County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that due to Congressional redistricting, several Union County municipalities have had their Congressional District changed for the 2022 election. The sample ballots reflect these changes.

The changes were determined by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission.

The affected Union County municipalities are as follows:

• Voters in Fanwood, Rahway and Scotch Plains are now in the 7^th Congressional District. 
• Voters in Cranford, Garwood, Kenilworth and Union are now in the 10^th Congressional District.
• Voters in Linden are now split between the 7^th and 10^th Congressional Districts:

The 7^th Congressional District includes Ward 2 Districts 1-2-3, Ward 3 Districts 2 and 3, Ward 6 Districts 1-2-3 and Ward 7 Districts 1-2-3-4.

The 10^th Congressional District includes all other wards

“The New Jersey Redistricting Commission is mandated by our State Constitution to draw the lines of the State’s congressional districts which must be substantially equal in population.  This is a process which occurs after the Federal Census every 10 years,” Ms. Rajoppi stated.

An official redistricting congressional map that shows the changes effective this year is available online at:

Click to access Plan%20Components.pdf

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.

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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that Union County residents age five years and older can now obtain the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shots formulated by Pfizer and Moderna, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approved by the Centers for Disease Control.

The new bivalent booster shots target recent Omicron variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading. The new Pfizer pediatric booster is for ages 5 to 11. The Moderna booster is for ages 6 to 17. Children age 6 to 11 can take either the Moderna or the Pfizer booster.

Both of the new pediatric bivalent booster shots are available at any vaccination clinic run by Union County beginning on Tuesday, October 18.

“The new booster shots for children mark another step in our efforts to ensure that approved COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available to Union County residents as quickly as possible, helping to save lives and prevent long term health impacts. We encourage every resident to obtain a new bivalent booster shot as soon as they are eligible,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

In order to receive the new bivalent booster, children must first complete their primary vaccination series, consisting of two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. They can receive the new booster two months after their primary vaccination is complete.

Children who have already received a booster shot can receive the new booster two months after their previous shot.

Children and adults who have received the new Novavax vaccine are not yet eligible for any booster at this time.

The vaccination clinics run by Union County welcome walk-ins for booster shots, but appointments are recommended. Residents who previously scheduled a monovalent booster shot at a Union County vaccination clinic will need to make a new appointment to receive a bivalent booster.

To make an appointment online visit the Union County COVID-19 portal at ucnj.org/covid19/ or call 908-613-7829 for assistance.

As a reminder, the monovalent booster shots are no longer authorized for persons five years of age and older. At this time, booster shots are not authorized for children and infants under age 5.

Vaccination is the best defense against the worst impacts of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Union County residents who are not vaccinated yet are urged to begin their primary series as soon as possible, and then follow up with the new bivalent booster shot as soon as they are eligible.

The primary vaccination series is authorized for all adults, children, and infants beginning at age 6 months.

Union County’s vaccine clinics currently offer all authorized vaccines and boosters as follows:

Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive at Warinanco Park in Roselle: 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Warinanco clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations for all age groups.

The hours of operation on Tuesdays are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The hours of operation on Thursdays are 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield (use the Kenyon Avenue entrance):

On Saturdays, the Plainfield High School clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations.

The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

To make an appointment for a vaccination at either the Warinanco or Plainfield clinics, create an account or log into an existing account through Union County’s vaccination portal, ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call 908-613-7829.

Walk-ups for booster shots for all eligible age groups are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites, but appointments are encouraged.

Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit. To make an appointment, call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours.

For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other resources visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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.

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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.

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Multiple employment and credential opportunities to be offered at event at Union College

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, Port Authority, Union College and the American Job Center, will host a job fair for Union County residents ages 18 and older on Thursday, October from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. The job fair will take place at Union College of Union County on the 5^th floor of the Kellogg Building, located at 40 W. Jersey Street in Elizabeth. The event is free to attend.

“We encourage residents to attend this job fair, as it is an excellent opportunity for job seekers to meet employers in the transportation, logistics and development workforce.” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank the Department of Human Services, the Port Authority CPP, the American Job Center and Union College for their collaboration in making this event possible.”

