Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote by mail ballots are available in her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election.
“I urge residents to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election. This year, not only are there local races in many municipalities, but there are crucial races on the ballot, including those for U.S. President, US Senate and Congress positions, as well as Union County Commissioners,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Your vote is your voice, and it matters in shaping the future of our community and our nation.”
Voters who use the County Clerk’s One-Stop service can come to the Elizabeth or Westfield office, apply for their ballot, receive it, fill it out, and deposit it in a secure drop-box on site, all in the same visit. Privacy booths are located at the offices for voters to fill out their ballot.
The office locations and hours are:
Union County Courthouse
Located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth
Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Open on Saturday, June 3, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm for Vote-by-Mail
Colleen Fraser Building
Located at 300 North Avenue East (Union County services complex), Westfield
Regular hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm
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.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote by mail ballots are available in her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election.
“I urge residents to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election. This year, not only are there local races in many municipalities, but there are crucial races on the ballot, including those for U.S. President, US Senate and Congress positions, as well as Union County Commissioners,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Your vote is your voice, and it matters in shaping the future of our community and our nation.”
Voters who use the County Clerk’s One-Stop service can come to the Elizabeth or Westfield office, apply for their ballot, receive it, fill it out, and deposit it in a secure drop-box on site, all in the same visit. Privacy booths are located at the offices for voters to fill out their ballot.
The office locations and hours are:
Union County Courthouse
Located at 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth
Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Open on Saturday, June 3, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm for Vote-by-Mail
Colleen Fraser Building
Located at 300 North Avenue East (Union County Services Complex), Westfield
Regular hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday, 9:00am – 1:00pm
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.
Who: Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded & the Union County Board of County Commissioners Senate President Nicholas Scutari Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, District 22 Wanda Green and Family
What: Designation of Jerry Green Memorial Highway
The State of New Jersey has enacted legislation to designate a portion of State Highway Route 27 in Union County as the “Jerry Green Memorial Highway” to honor the late Assemblyman Jerry Green for his extensive public service and contributions to the state. Born in Roselle, NJ, Green dedicated his life to serving his community and the state. He held various public offices in Union County, including positions on the Union County Planning Board, Union County Utilities Authority, and Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Green was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1991, where he served until his death in 2018, making him the longest-serving member of the Assembly at that time. He passed away on April 18, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service.
When: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 11:00 a.m.
Where: Near the entrance of Warinanco Park Intersection of Park Avenue and St. Georges Avenue Linden, NJ
Contact: Kelly Martins, 908-527-4419 Director, Office of Communications & Public Information
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite all middle and high schools to participate in the 2024 Fairy House Art Contest. This contest is part of Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiatives. This unique contest invites students from 6th to 12th grade throughout Union County to design and create magical fairy houses, with a special prize awarded to the winning entry.
“This initiative supports our goal of growing together as a community, bringing creativity and ingenuity to our parks,” said Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Fairy House contest not only challenges students to use their imagination, but also promotes environmental consciousness by requiring the use of natural materials. Union County residents of all ages can enjoy these displays of originality.”
Participating schools are asked to submit one fairy house, which will be evaluated by a panel of professional judges and displayed in one of Union County’s parks. Fairy houses must be constructed from all-natural, biodegradable materials. Acceptable items include small stones, pebbles, acorns, dried reeds, grasses, small sticks, twigs, seashells, dried flowers, pine cones, small tree cookies, dried moss, native vines, and tree bark. If paint is used, it must be eco-friendly and biodegradable. No plastic, glitter, metals, or other non-natural materials are allowed.
The progression of the project must be submitted through the following link provided in the application: https://ucnj.org/fairy-house-updates/. Participating students must also fill out and sign a media release. Most importantly, students are asked to use their imagination! Schools must submit their registration by Friday, May 31, 2024, no later than 5:00pm. The project must be completed by Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Details on how the project will be picked up will be announced closer to the project deadline.
The Union County Board of Commissioners is happy to inform residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2024 season will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the UCNJ- Union College of Union County NJ, which is located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. The event will take place in the parking lots 5A and 5B on campus. The event will be held in conjunction with Union County’s “Beyond the Bin” recycling event, which will also be held at the same site. There will be ample signage onsite to guide residents to the proper location of each event on location.
“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 Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “It is a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment. By participating, you are not just safeguarding your own household but also contributing to the well-being of our entire community and ecosystem.”
Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town. The Household Hazardous Waste events provide Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) 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), mercury switches, and more. The Union County Police Department will also be onsite to handle the proper disposal of fireworks and ammunition that residents may have.
Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants must remain in their vehicles while personnel at the site unload their waste items. Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.
Tires are also accepted at these events. There is a limit of eight automobile (car) without rims, bicycle, or motorcycle tires, per household.
Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted at the household hazardous waste events. Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener (which can be purchased at home improvement or paint stores) to the paint.
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 quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
In Conjunction With Household Hazardous Waste Event
In light of the success that Union County had last fall with the first Beyond the Bin event, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be holding another Beyond the Bin event this spring. This event will be held on Sunday, June 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.at UCNJ, Union College of Union County NJ, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. This event will be held in conjunction with Union County’s next Household Hazardous Waste event.
