Category: Public Info

Everyone can help prevent mosquito-borne diseases in Union County.

Union County, NJ – Now that the summertime outdoor activity season has begun in earnest, the Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents, businesses and visitors alike to help reduce the mosquito population in their neighborhoods and in Union County. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses.

West Nile virus is the most common example of a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease that can occur in New Jersey.

“The best protection is prevention,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “In addition to using insect repellent, everyone can help keep mosquitoes at bay by eliminating any places where they can breed.”

Mosquitos can breed practically anywhere water can collect. That includes clogged rain gutters, corrugated down spout extensions, outdoor equipment, children’s toys and playsets, and garden items including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows and tarpaulins.

Old tires are a major concern as they tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but one old tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes during the summer.

Even an item as small as an upturned bottle cap or a crumpled plastic bag can become a prolific mosquito breeding ground.

The recent wet weather has provided mosquitos with many new breeding sites. Property owners and tenants are advised to take advantage of dry spells to make a quick sweep of their yards and shake out any items that have collected stagnant water.

Unused pools, fountains and ornamental ponds should be drained and covered. Water in birdbaths should be refreshed daily.

Additional guidance is available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at nj.gov/dep/mosquito.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellants and to follow all instructions on the label carefully.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors. Exposure can also be reduced by avoiding time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has been in continual operation since April 1, 1912 and works closely with officials from New Jersey DEP. The Bureau regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts larviciding and adulticiding operations on an as-needed basis.

Mosquito infestations can be reported by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9835. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If necessary, inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Donated food, free COVID-19 testing, free COVID-19 vaccination, and other resources for those in need are included.

Union County – The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee, is commemorating World Refuge Day with a free resource and food distribution event for refugees, immigrants and others in need.

The event will take place behind the Union County Social Services Building located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26.

All services are provided on a walk-up basis. No pre-registration or appointment is needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or test.

The food donations consist of both nonperishable shelf items and fresh produce, provided by The Village Supermarket and Garguilo Produce, on a first come, first served basis. Attendees who wish to pick up food are advised to bring a cart or wagon.

Attendees will also receive resources for utility assistance, nutrition programs and much more.

“This year’s theme for World Refugee Day is ‘together we heal, learn and shine.’ It is a reminder that we are all connected in the Union County community, and we all have the power to lend our strength to those in need,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Created by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is celebrated internationally each year on June 20. Worldwide, people commemorate this day by donating, raising awareness and learning more about refugees and their struggles.

“With this event, we hope to raise awareness of the ways in which our residents can reach out to assist refugees and help them find their footing after a long and often traumatizing journey. The County Commissioners are strongly committed to ensuring that people who are fleeing violence and strife in their native countries can find a welcoming and inclusive home in Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Board.

“On World Refugee Day this year, IRC’s partnership with the County of Union represents the power of community welcoming,” said IRC Deputy Director Alison Milan. “For refugees who have fled their homes and have left so much behind, building a new life becomes a little bit easier when they can connect to local resources; encounter a friendly face; or can share their talents. Today we celebrate the resilience of refugees and their vast contributions right here in New Jersey.”

For more information about the event please contact Nathalie Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Division of Outreach & Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4880 or nahernandez@ucnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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New job fair is hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Elizabeth Branch NAACP, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Union County, NJ – Job seekers in Union County can explore job opportunities with more than two dozen retail outlets and service providers at The Mills at Jersey Gardens all in one afternoon, at the upcoming 2021 Job Fair on Wednesday, June 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Qualified attendees are eligible to be hired immediately.

The 2021 Job Fair is hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Elizabeth Branch of the NAACP, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

“The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall has been a strong partner in our continuing efforts to ensure that job seekers in Union County can connect with high quality employers,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “A new job can be a life-changing experience, and we encourage everyone who needs a job to attend the 2021 Job Fair.”

“Many individuals and families have been severely impacted by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, and many retail establishments in our community also need to rebuild. The 2021 Job Fair aims to help accelerate recovery by providing support to job seekers and employers, too. I am looking forward to collaborating with our community partner NAACP and President of the organization Shawn McClain in this grassroots employment effort,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Advisory Board.

“This initiative was spearheaded by Elizabeth NAACP Branch first Vice President Arnaz Johnson, who is also Chair of Labor and Industry Committee. This job fair will assist in the improvement of the economic status of minority groups by encouraging them to re-enter into the work force. It also provides great opportunities for our youth to earn money and become economically self-sufficient  by means of employment. Since being elected on January 12, 2021 as President of Elizabeth Branch I am excited to be a part of this movement. ‘Team Work makes Dream Work:’ that’s what we say during our planning meetings. By working together we can better service our community,” said Elizabeth Branch NAACP President Shawn McClain.

Stores participating in the 2021 Job Fair include Movado, Sephora, Starbucks, Perry Ellis, Crocs, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, and many more.

Additional participants include D2 Logistics, HydroChemPSC, and Guest Services at The Mills at Jersey Gardens among others.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens is located in Elizabeth at 651 Kapkowski Road. The 2021 Job Fair will take place indoors at the site of the former Modell’s store.

