Category: Public Info

In honor of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Each year, the contest invites students in grades 4 through 8 to reflect on the beauty and importance of trees through the art of poetry, while encouraging environmental responsibility.

“Awarding our young poets is one of the highlights of the year,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, who also serves as the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board. “This contest is more than just a celebration of poetry—it’s a celebration of how our youth connect with the environment and express their hopes for a greener future. As Chairwoman and liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, I’m deeply moved by the creativity and heart that these students put into their words. Their poems remind us all of the quiet strength of trees and the essential role they play in our lives and in the health of our planet.”

A special awards ceremony to honor the first, second, and third place winners in each grade level will take place on Wednesday, April 17^th at 6:00 p.m. during the scheduled meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

This year’s winners are as follows:

4th Grade
1st Place – Lovely Trees by Nathaly Sinchi (Jerome Dunn Academy #9, Elizabeth)
2nd Place – My Tree Is So Special to Me by Elijah Rivers (Mountain Park Elementary School, Berkeley Heights)
3rd Place – An Arbor of Trees by Jonathan E. Wehye (Hurden Looker Elementary School, Hillside)

5th Grade
1st Place – Arbor Day Green Trees by Caleb Hughes (School 4, Linden)
2nd Place – Providers of Life by Anna Cuevas (Grover Cleveland School, Rahway)
3rd Place – The Grand Tree by Emma Brzeziniski (Hehnly School, Clark)

6th Grade
1st Place – The Charming Sequoia by Lya Darius (St. John the Apostle, Clark)
2nd Place – The Heart of the Forest by Emily Kiefner (Columbia Middle School, Berkeley Heights)
3rd Place – Trees by Alice Fisher (Terrill Middle School, Scotch Plains)

7th Grade
1st Place – Beyond the Branches by Shaila Jimenez (School 27, Elizabeth)
2nd Place – Priceless by Ellen Barnhurst (Columbia Middle School, Berkeley Heights)
3rd Place – Lost by Julia Ruiz (Columbia Middle School, Berkeley Heights)

8th Grade
1st Place – More Than Just a Tree by Enzo Rigonato Silva (Lincoln School, Garwood)
2nd Place – I’ll Always Remember by Jada Santos (Deerfield School, Mountainside)
3rd Place – We Owe It to the Trees by Saheila Morgan (Terrill Middle School, Scotch Plains)

Arbor Day, observed on the last Friday in April, originated in Nebraska in 1872 and has since grown into a nationwide movement to encourage tree planting and environmental awareness. This year, Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 25^th, reminding us all of the importance of preserving green spaces and planting for the future.

For questions about the Arbor Day Poetry Contest, please contact Zoraida Mosquera at Zoraida.Mosquera@ucnj.org. To learn more about Union County’s environmental programs and initiatives, visit The Green Connection at www.ucnj.org/green-connection.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the 2025 recycling events will continue this April. The paper shredding event for April will be held on Wednesday, April 9th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will take place at Black Brook Park, located at 349 North 19th Street in Kenilworth. The event will end before 1:00 p.m., should the trucks fill up first. 

“We encourage residents to take note of these dates and take advantage of these free recycling services. Not only do they provide a great opportunity to declutter personal spaces and safely dispose of items, but they also contribute to the broader goal of keeping Union County safe and environmentally responsible,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “If you are unsure whether an item can be recycled or disposed of, please contact our recycling department, and they will be happy to assist you.”

Union County’s free paper shredding events take place each year from March through October, bringing mobile paper shredding trucks to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident, regardless of their hometown, can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events and have them shredded onsite.

The shredding events are intended for personal and sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other papers through their municipal recycling program. Please remove all bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia prior to the event (staples are allowed). Pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted.

In addition to paper shredding, Union County’s additional seasonal recycling programs, Scrap Metal Recycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal, will begin this April.

Union County’s Scrap Metal events provide a space where residents can recycle various metal items, including refrigerators (with doors removed), metal cabinets, appliances, bicycles, aluminum scrap, and even air conditioners. The scrap metal items are collected at two locations on the first Thursday and third Saturday of the month, from April to November. The first scrap metal events of the season will take place on Thursday, April 3rd & Saturday, April 19th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. On these dates, residents may dispose of unwanted scrap metal items at either of our two convenient locations:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. George’s Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Union County’s first Household Hazardous Waste event of the season will take place on Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be held at UCNJ, Union College of Union County, NJ, parking lots 5A and 5B, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford. At these events, residents can bring a variety of household chemicals for proper recycling or disposal. These items include, but are not limited to, oil based finishes, motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs, and more. Latex (water-based) paint (wall paint) will not be accepted. Residents are advised to dry latex paint out at home using commercial paint hardener, sand, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once hardened, it can be thrown in your household trash.

All Union County recycling events are contact-free and drive-up only.  Residents must remain in their cars while staff unloads materials from their trunks.

For a complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, please visit ucnj.org/recycle/ or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. Residents may also contact their municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in their community. The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up-to-date information on both countywide and local recycling programs. Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the sample ballot for the upcoming Westfield School Board election is now available on the Union County Clerk’s website. Voters are encouraged to review the sample ballot in advance to familiarize themselves with the candidates and questions before casting their vote. The sample ballot provides voters with essential information regarding the candidates running for the School Board as well as details on the question included in the Westfield Election.

“It is crucial for voters to take the time to review the sample ballot and understand both the candidates and the school board questions,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Informed voters are the foundation of a strong community, and I encourage all residents to be prepared before casting their votes.”

Sample ballots can be found on www.unioncountyvotes.com. Additionally, starting today, April 1^st, Westfield vote-by-mail ballots will be available for pickup at the Union County Clerk’s Office at 300 North Ave East in Westfield, and 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. Voters can obtain their ballots, complete them on-site, and submit them in the secure ballot drop box inside the Clerk’s Office, the ballot drop box located outside the office, or mail them back to the Board of Elections.