This Port Authority partner agency for the job fair is the Port of New York and New Jersey’s Council on Port Performance. The Council on Port Performance (CPP) provides oversight on the implementation of programs and initiatives that improve efficiency and service reliability at the Port of New York & New Jersey. The CPP brings together a cross section of stakeholders with expertise in all areas of ocean transportation and logistics, including trucking. These volunteers put their expertise and creative ideas together to ensure productive and efficient cargo movement for all port customers.

“We are pleased to be taking part in the Maritime Transportation, Logistics and Distribution Apprenticeship and Job Fair and to be working in collaboration with our partners to help provide long-term career and growth opportunities to the next generation of maritime workers,” said John Nardi, president of the New York Shipping Association and co-chair of the Port of New York and New Jersey’s Council on Port Performance.

The objective of this event is to help maritime transportation, logistics and distribution (TLD) employers to recruit potential candidates for careers in this business sector. According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), TLD is the third largest employment sector in the state. The job fair will allow employers to promote training, available job openings and viable career pathways to community members. Independent Owner Operators will also be given the opportunity to connect with Licensed Motor Carriers. 

“The Maritime TLD Job Fair is a great way for job seekers to identify pathways to obtain new credentials while targeting career advancement,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Workforce Development Board. “Attendees will have a chance to discover opportunities for in-demand, critical roles. The Commissioner Board works to continuously provide those seeking employment with a variety of pathways to further their professional curriculums.”

The Maritime TLD Job Fair is free to attend and registration is encouraged. To sign up for this event, residents can visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/port-authority-job-fair-tickets-432533297737.

Along with the Port Authority CPP and Union College of Union County, the Maritime TLD Job Fair is being coordinated by the American Job Center within the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information about future job fairs/hiring events, please call the American Job Center at (908) 558-8000. To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, residents can use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4847.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the Union County Division on Aging, is proud to offer a new pilot program, Social 60+, for qualifying Union County residents, age 60 and over.

“Social 60+ is a new initiative of Union County to bring together the older adult community, not only to receive a balanced meal, but by sharing it together, meeting other residents in the community,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “This new program will give people the opportunity to socialize, try new restaurants and get a healthy, affordable meal option.”

Social 60+ was designed to bring the benefits of a healthy meal and socialization into the community for older adults in Union County. As part of the pilot program, The Garden Restaurant, located at 943 Magie Avenue in Union, NJ, has agreed to accept a voucher from the Union County Division on Aging in exchange for meal options designated by the restaurant.

To participate, one must be a Union County resident 60 years and over; agree to attend a nutrition education program offered by the Division on Aging at least once a quarter and provide all necessary information during intake.

“We are excited to launch this new program not only in response to the growing social and nutritional needs of older adults in our community, but to engage with residents who may otherwise be unfamiliar with the many services and programs offered by the Division and the County of Union,” said Natalie Zarrillo, Executive Director of the Union County Division on Aging.

All qualified residents are invited and encouraged to enjoy a meal through this program. The voucher process is done via the phone with the Division on Aging, once the intake is complete and approved, residents will receive their voucher by mail.  Vouchers must be used by 12/31/2022. Vouchers will be limited to one per person, at this time. Expired vouchers will not be honored. Participants may select from a set menu of choices that have been designated to meet the Older Americans Act (OAA) standards of one-third recommended dietary allowances and compliance with the OAA dietary guidelines.

For the Social 60+ application, please call the Union County Division on Aging, at (908) 527-4870.  Please visit www.ucnj.org/aging for a complete list of program and vouchers rules and regulations.

For more information about this or other programs offered, please call the Union County Division on Aging with any questions, toll-free at 1-888-280-8226.

The Union County Board of Commissioners invites children with autism and other sensory sensitivities to enjoy two Sensory Friendly Theatre presentations at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, November 13 and 30.

“Sensory Friendly Theatre brings inclusive, enriching live performances to children with special needs, and we are delighted to help brighten the fall season with two shows in November,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

On Sunday, November 13, at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre presents master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer. Mixing comedy, music, and interactive bubble-magic, Jeff engages and delights audiences of all ages with sensory friendly fun featuring bubble rainbows with people inside, do-it-yourself volcano bubbles, gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles, and more.

On Wednesday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre presents the beloved classic ballet, The Nutcracker, performed by the New Jersey Ballet. This holiday favorite tells the magical story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle toy soldiers and larger-than-life mice, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series showcases exciting live performances in a welcoming, judgement-free environment for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during the performance. For complete details and to purchase tickets online visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

 As a reminder, do not purchase tickets through another vendor. Only purchase tickets for Sensory Friendly Theatre through the Union County Performing Arts Center.

