Category: Public Info

During tonight’s Union County Board of Commissioners meeting it was announced by Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chair for the Fiscal Committee, that there will be a zero percent increase in Union County’s 2022 Budget for the 3rd year in a row.

“I would like to recognize that while it is not easy to always get there – our Union County team were once again able to provide all of the services, programs and help our residents need, while maintaining this zero percent tax increase another year in a row,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Our residents will always be a top priority for us and I am looking forward to expanding our initiatives for an even better Union County.”

Since the pandemic began, the County of Union has prioritized its efforts to strengthen the safety and services for its residents and this year’s budget continues to reflect those essential services. It was also announced by Commissioner Granados that the County of Union continues to maintain their Aaa credit rating, which is the highest a county government can obtain, further demonstrating their strong fiscal footing.

Some of the essential services that were funded include:

• COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Centers at various locations throughout Union County – including stationary sites, mobile units, pop-up locations, registration and call-in center operations.
• Opening of the new federally certified campus lab in conjunction with Kean University for diagnostic testing and critical public health research during the pandemic.
• Emergency COVID-19 food distributions, which included 45 distribution events throughout Union County, providing over 4.1 million meals to approximately 35,000 households.
• Assisted over 71 families and 257 individuals residing throughout the County who were impacted by Hurricane Ida by providing emergency housing, meals, and support services.
• Thousands of Senior Citizens throughout the County received a variety of cultural, educational, nutritional, medical, health related and recreational programs.

“Still impacted from the effects of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida, residents across our county are still facing various issues such as unemployment and food hardships to needing property tax or rental assistance,” said Commissioner Granados. “As Commissioners, we knew that we needed to keep the tax increase at zero percent to further help our constituents and it was through the vision and advisement of the County Commissioners, as well as the planning & execution by County Manager Ed Oatman, who worked with his Department Heads to ensure we were able to come to this result.”

This budget also funds the Chair’s “Connecting Our Community,” initiatives for 2022, which include technology and infrastructure improvements, mental health and educational programs and upgrades to our parks and recreational facilities.

“Today’s budget is a result of a collaborative effort, the culmination of months of planning, community outreach, and hard work,” said Ed Oatman, County Manager. “I want to thank our Board of County Commissioners for their vision and our Directors for working together in crafting this budget. We will continue the progress we have made, providing a high quality of life for all residents in Union County.”

In the coming weeks, the County of Union will be holding Special Fiscal Committee Meetings, which will be open to the public. If any resident of Union County would like to attend these meetings and hear about the many things each Department has done as well as new initiatives, they can attend the meetings at the County Administration Building, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16th and Wednesday, March 23rd.

The meetings are between the Fiscal Committee and the County Departments and there will be no public commentary. The purpose of these meetings are to review and craft a final document for passage. Officials will review all of the documents submitted and the budget will be introduced on April 7th. Members of the public will have a chance to speak in regards to the budget on May 12th before it is adopted.

Union County, NJ – March 3, 2022 – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Trailside Nature and Science Center will offer a new, three-day, spring break nature camp this April, with one group for children ages 7-9 and another for ages 10-12. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page.

Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

“Trailside’s programs offer young people the opportunity to experience fun activities outdoors while exploring our natural heritage in the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Two sessions are available, April 12-14 and April 19-21. Both sessions are small group, half-day camps taking place in the morning, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Participants will join Trailside Park Naturalists to explore early spring life in the Watchung Reservation, hike the trails and investigate aquatic life including sunfish, tadpoles and salamanders.

Campers will also learn to identify local wildlife through sight, sound and the signs they leave behind, meet live snakes and turtles from Trailside’s collection, and observe the activity of peregrine falcons through Union County’s Falcon Cam.

The fee is $100 for Union County residents and $115 for non-county residents. Programs are rain or shine, outdoors and indoors.

For more information about the spring break nature camps and other upcoming activities at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccinations, 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, NJ – March 3, 2022 – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a sensory friendly production of music, dance and humor presented by the well-known performance group Artrageous. The show will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 at the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

The performance is part of the Sensory Friendly Theatre series sponsored by the Commissioner Board. All tickets are $8.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. To buy tickets online visit ucpac.org; do not use any other website.  Attendees can also call the box office at 732-499-8226 to buy tickets in advance.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre has brought the inclusive, enriching experience of live performance to thousands of Union County residents since we first began the series in 2012, and we are very happy to welcome Artrageous to our community,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Artrageous is a troupe of artists, singers, dancers and musicians from the high desert of New Mexico, with high energy to match. Their unique, dynamic approach to performance combines art, music, song, dance and humor with a powerful message about art and the human experience.

COVID-19 safety regulations are in effect for all performances at UCPAC. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Those reserving tickets are advised to check for updates prior to arriving at the theatre.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series showcases exciting live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during the performance. For complete details visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

Upcoming shows in the series include Pete the Cat on April 24 in partnership with Rahway Mayor Ray Giacobbe and the City of Rahway, and the classic ballet Cinderella on May 7.

