execution by County Manager Ed Oatman, who worked with his Department Heads to ensure we were able to come to this result.”

This budget also funds the Chair’s “Connecting Our Community,” initiatives for 2022, which include technology and infrastructure improvements, mental health and educational programs and upgrades to our parks and recreational facilities.

“Today’s budget is a result of a collaborative effort, the culmination of months of planning, community outreach, and hard work,” said Ed Oatman, County Manager. “I want to thank our Board of County Commissioners for their vision and our Directors for working together in crafting this budget. We will continue the progress we have made, providing a high quality of life for all residents in Union County.”

In the coming weeks, the County of Union will be holding Special Fiscal Committee Meetings, which will be open to the public. If any resident of Union County would like to attend these meetings and hear about the many things each Department has done as well as new initiatives, they can attend the meetings at the County Administration Building, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16th and Wednesday, March 23rd.

The meetings are between the Fiscal Committee and the County Departments and there will be no public commentary. The purpose of these meetings are to review and craft a final document for passage. Officials will review all of the documents submitted and the budget will be introduced on April 7th. Members of the public will have a chance to speak in regards to the budget on May 12th before it is adopted.

Union County, NJ – March 3, 2022 – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Trailside Nature and Science Center will offer a new, three-day, spring break nature camp this April, with one group for children ages 7-9 and another for ages 10-12. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page.

Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“Trailside’s programs offer young people the opportunity to experience fun activities outdoors while exploring our natural heritage in the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Two sessions are available, April 12-14 and April 19-21. Both sessions are small group, half-day camps taking place in the morning, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Participants will join Trailside Park Naturalists to explore early spring life in the Watchung Reservation, hike the trails and investigate aquatic life including sunfish, tadpoles and salamanders.

Campers will also learn to identify local wildlife through sight, sound and the signs they leave behind, meet live snakes and turtles from Trailside’s collection, and observe the activity of peregrine falcons through Union County’s Falcon Cam.

The fee is $100 for Union County residents and $115 for non-county residents. Programs are rain or shine, outdoors and indoors.

For more information about the spring break nature camps and other upcoming activities at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including the Falcon Cam, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccinations, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – March 3, 2022 – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a sensory friendly production of music, dance and humor presented by the well-known performance group Artrageous. The show will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 at the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

The performance is part of the Sensory Friendly Theatre series sponsored by the Commissioner Board. All tickets are $8.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. To buy tickets online visit ucpac.org; do not use any other website.  Attendees can also call the box office at 732-499-8226 to buy tickets in advance.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre has brought the inclusive, enriching experience of live performance to thousands of Union County residents since we first began the series in 2012, and we are very happy to welcome Artrageous to our community,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Artrageous is a troupe of artists, singers, dancers and musicians from the high desert of New Mexico, with high energy to match. Their unique, dynamic approach to performance combines art, music, song, dance and humor with a powerful message about art and the human experience.

COVID-19 safety regulations are in effect for all performances at UCPAC. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Those reserving tickets are advised to check for updates prior to arriving at the theatre.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series showcases exciting live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during the performance. For complete details visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

Upcoming shows in the series include Pete the Cat on April 24 in partnership with Rahway Mayor Ray Giacobbe and the City of Rahway, and the classic ballet Cinderella on May 7.

To see a list of additional recreation activities for persons with disabilities and special needs sponsored by Union County, and to sign up for programs, visit the secure registration page at ucnj.org/reserve.

To contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs use the online form at ucnj.org/dhs or call 908-527-4807.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Residents will be eligible to receive up to 15 months of rental assistance

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that the Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), will be re-opening. Eligible residents adversely impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance beginning Monday March 7th, 2022.

Starting March 7th at 9:00 a.m. qualifying residents can submit their application online: ucnj.org/rental-assistance/.

Under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent/utility bills and 3 months of forthcoming assistance. The funds will be awarded directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are approved for the grant.

“The Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing temporary rental and utility assistance” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Commissioner Board is committed to doing all that we can to continue to assist those in need, and the rental assistance program is an important part of those efforts.”

Assistance is available to all qualifying Union County residents regardless of immigration status.

If any applicant needs additional assistance submitting their application or is experiencing technical difficulties, please reach out to any of our Community Partners:

Family Promise Union County – (908) 289-7300

Urban League of Union County – (908) 351-7200

United Way of Greater Union County – (908) 353-7171

Staff will inform applicants of all required documentation to bring to the appointment. Once staff has a complete application with all required documentation, the application will be reviewed and submitted. Applicants will be provided with documented proof of their filed rental assistance application for their landlord.

Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:

• Must be a tenant residing in Union County
• Household Income is at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI);
• Household income loss must be due to Covid-19;
• Must provide a current lease agreement or rental document.

For answers to additional questions please contact NJ Shares at 1-866-657-4273, text HELP to 64405 or via email unionerap@njshares.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services regarding COVID-19, including guidance for testing and vaccination, 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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Connect with Union County on social media.