Category: Public Info

Spotted lanternfly nymphs look like small beetles, but they will soon grow into destructive pests.

Union County, NJ – July 26, 2022 — Union County residents can help fight back against the spotted lanternfly by destroying the destructive pest while it is still in the early stages of growth. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that can weaken trees, damage ornamental plants and destroy fruit trees, hops, grape vines and other crops. They also excrete a whitish “honeydew” that can grow moldy and foul outdoor spaces including patios and yard furniture.

Each fall the adult spotted lanternfly lays eggs on outdoor surfaces including tree trunks, lawn furniture and vehicles. In early summer, the eggs hatch into nymphs that look like small black or bright red beetles speckled with white spots.

Residents who spot the nymphs can use a variety of approved pesticides to kill them. Crushing or swatting them is another option, though they are quick to hop away.

“Union County residents and property managers can take action against this destructive pest now, by inspecting yards, gardens and landscaping for the nymphs, and destroying them before they mature,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The nymphs can be seen on many different kinds of plants and trees. They are especially likely to be found clustering on the stems of the common ailanthus tree, or “tree of heaven.”

The nymphs mature into large, moth-like adults that can be easily identified by their papery white wings and brightly colored red, black and white underwings and body.

Adults are already beginning to emerge. Union County residents who see a spotted lanternfly should kill it immediately, by stomping it under foot. If it hops away, follow it and try again when it settles.

The spotted lanternfly belongs to a group of insects called “planthoppers.” They do not bite or sting, and they do not seem toxic to humans or pets.  Native to parts of Southeast Asia, they were first seen in Pennsylvania in six years ago. They are believed to have arrived in shipments of stone. They were first found in New Jersey in 2018 has also been found in other nearby states.

For more information, including photos of the spotted lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit the New Jersey Division of Agriculture at nj.gov/agriculture.

Additional information is available from Rutgers University at njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly.

Sightings of the insect can also be reported to Rutgers University through the online reporting tool.

Union County is one of three counties in New Jersey participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture research project to assess various methods of mitigating the spotted lanternfly invasion. For more information from the USDA visit aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.

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

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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Union County’s “ASK” program will visit two locations in August.

Union County seniors and their caregivers can come to Union County’s Aging Services Kiosk events and meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources, including help with filling out applications and forms.

“The ASK program brings our professional staff out to local neighborhoods, to help ensure that we reach everyone in search of assistance. It’s a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

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 caregivers.

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 August dates and locations will be:

Thursday, August 4

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 – 12:00

Monday, August 8

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 – 12:00

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 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.  

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to present the 2022 Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit, now on display at the Commissioners Gallery located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.

The exhibit is a selection of 36 works from the 2022 Union County Teen Arts Festival, an annual two-day event celebrating youth creativity in the literary, performing, and visual arts.

“The Touring Exhibit reflects the rich imagination, artistry and experiences of students all across Union County, and we are very proud to host these works at the Administration Building,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Works by students from the following municipalities are included in the Touring Exhibit: Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Garwood, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Plainfield, Roselle, Roselle Park, Springfield.

The Union County Teen Arts Touring Exhibit is currently on display at the Commissioners Gallery at the Union County Administration Building located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth.

On August 1, the exhibit will move to the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

Additional tour locations through next year include Springfield, Linden, Cranford, and Plainfield. For a complete schedule visit ucnj.org/art-shows.

The Union County Teen Arts Festival and Touring Exhibits are coordinated each year by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, with offices at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

For information about all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs and services visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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.

Photo captions: The 2022 Teen Arts Touring Exhibit includes 36 works of art by students throughout Union County, including:

Beyond the Garden by Keyla Flores, Pencil and Acrylic, Nicholas S. LaCorte-Peterstown No.3 (Elizabeth)

Untitled by Sophia Castrovinci, Acrylic, Columbia Middle School (Berkeley Heights)

Nature’s Seeing Eyes by Carolina Ucros, Acrylic, William F. Halloran No. 22 (Elizabeth)

La Femenina by Camila Conza, Quilling and Watercolor, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy (Elizabeth

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 Union County HEART Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. Projects related to local history, the arts and humanities are eligible for consideration in the HEART Grant funding program.

“We created the HEART Grant program in 1998 to help foster a thriving environment for the arts and cultural activities in Union County, and the program has received an enthusiastic response ever since. We are looking forward to another exciting season of programming that reaches thousands of residents with enriching new experiences that enlighten, educate and entertain,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) program serves as a catalyst for Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities.

Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more.

Organizations can request a grant of up to $3,000, with a 25% cash match for any amount over $1,000.

Individuals can request up to $1,000, with no cash match required.

All projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and wellbeing, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.

Activities must take place in 2023 between January 1 and December 31 to be considered for funding. All applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County.

The application deadline is October 18, 2022.

The HEART Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

To receive the 2023 HEART Grant guidelines and a writable application form, visit ucnj.org/ cultural or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

For more information about all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs call 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711).

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 Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications to the 2023 Local Arts grant program (LAP) are now being accepted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Union County’s Local Arts grant program helps the organizations in our community sustain their operations and continue to bring high-quality programming to our residents, and it also enables other organizations to provide arts programming. We encourage eligible organizations to apply,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Qualifying non-profit arts organizations can apply, as well as libraries, schools, and local government offices.