To see a list of additional recreation activities for persons with disabilities and special needs sponsored by Union County, and to sign up for programs, visit the secure registration page at ucnj.org/reserve.

To contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs use the online form at ucnj.org/dhs or call 908-527-4807.

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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Residents will be eligible to receive up to 15 months of rental assistance

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that the Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), will be re-opening. Eligible residents adversely impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance beginning Monday March 7th, 2022.

Starting March 7th at 9:00 a.m. qualifying residents can submit their application online: ucnj.org/rental-assistance/.

Under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent/utility bills and 3 months of forthcoming assistance. The funds will be awarded directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are approved for the grant.

“The Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing temporary rental and utility assistance” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Commissioner Board is committed to doing all that we can to continue to assist those in need, and the rental assistance program is an important part of those efforts.”

Assistance is available to all qualifying Union County residents regardless of immigration status.

If any applicant needs additional assistance submitting their application or is experiencing technical difficulties, please reach out to any of our Community Partners:

Family Promise Union County – (908) 289-7300

Urban League of Union County – (908) 351-7200

United Way of Greater Union County – (908) 353-7171

Staff will inform applicants of all required documentation to bring to the appointment. Once staff has a complete application with all required documentation, the application will be reviewed and submitted. Applicants will be provided with documented proof of their filed rental assistance application for their landlord.

Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:

• Must be a tenant residing in Union County
• Household Income is at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI);
• Household income loss must be due to Covid-19;
• Must provide a current lease agreement or rental document.

For answers to additional questions please contact NJ Shares at 1-866-657-4273, text HELP to 64405 or via email unionerap@njshares.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services regarding COVID-19, including guidance for testing and vaccination, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ – [February 28, 2022] — In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present a free lecture on Zoom titled, Caring Cures: The importance of women’s nursing work from the flu pandemic through COVID, on Tuesday, March 29 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The presentation is free of charge. To register in advance for the Zoom link, visit https://ucnj.org/whm.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a history-making challenge for women on the front lines of health care. We hope this presentation raises awareness about the importance of care givers in times of crisis, in honor of the 2022 Women’s History Month theme of hope and healing,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

The featured speaker is Dr. Patricia D’Antonio, the Carol E. Ware Professor of Mental Health Nursing and Director of the Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of American Nursing: A History of Knowledge, Authority and the Meaning of Work and Nursing with a Message: Public Health in New York City, 1920-1940

The work of nursing is often taken for granted, but the routines of feeding, cleaning, turning, maintaining hygiene, and monitoring warmth and other patient conditions can make the difference between sickness and health, or life and death. Dr. D’Antonio will discuss the invisible and private work of nursing the sick and argue for its life-saving importance, using examples from the flu pandemic of 1918 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Women’s History Month is a national celebration of the contributions women have made to the United States and their communities, taking place each March by Presidential proclamation.

The theme of Women’s History Month 2022 is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” as a tribute to the caregivers and frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak and a recognition of women’s contributions to healing and hope across all cultures, and throughout history.

The Zoom lecture is presented by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and 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 the event 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.

More information about the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is available at ucnj.org/cultural, or contact the office at 908-558-2550 or culturalinfo@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.

Union County, NJ – February 25, 2022 — The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy the spring season with a new schedule of outdoor programs for children, families and seniors at the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Trailside is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation nature preserve, at 452 New Providence Avenue in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site.

“Trailside is a wonderful resource for Union County parents and caregivers seeking fun activities that enrich our children with an appreciation for our natural heritage. Please come by and visit soon,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

Pre-registration is required for scheduled programs at Trailside. The online registration link is available at the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside. This secure registration link includes all recreation programs offered by Union County; scroll down for the Trailside events.

Trailside’s exhibit areas are also open to visitors on a walk-in basis, free of charge, from Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For details visit ucnj.org/trailside.

The spring schedule begins mid-March, with programming for the following age groups:

Toddler Time, for adults with children ages three and younger:  The series meets on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Participants will look for all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk, become nest detectives to learn how different birds make their nests, go in search for bugs under rocks and logs and participate in a flower scavenger hunt in search of blossoms of all colors, shapes and sizes.

Back to Nature, for adults with children ages four and older: The series meets on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registrants will see how real maple syrup is made, discover the importance of animal camouflage, find out why trees are terrific, go in search of backyard bugs and learn to lead a group on a nature hike.

Trailside Family Evenings (moonlight walks), for adults with children ages four and older: A Pink Moon Hike will take place on April 14 and a Flower Moon Hike will take place on May 12. Both walks will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants will explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.

Nature Walks for Seniors, for ages 55 and older (free of charge): These guided walks meet on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic in the Watchung Reservation. Participants will learn to identify common tree species, find out about the fast-flying peregrine falcon, enjoy a spring wildflower walk and discover the rich history of the Deserted Village.

A fee of $5 for Union County residents ($6 for out-of-county) applies to the three child-adult programs. The senior walks are free of charge.