For more information and updates on the Westfield School Board election or other County Clerk programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month this April, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services have proudly partnered with community providers Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Northern New Jersey Alcoholics Anonymous, Owen Health Care, and Prevention Links to bring residents “A Life’s Journey in Words,” an educational webinar on alcohol misuse. The free online seminar will take place live on Zoom on Tuesday, April 8^th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will feature a panel of diverse speakers who will share their powerful, personal stories of hope, recovery and resilience. Residents can register for free or learn more at ucnj.org/a-lifes-journey-in-words/.

“We are honored to present this opportunity for our residents to connect with the remarkable stories of resilience that will be shared by our guest panelists,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Their journeys through the challenges of alcohol addiction serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through their experiences, we hope that someone watching will be inspired to believe in the possibility of overcoming this adversity and see the pathway to healing and hope that awaits them on the other side.”

It was reported in the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that 134.7 million Americans use alcohol, and nearly half of that group, or 61.4 million people, admitted to misusing alcohol in the past month. In the NJ Drug and Alcohol Abuse – Substance Use Overview of the same year, it was reported that 40% of Union County residents treated for substance abuse identified alcohol as their primary drug. Alcoholism is a progressive disorder, and dependency on the substance may increase over time, leading to health problems, challenges with employers and relationships, and a general loss of control.

“We understand the significant impact of alcohol misuse in our neighborhoods, and we believe that by partnering with community providers and health organizations such as those featured on this webinar, we can tackle this issue together and offer vital support, education, and a sense of community to individuals and their loved ones facing the struggles of alcohol misuse and addiction,” said Union County Commissioner and Human Services Advisory Council Liaison, Sergio Granados. “I encourage you to register for this informative webinar and to invite anyone who could benefit from these inspiring stories of recovery and renewed hope. If you or someone you love is struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone.”

A national helpline run by the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism is available to the public at 800-662-HELP (4357) to provide free, confidential referrals and information on a 24/7, 365-day-a-year basis.

For more information about the 2025 Alcohol Awareness campaign in Union County, please contact Gene Tavera, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator, Division of Individual & Family Support Services, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Misuse, in the Union County Department of Human Services at gene.tavera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4844.

To learn more about events and programs offered through the department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is proud to launch its celebration of the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution with a series of events that honor the past and engage the community in commemorating this historic milestone.

“As we commemorate 250 years since the American Revolution, we are not just looking back at history—we are celebrating the evolution of our county and our nation,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “Through this multiyear initiative, we aim to connect our communities with the stories and significance of this milestone while ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to take part in this momentous occasion.”

As part of this multiyear celebration, Union County has unveiled its official 250^th Anniversary Logo, which will be featured throughout the county on banners, promotional materials, and digital platforms. Additionally, a countywide event calendar has been created, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion. Residents can explore upcoming activities and learn more by visiting www.ucnj.org/250.

To officially launch the commemoration, Union County invites residents to join an Awareness Walk on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. This event will recognize the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”, which marked the start of the American Revolution. Residents can register now at https://bit.ly/walk250.

The event will feature guest speakers, elected officials, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The first 100 registrants will receive a free commemorative T-shirt. Admission is $10 for registrants 15 years of age or older; for those younger than 15, admission is free but registration is still required.

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Location: Nomahegan Park, Cranford, NJ

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“Union County has an extraordinary Revolutionary War history, and this anniversary gives us the opportunity to engage residents of all ages in remembering our past while shaping our future,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair of the Union County 250^th Committee. “Our new event calendar and kickoff walk will set the stage for an exciting and meaningful commemoration.”

Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250^th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250^th Anniversary Event Calendar, available at www.ucnj.org/250.

For more details and updates on the celebration, visit ucnj.org/250 and follow Union County on social media.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that vote-by-mail ballots for the upcoming Westfield School Board election will be mailed to all registered Westfield voters starting today, Monday, March 31. These ballots will arrive in oversized yellow envelopes to help prevent them from being misplaced and should be filled out and returned as soon as possible. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Voters who prefer to return their mail-in ballots via a secure drop box can drop their ballot off at one of the following locations:

• Fraser Building – 300 North Avenue East, Westfield

• Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth

• Union County Board of Elections – 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth

For more information and updates on the Westfield School Board election or other County Clerk programs and services, visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado informs voters that the polling place list and drop box locations for the 2025 Primary Election are available on the UCBOE website at ucnj.org/boe. The 2025 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025.

All 24 secure ballot drop boxes will open April 18th, 2025 for the 2025 Primary Election and will remain open through the close of the polls on June 10th, at 8:00pm. Drop boxes are under camera surveillance 24/7, available to voters 24/7 and ADA accessible.

For a complete list of polling locations and ballot drop boxes in Union County, please visit the Board of Elections website online at ucnj.org/boe.

Seats are filling quickly for the Notary Public Training Seminar hosted by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 8:45am to 11:30am at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, 1776 Raritan Road, in Scotch Plains. The seminar will be led by Union County First Deputy Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq., who will cover the legal responsibilities of notaries and proper notarization procedures.

“This seminar provides a valuable opportunity for both new and experienced notaries to ensure they are following proper procedures,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “We encourage those interested to register as soon as possible before space fills up.”

Space is limited to 50 participants, and only a few spots remain. Registration will close once capacity is reached or by Tuesday, April 1, 2025. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration. 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.

To secure a spot, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, www.ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at.ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 20th is the deadline for voter registration for the 2025 Primary Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, June 10th.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online, by mail or in person in order to register.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the May 20th voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections Office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms in both English and Spanish can also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.