[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6571973,"mediaKeyId","3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b","parentId",3069641,"title","Union County recognizes Arbor Day poetry winners from grades 4—6","audioSeconds",119,"startMs",352000,"endMs",471000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b&start=352&end=471","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b/thumbnail_352000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6571973/Union-County/New-Jersey/Union-County-recognizes-Arbor-Day-poetry-winners-from-grades-46","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571973-749fd732a9cfc251ce3a9d8188ef91d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=HVx4q82T3QOjc8aDWgIbgYOZ45Dm6wex2tquNajpeJmevWXVUxcO8MdHCiXk19rrtQatkZcFSkiTw0SMivHZUtzmwFPoE1uP63lD~4HZ4kt~H-D4J9dNYdM4MKc5-fuAVaa~EEZhgHptljoajFOK4eWYUlfpK8YYc8KzNWPmwoTUVAVAsNYWjA4cC4Gm9AL0t~gqCUZ5kQlUxvJjqBdliX1hf15A5QisC-2XgUzz3ZtY4YokfH7x2Vdk3ILqrYFPBF8iUFoG9cfdXxxtZoB-Y8O7BUMsvMXwR4rEZln-JqMzLpOmF8IRcSMsw60DoB-MK7VwdkRQYtIlZz7oaTdSuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Union County","date","2025-04-21T16:17:58.033Z","article","The Board of County Commissioners presented checks and certificates to winners of the Union County Arbor Day poetry contest for students in grades 4 through 8.

Chairwoman Leona Leon said the contest is held each year to encourage environmental stewardship and tree conservation in partnership with the Union County Shade Advisory Board. She said there were three winners per grade and a total of 15 winners this year; winning poems were printed and mounted for the students.

Several students read their poems aloud. Examples from the record include Jothem Eli Way, grade 4 (third place) reading \"An Harbor of Trees,\" Caleb Hughes, grade 5 (first place) reading a poem about planting a tree on Arbor Day, and Liah Darius, grade 6 (first place) who read a poem invoking sequoias and stewardship. The transcript lists other winners by name and school when announced.

Why it matters: the county uses the contest to promote tree conservation and environmental education among elementary and middle-school students.

Details and next steps: Commissioners and staff took group photos with the students and noted the county's continued partnership with teachers and families; parents were invited to take children home after the presentation. The transcript does not record monetary amounts for the \"checks\" or specific schools for every winner.

Ending: After the presentation and photographs, commissioners resumed the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","UCBOCC 041725 A","oneSentenceSummary","County commissioners presented awards to 15 students in grades 4 through 8 in the annual Arbor Day poetry contest and invited winners for a group photo; several students read their poems aloud during the ceremony.","taxTitle","Union County, New Jersey","taxId",2731,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571978,"Union County honors New Jersey Sharing Network, highlights organ-donation statistics",187,114000,301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b&start=114&end=301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b/thumbnail_114000.jpg","/articles/6571978/Union-County/New-Jersey/Union-County-honors-New-Jersey-Sharing-Network-highlights-organ-donation-statistics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571978-dd6dd326a74505eb7f94c8ff23f9e4f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=kBzuEo9fX4aNaywRXU0y7iph9hUA0Kf~wN9JdUR1JcYx52fV73X6BOvlSL~1CpZsSkYUXrlIt5ns4g0odCYi3pbKrvAh21r2VP0m84qcDhqpVE5UqSE7-gip47DGMALDH3F-ozSd3sBHy6LGzVzY6jXyabo7WlvCROz4Ej1J-k1laLS2EfEcMvo-ofVtPyDaInswZdl7WVtTljgdFA1MiANa8JARVyNlhoZW~33F5ZvkeYhyU7kH5yZ~w8Y6fK1vDB8Q1al3p8ow0fUZLe6Zjl3LhtZFFyQudHmaiAkl4MjtznopNpeE0r7FbUUVJIqUL4nwY2Q1lYuffvswz7hRKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners honored the New Jersey Sharing Network and presented a resolution recognizing the nonprofit for its organ- and tissue-donation work statewide.