For more information about upcoming activities for children, families and seniors visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including the Falcon Cam, 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, NJ – February 25, 2022 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Elizabeth Public Library will host a Virtual Sensory Friendly Bedtime Stories event via Zoom, on Tuesday, March 1^st from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“Read Across America is a great way to motivate and inspire our youngest residents to read and the Commissioner Board strong supports this initiative,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We are proud to assist in the effort to make this day an inclusive and welcoming event for everyone.”

In celebration of National Read Across America Day, Commissioners, as well as other community leaders will join together and read books to children ages 12 and under. Commissioners reading will be Chair Rebecca Williams, Vice-Chair Chris Hudak, Sergio Granados, Bette Jane Kowalski, Dr. Angela R. Garretson, Lourdes Leon and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

“Reading plays a vital role in shaping us into who we are and helps build a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “In a world full of ever-changing technology, it more important than ever to motivate our youth to read, and having stories that are inclusive to all backgrounds and cultures is even more important. This coincides with Union County’s efforts to ensure all of our residents feel included, respected and valued in our community.”

Nationally, Read Across America Day takes place on Wednesday, March 2^nd. The day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to encourage students, teachers, parents, and community members around the nation to come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading.

“I am grateful to participate in this initiative; for the last two years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some stress and disruption to families with young children, including to daily routines,” said Commissioner Kowalski. “Reading is such a valuable tool for children so encouraging families to make this activity a part of their everyday lives is so important, especially to their growth and development.”

Guided by a committee of educators, Read across America is an inclusive program that embraces books in which different students can see their own experiences, as well as books that open windows to see different people and different worlds.  For more information visit nea.org.

Offered by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, this virtual read-aloud program is free of charge, however, pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs offers social and recreational activities for individuals of all abilities and ages, provides information and referral services, and advocates for inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of community life.

For more information visit ucnj.org/special-needs online or contact Jasmine Doughty-Whithous at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

For more information about the Elizabeth Public Library, please visit elizpl.org, email elizpublib@gmail.com, or call the Main Branch at 908-354-6060.

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 – February 22, 2022 — As the winter weather changes into spring this year, everyone in Union County and throughout New Jersey will also see a big change at their favorite stores. Beginning on Wednesday May 4, a new state law called the “Bag Ban” goes into effect. When it does, stores and restaurants in New Jersey will no longer hand out free, single-use plastic bags.

The new law also has an additional provision for large grocery stores. Starting on May 4, grocery stores will not hand out any free single-use bags, whether paper or plastic. Shoppers will need to bring their own reusable bags or purchase them at the store.

“Changing from single-use bags to reusable bags is a big step for many Union County residents, and we hope to make the transition as smooth as possible by helping to raise awareness about the new law,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We are all used to running out for groceries and getting bags from the store. Now we need to start a new habit, and bring our own bags when shopping.”

Union County residents and shoppers can prepare in advance by taking four simple steps:

Step 1: Start gathering enough reusable bags to accommodate your weekly grocery shopping or other large shopping trips.

Step 2: Hang your bags by your door, or put them in your car, where you are likely to remember them. Writing “BAGS” at the top of your shopping list is another effective memory trick.

Step 3: Keep a lightweight, foldable bag in your purse, backpack or pocket in case of unexpected errands.

Step 4: Don’t wait until May 4 — start shopping with reusable bags now.

The Bag Ban comes under the heading of New Jersey Public Law. 2020, c 117, a comprehensive state law intended to reduce waste, litter and pollution. The provision dealing with single-use plastic bags applies to all retail stores in New Jersey. The provision dealing with single-use paper bags applies to grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet.

The law was enacted in 2020, providing retailers and the public with two years to prepare for the change to reusable bags.

Details about the law are available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at nj.gov/dep/plastic-ban-law.

Business owners and managers can find additional information at business.nj.gov/bags/plastic-ban-law.

For information about free County-sponsored recycling events and other recycling programs in Union County, visit the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning online at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Commission for Status on Women to honor 8 County women at free virtual event

The Union County Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Women of Excellence Awards. This year, 8 Union County women have been selected to receive the Union County Women of Excellence Award for their outstanding contributions to their communities. The awardees will be honored at a virtual event on Friday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.

The virtual awards ceremony is free for all to attend but pre-registration is required. Residents who wish to pre-register can do so by visiting https://ucnj.org/whm/.

“We are proud to acknowledge the contributions made by this year’s awardees towards a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in the County,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “For over 35 years, the Board of County Commissioners has recognized women among us who lead, serve, and inspire. Their work raises awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service and education.”

55 nominations were submitted for consideration and 8 were ultimately chosen to be named 2022 Union County Women of Excellence. The Union County women being recognized for their accomplishments by the Commission on the Status of Women are:

• Kathy Arminio
• Charlotte Brown
• Sylvia Hicks
• Audry Kelly
• Amanda Parrish-Block
• Gwendolyn Ryan
• Elizabeth Stamler
• Anita Thomas

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Union County Office on Women.

For any questions or to get more information about the Women of Excellence awards program, contact Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women, at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.