Category: Public Info

To view a video from Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados on this initiative, please click here.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces the “Blue Hearts, Warm Coats” initiative, in partnership with the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation, with the support of Union County Police Department, and Union County Police Chiefs Association, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Chairman’s theme, “Building a Stronger Union County.”

“The harsh winter conditions pose a particular challenge for residents in need of warmth. With the collection of these generous donations and the support of our county and local police departments, we are committed to ensuring that individuals facing the cold has access to a coat.” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Together, we are reinforcing giving back and the notion that by taking care of each other, we truly elevate the spirit of our Union County community.”

Under this program, children’s, women’s and men’s coats will be distributed by county and municipal law enforcement officers across their towns through the Union County Police Department and the Union County Chiefs Association. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of the community but also fosters a sense of collaboration and trust between residents and law enforcement. By having county and municipal officers actively involved in the distribution process, it creates opportunities for positive interactions that go beyond traditional law enforcement duties.

“It is with great pride that the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation join forces with Union County to collect more than 500 winter coats to be distributed to the county’s most vulnerable population,” said Fernanda Correia, President of the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation. “Working together, this initiative highlights the strong commitment of Union County’s leadership in ensuring an improved quality of life for every resident, regardless of their circumstances.”

“The Union County Police Chiefs Association is thrilled to once again collaborate with the County of Union and now, the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation for this significant initiative,” said Chief Giacomo Sacca, Union County Police Chiefs Association President and Elizabeth Police Chief. “This program embodies law enforcement’s commitment to community service and allows us to contribute to a meaningful cause. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.”

Union County would like to especially thank its donors for making this initiative possible, including: Helpsy, Northfield Bank, DIGroup Architecture, MGE, Jack’s Laundromat, MLB Mortgage, Santander Bank, Lewis Environment Consulting Group and Kidstown in Elizabeth.

“This program not only enhances our ability to serve and protect but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the community we proudly serve in Union County,” said Martin Mogensen, Chief of the Union County Police Department. “We will continue to work together to create a safer, warmer and more compassionate environment for all residents.”

For more information about this initiative or other programs and services through Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org.  

 The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces the official start of the voting process for this year’s UC-STEP project. This year, the project will revolve around mental health, aligning with Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’s initiative, “Stepping Up to Mental Health,” and building upon his Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County.”

“We are excited to reveal the three outstanding proposals centered around mental health for this year’s UC-STEP service project,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The commitment of our high school students to address pressing community issues is admirable. Their innovative ideas and passion for promoting mental well-being showcase the potential for positive change that can be initiated by the younger generation. We cannot wait to witness the impact these projects will have on both individuals and the Union County community.”

For the past eight years, high school students participating in the UC-STEP enrichment program have presented a range of service proposals, and the entire Union County community is invited to participate in selecting the project that will involve and benefit the community.

This year, the focus is on addressing the crucial issue of mental health, with three proposals submitted by the talented high school students in the program. Each proposal aims to make a positive impact on mental health within the Union County community. Now, the community is encouraged to actively participate in the selection process by voting for their favorite proposal. The voting period begins today and ends on January 22nd. To cast your vote, please visit the UC-STEP website at ucnj.org/uc-step.

Established in 2013, The Union County Student Training and Enrichment Program (UC-STEP) has consistently provided a platform for young people to contribute meaningful service programs that enhance the well-being of Union County residents. This annual tradition not only empowers young leaders, but also ensures that the chosen project reflects the needs and priorities of the Union County community.

For more information about UC-STEP and to cast your vote, please visit ucnj.org/uc-step.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with support from the Union County Board of County Commissioners, invite residents interested in protecting the environment to join the Rutgers Environmental Stewards of Union County volunteer training program. This program is designed to introduce volunteers to the science behind important environmental issues and the impacts of climate change affecting New Jersey. Stewards then give back to their own communities by helping to tackle local environmental problems.

“Empowering our community to become stewards of our environment is a shared responsibility,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Each of our mindful actions contributes to a sustainable future, which can help address critical environmental issues and the profound impacts of climate change for future generations. For many years, Union County has been at the forefront of various environmental efforts, covering waste-to-energy, recycling, urban forestry, green purchasing, and LEED construction standards. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, fostering a community dedicated to safeguarding the environment for the well-being of all.”

Environmental Stewards are people who feel a strong sense of responsibility to sustainable society through preserving natural resources. The Rutgers Environmental Stewards of Union County volunteer training program is designed to assist the public in developing skills to design projects that are both effective and impactful. The Environmental Stewards training program involves a set of weekly classes and field trips, followed by an internship project in the spring using the knowledge gained during class.

Classes are held weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm, starting on January 23^rd and running through May 14^th. Most classes are held online, however, some in-person classes will take place based on region for field activities, demonstration, and in-person discussion. Each class is led by a content expert who covers that week’s topic. From 7:30pm – 8:00pm, classes split based on regions to cover local issues and meet with their coordinator for further discussion and activities. After successfully finishing the classes and internship, participants receive certification as Environmental Stewards.

