Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Elections reminds Union County residents who are not registered to vote that they have until Tuesday, May 17 to register in time to vote in the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, June 7.

“We encourage all eligible residents to register to vote. Registered Democrats and Republicans are eligible to vote in a Primary Election. Also, unaffiliated voters will chose their party affiliation on Election Day,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator, Union County Board of Elections.

To register, a voter must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18 years old by Election Day, and they must be a resident of New Jersey and Union County for at least 30 days.

Under a new state law enacted last year, persons currently on parole or probation are eligible to vote. However, persons currently serving a sentence due to a felony conviction are not eligible.

Eligible residents can download a registration application by visiting the Union County Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/ucboe.

Residents who wish to receive an application by mail can use the online form at unioncountyvotes.com, or call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

Residents can apply to register in person at the Union County Board of Elections offices, located at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth during regular business hours. On May 17 the office hours will be extended through 9:00 p.m.

Residents can also visit the office of their Municipal Clerk to register.

Additionally, a new statewide online voter registration system was introduced by the New Jersey Division of Elections in 2020. Eligible residents who wish to register to vote online can visit the Division of Elections online at voter.svrs.nj.gov/register.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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 Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit, featuring 108 original works in various media, is now on display at the Trailside Nature & Science Center, located in Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, in Mountainside.

Trailside is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except for Mondays and holidays, and admission is free of charge.

“We are very proud of our senior artists, both professional and non-professional. The exhibit at Trailside is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a view of the world from their unique perspective,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The public is invited to visit the exhibit from Thursday, April 28 through Wednesday, May 11. Please note, the exhibit will not be available for view this Sunday, May 1.

The Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit is an annual event that showcases artworks created by Union County residents, age 60 and above – both professional and non-professional artists. Artworks include a variety of media categories including acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture and crafts.

Awards for outstanding entries in each media category for the 2022 Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit were selected by professional artists Kortez Artise, Joseph Borzotta, and Michael Donato.

The Best in Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Lynda Dubois-Jackson of Plainfield for her craft titled “Grandma & Friends.” Best in Show by a Non-professional Artist was awarded to Elizabeth Gillin of Westfield for her oil painting titled “Amanda Gorman, My Favorite Poet.”

All first-place artworks will go on to compete at the state level in the 2022 New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show in East Windsor this fall.

The Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit is presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, email msturm@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550 weekdays (relay users dial 711).

For more information about the Office, visit ucnj.org/cultural.

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 caption: The mixed media artwork Finding Beauty in a World of Chaos by Michelle Thompson of Union Township is one of 108 works included in the 2022 Union County Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit.

Union County voters are advised that the ballots for Democratic voters who have applied for Vote-by-Mail ballots for the June 7, 2022 Primary Election are being mailed beginning today. Due to the large volume of ballots, the mailing will be conducted over the next several days in batches by town, in alphabetical order.

This year, the Vote-by-Mail ballots for Republican voters were mailed on schedule, while the mailing for Democratic voters was delayed by a court order prohibiting the printing of Democratic ballots due to a challenge. The Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey vacated the order earlier this week, enabling the County Clerk to proceed with the mailing.

The mailings for Democratic voters will be concluded by May 6. Unaffiliated Vote-by-Mail ballots will be mailed the following week.

County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises all Vote-by-Mail users that their ballot will arrive in a bright yellow envelope, to help ensure that the ballot is not mistaken for junk mail. The words “OFFICIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT/BOLETA OFICIAL POR CORREO” are also printed in bold, black lettering to the right of the addressee window.

“Each ballot comes with pre-paid return postage and detailed instructions. We advise Vote-by-Mail voters to read the instructions carefully before filling out their ballot. Voters should also mail back their ballot as soon as possible, to avoid accidentally misplacing or discarding it,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

After filling out the ballot, voters should place it in the return envelope and check to see that their home address appears in the see-through window. 

Approximately 45,000 voters in Union County will automatically receive their Vote-by-Mail ballots.

Other Union County voters can request a Vote-By-Mail ballot by using the downloadable application form on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or by contacting the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Polling places will also be available on Election Day, June 7, for voters who prefer to cast their ballot in person.  In-person voters also have the option of casting their ballot early, on June 3, 4, or 5.