Chairwoman Leona Leon introduced the presentation, noting the New Jersey Sharing Network's headquarters in New Providence and its federal designation as the nonprofit responsible for organ and tissue recovery and distribution in New Jersey. \"For more than 36 years, they've worked alongside hospitals, transplant centers, and donor families to save and enhance lives across the state,\" Chairwoman Leon said.

A representative from the Sharing Network thanked the county for the recognition and described the group's work and outreach. The transcript records the presenter saying the organization operates \"24/7, 365\" to facilitate donation and highlighted National/Donate Life Month outreach and the group's annual 5K celebration of life in New Providence, scheduled for June 8.

Statistics cited at the meeting: the transcript states that in 2024 New Jersey reached a record \"297 organ donors and 743 organs transplanted,\" nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are waiting for transplants, and nationally about 3,000 people are on the waiting list; the presenter also said \"every 8 minutes another person is added to that list and tragically 17 people die each day while waiting.\" The transcript notes \"just one organ and tissue donor has the power to save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others.\"

Why it matters: county recognition highlights partnerships that support organ donation and public-health outreach. The board encouraged conversations between residents and families about donor registration.

Ending: County officials posed for a photo with Sharing Network representatives and moved on to other agenda presentations.","The county presented a resolution recognizing the New Jersey Sharing Network and its work in organ and tissue donation, noting recent statewide donation statistics and encouraging family conversations about donor registration.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571983,"Parks director: resolution would fund construction of enclosed ice rink at Wernenko",29,1952000,1981000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b&start=1952&end=1981","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b/thumbnail_1952000.jpg","/articles/6571983/Union-County/New-Jersey/Parks-director-resolution-would-fund-construction-of-enclosed-ice-rink-at-Wernenko","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571983-be0c11b50e8362027c2d6c165605d7e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=Wm1JNnHQrtq5XeAr4wr51gZ5CPRZxX5qBu9QZ2~7tJ2eQIizKMHWkUJrto0lGFt8zO9K4arxoekTrJLUzZ~wLZ2rG-6ZzfP3yFZMTlPTKHNdw0COQ1F2k9rMVR4~OLek-ZOM0eqifjYYdMUNul4-Jh5O9HyHns-j~kLkF6BiVZ8un54S4pmrH1nmcjdDMThx2lEwo-PO7cwsJPIb3~~ghUs0Y2Kok5b4ZpWbd4gsI1Pag7I~gnrpvU-Rq98wI-G7IshkpLUD1cdKeuXk4Blw-Suq90tNv5rDqNMO6FZY35ZDRpywcpKo-2WNWUD5sJk82RNlEnZNdZMXHt0n3aK7zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Parks and Recreation presented a resolution to the Board of County Commissioners to construct an additional ice rink at a site referenced in the transcript as \"Wernenko,\" and said the facility would be an enclosed skating center.

Director Dervin Drake told commissioners the department had two items on the agenda. Commissioner Kim Palmeri Mudette asked specifically whether resolution number 1 related to construction of an additional ice rink at \"Wernenko.\" Director Drake replied, \"That is correct, and it will be an enclosed skating center.\" The transcript provides no project budget, schedule, or further design detail.

Why it matters: a new enclosed rink would add recreational infrastructure under county management and could affect programming, operating costs and maintenance responsibilities.

Details and context: The department presented two items on the agenda; Commissioner Mudette's question confirmed the scope for the first item. The transcript does not record a subsequent vote, dollar amounts, operator arrangements, or an implementation timeline.

Next steps and unknowns: The county will need to finalize design, funding and operations before construction; none of those details were provided in the session.

