Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the ballot position drawing for the June 6, 2023 Primary Election will be both in-person and livestreamed on Facebook. The drawing will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 401 in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
The Union County Courthouse is located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
A link for the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.
“The ballot drawing will take place in person as provided for by statute, and we also offer the opportunity to view the proceedings online for those who wish to follow along remotely,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
Ms. Rajoppi also reminds voters who wish to vote by mail that they must apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by Tuesday, May 30.
According to a recent state law, unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in the Primary Election by mail must declare their affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican Party by Wednesday, April 12. Party declaration forms are available for download at state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-party-affiliation-declaration.shtml. The completed and signed form must be returned to the Union County Board of Elections in Elizabeth. The new law does not apply to overseas voters.
Voters who wish to vote in person may do so on Election Day, June 6 at their regular polling place, or they may vote early from June 2 to June 4 at polling locations designated for early voting.
For more information on voting in Union County elections, including applying for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Fresh Start program will visit the Elizabeth Public Library on Thursday, April 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fresh Start brings a mobile shower, laundry and restroom facility to those in need. The program is organized by the Union County Department of Human Services, and staff will be available on site to provide in-person guidance on additional programs and resources that help foster self-sufficiency.
The shower, laundry and restroom facilities are available on a first come, first served basis.
“I am proud to kick off our Fresh Start program once again for the 2023 season,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, also Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “Bringing essential services to individuals in our community who may not always have access to laundry or restroom facilities is very important. It gives them an extra boost of confidence in getting back on track. In addition, we have other resources on hand including housing information, employment opportunities and supportive services that can help them in future days. I am so glad we are bringing this back to the communities across Union County and hope our residents will spread the word to those who may want to utilize this program.”
The Department of Human Services launched Fresh Start in 2021 as the first program of its kind, in recognition of the need to reduce the travel costs, time constraints and other barriers that prevent individuals from availing themselves of resources at centralized locations. The program brings basic personal care services to individuals in their communities.
The centerpiece of Fresh Start is a mobile trailer equipped with bathroom and shower units as well as laundry facilities. The trailer serves as a portal and contact platform for a continuum of resources leading to self-sufficiency, including emergency shelter and clothing in addition to ongoing resources including mental health, housing, and employment assistance.
Fresh Start coordinates a wide variety resources within County government including the Division of Social Services and the Division on Aging, in coordination with community partners including:
Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services
Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless
Family Promise (Headquarters & Union County office)
Community Access Unlimited
Covenant House NJ
Iris House
Plainfield Action Services
Prevention Links
PROCEED, Inc.
The Gateway Family YMCA
The Salvation Army (Elizabeth, Union & Plainfield)
Urban League of Union County
YWCA Union County
The Fresh Start trailer will visit the Elizabeth Public Library and the Plainfield Public Library on a regular basis throughout the spring, summer and fall. For a schedule of upcoming visits and additional details visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/fresh-start.
For information on all Department of Human Services activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs or call the Action Line, 908-677-5405.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.
April 12 is the deadline for voters who plan to change parties before the 2023 Primary Election on June 6.
Union County, NJ — March 28, 2023 — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 12, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 6.
“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 6, 2023 Primary Election, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 12.”
Ms. DiRado also wishes to highlight a new law which goes into effect for the first time in this year’s primary elections. Any unaffiliated voter, who has previously voted in a Primary Election and who has opted to receive a vote by mail ballot for all future elections, or for the June 6 primary election, must declare their party by April 12 in order to receive their vote by mail ballot. Only voters who have never voted in a primary election or first time voters can receive a vote by mail ballot after completing a party affiliation form beyond the April 12 party affiliation deadline.
Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it.
Party Affiliation changes are easy and can be done in several ways. Voters can:
Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s candidates in the June 7 primary.
The April 13 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 7.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, 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.
In recognition of April as Alcohol Awareness Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the new “Alcohol Misuse Learning Session,” a free event on Zoom taking place on Monday, April 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Zoom registration link is available at ucnj.org/alc4323.
“We offer this program to help raise public awareness about the causes, signs, and effects of alcohol misuse, to share information about talking to our loved ones, and to help remove barriers to treatment. We invite family members, friends, caregivers, educators and anyone with an interest in learning about alcohol misuse to attend, hear from experts, and ask questions,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
The Alcohol Misuse Learning Session is organized by the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Union County Department of Human Services. The program will be hosted by Gene Tavera, Union County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator. The panelists are:
Kristina Bloodgood, Senior Director of Admissions and Men’s Halfway House Services – New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care
Mildred Diaz, Manager of HIV Programs and Services – PROCEED, Inc.
Roberto Flecha, MA, MBA, LCADC, CCS, President and CEO – CURA, Inc.
Kelley Ryan, Division Director of Community Prevention – Prevention Links
Krystyna Vaccarelli, LCSW, LCADC, Director, Substance Use Services – Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Alcohol Awareness Month is a program of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The program encourages open discussions of the dangers of unhealthy alcohol consumption, helping to remove the denial and stigma that can prevent treatment from reaching those who need it.
For more information about all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the Action Line at (908) 677-5405.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.
Today, the Union County Board of County Commissioners launched a poll to invite residents to assist them in selecting a new seal for the County of Union.
“As we embark on this journey, we feel it is important that our community has a role in this process and therefore would love your feedback,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Since 1932, Union County has had a seal unlike any other, with the central image depicting the dramatization of the murder of Hannah Caldwell by a British solider. After her death, Hannah quickly became a symbol for the fight for independence, and the thought of changing this seal is not to take away the significance of our past but to recognize it in a different way, that is why we will be dedicating a page on our County website in honor of the important role she played in the rich deep history of Union County. By doing so we hope to educate our residents on who Hannah Caldwell was, the role she played in shaping history and how we can honor her in a more positive way than a dramatization of her death.”
The County of Union would like to invite its residents to submit their choice for one of the two options on the County website. To participate in the selection process, visit our website www.ucnj.org/seal or click the button on the homepage to cast your vote. Included on the website are images that show the two options with an explanation of what each seal represents.
With much consideration, two new seals were designed to represent the County’s strong roots, diverse present and future possibilities. When residents view the two seal choices, they will see that there is one seal with a quadrant that includes a portrait of Hannah Caldwell, one that memorializes her in life, and places her alongside other strong symbols of Union County – transportation, open space and the Union County Courthouse. The other option is representative of one of our most recognizable landmarks, the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, which holds the County seat.
“When you look at individuals like President Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr. or President John F. Kennedy for example, each one of them were leaders in their own right and all three were assassinated. However, when we visit their monuments or view photos of them, we are often looking at the portraits of who they were in life and what significance they played in our history,” continued Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
Polls will be open Monday, March 27, 2023 through Monday, April 24, 2023. The final result will be revealed at the Union County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in a special unveiling.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, C. 231, please be advised that the Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be hosting Special Meetings on the 2023 Budget on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 and Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Please be advised that both meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee will be held in the Commissioner Meeting Room within the Administration Building, 6th floor, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 07207 and will commence at 5:00 P.M. Please be further advised, the purpose of said meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee is to hear and review proposed 2023 budgets of various County departments.
Please be advised, these meetings of the Fiscal Affairs Committee are not Regular Meetings of the Board of County Commissioners, and as such, no action will be taken. While open to the public, there is no opportunity for public comment. The time and place for public comments on the 2023 Union County Budget will be provided during the official Public Hearing on the 2023 Union County Budget, which will be announced at the time of the budget introduction in accordance with the law.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to bring their spring cleaning recyclables to countywide drop-off events. These countywide events provide a free, convenient way to clear out personal documents for secure shredding and recycling, unwanted metal items for resource recovery, and household chemicals, smoke detectors and many other potentially dangerous products for safe disposal.
“We encourage everyone in Union County to participate in our countywide recycling events, and in their municipal programs, too. There are many opportunities to pitch in and help increase the recycling rate in our community, especially during spring cleaning season when the waste can pile up,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
Residents can participate in additional recycling programs for plastic film, electronics, block-type Styrofoam, fluorescent light bulbs and used motor oil. These programs are available at municipal drop-off sites with support from the Commissioner Board.
Union County’s Bureau of Recycling and Planning also advises using the “3 R’s” during spring cleaning this year, to avoid creating unnecessary and burdensome waste next year.
1. Reduce: Avoid purchasing new items that are similar to the ones that have been sitting unused in your garage or other storage area.