The training program has an early bird rate of $300 through December 31^st, and a rate of $325 if registered on or after January 1^st. Registration information can be found on https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/program-overview/annual-class/. Residents must be 16 years of age or older to join, with parental consent and oversight required for those under 18.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County operates as part of the New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in collaboration with county governments. This Extension model is a nationwide system overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aiming to provide university-based information to local communities. The Union County Board of County Commissioners extends support to various programs, including Rutgers Master Gardeners, Tree Stewards, 4-H youth development, and Environmental Stewards. For additional assistance about the Environmental Steward program, contact Michele Bakacs, County Agent and Associate Professor for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274. For more information about Extension programs in Union County, visit https://www.ucnj.org/rce

To view a video from Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados about this initiative, please click here.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly announces the launch of SkillUp Program, as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Pathway to Opportunities” initiatives under his 2023 Chairman’s theme, “Building a Stronger Union County.”

“As we wrap up 2023 and step into the New Year, I am happy to announce this new initiative designed to empower residents with the tools to enhance their career skills and obtain nationally-recognized credentials and certifications,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Union County believes in being the most up-to-date and qualified, ensuring our community thrives in the ever-evolving job market and the SkillUp Program is not just about helping residents; it is about empowering employees and employers countywide.”

Developed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the SkillUp Program is a catalyst for change, offering free, online, self-paced training portals. It offers an extensive curriculum, featuring over 6,000 courses across 10 career pathways and 200 occupations. For those who prefer a more interactive approach, a game-based learning app is also available.

The program provides opportunities for individuals to receive training in various certifications, learn new skill sets, or simply refine existing abilities. The comprehensive nature of SkillUp, caters to individuals seeking new career paths, those aiming to advance in their current roles, and business owners aspiring to build a more skilled workforce.

To enroll in the SkillUp Program, residents can visit www.ucnj.org/skillup/ or contact the American Job Center at 908-558-8000 for assistance.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is delighted to announce a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to support the community. The Food Distribution event that was held on Sunday, December 17^th, at the campus of Kean University, marked the 100th such initiative since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

“This milestone of hosting the 100^th Union County Food Distribution event not only highlights the hard work of our Union County staff and volunteers, but also emphasizes the pivotal role these initiatives have played in ensuring that no one in Union County went hungry during the pandemic and its aftermath,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “These events brought together county staff, volunteers, local businesses, community organizations, who were all working in harmony with our Commissioner Board to provide support where it was needed the most. It is heartening to witness the impact we can make when we come together to support one another during challenging times.”

In Sunday’s food distribution, the County of Union was able to serve over 14,148 residents. For the last three years, Union County has provided full boxes of fresh food to residents who participated. Since the program’s inception, Union County’s emergency food distributions have supplied more than 350,000 residents with over 41 million meals, addressing the heightened need since the start of the pandemic and totaling nearly 40 million pounds of distributed food.

“As County Manager, I am immensely grateful for the transformative impact of ARPA funds on our community’s food distribution events,” said County Manager Ed Oatman. “These funds have proven to be a lifeline, allowing us to not only meet the immediate needs of our residents but also to do so with enhanced efficiency and compassion. The meaningful difference these resources have made highlights the vital role of ARPA in creating a stronger, more resilient foundation for our county’s well-being.”

For updates on all Union County COVID-19 services, please visit www.ucnj.org. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

The County of Union would like to thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce, who have been continued partners over the last three years. To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: www.myvillagesupermarket.com. To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: www.gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information about the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, or to find other food distribution locations, please visit https://cfbnj.org/findfood or text FINDFOOD to 908-224-7776.

For additional resources and guidance from the Union County Department of Human Services, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is delighted to showcase a captivating collection of artwork by Michelle Harpster at the Commissioners Gallery. This exclusive exhibit, featuring the diverse and inspiring creations of the esteemed New Jersey native, will run until January 26, 2024.

“Art has the power to illuminate, provoke thought, and connect us to the beauty that surrounds us,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all of residents to take the time and visit our Commissioners Gallery and view Michelle’s beautiful artwork as its displayed.”

Michelle Harpster holds a B.A. in art education and an M.A. in studio art with honors, specializing in watercolor, from Kean University. Currently serving as the AP Fine Arts teacher at Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, Michelle imparts her passion for the arts through advanced placement and fine arts courses. Her work, deeply rooted in visual symbolism, draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of the world around her, reflecting a profound connection to her native New Jersey.

In 2019, Michelle Harpster was named the 3^rd Place Recipient of the National Arts Program Exhibit, proudly representing Union County. Her artistic journey includes solo and group exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Monmouth Art Museum, Studio Montclair, PES Studios in Newark, Hamilton Street Gallery, and most recently, the Commissioner’s Gallery in the Union County Administration Building. Michelle has been a consistent presence at Boonton’s Dog Days of Summer and Cool Cats public outdoor art exhibit, an annual event benefiting NorthStar Pet Rescue, Boonton Arts, and local schools. Her works have also been published in renowned fine arts-related journals and magazines, including Pikchur Magazine’s International and Halloween Issues, Artistonish: Contemporary Art Magazine, The UN Diversia Catalogue, and Jelly Bucket.

