Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, July 7, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below and see if your Town is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control: 908-654-9873
Cities
Berkeley Heights – Emerson Ln., Janet Ln., Brookside Ln., Hillside Ave., Archer Ln., Apple tree Row, Cedar Ln., Water Ln., Elm Pl., Fern Way, Beechwood Rd., Greenbrook Rd. Ralph PL., Rogers Pl., Branco Rd., North Rd., Kingman Rd., Nancy Pl., Industrial Rd.,Wilson Dr., Webster Dr., Delmore Ave.
Citing an increase in property related fraud in New Jersey and around the country, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County property owners that the Property Fraud Alert Notification system enables property owners to respond quickly to unauthorized, potentially fraudulent activity involving their property. The program is completely free for Union County property owners.
“Property fraud is especially insidious because seniors are often the target, and the victims often have no idea that their property rights have been compromised until it’s too late. The Property Fraud Alert system enables property owners to identify a potential problem as quickly as possible, and take action to re-establish their property rights,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
Property owners in Union County can subscribe to the free Property Fraud Alert system by registering online at www.propertyfraudalert.com/NJUnion?, or contact the Property Fraud Alert call center at 1-800-728-3858.
Subscribers can opt to receive alerts by phone or email. Please note that users with common names may receive multiple alerts. Property owners may also register additional names free of charge, to cover common misspellings.
Subscribers will be notified when the name they have registered is used in any recording activities within the office of the County Clerk.
When an alert is received, the subscriber is advised to visit the Union County Clerk’s property search website at clerk.ucnj.org to check for unauthorized activity. The online system can be accessed 24/7. Subscribers can also call 1-800-728-3858 during regular weekday business hours.
Subscribers should report any suspicious activity to their local Police Department.
For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.
Union County residents with special needs are invited to participate in Paint by the Pond, on Saturday, July 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mindowaskin Park, located at 385 E. Broad Street in Westfield.
Residents of all ages are welcome to attend. This event is free to attend but pre-registration is required. To pre-register, residents should visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
“The Board of Commissioners are proud to continue offering the Paint by the Pond program, for our residents with special needs,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
“This interactive art program allows participants a chance to explore their artistic sides right here in Westfield, while enjoying our parks,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.
“Paint by the Pond” is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) and welcomes residents with special needs of all ages. During the event, participating artists will paint miniature cardboard houses. The finished houses will be floated on the pond once completed, though participants will be able to take their creations home with them.
“We strive to ensure that Union County continues to provide activities for all residents to enjoy,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Paint by the Pond is a terrific initiative that provides an opportunity for our residents with special needs to unleash their inner artists in an inclusive and accessible setting.”
For more information about the “Paint by the Pond” program, contact Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator, at jwhitous@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781.
The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is a unit of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, in the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn.
For more 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.
Petitions must be returned before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 25, before 4:00 p.m. in the County Clerk’s Election Office, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113.
Petition forms are available at the County Clerk’s Election Office in Elizabeth, or they can be downloaded from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petitions.
“As a former school board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Service on a school board provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to the community.”
Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.
The 2018 law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words. Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.
The County Clerk’s Elizabeth Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.
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 information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.
Millions in State, County and Municipal funds will benefit residents of Union County
On Thursday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a $50.6 billion spending plan backed by the State Senate into law. Millions of State, County and Municipal level funds were allocated towards and will benefit the residents of Union County.
The signing took place in the Township of Cranford at Cranford High School. The budget includes record levels of property tax relief. Other highlights include a permanent childcare tax credit for all those making less than $150,000 per year, while also laying the foundation for universal Pre-K. There is more than $5 billion included to pay down state debt.
The allocation of funding benefitting Union County is vast and includes resources for things such as flood relief, the County library consortium, county-wide 5G fiber optics, a new academic building for Kean University, and funding towards the Berkeley Heights Sewer Plant.
“This is budget addresses not only the economic challenges of our time but also our growing need for connection,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “As part of this budget, $10 million has been allocated toward the build out of a Countywide 5G fiber optics grid so that all County buildings, parks, town halls and law enforcement buildings will be equipped with 5G. This is a vital part of my ‘Connecting our Community’ initiatives for 2022 and will better ensure public safety and reliability of government services within Union County.”
Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, a Cranford resident, was present for signing of the budget.
“I was very pleased to see Governor Murphy choose my hometown as the place to sign the Fiscal Year 2023 budget into law. The funding provided for critical needs in our county, including $1.8 million earmarked for flood mitigation in Cranford, will be of lasting significance for all Union County families,” said Commissioner Kowalski. “I applaud and appreciate the leadership of Governor Murphy, Senate President Scutari, Speaker Coughlin, and all other state leaders who came together to make this budget happen.”
“It was an honor to have Governor Murphy come to Union County and sign the State Budget,” said County Manager Edward Oatman. “Union County residents will greatly benefit from the many programs and initiatives funded in this budget, to say nothing of the record levels of property tax relief included. The budget will help make Union County more affordable for all our residents while enriching our quality of life. On behalf of Union County, I thank the Senate President, Nicholas Scutari, for his leadership and what he has brought to our county”
“This is a budget that puts the focus on our priorities of making New Jersey more affordable, addressing the financial needs of working people and expanding the state’s economy,” said New Jersey State Senate President, Nicholas Scutari. “In addition to property tax savings for homeowners and renters, it includes the child tax credit, energy tax savings and the back-to-school tax holiday. We are putting money into the hands of New Jersey residents at a time they need it most.”
For more 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and Union County Clean Communities would like to encourage residents to celebrate and participate in Plastic Free July!
“Finding ways to go plastic free is easier than you think and residents can certainly do a lot on a personal level to help save the environment,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The information provided here are great examples of how you can make a big impact on the environment and reduce the amount of plastic waste you or your family use on a daily basis. I hope you will all join us in participating in this challenge.”
Plastic Free July is an annual, month-long event started by the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011, to work towards their vision of a world free of plastic waste. Every year, individuals and groups take the challenge to reduce the amount of single-use plastic items they use and purchase throughout the month of July.
It is easy and free to participate – just go to www.plasticfreejuly.org and click on “Take the Challenge.” By taking the challenge, you pledge to make whichever changes you are able to make – whether starting small with a few easy swaps or overhauling your plastic consumption – to reduce the amount of plastic waste you are contributing to the waste stream.
According to National Geographic, 40 percent of all plastics made are single-use items, which are used for a few minutes and quickly discarded, able to persist in the environment for hundreds of years. It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic waste get added to our oceans every year. Plastics do not biodegrade, however, and instead break into smaller and smaller pieces until they become microplastics, at just 5mm across or less. These tiny plastic pieces are almost impossible to remove once in the open ocean, and instead wash up on coastal shores or get consumed by wildlife. In fact, almost 700 species are known to have been negatively impacted by plastic pollution, and microplastics have been found in 100 aquatic species, including those that humans regularly eat.
The State of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection took steps towards single-use plastics reduction in 2020 through the passing of P.L. 2020, c.117, now called the “Get Past Plastic Law”. This law enacted a ban on single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam food containers, and required single-use plastic straws to be give only upon request from all NJ food service businesses. All parts of this law have been in effect since May 4, 2022.
Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to continue this mission by finding other single-use plastic items we use in our day-to-day and swapping them out with reusable or plastic-free alternatives! Here are a few examples of simple ways to reduce plastic this month:
Instead of using disposable plastic utensils at lunchtime, pack a fork, knife, or spoon from home. Just use it to eat your lunch, and remember to pack it back up to bring home and wash at the end of the day.
Rather than drinking water from a single-use bottle to stay hydrated, fill up a reusable water bottle to bring with you.
When packing up lunch for the day, skip the baggies and plastic wrap and opt for washable and reusable containers that can be used over and over again.
If you are looking for more of a challenge, you can try:
Switching to bars for soap, shampoo, and conditioner rather than purchasing liquid forms that come in plastic bottles. Alternatively, if your shampoo bottle is empty, you could refill it at a refill store rather than disposing of your old bottle and purchasing a new one.
Purchasing deodorant sold in paper packaging instead of traditional plastic tubes.
Swapping out your usual disposable k-cups for a refillable, washable version.