Ending: After the parks presentation commissioners proceeded to the next item on the agenda.","Union County's Department of Parks and Recreation presented a resolution to build an enclosed ice-skating facility at Wernenko (as cited in the transcript); commissioners confirmed the item and scope during the agenda-setting session.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571987,"Commissioners hear about Plainfield intersection work, consultant and contractor roles clarified",95,1736000,1831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b&start=1736&end=1831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b/thumbnail_1736000.jpg","/articles/6571987/Union-County/New-Jersey/Commissioners-hear-about-Plainfield-intersection-work-consultant-and-contractor-roles-clarified","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571987-04f7c656d15d40145f18774f93eae427/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=jF0vdQ1KqUoFfDj0cVfxl9VxjJlw7tAk1-wsBCjKaZCUIf7rsK-T4V~PFGJcT9YKqYBzEJXjmM4NgGw2c-Tjl-GlT5rojRdJl00~mF0fmyFCxoxI5NsTgitGIsYQ7QzPBW6r-a6E1TaTxy15H0f1OgZ1qgk3nh84Y-~vbAjHJPSyBqjVL1PCDlLol09TjoUXI8ruN6TCILGJ-LSiDwdnMJUCXuXc8BS3bmkA2SVQxe-4KGH904Ceu7kKhRksivYxISS67OPi2iwQ44fIUuUOlbhsF2OQ850pu7Qhf2NuwDluATjO0MmO~0U5c3bFGSg14fvCnplYP5QgFmJHcxViVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management presented 18 resolutions at the agenda-setting session, including work on intersection improvements in Plainfield and contract awards involving Michael Baker International and JC Contracting.

Director Palakey told commissioners the department had 18 resolutions on the agenda and responded to questions about the roles of two firms. Commissioner Baker asked whether Michael Baker International and JC Contracting were both engineering firms and whether they were working on intersections in Plainfield. Director Palakey replied that one firm would be the consultant and the other the contractor. The transcript records a correction that JC Contracting is from Piscataway (the printed agenda incorrectly listed Rahway).

Why it matters: the items relate to county road and intersection improvements in Plainfield, which affect local traffic, safety and construction schedules.

Details and context: Commissioner Baker asked for and received clarification that one of the resolutions identifies Michael Baker International as the professional engineering firm and that a separate resolution names JC Contracting as the contractor for related intersection work. Palakey also confirmed the JC Contracting location as Piscataway; the agenda entry mislisted Rahway.

Next steps and unknowns: The department presented the resolutions and answered questions; the transcript does not record a formal vote, contract values, or a construction schedule.

Ending: Commissioners thanked the engineering and public works staff for the intersection improvements and moved on to other departmental presentations.","The county's engineering department presented 18 resolutions including consultant and contractor awards for intersection improvements in Plainfield; commissioners sought clarification about which firms serve as consultant and contractor.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571992,"County finance director: resolution would authorize bond to fund Union County College gym improvements in Cranford",33,1881000,1914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b&start=1881&end=1914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b/thumbnail_1881000.jpg","/articles/6571992/Union-County/New-Jersey/County-finance-director-resolution-would-authorize-bond-to-fund-Union-County-College-gym-improvements-in-Cranford","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571992-b282d81e5cf275a951b82d0d9b99b950/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=jdT~~b0kERyaXkPedLlpc9CWaKzJyHecXhhmHRiFYiRik9ekW7I8DlmtjAMUSSf6M6OLbAxrIlkJyY3TQivOMQtc-fH1pu9ghT5YmCbWG9Xg2YTrCeKLHGMPjtVJCAqxoo8jTv6nKwQTuGaycA5om~eJM8geeTfxatXOKCSREo3Jz0BVHrF6N6Uca2H5IP5qH7xLa6nMgwBvJRzg47rzXX6iVu9FKsrcLq0XdBxWHH~ZAm8urvfbiidS7kUDBHGYJc4rwH3GbSdllWOfOU1LbzwzkLnrw~W0VAhwN34wc4dRPxM~gRMoQgCds2IrQMXSCjfWjr5ZNzRz6pK~vCByOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Finance told the Board of County Commissioners that a resolution on the agenda would permit the county to issue debt to fund improvements to a gymnasium facility at Union County College's Cranford campus.

Director Taylor briefed commissioners on a finance resolution connected to an ordinance adopted Dec. 18, 2024. \"This resolution essentially allows us to go out and issue the debt associated with ordinance number 850-2024 that was adopted last year, 12/18/2024,\" Taylor said. The director described the borrowing as tied specifically to gymnasium improvements for use by Union County College.

Why it matters: issuing bonds to fund capital improvements commits public debt and determines when and how construction can proceed. Commissioners asked for the explanation at the meeting to ensure the public record was clear.