To find the polling locations for Election Day and early in-person voting, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

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 will be holding a Walk-Up Covid-19 thEmergency Food Distribution event on Saturday, April 30^th at 10:00 a.m. in the Elizabeth Board of Education Parking Lot, located at 600 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

“With residents still in need of assistance, Union County will be hosting this walk-up food distribution, providing fresh produce and the necessary products a person or family will need,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I would like to thank our staff and volunteers as well as Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

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

“The COVID-19 pandemic recovery and the rising inflation have put a strain on many households throughout Union County, where a lot of families have found some relief in the form of food distributions put together by the County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “These type of events can help offset some of the struggles residents face and we would never want anyone to go without, so this is our way of making sure our communities are taken care of.”

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.

Free Covid-19 Vaccinations will also be available to any resident that is interested. Union County’s next food distribution will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. at Kean University in Union, which will be a drive-thru.

For more information, please call the Department of Human Services Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 or email dhsaction@ucnj.org. To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: myvillagesupermarket.com. To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: gargiuloproduce.com.

Union County, NJ – April 25, 2022 — Union County residents who are looking for a summer job outdoors can apply now to become a lifeguard at Union County’s public swimming pool, the Walter Ulrich Memorial Pool at Rahway River Park, in Rahway.

Any Union County resident age 16 and up can apply for a lifeguard position at the Ulrich Pool.

Training is available for applicants who are not certified lifeguards. Applicants who pass the training and are hired by Union County will have their certification fee waived.

“Lifeguarding is a great summer job experience at any age, and it can be a valuable resume-builder, too,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

To receive an application for a lifeguard position, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-868-2725 and leave a voice message with your name, phone number and email address, or send a text message to 908-868-2725.

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, NJ – April 26, 2022 — In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites poetry lovers and American history enthusiasts to attend “Women Poets of the Revolution,” a free lecture on the works of Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatly hosted by Dr. Mary McAleer Balkun, Professor of English at Seton Hall University, at the New Providence Memorial Library at 377 Elkwood Avenue in New Providence on Tuesday, April 26, at 6:00 p.m.

The event is presented free of charge by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required to reserve a seat at ucnj.org/cultural.

“National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, and we are very proud to provide the Union County community with an opportunity to participate and learn about the contributions of two important women poets in American history,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The early American poets Annis Boudinot Stockton and Phillis Wheatley came from starkly different backgrounds to offer their own unique, eyewitness perspectives on the American Revolution, during a period in history when women literary figures were all but invisible.

Stockton was born into the privileged, elite social circle of Princeton, New Jersey. Unlike many women of her time, she had both the opportunity and the inclination to apply herself to the art of writing. She was producing sophisticated poetry by age 16. At age 21 she married the lawyer Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Annis Stockton supported the Continental Army with funds raised from publishing her poetry, in which she documented key episodes in the war and memorialized the leadership of George Washington.

Wheatley was kidnapped from her home in Africa and brought to the Colonies as an enslaved child in 1761. By age 14 she was an accomplished student of the Greek and Roman classics, as well as British literature, astronomy, and geography. By 1770 she was an acclaimed poet. When her first collection of poems was published in 1773, she was one of the first two women in America to have a book of poetry in print, and she was the first Black woman to have a book of any kind published in America.

Dr. Balkun is a Professor of English and Director of Faculty Development at Seton Hall University in South Orange. She earned her PhD. from New York University, and has an M.A. from Seton Hall University and a B.A. from Jersey City University. Her accomplishments include the 2017 Steven J. Rosen Mentor Award of the New Jersey College English Association, and the 2016 Bernard J. McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service from Seton Hall University.

National Poetry Month is a project of the Academy of American Poets. Since its inception in April 1996, National Poetry Month has grown into an event celebrated by tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families and poets each year, signifying the importance of poetry in human life across the world. For more details visit poets.org/national-poetry-month.

Women Poets of the Revolution is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State. For more information about other history events presented by Union County, contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912 or by email jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is an office of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For information on all programs of the Office, visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.