“As we continue our commitment to sustainability and waste reduction, Union County is proud to announce our second Beyond the Bin event,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly-Palmieri-Mouded. “Building on the success of last fall’s initiative, we are expanding our efforts to address challenges in recycling and provide residents with convenient solutions. Together, we can turn waste into opportunities for a greener, more vibrant community.”
The County of Union understands that several challenges within the current recycling program still exist. Some residents may be unaware that certain items, like plastic film that packages paper towels or water bottles, an old fax machine or broken computer for instance, or unused or discarded vegetables and other food products can be recycled. Others are unsure of where to take items to be recycled, and may end up throwing them in the trash. Furthermore, with New Jersey’s highly successful ban of single use plastic bags well underway, we now have a surplus of reusable cloth bags piling up in homes, cars, and garages that residents just don’t know what to do with.
On average, the US alone has been noted to discard upwards of 34 billions of pounds of textile waste each year (Lundberg and Devoy, 2022). That is around 100 pounds of waste per person each year! Instead of throwing this material in the trash, residents can now give it a second life at this event.
Furthermore, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that in 2019, 66 million tons of wasted food was generated in the food retail, food service, and residential sectors, and most of this waste (about 60%) was sent to landfills (https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/food-material-specific-data). Union County is making an effort, through this event, to help curtail this food waste trend and send the food to the Waste Management CORe facility in Elizabeth (www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/food-waste-recycling-law/wm_core_overview.pdf), where it will be used to make renewable energy from the food waste collected.
Desktop or personal computers, computer monitors, portable computers, desktop fax machines, monitors, printers, tablets/e-readers, and televisions
Plastic Film
Clean, dry plastic bags, bubble wrap, Ziplock bags, dry-cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, produce bags, case overwrap (i.e. a case of bottled water)
Clothing/ Textiles
All textiles in any condition. Stains, rips, tears are okay as long as they are dry and odorless. Textiles includes all shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, pajamas, jackets, winter coats, rain coats, shoes, accessories, handbags, backpacks, household linens, towels, sneakers, boots, etc
Reusable Shopping Bags (non-plastic)
Cloth, canvas, cotton, #5 woven and non-woven shopping bags
Food Waste Recycling
Produce; Meat, Fish and Poultry, Dairy; Bread, Pasta, Rice, Grains; Coffee Grounds
Styrofoam
For residents interested in composting at home, we have partnered with BrandBuilders LLC in making backyard composters, rain barrels, and more available for purchase online and pick up at the event. For more information on composting materials for your home or to make a purchase, please visit us at www.union.compostersale.com/
For a complete list of all acceptable items and materials for this event, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/. Union County’s Beyond the Bin recycling initiative is brought to you by the Union County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning and the Union County Department of Public Works.
If you have any additional questions or would like more information regarding this and other recycling events and services in Union County, please call 908-654-9890 or visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce an opportunity for residents to participate in a Plant Swap and Shop event, on June 6th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in the Scout Camping Area of the Watchung Reservation.
“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for Union County residents to actively contribute to the preservation and restoration of our local environment,” Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By swapping invasive plants for native ones, participants not only help combat the spread of harmful species but also help the growth of native habitats that support our local wildlife. We’re incredibly grateful for our residents’ dedication to creating a healthier, more sustainable Union County.”
Invasive plants, typically not native to the area, can quickly take over if not controlled. They outcompete native plants, making the ecosystem more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. Additionally, they often don’t provide food or habitat for wildlife. By planting various native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, you’ll attract a wide range of native insects and birds. These creatures rely on these plants for nectar, seeds, and fruit, which keep nature balanced, resilient to changes.
Residents are invited to bring up to three distinct invasive plants and exchange them for up to three native plants, all at no cost. This initiative aims to promote the removal of invasive species from local ecosystems while encouraging the planting of native species, which are vital for supporting biodiversity and enhancing the natural landscape. Examples of invasive plants to bring for the swap are: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy and Chinese silvergrass. These plants should be dug up recently and brought to the event with their root included in a sealed bag or box. The native plants offered for swap include Blue Cardinal Flower, Dense Blazing Star, Blue False Indigo, Joe Pye Weed, Swamp Sunflower, Swamp Milkweed and Black Eyed Susan.
In addition to the plant swap, participants will have the opportunity to shop for native plants at the event, courtesy of Toadshade Native Plant Nursery. Toadshade is a plant nursery in Frenchtown that specializes in native, perennial, propagated wildflower plants. Pre-orders through the Toadshade website at http://www.toadshade.com are recommended for convenient pickup at the event.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees, pre-registration for the event is required, with a maximum of 100 registrants accepted. Residents can register by visiting www.ucnj.org/plant-swap. For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: “Plant This, not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 6th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the ballot drawing for the Special Primary Election in the 10th Congressional District will take place on Monday, May 20th at 3:00pm in the Union County Courthouse. This special election is being held to fill the vacancy left by the late Congressman Donald Payne, who represented the towns of Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Roselle, Roselle Park, Union Township, and parts of Linden.
