Category: Public Info

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that the County Clerk’s Elections Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for extended hours this Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for anyone seeking to obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot for the 2022 Primary Election. The extended hours are offered on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed.

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 7.

“Voters who apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the Elections Offices in Elizabeth or Westfield can fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure lock box at the site,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This ‘One-Stop’ service is a convenient and user-friendly way to ensure your voice is heard on Election Day.”

Voters using the One-Stop service must provide a New Jersey driver’s license or New Jersey identification card with their photo, name, address and signature if they wish to leave their ballot with staff at the Elections offices, as required by state law.

Voters have until Monday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m. to obtain a Vote-by-Ballot in person at the County Clerk’s offices.

The Elizabeth office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth. To access the Elections Office during special Saturday Vote-by-Mail hours, voters must use the rear entrance of the Courthouse on Elizabethtown Plaza. The Election Office is located in Room 113.

The Westfield office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Street and lot parking are available, and mass transit is nearby.

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.

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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A drive-thru event in Union and one walk-up event in Plainfield to provide residents with food in the upcoming weeks

The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in June to aid those affected by COVID-19.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-Thru

Saturday, June 25, 2022

• 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County has held over 80 food distributions since the start of the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Over 35,000 households within Union County have benefitted from this assistance as they continue to deal with food insecurity resulting from the pandemic.”

“Though the world is recovering as we slowly return to post-pandemic normalcy, Union County recognizes that we must continue to help our residents however we can, and these food distributions have provided millions of meals to families in need,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and all volunteers for their continued partnership.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield are encouraged to wear masks. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters who are using a Vote-by-Mail ballot that they can monitor the status of their ballots online, by using the free “Track My Ballot” portal provided by the Division of Elections in the New Jersey Department of State.

“The Track My Ballot portal provides voters with transparency and clarity regarding the Vote-by-Mail process, and we encourage all Vote-by-Mail users to sign up for this free service,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Voters can access the Track My Ballot portal by following the “Track My Ballot” link on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

The Track My Ballot portal enables Vote-by-Mail users to see if their ballot has been received and accepted. Voters can access the system at any time on a 24/7 basis.

When the Vote-by-Mail ballot is received by the Board of Elections, Track My Ballot will indicate “received.” On or shortly after Election Day, Track My Ballot will indicate if the ballot was accepted.

In case of a rejected ballot, the voter is provided with an opportunity to cure their ballot. They will receive a letter from the Board of Elections with instructions on how to proceed.

Vote-by-Mail users are reminded that the counting of both Vote-by-Mail and in-person ballots will begin after the polls close on Tuesday, June 7.

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.

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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the signing of a formal agreement to acquire a vacant property located at 735-737 Springfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights. The property will become part of the Passaic River Parkway county park. Funding for the acquisition was provided by the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“We are coming to the successful conclusion of a long process, which will result in an improvement in public access to open space as well as a benefit for habitat preservation in Union County. The Springfield Avenue parcel will help complete the Passaic River Parkway as a connecting greenway between three municipalities and beyond,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“The Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund received overwhelming support when it was first established by popular referendum more than 20 years. We are very proud to carry on its mission of expanding and preserving open space in Union County.” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is Chair of the Trust Fund.

“The support of the Township of Berkeley Heights was an important factor in the process, and it has been a real pleasure working together to expand and improve the Passaic River Parkway. This new acquisition is a rare opportunity to restore land for public parks in our densely developed area. ” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. 

“It’s been a long road that has brought us here today. I want to thank the County for their vigilance and recognition of the importance of keeping the former Berkeley Caterers property as green space. This is a big win for our Township,” said Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney.

The Springfield Avenue property consists of a 1.349 acre site adjacent to the Passaic River on one side. Two other sides are bordered by Union County’s Passaic River Parkway, a preserved greenway that runs along the Passaic River through New Providence and Summit as well as Berkeley Heights.

The property was formerly occupied by the Berkeley Catering venue. After the business closed in 2018, Mayor Devanney invited Union County Manager Oatman to tour the site and consider its future use as County parkland.

Open space preservation has been a priority for generations of Union County residents. Union County is one of the very first counties in the U.S. to establish its own park system, beginning with a set of five parks encompassing 2,000 acres in the 1920’s. Through continued support from the public, the system has grown to include 36 parks and more than 6,760 acres hosting a range of activities for the public, as well as nature conservation and historic preservation.

Acquisitions over the past 20 years have been supported by the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, established by referendum in the year 2000.

