Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join the Union County team for the 2022 AIDS Walk New York in Central Park on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

The Union County team is organized through the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. To join the team and participate in the walk, residents can register at ny.aidswalk.net/UnionCountyNJ.

“We are very proud to join the 2022 AIDS Walk in New York and show our support for Hyacinth and other groups that provide social and health services to those impacted by AIDS, including members of our own Union County community,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Much progress has been made on the treatment and prevention of AIDS over the past 40 years. We are committed to keep moving in the right direction by continuing to advocate for research, health and social services, and education,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella.

AIDS Walk New York is the world’s largest and most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising event.

The Union County team will be captained by Patrick Koslecki, a member of the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee, and organized in support of Hyacinth, a proud partner of the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

Hyacinth is New Jersey’s largest and first HIV service provider. For more information visit hyacinth.org, email info@hyacinth.org, or call 732-246-0204.

For more information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs visit ucnj.org/ lgbtq.

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 annual Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale will be held on Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4:00 p.m., in the Union County Demonstration Garden at the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, in Mountainside.

The Garden Fair is a popular community tradition featuring native plants for sale along with hundreds of other flowering plants and shrubs, vegetable seedlings, educational displays and a chance to explore the many unique and unusual beds of the sprawling Demonstration Garden.

“The Master Gardeners are well known for their many contributions to the Union County community, and the Garden Fair is one of them. We are very proud to welcome this wonderful event back to the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

All proceeds from sales at the Garden Fair go to support community service projects of Master Gardener volunteers, including donations of fresh produce to local food pantries, educational events for youth and adults, programs for people with special needs, and more.

Admission is free and parking is free.  Attendees are advised to bring a wagon or cart to convey their purchases.

Please note that all sales are cash only; credit cards are not accepted. Pets are not permitted in the Demonstration Garden.

In addition to plants for sale, the 2022 Garden Fair will feature displays of Square Foot gardening and hydroponics, a clinic for plant and insect problems, soil test kits for sale, and guidance from the Union County Mosquito Control Bureau.

The Master Gardeners of Union County is a community volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with support from the Commissioner Board. No experience in gardening or horticulture is needed. Prospective volunteers take a training course each spring leading to certification as a Master Gardener.

For more information about the program, contact County Extension Agent Madeline Flahive at mflahive@ucnj.org.

For information about all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Tree Stewards, Environmental Stewards and 4-H youth clubs, visit ucnj.org/rce.

Quick links to all Union County programs related to gardening, sustainability and nature conservation are available at 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.

On Wednesday, May 4, a new state law called the “Bag Ban” goes into effect. When it does, supermarkets will not hand out any free, single-use paper or plastic shopping bags. Customers will have to bring their own shopping bags, or purchase them at the supermarket.

Other retail stores and restaurants can continue to provide free paper shopping bags, but they will not be allowed to provide free plastic bags.

“The new statewide Bag Ban is going to be a big change for many shoppers. We hope to help make the transition easier by sharing some tips on how to adjust to reusable bags,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

To help remind shoppers, Union County has produced the new “Grab a Bag,” video, now playing on Union County’s YouTube channel at youtube.com.

Individuals, schools, organizations and businesses are invited to share the video link free of charge.

Among the recommended tips are: hanging a supply of reusable bags by the door, placing some bags in the car, and keeping a lightweight bag in a pocket, purse or backpack in case of unexpected errands.

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.

The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a sensory friendly production of the beloved ballet Cinderella, performed by the New Jersey Ballet at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 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 brings inclusive, enriching live performances to children with special needs, and we are delighted to welcome the New Jersey Ballet to our community,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Cinderella is One of New Jersey Ballet’s most popular productions for children. During a two-act romp through the classic fairy tale, the hours of the clock come to life and dance, a Fairy Godmother and Fairies of the Four Seasons make an appearance, and the pumpkin turns into a coach.

Splendid sets and costumes, glorious dancing, and New Jersey Ballet’s hallmark “Storyteller” narration ensures that everyone can follow the story with ease.