The Special Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, July 16, with the Special General Election scheduled for Wednesday, September 18.
“We encourage all eligible voters to participate in Special Primary Election,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Filling the seat of the late Congressman Payne is a significant moment for our community. Your vote is crucial in determining the future representation of the 10th Congressional District.”
For more information on voting in Union County elections, visit unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services will provide services throughout the month of May, including a free mental health webinar on Thursday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m. The month-long observation is part of a national campaign that aims to reduce stigma, foster acceptance, and create an informed and supportive community that embraces mental health care.
“Mental health struggles can have a profound impact on people, including our loved ones. Whether it affects them directly or indirectly, we cannot afford to ignore this sensitive, yet important topic,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman and Liaison to the Mental Health Advisory Board, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Your mental and emotional well-being is important to us, and that’s the reason we are passionately dedicated to educating our residents on mental health and wellness. We want to help anyone who is going through a challenging time to know that hope still exists, and that there are resources available to them.”
The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Union County Department of Human Services will provide a series of programs and services for Union County residents seeking mental health information and services, including:
Distributing Mental Health Awareness ribbon cards throughout the month of May. The cards have a removable green ribbon pin for residents to wear in solidarity and a link they can use to connect with mental health services.
May 16th: Observing Mental Health Day of Action. On this day, all Union County residents and visitors are asked to wear green as a sign of encouragement and empowerment to act on mental health, whether for themselves, their loved ones, or in general support of our community.
May 23rd: Zoom Virtual Webinar: “Raising Awareness about Mental Health by Breaking the Stigma and Demystifying Paths to Wellness.” This free and informative webinar will be hosted by the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, in collaboration with Atlantic Health System. Presenters Nilda Rodrigues, MA, LCADC, and Christopher Fowler, CPRS ABH Peer Recovery Specialist, will lead the discussion on what it’s like living with mental health struggles and include examples of what a supportive and empathetic dialogue can look like. Pre-registration is required. To register for the webinar, visit www.ucnj.org/mhs.
“The foundation for a healthier and happier Union County lies in creating community connections and ensuring access to vital resources,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “This free webinar is another way Union County demonstrates its strong support for residents. I encourage anyone experiencing mental health challenges, or who knows someone who is, to take advantage of this opportunity and register. And always remember, our Department of Human Services is available year-round to provide assistance to those in need.”
According to Mental Health America (MHA), mental illness affects more than 50 million Americans, and approximately 1 in 5 adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.
“Although Mental Health is nationally recognized in the month of May, it is an essential component of overall health and should be focused on year-round,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “Many individuals, families, and communities are experiencing increased levels of stress, depression, and anxiety and access to local support systems are key components to achieving wellness. The Union County Department of Human Services is committed to connecting residents to the resources needed to support their wellbeing because mental health is health.” The Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse advises anyone needing support, information, or resources to reach out to NJ Mental Health Cares, New Jersey’s behavioral health information and referral service system. Calls are answered by trained staff who provide emotional support, assessment of presenting problems, and information and referral. This is a free, confidential service with multilingual translation available. If you or a loved one is facing mental health related distress, thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, for 24/7 support. The Lifeline provides free confidential emotional support to individuals in crisis or emotional distress.
To learn more about events and programs offered through the Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to invite all residents to kick off the summer season with Rhythm & Blues by the Brook, an afternoon full of musical performances and activities at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, June 1st from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“Our Rhythm & Blues concert sets the stage for the start to our summer season here in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “It’s just the beginning of a fantastic lineup of free shows, movies, and entertainment for families to enjoy. I encourage all of you to come out and join us for a fun-filled family experience, and I look forward to seeing you all there.”
Rhythm & Blues by the Brook 2024 will be headlined by musical sensation The 5th Dimension. Originally known as “the Versatiles” when they formed in 1965, this Grammy-winning, five-part vocal R&B group has withstood the test of time – racking up twenty-two top 40 hits, five number-one songs, and over 25 million in sales in almost 60 years in the music industry. Guests can look forward to performances of iconic hits “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” “Up, Up, and Away,” and “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep At All” to be in the afternoon’s playlist.
Vocalists The Company Men will also perform, delivering a sound that combines artists from Sam Cooke to The Weeknd into a soulful blend. R&B groups Trusol and Freakwincey will also share the stage. DJ Bookem will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
During the event, guests can visit the food and vendor marketplace and enjoy their favorite summer treats and refreshments. Additionally, the Car and Motorcycle spectacular presented by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment will return again this year.
Children can look forward to an exciting afternoon packed with activities. From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., they can tackle our challenge course and bounce around in inflatable attractions in our Kids Zone.
Additionally, sponsored by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Plainfield, the Health and Wellness Fair makes its comeback to the Rhythm & Blues concert this year. Join them from noon to 4:00 p.m. for a range of health-focused activities and resources.
For schedule details and updates on this event, please visit ucnj.org/randb. For more information about all activities in Union County Parks, visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation online at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900 or email parksinfo@ucnj.org.