Final closing on the property is expected in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Union County parks system visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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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. 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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“LGBTQ: Say it!” Gallery Exhibit Opening on Friday, June 3

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the opening of LGBTQ: Say It!, an art exhibit hosted by Atelier Rosal Gallery located at 74 E. Cherry Street in Rahway on Friday, June 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“This Pride Month, we have given artists a platform to speak their minds and tell their stories through their talent and work,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “This is one of many Pride Month events planned throughout the month of June and we welcome everyone to come and enjoy this exhibit at Atelier Rosal Gallery in Rahway, throughout the upcoming weeks.”

The exhibit, presented in partnership with the City of Rahway, will be on display until July 9, will be an open and safe dialogue by, for and about the LGBTQ community.

Artists’ work will portray a broad spectrum of cultural, political, social and personal anecdotes through paintings on canvas, photography and works on paper. Themes include the challenges on an individual and societal level with hate crimes and current anti LGBTQ legislation as well as the embracement of gender expression and strength of the LGBTQ community.

The opening reception will be June 3rd from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and there will be an additional event on June 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. featuring leaders from LGBTQ organizations.

For information on Atelier Rosal Gallery, visit atelierrosal.com/.

Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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.

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In celebration of Pride Month 2022, Union County residents of all ages are invited to attend the 2022 SAGE Table LGBTQ Community Lunch, a free intergenerational event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with SAGE and the City of Plainfield. The event will take place on Sunday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, located at 724 Park Avenue in Plainfield.

Attendance is free of charge but pre-registration is required online through the Union County Office of LGBTQ affairs, at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

“The Community Lunch is a welcoming, joyous event that engages young and old alike to combine their unique energy and their personal stories to inspire, empower, and build new community connections,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Sharing a meal is a time-honored way to relax and enjoy new companions in a social setting, and we are very proud to partner with SAGE and the City of Plainfield in this event,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, the Commissioner Board liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

The Union County event is part of a program under the national SAGE organization, designed to draw the community closer together to share their story and a meal.

The program started in 2017 as a way to fighting isolation in the LGBTQ+ community through the power of intergenerational connections.

Poet Nourish Cruz will be the featured guest at the Union County SAGE Table LGBTQ Community Lunch, to offer stories through poetry and welcome attendees to share their experiences.

Attendees are welcome to share their stories in any way they choose. They can speak extemporaneously, read entries from a journal, or share short stories and poems of their own composition or written by others. All ages are encouraged to share and participate.

Nourish Cruz is an author and LGBTQIA and diversity advocate. Poetry samples are available online at vocal.media/authors/nourish-cruz.

SAGE is a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ elders, building welcoming communities and keeping LGBTQ+ issues in the national conversation since 1978. More information is available at sageusa.org.

To connect with the Union County Office for LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/lgbtq online or contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at dnewbury@ucnj.org or 908 527-4742.

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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the third annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“The raising of the Juneteenth flag gives us the opportunity to educate the public about the history, power, resilience, and unbroken spirit of Black Americans over the course of the month of June,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I have a strong connection to Juneteenth, as my dad was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, and much of my family still lives there. I am thankful to be a part of Union County, where we continue to commemorate and honor this very special date in history.”

The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

Juneteenth is among the longest-running celebrations of emancipation in the United States, though its place in popular culture was obscured by segregationist policies during the 20th century. As recently as last year, interest in Juneteenth has surged as a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their foundational role in the nation’s history from the arrival of the first slave ship from Africa in America in 1619, up to the present day.

“All are welcome to join Union County’s annual program on Juneteenth, and to participate in the observance of the federal holiday,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “As a County and as a nation, we all can celebrate African American culture, while recognizing the need to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for a more just society that upholds liberty and justice.”

At the Union County flag raising, there will be solos by Adrienne Sykes, Twanda Porterfield-Muslim and Rhyan Brown of the NJ Orators, will read the General Order No. 3, which was announced by Union General Gordon Granger and his troops after they traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce this order on June 19th, 1865, which now went on to be celebrated as Juneteenth. The people were informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.

Rhyan Brown is a 15-year-old rising junior, who attends Kent Place School in Summit. In additional to participating in various activities at school, Rhyan joined the Plainfield Chapter of the New Jersey Orators when she was just seven years old. To date, she has earned several Medals of Excellence at their winter and spring orators’ competitions.

“In every culture and every community, people gather to celebrate the good things about their lives and backgrounds,” said Commissioner James Baker. “For me, and many in this community, Juneteenth is one of those celebrations. This is a great month to come together as brothers and sisters, celebrate our diversity, and learn to appreciate and respect how far we have come and the history behind Juneteenth.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Union County is co-sponsoring several local events in celebration of Juneteenth. Later that evening at 7:00 p.m., there will be a live concert at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, featuring a performance by The Purple Madness, a Prince experience, with Bobby Miller. This concert is free for all.

For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, contact James Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board at jpellettiere@ucnj.org or 908-527-4140.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that United States Navy Veteran W. Geoff Smith has been appointed as Coordinator for the Union County Office of Veterans Services.

