The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present the 2023 Union County Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit, featuring 133 original works, on display in Scotch Plains at Union College of Union County, now through May 31.
An oil painting titled “Costumes of East Asia” by Elizabeth Gillin of Westfield was awarded Best in Show by a Professional Artist in the 2023 Union County Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit.
“The Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit provides both non-professional and professional artists with an opportunity to share their creative vision and insights with the Union County community and the public at large. We are very proud of our senior artists and we encourage everyone to come and view the exhibit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
The public is invited to view the exhibit in the Conference Center of Union College of Union County, located in the Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Visitors should proceed to the third building on the right upon entering the campus from Raritan Road. Ample free parking is available.
A Mixed Media artwork titled “Chrysler Building” by Toru Ishiyama of Cranford was awarded Best in Show by a Non-professional Artist in the 2023 Union County Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit.
The exhibit is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday It is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays.
The annual Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit showcases artworks created by Union County residents, age 60 and above. Both professional and non-professional artists are included. Artworks include a variety of media categories including acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, drawing, photography, digital art, mixed media, sculpture and crafts.
Awards for outstanding entries in each media category for the 2023 Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit were selected by independent adjudicators, the professional artists Jo-El Lopez and Barbara Wallace.
The Best in Show by a Professional Artist was awarded to Elizabeth Gillin of Westfield for her oil painting titled “Costumes of East Asia.” Best in Show by a Non-professional Artist was awarded to Toru Ishiyama of Cranford for his Mixed Media artwork titled “Chrysler Building.”
First-place artworks will advance to the state level, to be exhibited at the 2023 New Jersey Senior Citizens’ Art Show in East Windsor this fall.
The Senior Citizens’ Art Exhibit is coordinated and presented by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, with funding provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information, email msturm@ucnj.org, call 908-558-2550 (relay users dial 711), or visit ucnj.org/cultural.
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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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce the Union County Means Business “The Future of Work,” Networking Breakfast & Panel Discussion event on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 8:30 AM at Kean University’s Donald R. Conklin Conference Center, located at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union, NJ.
“I encourage everyone to come out and join us for an insightful discussion on the future of work, as we bring together Union County business owners, employees, and experts to share their experiences and viewpoints,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is an exciting opportunity and another way that Union County continues to work to provide our residents with information and resources to help their businesses grow and thrive.”
“The Future of Work” panel discussion is proudly hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. As part of the ongoing outreach efforts, this event presents a unique opportunity for the community to come together and engage in a stimulating conversation about the future of work.
The panelists for the event will include Union County business owners, employees, and business resource experts, who will share their perspectives on various topics related to the evolving landscape of work. The discussions will cover crucial areas such as finding quality employees, strategies to lower fringe benefit costs, and the future work environment that includes the growing trend of hybrid working and work-life balance.
This event will provide the audience with valuable insights and practical strategies that can help them navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing nature of work. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the unique experiences and expertise of the panelists through engaging discourse and interaction, empowering them to better plan for the future of work in their own professional endeavors.
Union County Means Business is an initiative of the Union County Board of County Commissioners that aims to support economic growth and business development in Union County, New Jersey. Through various programs and events, Union County Means Business provides resources, information, and opportunities for businesses to thrive and contribute to the local economy. For more information, visit ucnj.org/ucmb.
Registration is now open at www.ucnj.org/ucmb, and attendees will also enjoy a complimentary breakfast at this thought-provoking event. Seats are limited, so securing your spot today is recommended. Stay tuned for upcoming details on the event, including the list of panelists and the full agenda.
For more information, please contact, Jeff Brooks, Union County Means Business at 908-659-7412 or you can email him at Jeffrey.brooks@ucnj.org.
Please note the address has been corrected to 1075 Morris Avenue.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Ballet will perform Princess Aurora’s Wedding for audiences with sensory sensitivities and their families on Sunday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, as part of the Commissioner Board’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series.
“Sensory Friendly Theatre provides young audiences and their families with a supportive environment in which to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances. The series is designed for persons with autism and other sensory sensitivities, as part of our efforts to reach out and include all residents in the cultural life of the Union County community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
Tickets are available online for $8.00 per person from the Performing Arts Center, at ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre. For accessible seating, call the Box Office at 732-499-8226.
Princess Aurora’s Wedding is an excerpt from the classic fairy tale and ballet The Sleeping Beauty, with music by the renowned composer by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This Sensory Friendly Theatre performance includes a storyteller to help bring the characters to life.
Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during all Sensory Friendly Theatre performances. For complete details visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.
For information and updates regarding COVID-19 policies at UCPAC visit ucpac.org/covid-19.
The Commissioner Board has been hosting Sensory Friendly Theatre at the Performing Arts Center since 2012. The series showcases exciting live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
More information about Union County’s programs and resources for residents with special needs is available through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/opdsn.
For information about all arts and cultural programs hosted by the Commissioner Board, visit the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Office of Parks and Recreation, at ucnj.org/cultural.
For information and updates on Union County COVID-19 services visit ucnj.org/covid19.
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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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Building a Stronger Union County” initiatives, we are launching his Theater Initiative, a 2023 Summer Theater Camp Scholarships program. This program is in partnership with the Union County Performing Arts Center and Theatrical Artists Prep. The camp will stage two productions of the play Once on this Island Jr., one with a cast of students in grades 2-4, and one with a cast of students in grades 5-9.
“We are very proud to collaborate with the Union County Performing Arts Center and Theatrical Artists Prep to create new opportunities for students with theatrical aspirations to hone their skills and enjoy the experience of a summer theater production,” said Union County Chairman Sergio Granados. “Supporting youth activities in the arts is very important to us, both as a matter of personal enrichment and as a part of Union County’s growth and development as a community with a strong, diverse economy. I would like to thank the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation for bringing my theater initiative to fruition.”
The Summer Theatre Camp is a four-week conservatory running through the month of July at the newly remodeled, state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance facilities at the Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage, on Hamilton Street in in Rahway.
The schedule begins on July 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each weekday except for the holiday on Tuesday, July 4.The performances will be staged onFriday,July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
The scholarships cover all costs including full tuition for the conservatory and performances, equivalent to $1,500.00. Camp T-shirts, copies of the script, and costumes are also included.
There are no in-person auditions for the Summer Theater Camp Scholarships program.
Applications will be judged by a panel of professionals based leadership abilities, previous theater experience, dance and singing participation, support from teachers, and financial need.
Completed applications may be emailed to Angelica Cedeno at acedeno@ucnj.org or mailed to her attention at The Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2nd floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 07207. Completed applications may also be hand delivered to the Administration Building.
The application deadline is Monday, May 15.
The Union County Performing Arts Center is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. For more information visit ucpac.org.
Funding for this program has been made available through the Chairman’s Building a Stronger Union County initiatives. For more information about arts activities and programs hosted by the Commissioner Board, visit the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, at ucnj.org/cultural.
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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.
Union County residents and visitors can learn about distinctive trees in Union County parks by following specially marked “tree trails.” Each tree can be identified by a green and white tag on its trunk, featuring the name of its species along with a QR code that links to more details online.
The tree trails are a project of the Master Tree Stewards of Union County, a volunteer program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with support from the Union County Commissioner Board.
“The tree trails provide our residents and visitors with new opportunities to learn about the natural systems preserved by our County parks, and we thank the Master Tree Steward volunteers for their efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of trees throughout our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Trees are essential to the ecosystem of our parks and to the quality of life in our neighborhoods, too.”
The most recent addition to the tree trail project was created last summer in Union County’s Conant Park in Hillside. The trees were marked by a group of certified Master Tree Stewards including project organizer Dean Talcott along with Eileen Martines, Clare Minick, Carol Puchalski, Tom Beisler, Mike Dimakos and Jerry Petz.
Visitors to the new Conant Park tree trail can identify Green Ash, Pin Oak, Black Locust, Red Cedar, Norway Maple, Gray Birch, Sugar Maple, London Plane Tree, Black Birch, American Beech, Northern Red Oak, Tulip Tree, American Sycamore, Silver Maple, White Ash, American Basswood, Northern Catalpa and Sweetgum.
Additional Union County tree trails are located in:
Oak Ridge Park in Clark (trail starts near the east end of the parking lot)
Briant Park in Summit
Cedar Brook in Plainfield
Echo Lake Park in Mountainside
Echo Lake Extension (trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building)
Meisel Park in Springfield
Nomahegan Park in Cranford
Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth
Rahway River Park in Rahway
Sensory Friendly Trail in Mountainside
Warinanco Park in Elizabeth
For more information about the tree trails and to learn more about trees in Union County, visit ucnj.org/treetrails. To learn more about the Master Tree Stewards and other volunteer programs of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit ucnj.org/rce.
