Category: Public Info

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten congratulate Debbie Skeete-Bernard of Union Township (Lt. Colonel (Retired) United States Air Force Reserve), Delia Ware-Tibbs of Roselle (Lt. Colonel (Retired) United States Army Reserves),Theresa Hilton of Elizabeth (Major, United States Air Force Reserve and Union County Prosecutor’s Office,), Sandra Cagua-Valdez of Elizabeth (E-4 Specialist, Army National Guard, Supervisor at NJ Family Care Unit) and Quelcia Olea (not pictured) of Plainfield (Sergeant, United States Army) on receiving the “SHERO” award at the Union County Military Networking Mixer in Kenilworth.

They were joined by Union County Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo, Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner, Division of Community Services Director Brandon T. Givens, Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams and Kenneth Glick of the Veteran Service Office.

The Union County women veterans were honored with the “SHERO” award for their outstanding military service, community work and volunteer activities.

The networking mixer is coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Union County students in grades K-12 are invited to join a 4-H Club this fall and explore popular fields ranging from cooking, art to anime, coding and more. Youth in their first year after graduating from high school can also join.

All clubs will be meeting virtually and are without charge until in person meetings resume.

“4-H Clubs provide students in Union County with unique opportunities to practice teamwork, organization, leadership and other important life skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support the 4-H program in our community in a virtual capacity until it is safe for students to meet in person.”

4-H Clubs are organized by age and topic. The members meet with an adult club leader on a monthly basis during the school year to plan activities and programs.

Each club emphasizes the ability of students to learn, organize, and communicate with activities appropriate for their age. For the school year 2020 – 2021, the clubs are:

• Variety Club (different topics with crafts and show-and-tell), grades 1 and 2.
• Variety Club (different topics with crafts and public speaking), grades 3 and 4.
• Variety Club (different topics with crafts and community service), grades 9-12
• Community Service Club, grades 8-12.
• Nature Club, grades 5-8
• Cooking Club, grades 4-12.
• Disc Gulf Club, grades 5-12.
• Horticulture Club, grades 4-12.
• Creating Music through Coding, grades 6 – 8

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community. A recent Tufts University study found that as a group, girls who join 4-H clubs are especially likely to demonstrate positive behaviors.

4-H Clubs run from October to June. To sign up for a club email Tamisha Hopkins, 4H Office Manager, at thopkins@ucnj.org.

For more information contact 4H Agent James Nichnadowicz  at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 ext. 3.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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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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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Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis. Food will be distributed to both residents who drive up as well as walk-ups.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up and walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, October 3^rd, beginning at 9 a.m. at Cedar Brook Park, located in Plainfield. Residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union and Village Super Market.

Feeding America projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“Despite the progress being made, food insecurity remains a major concern among many families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This distribution was planned for Plainfield in order to provide some assistance to residents in the western part of Union County that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We continue to work to provide our residents with the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food can arrive in a vehicle or walk-up to the distribution site.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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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 The Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to inform residents that the popular “Wildlife Wednesdays” program will continue to run each Wednesday through the end of October, with a new starting time of 6:00 PM. The previous starting time was 2:00 PM.

“Union County is striving to bring educational programs directly to our children that may not be accessible to everyone during these challenging times, and Wildlife Wednesdays is a great example of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage residents to register for any or all of these free programs and learn more about animals and the critical role they play in our environment.”

Participation is free and open to all county residents.   Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to the first 100 families who sign up.  The programs will be held on Zoom so a valid email and Zoom access are necessary to participate.

Wildlife Wednesdays is sponsored by Union County’s Clean Communities Grant Program as educators will raise awareness on how litter can be harmful to wildlife.   Rizzo’s Wildlife World educators will bring the classroom to you and present a myriad of wildlife critters. These programs aim to discourage littering to protect the diverse wildlife found in County parks.

September 30^th’s program will feature Australian Animals such as the bearded dragon and white tree frog.  Stayed tuned for info on future programs.  Residents wishing to pre-register can do so by visiting www.ucnj.org/ww. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation and Zoom login information via email.  

