THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023
UNIONNEWSDAILY.COM
VOL. 106 NO. 06
75 CENTS
Service Fair seeks to help the destitute Watch the weather man
— See Page 3
‘Wednesday’ afternoon
— See Page 6
Officer is sworn in
— See Page 22
By Javon Ross Staff Writer ELIZABETH — The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless hosted its 10th annual Service Fair on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Mickey Walker Center in Elizabeth. More than 200 people showed up to inquire about and enlist the help of various non-profit government organizations, from banks to the local YMCA. With the primary focus of this fair being to help those who are low income and housing insecure, Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage was in attendance to support his constituents. Local non-profit organizations, such as the NJ Reentry Corporation, which helps people returning from prison or probation to reintegrate into society, were in attendance at the event. Every person applying for services spoke to at least one representative from each organization in attendance, emphasizing the need for government aid for those who are poor or unhoused. Bollwage spoke about the great work the Elizabeth Coalition does to help those who are homeless and have lower incomes. “The people here have a great need for not only references and recommendations, but everyday supplies, in order to survive,” Bollwage told the Union County LocalSource. “If it were not for these organizations and the Elizabeth Coalition, many people would struggle on a daily basis.” Bollwage also discussed the need for
Photo by Javon Ross
Mayor J. Christian Bollwage takes photographs with representatives at the 10th annual Service Fair on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Mickey Walker Center in Elizabeth. local and national governments to help people who are low income and vulnerable. “Everyone here will get some kind of service or help,” Bollwage said, “whether it is advice or a housing reference or an employment opportunity. It is encouraging to know that many people in the government are assisting the people.” Organizations such as the Elizabeth Public Library were also advertising events to help those who are housing inse-
cure, speaking about a focus group that they would be hosting to hear from people in Elizabeth, in order to better serve the community. Religious services such as the Jewish Family Service of Central NJ were also in attendance to help members of the Jewish community in Elizabeth gain access to food and various medical services. Representatives from Valley Bank were available to help people at the event See COALITION, Page 20
Free 2023 election calendar highlights Union County inventors who have changed the world UNION COUNTY — Union County clerk Joanne Rajoppi has announced that the 2023 Union County election-date calendar is now available to New Jersey residents free of charge. The calendar provides all the important dates for the 2023 election year, along with full-page illustrations for each month that highlight the history-making innovators who made Union County a springboard into the future. “As we start 2023 with hope and promise, it is inspiring to see the many Union County inventors who have shaped the modern world with their contributions to technology, science, medicine, computers and other fields,” said Rajoppi. To request a copy of the calendar, fill out the online form at ucnj.org/county-clerk. The calendar includes familiar names such as Thomas Edison and Westfield resident Virginia Apgar, who developed the widely used Apgar test for assessing newborn health.
It also draws attention to the Tesla Electric Light and Manufacturing Co., in operation from 1884 to 1886 in Rahway; the work of James Edward Maceo West at Bell Laboratories in Berkeley Heights; and the building of the U.S. Navy’s first commissioned submarine at the Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth, among other milestones in Union County history. As a convenience to Union County residents who are planning to vote by mail in 2023, each calendar also includes two pull-out vote-by-mail application forms. Voters can also stay up to date on elections information by downloading the free Union County Votes app for all mobile devices. To view information in a desktop format, visit unioncountyvotes.com. In 2023, Union County voters will decide on candidates for the New Jersey Senate and Assembly as well as the sheriff, Board of County Commissioners, and candidates for local offices and school boards.