Two types of grants are available under the LAP program:

• General Operating Support grants are available to arts organizations. The maximum request is $12,000.
• Special Project grants are available to both arts organizations and non-arts organizations producing an arts project, such as a performance series. The maximum request $6,000.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based in Union County, and arts activities must take place in Union County during 2023. Grants will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming.

Full details, including eligibility requirements, application components and other information, are outlined in the complete LAP Guidelines.

All application materials must be submitted online by September 21, 2022 through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs grant portal.

To obtain the link to the grant portal and begin the application process, applicants must first send the name of their organization by email to Martha Sturm, LAP Grant Coordinator, at msturm@ucnj.org and culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Use both email addresses to ensure a timely response.

For questions about the LAP grant program, contact Martha Sturm at 908-558-2552 or msturm@ucnj.org.

Funding for this grant program is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For information about all grants administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities/.

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 Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2023 Union County History Re-Grant Program for Special Projects and General Operating Support are now available online. All eligible non-profit organizations in Union County are invited to apply.

Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and the programming covered by the grant must take place in Union County during 2023.

“The Re-Grant Program has been a valuable source of funding that enables nonprofits in our community to continue offering educational activities and enriching experiences to our community. I encourage every eligible non-profit to apply,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Applications must be submitted online to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To begin the application process and to create an account, request the link to the application portal by emailing John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at jprescott@ucnj.org

The application deadline is Monday, September 19 at 11:45 p.m.

Eligibility requirements, application components, and other pertinent details are outlined in the complete General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) guidelines.

The Re-Grant Program includes two types of grants:

• General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $7,500.

• Special Project (SP) grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $5,000.

For additional information on the Re-Grant program and other grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Funding for the History Re-Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org

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 Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program is expanding to offer the Novavax vaccine, approved for ages 18 and older.

The Union County vaccination program also continues to offer the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines approved for various age groups including infants age 6 months and up.

“Since the beginning of the outbreak, the Commissioner Board has made it our priority to bring new resources to Union County residents as soon as they are available. We are constantly updating our vaccination program to cover newly approved vaccines, and we continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and stay up to date on their booster shots,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The Novavax vaccine has been approved for ages 18 years and older. The Union County vaccination program will provide it in a two-dose series, given 21 days apart, as advised by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Novavax, along with other COVID-19 vaccines, will be provided at two Union County clinics beginning on Thursday, August 4 as follows:

Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive at Warinanco Park in Roselle: 

On Thursdays, the Warinanco clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations for all age groups. The hours of operation are 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On Tuesdays, the Warinanco clinic is open only for ages 6 months to five years to receive the Pfizer (6 months to 4 years) or Moderna (6 months to 5 years) formulations. The hours of operation on Tuesdays are 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield:

On Saturdays, the Plainfield High School clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday is the only day of operation for this clinic).

To make an appointment for a vaccination at either the Warinanco or Plainfield clinics, 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.

Walk-ups for booster shots for all eligible age groups are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites, but appointments are encouraged.

Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit. To make an appointment, call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours.

For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other resources visit ucnj.org/covid19.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that ballot position drawing for the November 8, 2022 General and School Board Elections will be both in-person and live-streamed on Facebook.

“Social media provides a way to ensure that voters, and the general public, can observe the ballot position drawing process,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The ballot drawing will be held on Monday, August 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. A link to the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing.

“The mid-term elections are being held this year, with the House of Representatives topping the ballot. Elections for the County Surrogate, Board of County Commissioners and local offices will be on the ballot, along with School Board positions,” Ms. Rajoppi said.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, including how to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at 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.

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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Connect with Union County on social media.

Learn how to help the environment and teach about the importance of trees – no experience necessary.

Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.” Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4^th grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.

Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks.

“Our Master Tree Stewards provide students with enriching educational experiences and important messages about trees and the environment. It’s a lesson about appreciation and stewardship that young people can carry into adulthood, benefitting our community and the world beyond for years to come,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes and a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.

Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4^th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.

The 2022 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 7 to December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

The 4^th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 4-6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

To apply, fill out the downloadable application form on the Union County website, at ucnj.org/rce. A check for $25.00 should be made out to “Union County 4-H Association.”

Mail the form and check to Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ 07090-1426.

For more information, or to receive an application form by mail, contact James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here.

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit ucnj.org/rce.

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

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.

Union County’s annual Family Flix and Summer Arts series of free outdoor movies and concerts continues in August with three events on August 9, 10 and 17.

“As the summer comes to a close, we welcome everyone to enjoy free entertainment and family-friendly activities in our Union County parks,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The final installment of the 2022 Family Fun & Flix series will be a screening of Sing 2 tonight, Tuesday August 9, at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

The event includes a family-friendly dance party beginning at 7:30 p.m., and the movie will begin at dusk.

The last two concerts in the 2022 Summer Arts series will take place at Oak Ridge Park in Clark as follows:

• 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.

All Summer Arts concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free yoga session welcoming to all, followed by the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.

For all events in Union County parks, attendees are advised to follow Union County on social media or visit the County website at ucnj.org in case of weather related cancellations.

More information about activities and programs of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation is available online at ucnj.org/parks, by email at parksinfo@ucnj.org, or by phone at 908-527-4900.

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.