In 2021, 140 million people participated in Plastic Free July, preventing 2.1 million tons of plastic waste from being thrown into our landfills, incinerators, and the environment.
Union County residents are invited to join in the challenge this July, and take the pledge to reduce single-use plastic this month and possibly beyond!
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Mosquitoes tonight, Thursday, June 30, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting).
Check below and see if your city is on the list. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mosquito Control: 908-654-9873
Residents seeking information about services for seniors and their care givers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.
ASK is a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their care givers. Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.
Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed.
The July dates and locations will be:
Thursday, July 7
Union Public Library, 1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, 07083
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 11
Clark Public Library, 303 Westfield Avenue, Clark, 07066
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20
Garwood Public Library, 411 3rd Avenue, Garwood, 07027
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
To check for other upcoming ASK events call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at www.ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.
The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.
On June 18, 2022, the Union County Department of Human Services, Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN)’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) held their Annual Summer Carnival at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
“The Annual Summer Carnival provided a fun and inclusive environment for individuals and families of all ages and abilities,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We were thrilled to see approximately 100 attendees enjoy carnival games, inflatable rides, a balloon artist, a juggler, and a magician.
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey. It was established in 2018 as part of Commissioner Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward Chairman initiatives for individual empowerment, education, diversity and inclusion.
“Union County is committed to creating more opportunities geared towards friends, neighbors and families of all ages,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs builds on our existing programs with activities and events that include more residents in enriching social experiences, helping us forge more bonds with community partners and residents.”
Along with the aforementioned activities for those who attended the Summer Carnival, Trailside Nature & Science Center and Kaleidoscope ABA Therapy Services also provided giveaways and brochures about their services. Carnival treats such as popcorn, warm pretzels, Italian ice and ice cream were available to attendees.
For more 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a full slate of free outdoor movies, music and fun for the whole family in Union County parks this summer. The events continue throughout July and August with the Summer Arts concert series beginning on July 6 and the Family Flix movie series beginning on July 12.
“We are all excited to welcome everyone to enjoy the Union County tradition of outdoor entertainment and family activities in our beautiful parks this summer. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the outdoors in a community setting with friends, family and neighbors,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
All Summer Arts concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free yoga session welcoming to all, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
The series will take place in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside each Wednesday throughout July, including:
July 6: Pure McCartney — a six-piece tribute band from New Jersey that takes pride in all of the detail behind Paul McCartney’s music, including meticulous recreations of his work in Wings and The Beatles, as well as his solo recordings.
July 13: Rhyme & Reason — a loving a tribute to the music of the Dave Matthews Band, “formed by fans, for the fans.”
July 20: Rob Paparozzi’s Juke Joint — this versatile New Jersey-based performer has collaborated in blues, rock, jazz, pop and country with the leading lights of music in America including B.B.King, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper and Dolly Parton among others.
July 27: Black Dog — a proud tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin including the masterpieces “Dazed and Confused,” and “Stairway to Heaven,” along with hidden gems on B-sides, and the intimate acoustic tones of “Going to California,” “Friends,” and “That’s the Way.”
In August, the Summer Arts series moves to Oak Ridge Park in Clark each Wednesday for three more shows:
August 3: We May Be Right — this powerhouse ensemble delivers an electrifying performance for audiences of all ages as they authentically re-create the music of one the greatest rock and roll keyboardists, “Piano Man” Billy Joel.
August 10: Dead On Live — A note-for-note celebration that recreates important and beloved periods in the Grateful Dead’s long and illustrious, and stylistically diverse career, with plenty of jamming and improve in keeping with Grateful Dead spirit.
August 17: Pink Floyd USA Experience — This riveting performance draws from five iconic albums — Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall — with award winning light, laser and multimedia effects.
Union County’s beloved Family Fun & Flix series will take place each Tuesday evening in July and August at Warinanco Park in Roselle. Family fun activities for each event begin at 7:30 with a kids’ dance party, and the movies will unspool at dusk.
The Family Fun & Flix series includes the all-time favorites:
July 12 – Encanto
July 19 – Space Jam: A New Legacy
July 26 – Soul
August 9 – Sing 2
Family Fun & Flix will also include a screening of Luca in August (date and location to be determined).
For more information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.