Details and context: Commissioner Williams asked for a plain-language explanation of the bond item for the record. Director Taylor tied the resolution to Ordinance 850-2024 and said it authorizes the county to issue the debt to pay for the gym improvements; the transcript does not include the ordinance text, the dollar amount to be borrowed, or a vote on the resolution.

Next steps and unknowns: The board considered the department's report but no formal vote on the financing resolution is recorded in the transcript. The schedule for issuance, interest rates, and debt service were not provided during the session.

Ending: The board moved on to other departmental presentations after the finance update.","During the agenda session the county's finance director said a resolution on the agenda would authorize issuing debt tied to Ordinance 850-2024 to pay for gymnasium improvements at Union County College's Cranford campus; commissioners asked for a plain-language explanation of the measure.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6571997,"Union County officials announce three new early-voting locations, pilot mobile unit in Plainfield",71,1494000,1565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b&start=1494&end=1565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3069641-712fa37119a100d844d6675b5988cb5b/thumbnail_1494000.jpg","/articles/6571997/Union-County/New-Jersey/Union-County-officials-announce-three-new-early-voting-locations-pilot-mobile-unit-in-Plainfield","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6571997-4de6da5a96e0b826ace4e91783e7ffad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147311&Signature=OtiiUuT4gAtuYpaSF5~GbFvYgBPy2Gr8ZgJlREEl-cSbDp2gHxIYv3ErvI4HwEigiIslMEdE0PrNf4JloNJ34yD2fwXbRpvR0lgbW8556Jq3f-~YVKmR7YG44DrrwV-GZkhnHiZJdfgVuXWuZneNkhBQasp7lAt3UFqM1XQ6qUnL7To6ycldhlqjj7poeW3FM8v1yGbLbqbX7rvRz8P~9nHlOG8sNRJS9iR2g3g561LvrgB4doicp0ndwSsOvmEDw7v9XlsdOQIaM-4trJ-ntZhayz1Ln56hMKipSHVB8jrYe0EJPYjWPlYWeJy0iGv86Hx3tnoILZlcqv4QXrQ9Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners of Union County heard a presentation from the Board of Elections on expanded early-voting access, including three additional locations and a pilot mobile unit in Plainfield.

The announcement came during the county's agenda-setting session when Administrator Doretta, the Board of Elections administrator, told commissioners that the board had \"5 resolutions on for this evening's agenda for your consideration.\" She said the three added early-voting sites are Payne Vox Hall Meeting Center in Union Township, the Berkeley Heights Municipal Building, and a pilot mobile unit at Cedarbrook Park in Plainfield.

The move is part of the board's preparation for the primary. Commissioner Kim Palmeri Mudette asked whether the mobile unit would only register voters or also accept ballots. Administrator Doretta replied, \"It is an early voting location, so voters will be voting. There will be voting machines just like our other early voting locations.\" The transcript does not record any formal vote on the resolutions during the session.

Why it matters: adding early-voting locations and testing a mobile unit change how and where residents can cast ballots before Election Day, particularly in Plainfield where the mobile unit will be stationed for the duration of early voting in the primary.

Details provided to commissioners: Administrator Doretta described the three fixed locations by name and the Cedarbrook Park pilot as \"one mobile unit\" that will remain in Plainfield for the full early-voting period. The board did not debate the technical operation of the machines beyond confirming they would be like other early-voting machines.

Next steps and unknowns: The transcript records the presentation and clarifying questions but does not record formal approval or the text of the five resolutions, so implementation timing, staffing, and precise dates for the mobile unit deployment were not specified in the meeting record.

Ending: Commissioners moved on to other departmental resolutions after the Board of Elections presentation; no formal vote on these election resolutions was recorded in the transcript.","The Board of County Commissioners heard a presentation from the Board of Elections about five resolutions that include adding three early-voting sites and piloting a mobile voting unit in Plainfield for the upcoming primary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Union County recognizes Arbor Day poetry winners from grades 4—6

Union County honors New Jersey Sharing Network, highlights organ-donation statistics

Parks director: resolution would fund construction of enclosed ice rink at Wernenko

Commissioners hear about Plainfield intersection work, consultant and contractor roles clarified

County finance director: resolution would authorize bond to fund Union County College gym improvements in Cranford

Union County officials announce three new early-voting locations, pilot mobile unit in Plainfield