For quick links to all activities in Union County parks and other environmental programs supported by the Commissioner Board, including more volunteer opportunities in Union County parks, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
More information about all programs and activities in Union County parks is available at ucnj.org/parks, or call 908-527-4900.
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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.
The Vote by Mail ballots are being sent in in bright yellow envelopes with “OFFICIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT/BOLETA OFICIAL POR CORREO” printed in bold, black lettering to the right of the addressee window.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters that Vote-by-Mail ballots for the June 6 primary are now being mailed out to voters who have opted to automatically receive their ballots. Due to the large volume of mail involved, the ballots are being mailed in batches over the next several days, by town and legislative district.
To help ensure that the ballots are not mistaken for junk mail, they are sent in bright yellow envelopes with “OFFICIAL MAIL-IN BALLOT/BOLETA OFICIAL POR CORREO” printed in bold, black lettering to the right of the addressee window.
“Union County voters who have signed up to receive their Vote by Mail ballots automatically should expect their ballots to arrive within eight days of the mailing,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Please follow the instructions carefully, fill it out, and mail it back as soon as possible to avoid accidentally misplacing or discarding it.”
The first batch of Vote by Mail ballots was mailed on April 21 to voters in Berkeley Heights, Garwood, and New Providence. The second batch was mailed on April 24 to Mountainside, Springfield, Summit and Westfield. Voters can call the County Clerk’s office at 908-527-4996 if their ballot does not arrive within eight days of the scheduled mailing.
Each ballot includes pre-paid return postage and detailed instructions. After filling out the ballot, voters should place it in the return envelope and check to see that their home address appears in the see-through window.
Other Union County voters who wish to use a Vote-By-Mail ballot can request one by using the downloadable application form on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or by contacting the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
Voters who choose to vote in person can come to their polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, June 6. To look up an Election Day polling place visit unioncountyvotes.com/where-do-i-vote.
Voters who choose to vote in person can also vote early on June 2, 3, or 4. A list of designated early voting locations is available at ucnj.org/boe/2022-early-voting-information.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
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 County Commissioners in conjunction with the Union County Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Youth Services will participate in a Global Youth Service Day on April 28, 2023. This program is a coordinated national event where youth worldwide conduct community service projects and activities that benefit their communities.
“Here in Union County, we advocate for service and giving back, so as part of my 2023 Chairman’s Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” Global Youth Service Day falls in line perfectly with that,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “A big part of who we are is reaching out to the community, donating or providing assistance to those in need. This particular day offers an opportunity for young people to find their voice, take action, and make a positive impact in their communities.”
This year, Union County Youth will participate in the day of service category: Hunger Projects. With full support from the Mayors and officials of the participating municipalities, the Division of Children and Youth Services is partnering with several cities and high schools to organize snack collection sites where youth and their families can drop off donated items.
A collection is being taken for snacks, juice and water – all items should not have to be refrigerated. All donations will be collected and distributed to youth who attend programming in the new Union County Community Drop-In Centers (UCCDIC), which will soon be launched at four sites throughout the county, including: Roselle, Rahway, Plainfield, and Hillside. UCCDIC will offer youth, ages ten (10) to eighteen (18), positive youth development programming to engage young people in productive activities where their options may otherwise be limited.
The following municipalities are collecting donations on April 28th only:
Plainfield City Hall 515 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Plainfield Fire Department 315 Central Avenue, Plainfield 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Plainfield Police Department 200 E 4th St, Plainfield 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Rahway City Hall 1 City Hall Plaza, Rahway 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Division of Children & Youth Services 1143-1145 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Union County Administration Building 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Union County Colleen Frasier Building 300 North Ave E, Westfield 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Additionally, there are over 20 youth who are doing their own drives outside of their respective schools in support of the community service project.
For more information, please contact Marcela Nunez, Assistant Director, Union County Division of Children and Youth Services, at 908-558-2532 or nnunez@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.
Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.
No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course.
Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.
For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce a special event for women looking to take charge of their financial futures, titled: Sip Your Way to Financial Success.
“The Sip Your Way to Financial Success event will provide a fun and informative setting for women to learn about financial planning and wealth management. We hope this event will empower and inspire women to take charge of their financial lives,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This is a remarkable opportunity for attendees to network with other women in Union County, share laughs and learn about the information they need to make great economic decisions.”
The financial readiness workshop is being presented by margFINANCIAL and Securian Financial. Residents are invited to attend the event, enjoy a bite to eat and sample great wines, while mingling with other remarkable women.
“Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of information about how to strategically manage your finances,” said Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This event is designed to make women feel comfortable and build their confidence about their finances. Participants will have the opportunity to meet other women of all backgrounds in order to grow their networks. I encourage women to come, invite a friend and register today.”
The event will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hill Tavern, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth, NJ.
Participants must be 21 and over to attend. Tickets are $20.00 and guests should purchase and register at www.ucnj.org/women. Space is limited.
Earlier this afternoon, Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, along with Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees President Georgette Bradshaw and Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Roselle Public Library’s renovation and expansion project. Also in attendance were Union County Commissioners, members of the Union County Improvement Authority, members of the Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees and Roselle Council Members.
“Libraries are not just about providing books; they are about access to information, community, public spaces, workforce job centers, learning and literacy, and opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank the Union County Improvement Authority, the State of New Jersey, and the Borough of Roselle for working collaboratively with the County of Union on this project. It is through our strong partnership that we are able to create a place that will serve as a hub for Roselle residents and neighbors to come together and learn, explore or engage with each other. I am looking forward to seeing the completed project.”
The Roselle Public Library announced its plans for a major renovation and expansion project to update its almost 90-year-old building and better serve the community’s growing needs. With increased demand for library services, the current building is beyond its capacity due to limited space and outdated design.
The funding for this $16 million project comes from a $5.5 million State Library Grant; $6.5 million from the Borough of Roselle Bond funds and $4 million from the State Legislative Funds, which were awarded to the County of Union, which was then awarded to the Borough of Roselle for this project.
“We are always looking for ways we can help our municipalities across the state and, of course, here in Union County. To help offset supply chain issues, working with the UCIA, we were able to secure $4 million dollars in grant funding – and I am so proud that we could contribute this significant investment in Roselle’s future,” said Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari. “This library is a sign of our commitment to working with this Administration and Borough Council; in the spirit of collaboration, we are able to achieve great things for our residents at no additional expense to taxpayers.”
The proposed plans call for a 15,400 square foot addition, as well renovation of the existing building, incorporating traditional library services with modern technology, infrastructure, and resources. This will enable the Roselle Public Library to provide programming, resources, and library services that will ensure the well-being and success of the community for many years to come. The addition also includes a new Youth Services section encompassing both teen and children’s zones, with a program room and small study rooms on the newly built second floor. The first floor addition contains an accessible main entrance, expanded technology, adult collections, and flexible meeting areas and multipurpose rooms. There is a separate wing with program rooms. These areas provide more latitude to expand the library’s strong community programming, which ranges from early literacy to senior computer classes.
“This project is a testament to the importance of public libraries and their role in fostering community engagement, education, and growth,” said Senator Joseph Cryan, 20th Legislative District. “The Roselle Public Library has long been a treasured institution, and this expansion will ensure that it continues to serve as a vital resource for generations to come.”
The proposed library project is cost-effective and its design elements aspire to meet LEED certifications and create a sustainable, user-friendly environment that supports more efficient energy use. By incorporating adaptable infrastructure, the building also has the inherent flexibility to meet future technology needs.
“This library represents a forward-thinking vision for the Borough of Roselle and I’m so glad the Mayor and his administration, the Borough Council, County Improvement Authority, and our partners in the State Government were able to help see that vision to fruition,” said Assemblyman Reginald Atkins of the 20th Legislative District.
“This was a great day for Roselle. This is what progress looks like. The proof is here with our State, County, and local governments who joined together to push this project forward,” said Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw. “This project is a fulfillment of Roselle’s tremendous potential, the fulfillment of what we are all capable of when we come together. This is good government at work and I’m so proud to live in a Borough that is focused on progress and focused on community.”
“The Roselle Library strives to inform, educate, enrich, entertain and empower our community by providing access to a vast and diverse array of information, activities and services,” said Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees President Georgette Bradshaw. “This expansion and renovation will more than double the size of the library. What a testament to our county government, the UCIA, the Borough government and the State Legislature that when at a time when libraries around the nation are under attack by having their funding cut or their offerings limited, here in Union County we’re expanding. Thank you on behalf of the Roselle Public Library Board of Trustees.”
This project was entrusted to be designed and built by the professionals working for the Union County Improvement Authority and is supported by funds raised by the Borough of Roselle, County of Union and from the New Jersey Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.
The Roselle Library is located at 104 West 4th Avenue in Roselle, NJ. For more information, please call the Union County Improvement Authority at 908-527-4250.