For more information on upcoming Wildlife Wednesday, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/wildlife-wednesdays. 

The Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli would like to thank Don Szymanski and Connor’s Crew for their generous donation of the Sheriff’s Office’s newest K9-in-training, Lightning.

Lightning was purchased on 9/11/2020 for training and assignment as an explosive detection canine for his partner, Officer Sarah Green.

“Many thanks to Don Szymanski and Connor’s Crew for donating Lightning to our office,” Sheriff Corvelli said. “We welcome the newest member to our family.

“Lightning working with Officer Green will be a valuable asset to our agency and the entire community,” the Sheriff added.

Connor’s Crew is a charitable organization founded in early 2019 by Don Szymanski and his family following the untimely passing of his grandson Connor James Nemes, due to complications from a rare brain rupture. 

In addition to assisting the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Connor’s Crew continuously supports various veterans, families and organizations.

Additional information about Connor’s Crew can be found here: https://www.connorscrewnj.com/

The Union County Sheriff’s Office formally accepted Lightning from Connor’s Crew at the UCSO K9 Regional Training Facility in Summit.

Prince fans in the Union County area will be able enjoy classic hits from the late icon with a highly-regarded tribute act. The “Purple Madness” tribute band featuring Bobby Miller will bring forth the “Prince Experience” at a drive-in concert on Saturday, October 10^th at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. “FLAVUH” will open the show, which is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

“This will be the second drive in concert sponsored by the County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we can bring exciting events to the community while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.”

This is a free event but registration is required at www.ucnj.org/concert-register. Spots are limited to the first 220 cars registered.

The registration link will go live on Thursday, October 1^st, beginning at 9 a.m.

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.   

“Prince was an icon who captivated and entertained audiences all around the world,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams who is a Plainfield resident. “I am excited that we can bring his energy to Union County and provide an enjoyable event with Bobby Miller and Purple Madness.”

“Purple Madness” claims to be the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential artist of all-time. Bobby Miller presents an electrifying performance that can be best described as high energy and a “must see” performance.

For more information on Purple Madness, please go to: thepurplemadness.com. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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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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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that sample ballots for each voting district are available for viewing online at the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com. This year, sample ballots will not be mailed to voters.

All registered voters will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot from the County Clerk’s office by mail, as required by state law.

The mailings began on September 15 on a town-by town basis in alphabetical order, and will be completed on or before October 5.



“Any voter can get a preview of their ballot by looking up the sample ballot for their voting district online,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The online system offers a convenient way to review your ballot and make an informed decision when casting your vote.”

Voters without Internet access can request a sample ballot by calling the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

Voters can estimate when their Vote-by-Mail ballot will arrive by checking the schedule of mailings on the home page at unioncountyvotes.com, and allowing eight days for delivery.

If the ballot does not arrive within that time frame, voters can contact the Union County Clerk’s Elections Division 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org for assistance.



As of Monday, September 28, Vote-by-Mail ballots have been mailed out to 17 of the 21 municipalities in Union County, in alphabetical order.

Vote-by-Mail ballots will be sent to the four other municipalities — Summit, Union, Westfield, and Winfield — in the coming days.



In order to help the 2020 General Election proceed as smoothly as possible, voters are advised to fill out, sign, and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as possible after they receive it.


Voters can send their ballot to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service (postage is prepaid), deposit it in any of 22 secure Board of Elections drop boxes installed throughout the County, hand deliver it to the offices of the Board of Elections or the County Clerk, or designate a ballot bearer to hand deliver their ballot to a drop box, or to the Board of Elections or County Clerk.



On Election Day, November 3, voters can also bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. The Board of Elections and County Clerk’s offices, and the drop-off boxes, will also be open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.



Toward the end of October, voters will receive a postcard from the County Clerk, reminding them of their designated polling place and drop box locations.



For complete details about early voting in Union County, and to view an easy-to-follow how-to video on using a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.



Voters are also advised that the Vote-by-Mail ballots for the 2020 General Election are clearly marked “General Election” at the top. Voters who find an old ballot marked “Primary Election” at home should rip it up and put it in their recycling bin.