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.

On April 11^th, in a Board meeting at the University Club in New York City, Union County Board Commissioner Al Mirabella was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy.

“I am very pleased to have been invited to join the John Cabot University Board of Trustees,” said Commissioner Al Mirabella. “After seeing the outstanding education my daughter Micayla received, I wanted to do my part working the trustees and President Pavoncello to enhance the already excellent reputation at JCU and work to provide opportunities to this World Class education for students around the world.”  

John Cabot University is an American institution of higher education in Rome, Italy. The mission of the University is to provide an educational experience firmly rooted in the American tradition of the liberal arts and solidly international in orientation. The academic programs are designed to use to the fullest extent the special resources of a multicultural faculty, an international student body and the extraordinarily rich culture and history of Rome and the surrounding region.

In a statement from President of John Cabot University, Franco Pavoncello, Ph.D., he stated: “Since our first meeting several years ago during a John Cabot University presentation I gave in New Jersey, the Mirabella family has been an integral part of the life of John Cabot University.  His daughter, Micayla graduated in 2020, serving as graduation representative of her class, and Alexander and Phyllis have been constant, great supporters of the mission of John Cabot University, singing the praise of our school to prospective students’ families. The Mirabella family’s support, the outstanding human qualities of Commissioner Mirabella and his dedication to the public good of his county, made it natural for me to propose him for election to the Board of Trustees of John Cabot University. The enthusiastic and unanimous vote of his fellow trustees, who immediately sensed his intelligence and empathy, is a great development for the University and for our entire community. Welcome Al! I look forward to our work together.”

In addition to joining this Board, Mirabella has served the residents of Union County since 1998 and is also a proud member of the Board of Directors of Wenzhou Kean University. He and his wife, Phyllis, have a son, Alexander, and a daughter, Micayla.

For more information on John Cabot University, please visit: www.johncabot.edu/.

If you would like to learn more about Commissioner Mirabella, please visit the Union County website under the Commissioner’s section at www.ucnj.org.

As Union County moved into 2022, residents were still feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to anyone who was recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Now, in April, residents are dealing with inflation, which is on the rise. As of February, inflation in the United States surged to a new 40-year high of 7.9%, driven by the surging costs for gas, food and housing.

“There are so many people in the community that are still looking for support and the County of Union is working hard to provide the necessary services and programs they may need,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I would like our residents to know that the Commissioner Board is committed to helping those who need it, where we can, to alleviate any additional hardships they may be facing – from rental assistance to food distributions and employment opportunities.”

Beginning with the announcement of a zero percent tax increase in this year’s 2022 budget in March, the County of Union has been promoting their efforts in assisting residents of Union County in many different areas.

Last month, they announced the Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental and utility arrears assistance. Assistance is still available, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/rental-assitance to apply or for more information.

Since the start of the pandemic, Union County has held approximately 80 food distributions, providing assistance to nearly 35,000 households within Union County as they continue to deal with food insecurity. After a successful holiday food distribution last week, there will be another one for residents on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Elizabeth Board of Education Parking Lot (across from 600 Pearl Street) in Elizabeth. This is a walk-up site. In addition, on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. at Kean University in Union. This event is a drive-thru and residents must arrive in a vehicle.

“For most people, the high rise in inflation is making it harder for them to afford necessities like food, gas and rent and it is important that our residents in Union County know about all of the available resources and services there are in place to help them,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, 2022 Fiscal Chair & Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Knowing that many people in our community are still struggling, it was really important to the County Commissioners that we have a zero percent tax increase for the third year in a row. After working with the County Manager and Department heads, we did just that. Even with a continuous no increase in taxes, the County of Union continues to maintain and strengthen the services our residents need and deserve. I hope all in our community look into these programs and initiatives and take advantage of them. We are here to help.”

Last week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the launch of the “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program. Now open to applicants, this program is run by the Union County Division of Youth Services and is offered to County residents 16 through 24 years old.