Pre-registration is required online through the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.

Transportation to The Mills is available. For transportation information and other registration questions, call the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at 1-888-845-3434.

Home to more than 230 stores and restaurants, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is one of the 10 largest shopping malls in New Jersey. It is a destination for shoppers from all over Union County, New Jersey, and beyond.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks are optional for fully vaccinated Job Fair attendees. Those who are unvaccinated must wear masks and observe social distance.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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 free drive-in concert series continues; advance registration begins June 28.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that The WildFlowers will be the next performer in the County’s free drive-in concert series. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 10 at 6:00 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

Known as the #1 tribute band to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, a group of Tom Petty fans and heavily skilled musicians came together to form “The WildFlowers.”

“We are excited to welcome this talented tribute band who pays attention to detail and recreates the music and performances of Tom Petty with passion and precision,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, and attendees may also bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited and port-o-johns will be available.

This drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Updated: the August 24 screening of Aladdin has been moved to August 26 in Conant Park, in Hillside.

Free outdoor movies will be presented in Union County parks this summer on a walk-in, sit-down basis; no pre-registration required.

Please note: the original version of this press release had July 13 as the date for the screening. That event has been postponed to Wednesday, July 14,  in anticipation of inclement weather.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to inform all residents of the reopening of Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” outdoor movie series. On July 14, Raya and the Last Dragon will kick off the series at 7:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“We are all very excited to bring back Union County’s Family Fun and Flix series this summer,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It has been a favorite family activity for many years.”

Each movie will begin at dusk, with everyone encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim a spot on the lawn.

The fun begins with a family-friendly dance party before each movie. An ice cream truck will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase a snack.

Movies will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date for each event will be the following Wednesday night.

The 2021 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule is:

Raya and the Last Dragon:  July 14 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Scoob: July 20 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

The Croods: A New Age: July 27 at Rahway Park Stadium in Rahway

Tom and Jerry: August 10 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Black Panther :   August 17 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Aladdin – live action: Updated: the August 24 screening of Aladdin has been moved to August 26 in Conant Park, in Hillside.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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 – Union County residents of all ages can become community scientists by identifying and photographing butterflies, birds, and other wildlife for the “Rain Gardens of Union County” project. The project is being run through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

“The Rain Gardens of Union County project is a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to help demonstrate how rain gardens can help attract and preserve pollinators and other wildlife in the urban and suburban environment. We hope the experience inspires the installation of additional rain gardens in our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Rain gardens are attractive, low maintenance garden areas that are specially designed to help reduce flooding and pollution in local waterways. They capture and filter rainwater and snowmelt that would otherwise flow into the street from driveways, rooftops and other hard surfaces.

When planted with native species, rain gardens also attract bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

Approximately 30 rain gardens have been installed throughout Union County. Many are located on the grounds of public buildings and other locations accessible to the public, including several in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, by the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Residents who are interested in joining the rain garden documentation project can find complete instructions online at the “Rain Gardens of Union County” page on the Rutgers NJAES website, at njaes.rutgers.edu/rain-garden-biodiversity. The page includes a Google map showing the location of local rain gardens.

Starting on July 1, a patch will be available to Girl Scouts who participate in this project from the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. For more information about the GSHNJ Guardian of the Rain Garden project, visit gshnj.org or contact GSHNJ at info@gshnj.org or 908-518-4400.

For additional information, contact Michele Bakacs, Rutgers NJAES Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent, at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Commissioner Board, with offices at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more information on all Extension programs available to Union County residents, including the popular Master Gardener, Master Tree Steward, Environmental Steward, and 4-H youth development programs, visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and volunteer activities, including the Trailside Nature and Science Center, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel this summer, and fall, and early winter. Some countries will not allow entry for travelers with passports that are within several months of expiring.

“Depending on the country, travelers may be barred if their passport is due to expire within three to six months of their travel date,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, travelers with expiring passports need to account for the time needed for the U.S. Department of State to process passport renewal applications.”

The State Department currently estimates that it will take 18 weeks to renew an existing passport. For residents who agree to pay an expedited fee, the wait time is 12 weeks.

“Although my office can provide assistance with the initial filing of an application, unfortunately we have no control over the processing timeline because that is a State Department function,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This is the longest delay I have seen in years, and it appears related to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.”

For the latest updates on wait times, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit the State Department online at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

To make an appointment at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, call 908-527-4966.

To make an appointment at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, call 908-654-9859.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.

For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

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 the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Flag raising ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the second annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Saturday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

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

“By raising this flag, we recognize Juneteenth as a date that marks a formative event in American history, affirms the enduring achievements of African Americans, and looks forward to the continued fight for progress and equality,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very proud to join municipalities and organizations in Union County that are also celebrating Juneteenth.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Union County is co-sponsoring several local events in celebration of Juneteenth.

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

New Jersey has officially recognized Juneteenth Day as a state holiday, and this week the U.S. Senate passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The bill must pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law.