Please note that 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.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Early in-person voting will be conducted by voting machine at seven polling sites in Union County.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections informs voters that early in-person voting in New Jersey will begin June 3 for the 2022 Primary Elections. Early Voting will take place June 3-5 for the Primary Election. Voting Hours for the Primary Election are Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

“Early Voting in the 2021 General Election was a tremendous success.  I am proud that New Jersey has begun offering Early Voting, making voting as accessible for our voters as possible,” said Nicole DiRado, Administrator, Union County Board of Elections.

There are seven Early Voting locations around Union County:

• Cranford: Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4 (Near Guard Booth: Parking in Lot 1)
• Elizabeth: Sampson Center, 800 Anna Street
• New Providence: DeCorso Community Center, 15 E. 4th Street
• Plainfield: Union County College, Church Street, Between E. 3rd & E. 4th
• Rahway: Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Ave, Room 112
• Roselle: Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• Union: Union Twp. Senior Center (relocated), 652 Rahway Avenue

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 with questions.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are aware of all voting options and dates available to them.

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

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.

Earlier this morning, Union County officials welcomed representatives from Amazon at the Family Success Center in Rahway, NJ, as they donated 10,000 at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to the County of Union.

“We would like to thank Amazon for their generous donation of these COVID-19 at-home tests,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “There is still a demand for these tests and there are many residents who may have trouble accessing them or affording them due to other essential costs. So on behalf of the County Commissioners, I would like to thank Amazon for their continued support to our communities, we are very grateful for your donations.”

Colin Newman, Amazon’s New Jersey Public Policy Director was in attendance to present the donation to Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams, as well as Commissioners Sergio Granados, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Commissioner James Baker and Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner.

After surveying a number of the County’s nonprofit and senior housing partners to determine their needs, the County of Union will be distributing these test kits to different nonprofits or those in need throughout the County at various locations. Today, the Rahway Family Success Center received 500 of these kits, and following the presentation, Commissioners and officials visited the Neighborhood House, Second Street Youth Center and Mount Olive, all in Plainfield to distribute more kits.

“We’re proud to support the Union County community by providing COVID-19 rapid antigen tests,” said Colin Newman, public policy director at Amazon. “Regular and accessible testing during the pandemic continues to help keep our communities safe and healthy and allows for important services, like those provided by Family Success Centers, to continue.”

Amazon donates these COVID-19 tests to Union County in support of its continued pandemic response to ensure communities across the country have access to reliable at-home COVID-19 testing. In an effort to continue to combat this virus, the County continues to offer COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and booster shots at various locations or mobile units throughout the County.

For more information and updates on all Union County services regarding OVID-19, including free vaccinations, free testing, emergency food distributions and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

Earlier this week, Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams, Commissioners Sergio Granados and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded kicked off the 2022 season of the Fresh Start Program at The Salvation Army in Elizabeth, located at 1005 East Jersey Street. This program provides shower, laundry and restroom facilities to persons who are in need, along with guidance and resources on additional services that foster self-sufficiency.

“At the time of the launch in 2021, this program was the first mobile service of its kind to be offered in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “There are many people who have fallen on hard times and don’t always have access to a hot shower or hygiene supplies, which can be detrimental to their self-confidence. This mobile unit not only provides them with access to these amenities, but can also make a positive impact on their overall wellbeing, bringing a sense of joy and self-esteem.”

The main focus of Fresh Start is a mobile trailer equipped with bathroom and shower units as well as laundry facilities. It has three non-gender specific shower and bathroom units, one of which is ADA compliant as well as two washing and dryer machines.

“Access to laundry and shower facilities on a regular basis can be a barrier for both low-income and homeless individuals.  A hot shower and clean clothes can change a person’s whole demeanor and outlook on life,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.  “Between laundry services, and access to a hot shower, the Fresh Start Program also features community providers with resources like housing, employment opportunities and supportive services.  These services can help those in need to get back on their feet and onto a path of self-sufficiency.  I am so proud to be a part of this initiative.”