For more information about the County Clerk’s election services, contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Download the County Clerk’s free mobile elections app, UCVotes.

Union County Freeholders Chris Hudak, Bette Jane Kowalski and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded visit the Union County Mobile Test Unit site offering free walk-up COVID-19 tests for residents at the American Legion in Rahway. For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams
today joined with Mayor Raymond Giacobbe, members of Rahway City Council and Board of Education, students, parents, and members of the Rahway Youth Soccer Association in cutting the ribbon on two multi-use fields at Madison Avenue Park.

“The Freeholder Board has long enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Rahway in providing great recreational amenities throughout the City, and we are pleased to have added these two new two turf fields in an area where they will be put to good use by different organizations,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Madison Avenue Park, locally known as Greenfield, is a valued recreational resource in our community, heavily utilized by youth soccer, rugby, and other sports organizations, as well as our public school teams and residents. We are grateful for the continued partnership between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Rahway Board of Education, and the City of Rahway which led to the rejuvenation of this recreational gem,” said Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe, Jr.

The two synthetic turf fields are striped for soccer, rugby and lacrosse. Lighting was also installed, as well as bleachers for seating and goal posts/nets for soccer, rugby and lacrosse. As a result of the construction of the new fields, the County has removed the old playground area and will install a new one in the spring next year at the park.

The County also added a number of parking spots in the school lot to help accommodate visitors to the new fields. The fields will be used by organizations such as the Rahway Youth Soccer Association, and student athletes from teams in the Rahway schools system.

Union County, NJ – The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition (RVRC) will hold a public meeting – remotely via Zoom – on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The featured speaker is Rep. Tom Malinowski and he is expected to discuss the Gateway Project and in particular the Portal Bridge Project. This virtual event is free to attend and pre-registration is required.

Those wishing to attend can pre-register at https://bit.ly/2HjuPPt. Participants with questions during the meeting, can use the chat function or the hand raising feature, located on the participant screen. Please try to enter about ten minutes before the start of the meeting.

“The progress that has been made by the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition has been beneficial to many Union County residents,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We are grateful to the RVRC for their hard work over the past 20 years.”

The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, which represents Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties, was created nearly two decades ago to campaign for a one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line, which has 23,500 passengers daily, making it NJ Transit’s third most-used rail line. While track connectivity existed into New York, Raritan Valley riders always had to get off in Newark and switch trains because their diesel engines were not allowed into the tunnels under the Hudson River.

That changed in 2014, when NJ Transit began using dual-mode locomotives that could switch from diesel to electric power, making it possible to have a direct ride into New York City.  A limited, one-seat ride was introduced during off-peak hours in January, 2015 by NJ Transit, and returned after a period of suspension last year. After another suspension earlier this year, the limited one-seat ride is back.

 “The RVRC has been working diligently for years, and continued to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve service for over 23,000 daily riders,” said Raritan Valley Rail Coalition Chairman, Bruce Bergen. “Many residents along the Raritan Valley Line continued to require regular transportation into New York City even with reduced workforces having been implemented during the shutdown.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public transportation services were heavily affected. The Raritan Valley Line was no exception. One-seat rides were cancelled when New Jersey Transit reduced its service to accommodate for plummeting ridership during the 2020 Spring and Summer shutdown months. One-seat rides on the Raritan Valley Line have since been reinstated but only back to their off-peak hours from Monday to Friday, meaning passengers still have to transfer trains daily if travelling to and from work during rush hour.

“Raritan Valley line riders deserve a more even distribution of one-seat rides to and from New York during rush hour, ” said Freeholder Liaison to the RVRC Bette Jane Kowalski, “We have been told that the Gateway Project, with its additional tunnels, could be necessary for that to happen. But we believe it should be possible to add a few more direct rides to New York, especially with ridership currently reduced by the pandemic.”

The Coalition, whose membership includes County and State Officials, can be reached on email at info@Raritanvalleyrail.com, is on the web at www.raritanvalleyrail.com/, on Facebook at   www.facebook.com/raritanvalleyrail/,  and Twitter at  https://twitter.com/rvrailcoalition.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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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