“The raising of the Juneteenth Flag highlights the contributions of African-Americans in our diverse community and in our nation. As a woman with family born, raised and currently living in Galveston, Texas, I also have a very personal connection to Juneteenth, and I am proud to see Union County honor this date in history,” said Commissioner Board Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Out of 21 counties in New Jersey, less than half have recognized the date as a county holiday. The number of counties honoring the state law will grow in 2022, as Union County, as well as Middlesex County, plan to join Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Sussex and Passaic in recognizing Juneteenth as a County holiday. Other counties are undecided.

“As each county, including our own, continues to recognize the nation’s history as a painful one, it becomes all the more clear that the universal power and resiliency of the human spirit, love of country, and determination to build a better future for all must have a day of celebration, as well as a day for honoring our ancestors, and uniting and educating ourselves and the greater community about the significance of Juneteenth,” said Commissioner, Dr.  Angela R. Garretson. “We are very proud to raise the Juneteenth Flag in recognition of the end to the historic practice of slavery, and in honor of the freedom of all people in the United States.”

“The Juneteenth flag is composed of specific symbols that tell the story, and the one that resonates the most to me is the arc across the middle of the flag. Like a horizon in the distance, it represents the promise of the future and the road we must travel to get there. We proudly welcome the entire Union County community to join us for this special flag raising ceremony,” said Commissioner Andrea Staten.

The flag-raising ceremony will include readings from the Proclamation of Emancipation and from the State Senate bill that established Juneteenth Day as a public holiday in New Jersey.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Free COVID-19 shots to be provided in local neighborhoods; door-to-door program to begin.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County, in addition to permanent sites in Elizabeth, Union Township, and Plainfield.

“We have come a long way, but we are still in a race against dangerous new COVID-19 variants that can impact people who are unvaccinated. We are pulling out all the stops to reach them in time,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Everyone can help pitch in, by encouraging family and friends to take advantage of these new opportunities to get vaccinated.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

This month, County personnel also began offering COVID-19 vaccines at the County’s ongoing series of emergency food distribution events for residents facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

In partnership with United Way, the County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18.

The pop-up clinics are currently offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose. Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• June 16 in Elizabeth: Port Elizabeth Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• June 18 in Roselle: Warinanco Park, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.*
• June 19 in Union Township: Rabkin Park, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.*
• June 22 in Hillside: Hillside High School, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• June 27 in Plainfield, Second Street Youth Center/Cristo Para Las Naciones 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*These clinics will be held in conjunction with Juneteenth events

Appointments can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax, or by contacting the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

In addition, COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available by appointment at Union County’s three permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Hall in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson). For appointments, create an account at at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

Union County has also been conducting person-to-person outreach through the Union County Vaccine Call Center, and is working with United Way and other community stakeholders to collaborate with civic and religious groups that can assist the effort to reach unvaccinated people in underserved communities.

In July, the outreach effort will expand to include door-to-door visits, with the aim of alerting local residents to upcoming pop-up clinics in their neighborhood, encouraging them to register for an appointment, and connecting them with a health care professional if needed.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Students from 10 school districts in Union County participated in a four-week interactive financial literacy course this spring, called the “2021 Stock Market Challenge.” The course was hosted by the Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Plainfield, with support from Union County Commissioner, Dr. Angela Garretson. The organization sought to empower local youth with insights and experience on investing in the stock market.

“Financial literacy is extremely important, and this partnership between school districts and the Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter demonstrates the impact that local organizations can have when they bring their skills, experience, and networks to engage with school-age youth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“I hope this program leads to additional school district partnerships in our community, to help provide the up-and-coming generation of students with the tools they need in understanding the ever increasing complexity of the financial world, including the role mathematics and economics play in this space,” said Commissioner Garretson, who engaged a total of 19 school districts to participate in the Stock Market Challenge.

The Stock Market Challenge was presented by Zeta Nu Lambda chapter president, Sherlock Dow, along with guest speakers on various topics including ETFs and cryptocurrency as well as real estate, futures, options, stocks and bonds.

The interactive course provided the students with the opportunity to assume the virtual role of professional money managers as they operated their own diversified investment portfolios, working in teams.

A total of 110 students in grades 7-12 participated in the course, which met once a week from April 22 to May 13.

Union County school districts participating in the program were Plainfield, Springfield, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, New Providence, Westfield, Berkeley Heights, Union Township, Summit, Roselle, and the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools.

At the conclusion of the course, students Jasmin Person of Plainfield and Kyley Johnson of Roselle school districts were named two of three winners in the “Team Winner” category.

In addition, students Justin Bugarin of Plainfield and Leah Brogden of Berkeley Heights were named two of three winners in the “Individual Winner” category.

The additional participating districts outside of Union County were Cherry Hill, New Brunswick, Edison, Franklin, South Orange-Maplewood, Monroe Township, Piscataway, West Orange, and Hillsborough.

The award-winning Union County Vocational-Technical School District is located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. For more information visit ucvts.tec.nj.us.

For additional information about the Stock Market Challenge contact Sherlock Dow, znlcp.sherlock@gmail.com.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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