In collaboration with community partners, Fresh Start coordinates a wide variety resources within County government including the Division of Social Services, Division of Outreach & Advocacy, Division of Individual & Family Support Services, as well as local non-profit providers. It serves as a portal to a continuum of resources for Union County residents, such as emergency shelter, food, clothing, mental health, housing and employment assistance.

The program will run from now until October, visiting various agency or faith-based organizations (to be announced) throughout Union County.

If an organization is interested in hosting the Union County Fresh Start Mobile Program at their location, a request via email can be sent to freshstart@ucnj.org. For more information, please visit Union County Department of Human Services at https://ucnj.org/dhs/fresh-start.

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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.

Earlier this evening at the Union County Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners awarded a total of $1,500,000.00 to the County’s twenty-one municipalities for the 2022 Union County Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant program.

“As one of the largest counties in the state, keeping the vitality and safety of certain projects such as road or pavement repairs to municipal building improvements are something that is critical to keep up-to-date,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I am pleased that we are able to assist our cities and towns with the funding they need to make these improvements – continuing to make Union County a great place to live, work or visit.”

Several Mayors and representatives from the municipalities in Union County were present to accept the check. A variety of revitalization projects are expected to be used with the funds – however, road improvements are on the top of the list as most requested for funding.

“Investing in our communities is a key part of our plan to accelerate long-lasting improvements across Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the 2022 Fiscal Chair. “This grant program continues to have wide-ranging impacts as we emerge from the pandemic, therefore improving the vibrancy and quality of life in our neighborhoods, and making all corners of the County even more attractive and sustainable for investment and opportunity.”

The Infrastructure grant program is aimed to provide assistance that will stimulate the development of public projects of economic, social, transportation and governmental importance to local municipalities. The Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant is a matching grant and will assist municipalities with projects being undertaken in the 2022 calendar year.

The program was created by Commissioner Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the County Commissioner’s Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development.  This year’s Commissioner Fiscal Committee included: Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chair, Commissioner Lourdes Leon

Commissioner Alexander Mirabella and Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014.

To learn more about this grant or about any other program, please visit www.ucnj.org.

• Township of Berkeley Heights – Miscellaneous Drainage Improvements – $60,000.00
• Township of Clark – Capital Road Improvement Program – $65,000.00
• Township of Cranford – Resurfacing Project – $90,000.00
• City of Elizabeth – Emergency Response Facility Exterior Canopy Project – $145,000.00
• Borough of Fanwood – Glenwood Road Improvements Project – $40,000.00
• Borough of Garwood – Curb Replacements on Sections of South Avenue – $35,000.00
• Township of Hillside – Replacing Gate for Township DPW Yard – $23,650.00
• Borough of Kenilworth – Records Management Scanning, Meeting Streaming Project and Repair & Replacement of Borough Sidewalks – $50,000.00
• City of Linden – Resurfacing of Various Parking Lots – $90,000.00
• Borough of Mountainside – Road Work-Resurfacing of Fernwood Rd & Fox Trail – $40,000.00
• Borough of New Providence – Municipal Roadway Paving Project – $50,000.00
• City of Plainfield – West End Ave/Grant Ave Roadway Improvement Project – $135,000.00
• City of Rahway – Rahway Resurfacing Project – $95,000.00
• Borough of Roselle – Roselle Resurfacing Project – $70,000.00
• Borough of Roselle Park – Improvements to Little League Field Parking Lot – $63,000.00
• Township of Scotch Plains – Roadway Assistance Program 2022 – $100,000.00
• Township of Springfield – Paving Improvements on Various Streets – $60,000.00
• City of Summit – Tulip Street Improvement Project & City Hall Records Storage Improvement Project – $75,000.00
• Township of Union – Reconstruction of Kirkland Place – $98,000.00
• Town of Westfield – Improvement to Elmer Street & Improvement to Barchester Way – $100,000.00
• Township of Winfield – Various Improvements: Municipal Complex Roof, Police Door, Police Computers/Battery Backups/Printers & Fire Department Sign – $15,350.00
• Total Award Amount – $1,500,000.00

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.

Connect with Union County on social media

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.