Exhibit Details:

• Dates: Open now until January 26, 2024
• Location: Commissioners Gallery, 6th floor, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth
• Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To follow more of Michelle Harpster’s work please visit www.michelleharpstergallery.com/ or follow her on Instagram: @michelle_harpster.

“I want to thank Michelle for sharing her many pieces of artwork with the Union County community,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who is Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The paintings form a colorful, vibrant exhibit that showcases the beauty of different nature scenes and I encourage our residents to come and view the art pieces.”

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Commissioners Gallery.

For more information about this exhibit and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, please contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550; or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are preparing for the second Expungement Clinic in Union County on Wednesday, December 20^th at the Warinanco Sports Center. This clinic is an extension of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’s “Second Chance” initiative, through his Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County.”

“The weight of nonviolent offenses can cast a long shadow on an individual’s path to success,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Expungement is more than just a legal solution. It’s a way for our county residents to rewrite their story, reclaim their potential, and build a future free from the weight of past mistakes. By wiping the slate clean, we pave the way for second chances, ensuring that the shadows of the past are no longer in their way.”

Participants will be able to meet with attorneys to obtain a free expungement. Blaze Responsibly,aconsulting firm, will be offering their services to individuals trying to navigate the sometimes-tricky expungement process. Blaze Responsibly was founded by Chirali Patel, an attorney, professor, and advocate who launched the initiative through which she’s helped victims affected by the War on Drugs by providing free education and legal support.

Blaze Responsibly has held numerous expungement clinics throughout the State of New Jersey this past year in partnership with cannabis companies that have sponsored over 700 individuals in obtaining free expungements and legal resources. The organization is thrilled to be partnering with the County of Union for a holiday event seeking to spread the joy of community.

Individuals can expect to walk away with a filed expungement for free from qualified attorneys. Even if someone is ineligible for expungement, at the very least, they will walk away from the clinic more informed about their situation than before.

Chirali was named in the 2022 National Law Journal Cannabis Law Trailblazers and the “22 to Watch in ‘22″ list by NJ Cannabis Insider as an influential voice in the cannabis industry. In 2019, she created Blaze Responsibly, a trademarked brand aiming to educate and empower cannabis leaders. Through this company, she regularly hosts free expungement clinics statewide. Last year, she launched her own law practice, Blaze Law Firm.

The free clinic will run from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on December 20^th at the Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle. This event is for Union County residents only, and participants will need to provide proof of residency in order to attend. Pre-registration is required on https://ucnj.org/expungement.

For more information about the Expungement Clinic, please email at Carolina Marin at ajcbusinessteam@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of Commissioners, along with the Department of Human Services and the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs invites residents and their families to skate with Santa Claus on Saturday, December 9th at the Warinanco Sports Center.

“The laughter and joy of our children on the ice exemplify the true meaning of togetherness during this special time of year,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We can’t wait to share in the magic of this heartwarming occasion, as we create lasting memories and spread the holiday cheer. Our dedicated Elizabeth Public Schools, Elizabeth Fire Department and Elizabeth Police Department are volunteering their time to make this event possible for all Union County residents, exemplifying the spirit of our community.”

Skating with Santa will run from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9th at the Warinanco Sport Center, at 1 Park Drive in Roselle. Skaters will be able to enjoy small craft activities and light refreshments as they take a spin around the rink. Children under 12 will also receive a holiday present, donated from the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation, a Union County-based organization. This event is free to attend, but registration is required by visiting https://ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation is a community-based non-profit founded by Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, now lead by President Fernanda Correia. Their mission is to raise awareness and strengthen educational efforts about social justice issues, not only within the local community but also on a national scale. The organization’s commitment to promoting equity and justice is evident through its initiatives and collaborations within the Union County community.

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, please call the office at 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation, invites all county residents to a fun-filled, free drive-up movie night on Saturday, December 9^th, at the parking lot of Union County Vocational-Technical High School.

“This drive-up movie night is our way of bringing the community together for a safe and joyful celebration,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Holidays are meant to be celebrated by all and this free event is a chance for everyone to participate. So I encourage our residents to invite their friends and neighbors and join us in the spirit of community at this special event. See you all there!”

The event promises a magical experience for families and friends, with the screening of the holiday classic “Elf,” which is celebrating its 20^th year. It will take place in the parking lot of Union County Vocational-Technical High School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The lot will open its gates at 5:30 p.m., allowing moviegoers to secure their prime spots before the festivities kick off. The movie will start promptly at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to the movie, as part of the festivities, attendees will have the chance to step into a winter wonderland with an enjoyable photo opportunity inside a life-sized snow globe, where they can capture the evening against the backdrop of a festive winter scene. Each attendee will receive a ticket for a free cookie and beverage to enjoy during the movie.

While this event is free, residents should pre-register for the drive-up movie which is now open. Pre-registration on https://ucnj.org/reserve is necessary for this event.  A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, December 10^th.

For more information about the events and activities run by the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation.