The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for 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 is holding a school supply drive for the 2023-2024 academic year from August 8th through September 1st. Donations will be collected in partnership with H&M and the Kean University chapter of the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants and PA Students, and will be received by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County.
“We are happy to collaborate with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County in our efforts to ensure that no child attends school this coming fall without adequate classroom materials,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Let’s give our students the fresh start to the new year that they deserve. I’m confident, with your contributions, we will reach our goal of providing over 1,000 residents with school supplies before the start of the 2023-2024 school year.”
Key items sought through donation include earbuds, single subject spiral notebooks, plastic pocket folders, No.2 pencils, pencil sharpeners, colored pencils, 1-oz. hand sanitizers, glue sticks, sticky notes, highlighters, 12-inch rulers, pink erasers,and children’s scissors.
Residents can donate items in person at one of the following collection sites:
Plainfield Public Library (Children’s Room), 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ
Elizabeth Public Library (Elmora Branch), 740 West Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ
Union Public Library, 1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union, NJ
Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ
Union County Public Safety Building, 400 North Ave East, Westfield NJ
Union County Engineering, Facilities, and Public Works Management Building, 2325 South Ave, Scotch Plains
Residents who would prefer to participate online are encouraged to visit our Amazon Wish List account at https://bit.ly/ucnjsupplydrive23
For additional information on the Union County School Supply Drive, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator, at 908-527-4388 or by email at judith.guest@ucnj.org.
For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County, please visit their website at https://www.bgcuc.org
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Union County History Re-Grant Program for Special Projects and General Operating Support will be available on Tuesday, August 8th. All eligible non-profit organizations in Union County are invited to apply.
“The Union County History Re-Grant Program is an invaluable resource to museums, schools, libraries and other history organizations,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Through its funding, these historical groups can continue providing our community with memorable, life-enhancing experiences through a variety of educational activities. All eligible organizations are encouraged to apply.”
Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and the programming covered by the grant must take place in Union County during 2024.
Applications must be submitted online to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To begin the application process and to create an account, request the link to the application portal by emailing John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at jprescott@ucnj.org
The application deadline is Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 11:45 p.m. Application materials submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Eligibility requirements, application components, and other pertinent details are outlined in the complete General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) guidelines.
The Re-Grant Program includes two types of grants:
General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $7,500.
Special Project (SP) grants support history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum SP grant request is $5,000.
“This program helps local organizations bring history alive for our diverse communities,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board for Union County. “The lessons of history teach us all how to build a better society for the future.”
Funding for the History Re-Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org
Press release was updated to reflect the correct grant deadline
As part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” Chairman Granados has launched the “Empowering Our Businesses” initiative, aiming to strengthen relationships between our Union County American Job Center and local businesses, providing even greater opportunities for employers and employees alike.
On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Chairman Granados is happy to announce the first-ever Union County WORKS Business Summit 2023, taking place on September 12th at 10 a.m. at Kean University’s Liberty Hall, located at 1003 Morris Avenue in Union.
At this event, participants will have the opportunity to listen to expert panelists offering valuable guidance, while also discovering Union County’s diverse services and resources at no cost to employers. These resources include Workforce Information and Data Analysis, On-the Job-Training (OJT), Employer Support Services, Incumbent Worker Training, Recruitment Assistance, Training Services, and Customized Training.
In addition, attendees can expect insights on the advantages of doing business in Union County, along with valuable demographic data, targeted development areas, and strategies for creating a stronger business environment.
The Union County WORKS Business Summit 2023 promises to be a day of innovation, collaboration, and growth, bringing together businesses of all sizes for a unique opportunity to tap into Union County’s immense potential and elevate your business even higher.
Secure a spot now by registering at ucnj.org/works23 by Thursday, August 31, 2023.
For more information, please contact Carolina Marin by phone at 908-380-6237 or via email at astrid.marin@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Workforce Development Board and Union County American Job Center, will host a Farmland Fresh Dairies Hiring Event at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 18 at the Plainfield Public Library, located at 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield, NJ.
This special event is open to all CDL Class A/B Drivers. Farmland representatives will be on site, ready to answer questions, accept applications and conduct job interviews.
“In continuing our initiative to present Union County residents with a diverse selection of career opportunities, we have partnered with Farmland Fresh Dairies to offer qualified candidates a career as a CDL driver for the top dairy brand in the Northeast,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, Liaison for the Workforce Development Board. “If you are looking for a career change, or have a strong interest in becoming a CDL Class A/B driver, Farmland representatives will also be seeking candidates for their paid apprentice program.
Farmland Fresh Dairies is a family-owned company with over 100 years of experience. Founded in 1914 in New Jersey, they have grown to a fleet of 100 trucks/tractor trailers and counting. Candidates with a relevant skillset, interest, and a clean driver’s license are encouraged to attend and apply.
While this event is free of charge, pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register online, residents can visit ucnj.org/job-fair.
The Union County American Job Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services which provides in-person career services, including job fairs and recruitment, training, and more.
Employers who are interested in partnering with the Union County American Job Center for future events can contact Carolina Marin, Senior Manager of Business Development, at 908-527-4373 or by email at astrid.marin@ucnj.org.
The Union County Workforce Development Board seeks feedback from employers to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with employing individuals with disabilities.
Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados is excited to share a significant initiative undertaken by Union County’s Board of County Commissioners and Workforce Development Board Disability Committee. As many of you may know, it is the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a milestone that signifies our commitment to promoting equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
To commemorate this significant occasion, we are launching an employer survey aimed at understanding the unique aspects of employing individuals with disabilities at ucnj.org/inclusionsurvey – the survey is open NOW and for 30 days.
Your input is crucial in helping us gain a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles and opportunities related to employing individuals with disabilities.
By participating in this survey, employers will actively contribute to the advancement of inclusive workplaces. Your feedback will pave the way for strategies that foster inclusivity, break down barriers, and create environments where all employees can thrive.
By understanding the challenges faced, we can create tailored solutions to ensure that individuals with disabilities can contribute their unique skills and talents effectively.
The data collected from this survey will serve as the foundation for shaping future initiatives in our region. Your valuable feedback will inform our policies, programs, and resources, ensuring that we address specific needs and create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
We assure all participants that their responses will remain confidential and anonymous. Please help us get a better understanding of the unique aspects of working with individuals with disabilities in your workplace.
Together, we can drive positive change in our workforce landscape. By working collectively, we can build a more inclusive, understanding, and equitable work environment for all employees.
Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday evening, August 3, 2023, between the hours of 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
Cities
Clark – Conger Way, Dorset Dr., Jupiter St., Kennedy Dr.,
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that ballot position drawing for the November 7, 2023 General and School Board Elections will be both in-person and live-streamed on Facebook.
The ballot drawing will be held on Monday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, in Room 202 of the Rotunda. A link to the livestream will be posted prior to the drawing.
“As we approach the November elections, let us come together to exercise our democratic rights responsibly and make our voices heard,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “The ballot drawing serves as the cornerstone of this process, ensuring fairness and transparency in the electoral proceedings. Having both in-person and virtual options for viewing the drawing, makes it accessible to all residents.”
For more information on voting in Union County elections, including how to apply 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 ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to invite residents to join the Master Trees Stewards of Union County. Union County residents who are looking for a fun and rewarding civic service project can join the 4-H Master Tree Steward program and learn how to “speak for the trees.”
“Through our Master Tree Stewards, students are gifted with enriching educational experiences and essential messages concerning trees and the environment,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This lesson instills a sense of appreciation and stewardship that young minds can cherish as they grow into adulthood, ultimately benefiting our community and the greater world for generations to come.”
Master Tree Stewards are community volunteers who visit 4th-grade classrooms each spring to present an interactive lesson on trees. No experience is needed. All training and classroom materials are provided by the Master Tree Steward program.
Master Tree Stewards can also organize additional projects, such as the educational “Tree Trails” in Union County parks.
Each fall, the Master Tree Steward program offers a series of training sessions, consisting mainly of guided walks in nearby parks and nature reserves. Easy reading assignments, indoor classes, a simple project are also part of the program. The entire program, including a tree identification guide, is covered by a $25.00 administrative fee.
Applicants who complete the series obtain a Master Tree Steward certificate and are qualified to teach lessons about trees to 4th grade classrooms in the spring. The program provides a complete lesson plan along with posters, seeds and other supplies.
The 2023 fall training series will meet every Wednesday from September 6th to December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.
The 4th grade classroom visit schedule takes place on Wednesdays from January to June. Certified Master Tree Stewards are requested to choose 6 dates for their visits. Each visit takes approximately one hour, typically from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
A list of Tree Trails in Union County parks is available here. To apply, or for more information please contact Union County 4-H Youth Development at James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext.3), or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.
The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, as part of a statewide program under the umbrella of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. For information on all Extension programs in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards and 4-H clubs for youth, visit www.ucnj.org/rce.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to participate in upcoming Opioid Settlement Funds Listening Sessions. The County will be holding these in-person sessions to gather public input on allocating the resources from the Opioid Settlement Funds.
“The County of Union recognizes the importance of community involvement and values the contributions of its residents in the ongoing fight against opioid addiction,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “By working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by this and create a stronger, healthier, and safer community. Your input matters, so I hope to see many in attendance.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 75% of drug overdose deaths in the United States involved opioids in 2020. Eighty-two percent of those deaths involved the newer, synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, that affect communities like ours.
The following are the two dates and locations scheduled for the listening sessions, please register at www.ucnj.org/dhs/opioid-settlement/ to ensure a spot at each location:
August 8, 2023 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Plainfield Public Library 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ
September 14, 2023 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Elizabeth Public Library 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ
“These sessions will provide an opportunity for our residents to address their concerns, contribute ideas, and get the most up to date information we have available,” Commissioner James Baker, Liaison for the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Advisory Board said. “Working together, our community leaders and residents are more effective in solving this epidemic.”
During these sessions, participants will have a unique opportunity to share their experiences, express their concerns, and offer suggestions on how best to utilize the Opioid Settlement Funds. The insights and perspectives shared by the residents of Union County will be pivotal in shaping the county’s approach towards combating opioid addiction and enhancing community well-being.
For more information or to register to attend one of the Opioid Listening Sessions, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/opioid-settlement/ or contact Miriam Cortez, Director, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, by email at Miriam.Cortez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4846.