This employment program is offering both full-time and part-time positions at various locations at $15 an hour. The “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program can provide uniforms, transportation, and childcare to those looking for summer jobs. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 19, 2022. Applicants looking to view eligibility requirements or wishing to apply can do so by visiting ucnj.org/youth. Information can also be found by visiting the following locations in person at DYS Youth Forward, located at 1143-1145 E. Jersey St, 4th Floor in Elizabeth, the One-Stop Center at 921 Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth and the American Job Center at 200 W. 2nd St # 4 in Plainfield. For more information or if you have any questions regarding the “Empowering Our Youth” Summer Employment Program, please call Jasmine Sowah at 908-558-2523.

Also this month, the Union County Office on Aging and Disability Services resumed the Senior Nutrition Program at various locations throughout the county.  The Congregate Nutrition Program provides participants with the opportunity to enjoy a balanced, nutritious lunch in the company of their friends and neighbors. For more information, please call the Union County Division on Aging/Nutrition Program at 908-527-4877 or 908-558-2297.

Meals on Wheels Union County is also being offered to residents who are homebound, such as elderly individuals or couples unable to prepare a nutritious, well balanced meal; individuals recovering from recent hospitalization or illness or any person 60 years of age or older, or anyone married to a person 60 years of age or older. This program is supported by a grant from Union County Division on Aging, client contributions, and donations from the general public and private organizations. For more information or to register for this program, please visit www.mowuc.org/ or call 908-486-5100.

The Division of Paratransit is also back up and running and provides transportation services for individual passengers for several trips including Route 22 Shuttle Bus, medical, shopping, employment, education or training, prescription pick-ups and other essential services. All reservations are limited to availability on a first come first served basis and transportation will be provided with limited passengers on each vehicle. Residents interested should call 908-241-8300 (Option 1) to make a reservation and schedule their trip.

To learn more about the different services, programs or events being held throughout all of the Departments and Divisions in Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org.

$300 stipend applies to poll workers in Union County on Election Day 2022, on Tuesday, June 7

Union County, NJ – Union County residents interested in helping voters at polling locations on Election Day this year still have time to apply to become poll workers. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 7.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. New poll workers must attend a mandatory training session.

“Poll workers are the face of our democratic process and deserve to be properly compensated for their time and commitment,” said Nicole DiRado, Administrator of the Union County Election Board. “We are grateful for the support of both the legislature and the Governor for ensuring this increase is now law in New Jersey.”

To apply, complete the online application at the Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/pollworker, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or emailing pollworker@ucnj.org.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link ucnj.org/boe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/boe.

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.

Union County, NJ – April 21, 2022 — Union County voters who plan to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the 2022 Primary Election are advised that their ballot will arrive in a bright yellow envelope this year, with the words “OFFICIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT/BOLETA OFICIAL POR CORREO” printed in bold, black lettering to the right of the addressee window.

“We introduced this eye-catching envelope in 2021, to help the ballot stand out from other mail, and help to ensure voters can easily recognize this important document from the County Clerk’s office. We are using it again in 2022 based on the positive feedback we received,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

The office of the County Clerk is beginning the process of mailing Vote-by-Mail ballots for the 2022 Primary Election this week. Due to the volume of ballots involved, the mailing will be conducted in batches over a three-week period concluding in the middle of May.

The mailings will begin on Friday, April 22 with Vote-by-Mail ballots for the Republican Party. Ballots for the Democratic Party will be mailed after a judicial procedure is concluded.

The 2022 Primary Election Vote-by-Mail ballots also include County Committee positions for the Republican Party the first time this year. These positions were previously listed on a separate sheet.

To reduce the chance of accidentally misplacing or discarding a Vote-by-Mail ballot, voters are strongly advised to fill out and return their ballot as soon as they receive it.

Each Vote-by-Mail ballot comes with a return envelope with pre-paid postage, and an instructional booklet.

After filling out the ballot, voters should place it in the return envelope and check to see that their home address appears in the see-through window. 

Approximately 45,000 voters in Union County will automatically receive their Vote-by-Mail ballots.

Other Union County voters can request a Vote-By-Mail ballot by using the downloadable application form on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or by contacting the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Voters who prefer to vote in person on Election Day will have polling places available to use.

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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