Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to attend a free forum and discussion session on the newly released Union County Community Needs Assessment report, on Wednesday, February 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the STEM Building Auditorium at Kean University, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“The Needs Assessment report is a valuable resource for guidance as we continue to improve services for Union County’s growing population, while also taking on evolving challenges in homelessness, opioid abuse and other areas,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Needs Assessment report is based on public surveys and focus groups as well as analyses conducted by public, nonprofit and private sector stakeholders. It covers the full range of Union County services, from parks, recreation, education and cultural events to social services, emergency response and more.

Pre-registration is not required but an RSVP is suggested. To RSVP and for more information, contact Stephanie Goncalves at sgoncalves@ucnj.org or 908-527-4383.

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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 — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8, in order to participate in their new party’s Presidential Primary Election on June 2.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2020 Presidential Primary, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation.

In the event a voter wishes to change their party, Party Declaration Forms can be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or downloaded from https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

For Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Ms. DiRado also advised that visitors to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often may inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transition, and may not have even noticed it.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s presidential nominee.

The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 2. 

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They receive a ballot for each party, and they return only the ballot for which they declare.

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

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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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On Thursday, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs partnered with the Union County Superintendent of Schools to host the Union County Inclusive Schools Presentation.

Interim Executive Superintendent Daryl Palmieri welcomed educators, administrators, principals, superintendents, and a few district Board of Education members to the Union County Inclusive Schools Presentation covering the importance of creating inclusive, affirming and welcoming classroom experiences for LGBTQ youth and students with disabilities with guest speakers Shannon Cuttle of New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition, Dr. Jan Kaminsky of Rainbow Health Consulting and Adrienne P. Robertiello of Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Andrea Staten present a resolution to Union County Vocational-Technical School District Superintendent Gwendolyn S. Ryan and UCVTS students and faculty designating February 2020 as National Career and Technical Education Month in Union County.

The 21st-century career and technical education programs at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools link rigorous academics, technical knowledge and real-world experiences to help students develop workplace skills to better prepare them for college and challenging careers.

For more information about Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, visit www.ucvts.tec.nj.us.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Chris Hudak present a resolution to Union County Vocational-Technical School District Superintendent Gwendolyn S. Ryan, FFA Advisor and UCVTS Instructor Bonnie Baldasare and UCVTS FFA student members Aaron Etienne, Lucia Mauriello and Owen Miller designating the week of February 22, 2020 through February 29, 2020 as “National FFA Week” in the County of Union. The FFA and agricultural education provide a strong foundation for the youth of America for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture. It also provides a foundation for the future of the food, fiber, and natural resource systems. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded present a resolution to Daniel Sullivan commending him on 50 years of service to the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad as well as a host of other responsibilities throughout the State of New Jersey. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada present a resolution to Sally Straus of the Township of Union congratulating her for her dedication to her community and all its residents. They were joined by State Senator Joe Cryan and former State Senator Anthony E. Russo.

Sally Straus has been directly involved in many programs on a daily basis in the Township of Union, including activities for the betterment of its youth and senior citizens, and she has been extremely active in all those organizations and committees that are devoted to helping the Township of Union to be a better place. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Vice Chairman Angel G. Estrada, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten this morning welcomed leadership coach Tony Chatman as the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Union County Means Business Networking Breakfast at Kean University in Union. Tony Chatman has worked with hundreds of corporations and government agencies including the Chase Bank, Estee Lauder, NOAA and NASA.

Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, aimed at connecting the business community with hands-on guidance and resources for growth. For more information about Union County Means Business programs, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.
(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ — Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a training seminar for New Jersey Notaries Public at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, on Friday, April 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“We offer this opportunity as a professional course that benefits the whole community, and all are welcome,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The seminar is also popular with current notaries who wish to ensure that they are up to date on issues affecting notaries.”

Ms. Rajoppi will introduce the session and review the application process. Union County Surrogate LaCorte, Esq. will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

Registration is required to attend and space is limited to the first 50 registrants. A fee of $10.00 is required to secure a spot. Downloadable registration forms are available through the County Clerk’s website, at ucnj.org/county-clerk/new-jersey-notary-training.

For additional information contact Donna Connell, 908-527-4999 or dconnell@ucnj.org.

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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2020 Union County Means Green community garden grants program. The UC Means Green program supports improved nutrition as well as new opportunities for recreation, social activities, education and community service through the experience of growing fresh produce in local neighborhoods.

“UC Means Green enables gardeners of all ages and abilities  to work cooperatively, share with the community, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing fresh food,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

UC Means Green was launched by the Freeholder Board in 2016. Since then, it has helped to transform bare fields and empty lots into thriving centers for community activities, with thousands of pounds of fresh produce raised for local consumption and donated to local food pantries.

Any Union County municipality or local nonprofit organization with 501-(c)-3 tax exempt status is welcome to apply for a UC Means Green grant. Groups organized as LLCs or other commercial entities are not eligible to apply. Gardens must be located on municipal property or on property owned by a non-profit organization (gardens located on privately owned or commercial property are not eligible).

In addition to traditional soil-based gardens, eligible garden types include but are not limited to rooftop gardens, vertical gardens, aeroponic gardens, mushroom gardens, milk crate gardens, pollinator gardens (must include food-producing plants), rain gardens (must include pollinator-attracting and food-producing plants), hay bale gardens, forest gardens and more.

Applications for a 2020 grant are due by March 27.

The non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth administers UC Means Green on behalf of the Freeholder Board. For more information and a downloadable application form, visit Union County online at ucnj.org/garden-grant or contact Groundwork Elizabeth, 908-289-0262 or info@groundworkelizabeth.org.

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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.