2. Re-use: Items in good condition can be cleaned up and sold at a garage sale or donated to charity. In some areas, local freecycling programs and online “buy-nothing” clubs are available for residents to give away unwanted items within their community
3. Recycle: Check with your local recycling coordinator or download the free Recycle Coach app to stay up-to-date on all recycling opportunities in Union County, including local curbside pickup schedules as well as drop-off programs. Recycle Coach also provides a handy “What Goes Where?” feature that makes it easy to sort items for recycling.
Union County residents who have a yard or community garden can also help divert useful resources from the waste stream – and save money — by recycling their kitchen scraps into compost.
Compost is a natural soil enhancer that helps reduce the need for artificial fertilizers. Visit ucnj.org/recycling to learn more about composting.
Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.
For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.
Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Department of Human Services and the Office for Persons with Disabilities are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a series of events in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month during the month of April.
“Moving on from just an awareness month, Autism Acceptance Month is about recognizing that autism is not a disease or sickness, but a natural difference in neurology,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am proud to say that Union County is an inclusive community and events like these are a great example of our welcoming environment. I would like to encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our throughout the year, not just this month.”
Union County regularly hosts inclusive programs for children and adults with autism, through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Department of Human Services. The schedule for Autism Acceptance Month includes five special events:
Wear Blue Day on Friday, March 31, 2023, where Union County invites residents and employees to wear blue in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.
Autism Acceptance Celebration on Saturday, April 1st from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Mattano Park, located at 360-484 5th Avenue in Elizabeth. This free outdoor event is co-sponsored with the Elizabeth Board of Education of the City of Elizabeth as well as other partners (pre-registration required at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or call 908-527-4781 for more information. There will be a rain date of April 22nd at the same time and location.
Light Up for Autism on April 2nd, where the County of Union will light the front of the Union County Courthouse in blue in recognition of the month. We also ask our residents to join in lighting up their homes in blue as well.
Laurie Berkner Live! The Greatest Hits Solo Tour Sensory Friendly Performance on April 2 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the UCPAC Main Stage, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. The show will feature sensory friendly theater, music, and dance performances that are specially adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
And a “Night Out with the Red Bulls” game on Saturday, April 15th, at 7:30pm, at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison. Tickets for the Red Bulls game are $35 and will include a $10 food voucher. Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
“The Union County Board of County Commissioners has long been a supporter of Elizabeth Public Schools, especially its students, as well as the greater Elizabeth community,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the county commissioners as well as the Union County Department of Human Services, Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, and Prevention Links to help bring joy to our youth affected by autism. We look forward to participating and celebrating their unique personalities while showing our support to them and their families.”
The County Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Acceptance Month is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs. For more information, residents can reach out to Jasmine Doughty-Whitous, Program Coordinator at jwhitous@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.
“Every day, we have the pleasure of servicing the boys and girls of our autism program and watching them grow and develop important life skills as they continue to transition toward adulthood,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Director of Special Services Diana Pinto-Gomez. “Events like the Autism Acceptance Celebration are great opportunities for others to have the privilege we do to see just how wonderful and exceptional these young boys and girls truly are. “
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services. The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including special sessions at several Union County facilities.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that financial assistance from the State of New Jersey Personal Services Program is available for adults with permanent physical disabilities who need supportive services to live independently while they are employed, attending school, or involved in a volunteer activity of at least 20 hours per month.
“This assistance can bridge the financial gap and ensure that our residents with physical disabilities can engage, connect and contribute to the Union County community, whether through employment, education, volunteer work or all three. We are very proud to administer this program on behalf of the State of New Jersey,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We encourage all those who are eligible to apply.”
The program, called PASP for short, is funded by the New Jersey State Department of Human Services and administered by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, a division of the Union County Department of Human Services.
Participants in PASP use the program to engage personal assistants who help with the many essential tasks of daily living, including bathing, meals, light housekeeping, shopping and transportation.
To be eligible, an individual must reside in Union County, be 18 years and older, have a permanent physical disability who need routine non-medical personal care assistance, and be capable of providing directions to an assistant. Some participants in the program must contribute toward the cost of the service, based on their household income.
Individuals receiving Medicaid are encouraged to apply to the Personal Preference Program, which is administered by the New Jersey State Department of Human Services.