“We appreciate our veterans, our active duty members of the Armed Services, and their families, and we are committed to reaching out, communicating, listening, and understanding. Geoff and his staff are there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs assistance in navigating the complex system of military benefits and programs,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The Office of Veterans Services is staffed by Veteran Service Officers, who are accredited by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to providing one-on-one assistance, the Office of Veterans Services conducts outreach and community programs, including Union County’s annual donation of American flags, which are placed on thousands of military graves in cemeteries across the County each Memorial Day by local veterans’ organizations and members of the Commissioner Board.

Upcoming events include a golf clinic for veterans with disabilities, to be held at The Learning Center at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth on Saturday, September 10. In association with the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, the clinic assists in rehabilitation and well-being through the medium of golf and related activities.

The Office of Veterans Services also coordinates the Commissioner Board’s designated parking space program for veterans. Designated spaces are located at the Administration Building in Elizabeth, the Colleen Frasier Building in Westfield, Rahway River Park in Rahway, Ash Brook Golf Course in Scotch Plains, Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park in Roselle, the Archery Range at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, and the 9-11 Memorial at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

To contact the Office of Veterans Services call 908-527-4918 during weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org.

More details about the Office are available online at ucnj.org/veterans.

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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Five-month waiting period from last COVID-19 vaccination applies.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that children ages 5 to 11 are eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot, five months after their previous shot. The booster shots are available at Union County’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Roselle and Plainfield and are free of charge.

“The Commissioner Board has been working diligently since the beginning of the outbreak to provide our residents with safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are available, regardless of income or health insurance. Please protect yourself, your loved ones and our community, and get vaccinated,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Booster shots for ages 5 to 11 are available at the following Union County vaccination clinics:

Roselle: Thursdays at the Warinanco Sports Center at One Park Drive, in Warinanco Park from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Plainfield: Saturday mornings at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Walk-ups for booster shots for ages 5-11 are welcome at both sites but appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment create an account or log into an existing account through Union County’s vaccination portal, ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call 908-613-7829.

COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for other age groups are currently available at the following Union County clinics as follows:

Downs Hall at Kean University in Union

• Fridays 3pm to 7pm
• Moderna, J & J, Pfizer (Ages 12 and up); No pediatric Pfizer
• Boosters available (for ages 12 and up only)
• Campus map with GPS instructions

Warinanco Ice Skating Center in Roselle

• Thursdays 3pm to 7pm
• Pfizer only (ages 5 and up) Pfizer boosters available (ages 5 and up)
• No other vaccines offered

Plainfield High School in Plainfield

• Saturdays 9am to 11am
• All Vaccines, including Pediatric Pfizer offered.
• Boosters available.

Union County’s mobile vaccination clinics will also be visiting various locations throughout the summer. The schedule for June includes Union, Linden, Elizabeth and Plainfield. Additional locations will be announced soon. For details and schedule updates visit ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page.

All COVID-19 vaccines are available at the mobile clinics.

Union County is also continuing to offer free COVID-19 testing at various locations. For details about the testing program visit ucnj.org/covid19/testing/covid19testing.

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.

The County of Union is proud to announce that County Manager Ed Oatman was inducted into the national honor society Pi Alpha Alpha, in a ceremony last night, Thursday, June 9, 2022.

“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, we would like to congratulate Ed on this great honor,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Ed is such a remarkable person with a true compassion and commitment to our community, both within the County and at Kean University. There is no one better deserving of this induction and his role as a public leader truly represents that.”

The Induction Ceremony was held in Hynes Hall at Kean University, where Mr. Oatman was chosen for his continued service and commitment to Union County and the Kean University community.

“Congratulations to Trustee Oatman, who has been a public service leader not only with the County but also here at Kean as a member of our Board of Trustees,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet. “His ability to connect the University and the County on initiatives ranging from COVID-19 testing to social services to food drives benefits our students, our employees and all of the communities we serve. We are lucky to have him.”

Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is a National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA recognizes outstanding undergraduate as well as graduate students in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. As of 2012, PAA has 162 chapters at NASPAA member schools, and is growing every year.

“I am grateful to have been nominated and inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society of my alma mater,” said Ed Oatman, County Manager. “When I started my journey into the public sector, there was nothing more important to me than to giving back to others, so I try to incorporate that in both my professional career and everyday life. I would like to thank the PAA Executive Board members for recognizing me.”

Mr. Oatman has more than 20 years of governmental experience. He is the 12^th top executive under the County Manager form of government. Oatman has responsibility for the day-to-day operations and budget of a 21-municipality government with approximately 2,800 full-time employees.  Oatman has a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Kean University and currently serves on the Kean University Board of Trustees.

For more information about Pi Alpha Alpha, please visit https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/paa.