For more information about the Union County Personal Assistance Services Program, please contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs at 908-527-4845 or visit ucnj.org/special-needs.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.
As part of Women’s History Month, the County of Union is taking the time to celebrate the contributions of working mothers in every sector of our society.
Like all women, working mothers are a resilient group, accustomed to juggling work, family, and other responsibilities (and hobbies, time permitting) with ease. Did you know that working mothers spend an average of 14 hours a day, every day of the week, caring for their families and pursuing careers? They make up a substantial – and growing – part of the U.S. workforce and make enormous contributions to economic growth.
Take our Vice-Chairwoman, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, for example; she’s a full-time Commissioner and a full-time mother with five children! We sat down to chat with the Commissioner about her life, and how she makes it all work. Check out the video below.
The transcript of this interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What did you do before becoming a mom and a Commissioner?
After I graduated college, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. But I did love being in a university setting, so I wound up looking for a job on campus, and I was hired in the Division of Student Life [at St John’s University], and I started as an assistant to the Dean. So I was answering phones and meeting students while they came in and out of the dean’s office. And little by little, I worked my way up and I spent over ten years there and became the Associate Dean for Student Life.
Having that career was an amazing experience because I was able to work with students on a daily basis. I was also able to work with parents, although oftentimes they knew I did not have a family yet – I was quite young – so I think they weren’t always sure that I knew what I was talking about when I would talk about different aspects of college and moving away from home and all of that. But I loved doing it.
It was a great experience, but it was a lot of work. It was evenings and weekends and travel, and I wound up having twin boys who were premature. They were born two months premature, and along with some minimal health issues that they had at birth, I knew it was going to be impossible to do what I was doing in higher education and take care of the kids. So I wound up resigning from my job after they were born. And I stayed home.
I loved being home. I loved everything about being a mom and immersing myself in their world. But I loved my community as well. And I didn’t want to ever give up getting involved in different things. So I started volunteering in different committees in Westfield, where I live. I volunteered in a newcomers’ group, and once my kids started preschool, I was the PTO mom. And then that sort of was my way to pivot into public service.
I was asked if I would want to run for town council in my town, so I did that. I was also nine months pregnant with my fourth child at that time, but I didn’t let it stop me, although there were definitely some people that thought I was absolutely crazy.
I had three boys at home and I was expecting another one, but I loved it. I loved meeting neighbors. I loved getting involved in the community. I didn’t win that particular election, but again, it didn’t stop me, and I stayed active and then wound up running for County Freeholder, which is now County Commissioner.
Do you think you’d ever go back to academia?
Yes. Yes, I absolutely loved it. I definitely think I would need to be in a different role at this point in my life. I think at the time, what I was doing with a ton of programming outside the classroom was so much fun as a young professional. I think now I would need something that was a little bit more structured and just to be able to balance, you know, my own family at home and a career. But I loved the academic setting. I also have five children…so if there is a tuition remission opportunity, I would definitely not hesitate to take advantage of that! But yes, I love academia and I would love to be back there someday.
How do you define work/life balance, and do you think you do it well?
I’m not sure if there is a balance. I think I’m the kind of person that’s just an all in on all fronts. So somehow we do make it work. I’m super lucky to have my parents, my in-laws, wonderful babysitters that are local, that all help out a lot, because obviously there’s a challenge in trying to coordinate. How are you going to be in one place and another place and take care of another child at home all at the same time? It’s impossible.
But I try to be really conscientious of a calendar now, which I wasn’t always. I used to keep everything in my head. Now I do try to make sure that I have a calendar in front of me at the beginning of every week. I’ve actually also had my kids doing it too. So we have one large calendar at home so they can see as well, because you do have to try to figure out, for example, how is one child getting to one place? How am I getting to this meeting? How is my husband getting to his work events that he has to be at? So it’s just a lot of coordinating, and putting it out in front of you at the beginning of the week has been my best course of action so far.
What’s your advice for mothers who don’t have that kind of support system?
Yeah, that is really tough. Again, like I said, I am super fortunate. I have my wonderful parents,
my wonderful in-laws, siblings that are all local, that I know a lot of people don’t have that. So I do think it is important to identify a babysitter or, you know, a nanny or whatever you may be able to find that works for you as well as as a daycare that you can count on and be comfortable with sending your child to. We have always done just sort of a balance of all of it.
And it’s not easy, you know, it’s not easy to leave your child to not be there for every single thing that they do. But I also think it’s important to have other people that support your children, too. So even if it’s a good friend that can show up at the parade, if you can’t get there on time, and make sure that your kids know somebody is watching them and taking pictures of them, I think it’s just important to make your circle as big as you possibly can.
What do your kids think about County Commissioners?
They love it. This is my favorite part of being a County Commissioner. If you asked my kids, you know, what does your dad do? They would not know. They would say, “I don’t know. He goes to work. I don’t know.” If you ask them, what does your mom do? They would say “County Commissioner! She was a freeholder, now it’s called County Commissioner! She gets to do really cool things.” They answer it like right away. They know what we do here. They love what we do here. And that’s why I love this, because they are able to be part of so much that we offer here at the County. So I love getting them involved and and I know they love being involved too.
Do you think they want to run one day?
Maybe. I think a few of the boys may want to. I know one of my sons would constantly say to me, like, “I think I’m going to run for mayor. I think I might run for governor.” And so, yeah, I could see I could see a few of them getting involved in politics for sure.
What’s been the most rewarding and most stressful part of being a Commissioner?
The most rewarding experience for me has just been feedback from residents that are just impressed with the services that we have here that they may not have been aware of. I always go back to this, but I think it was the most eye-opening – and probably the most stressful, but also most eye-opening – was during COVID when no one had any idea what to do. And it didn’t matter where you came from in the County, you were in the same position as everyone else. And I think that was really eye-opening to people. They leaned on the County in many ways, I don’t think they even realized that they could, or wanted to, or needed to. But when we had the testing site and the food drives and the vaccinations, I can’t tell you how many people called me or emailed me or saw me and said, “I can’t believe this is what you do.” Like, “I can’t believe that the County was able to give me the golden ticket of getting the vaccine or, you know, help my family out when we did not have the means to buy groceries.”
And so that I think, was the most meaningful thing. And that has carried over into other things because, again, I think it exposed people to what we can offer here in Union County… and now people have relied on that in many different ways.
Do you think that’s most people’s relationship with County government? Like, it’s sort of in the background until you see a sign for it or you really need a service?
For sure. COVID was that chance for many people that just didn’t even know…so it’s more than just, you know, having these beautiful parks. I think there’s so many services that people were not aware of and are not always aware of that now they were exposed to.
I think also as a mom that I tried to push my kids into a lot of the programming that we have, and I also try to put that on my social media and get it out there. I think so many people have taken advantage of things that, again, maybe they would not have known of, like some of our Trailside programs or summer camps that they may not have realized we’re offering here.
Tell us a funny thing that happened recently involving your kids.
Oh, God, they’re funny every day. I would say… we really want to get a dog. And our two-year-old daughter has been obsessed with the dogs since day what? Since the time she was born. We had a dog at the time who passed away. But she loved Rosie and she loves dogs. And my friends have dogs.
We showed her a picture because we’re hoping to get a dog and “ah, no, no, no, no puppy, no puppy.” And I think she’s now like, ‘“oh, I don’t want somebody to take my spot at home,” like, “this is my… I’m the boss here. I don’t want a dog.” So that was this morning that I just thought was hilarious. Like now she’s all of a sudden anti-dog when we were getting a dog for her. So yeah, that’s probably one thing, but it’s a constant that my four boys keep us on our toes. They’re really funny. They keep it exciting.
What’s your best piece of advice for all the working mothers out there?
My best piece of advice for working moms is to just enjoy wherever you’re at, whether it’s
sitting in the office, getting that break from being at home, to coming home to total chaos. I know it’s really hard for me, especially when I walk in the door and there’s, you know, shoes and book bags and coats all over the floor. Nothing is hung up anywhere. It’s overwhelming. But you know that these times go super fast. I try to remind myself of that all the time. It’s everything. They grow up in the blink of an eye. I’ve seen it. My twins are now 10. I still think of them as being 10 minutes old. I can’t believe that they’re actually 10 years old. So it does go so fast and it does seem so overwhelming at times. And sometimes we feel like we can’t do it, but we can. Somehow we get through it and wake up and do the same thing all over again the next day. So just…try to enjoy every minute of every place that you’re at.