To purchase tickets in person, come to the UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. For Box Office hours and other information call (732) 499-8226 or email boxoffice@ucpac.org.

Please note that COVID-19 safety regulations are in effect for all performances at UCPAC. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Ticket holders are advised to check for updates prior to arriving at the theatre.

To see a list of additional recreation activities for persons with disabilities and special needs offered by Union County, and to sign up for activities, visit the secure registration page at ucnj.org/reserve.

To contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit ucnj.org/special-needs and use the contact form, or call 908-527-4807.

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.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce that on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., Senate President Nicholas Scutari will present a check on behalf of the State of New Jersey to the County of Union in the amount of $8 million dollars for a new indoor ice skating rink at the Warinanco Sports Center.

“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, I would like to thank the Senate President and the State of New Jersey for providing us the funding for this much-anticipated project,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Right now, we have a great facility in use, but it can only be used seasonally; with the construction of a new state-of-the-art indoor skating rink, we will be able to offer year-round use of the building, attracting even more visitors and leagues. I am looking forward to watching this rink come to life.”

In a contract to be awarded to USA Architects, the concept design for the new facility will feature a second sheet of ice increasing the capacity of the facility. The project for the new rink is slated to begin by the end of 2023 with an estimated completion date of 2025.

“We are proud to support a new skating rink that will serve communities throughout Union County,” said Senate President Scutari. “A year-round rink will provide more young hockey players and recreational skaters the opportunity to use a state-of-art facility for healthy and enjoyable activities. The Warinanco Sports Center will continue to be a premiere attraction for Union County.”  

Since 1961, area families have enjoyed the seasonal skating in the park — and in 2019 the skating building was renovated and renamed to the Warinanco Sports Center, which sits adjacent to the skating rink. The seasonal rink, which generally opens at the end of November is home to 8 Union County high school hockey teams and hosts more than 50,000 skaters every year.

“This is a real boost for families and young people in Union County who will now have a modern rink available throughout the year,” said Senator Joe Cryan. “The sporting events and recreational skating will be more accessible and more affordable for working families. The new Warinanco Center will be an active and important part of the Union County community.”

“As youth sports become more and more expensive, a new county facility will allow non-profits like the Cranford Hockey Club and many Union County high school boys and girls ice hockey programs to keep this sport affordable in the rapidly changing landscape of for-profit youth sports,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Once completed, the Warinanco Sports Center will be even more of an attraction to residents and visitors, who come from all over to use the facility.”

“The creation of a new ice rink at Warinanco Park is a transformative moment for youth sports in Union County and North Jersey,” said Mike DuHaime, president of the non-profit Cranford Hockey Club. “The new rink will allow us to keep costs down for families, play more games here in Union County, and most importantly start a scholarship program, opening the doors for so many more children locally to play ice hockey, so cost will no longer be a barrier to access to the ice. The Cranford Hockey Club and the entire hockey community of Union County and beyond thank Senate President Scutari, Commissioner Williams, and the entire board of commissioners for their foresight and efforts in making this new rink a reality.”

Established in 1956, the Cranford Hockey Club is the oldest travel hockey club in the state of New Jersey. Nearly 300 children ages 5-18 are currently part of the club’s travel and learn-to-play programs.  Warinanco Park has been its home rink for decades, though due to increased demand, the teams hold some of its home games and practices elsewhere.  As a non-profit, the club is run solely by volunteers, including the board, coaches, and team managers. More information on the club’s scholarship program can be found at https://www.cranfordhockeyclub.com/scholarship

For more information about Warinanco Sports Center and Ice Skating Rink, please visit https://warinancopark.com/.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters who intend to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the General Election to cast their ballot promptly, in order to avoid accidentally misplacing or losing it. Election Day 2022 is Tuesday, November 8.

“For voters who have requested one, a Vote-by-Mail ballot will arrive in a bright yellow envelope, so it stands out from other mail. Many times they get lost in a drawer or hidden under a stack of papers,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Voters can avoid the anxiety of a misplaced ballot by filling it out and returning it promptly.”

Voters who intend to return their ballot by U.S. Postal Service are reminded that ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day in order to be counted.

To avoid any unforeseen delays or disruptions in mail delivery, voters who plan to mail their ballot should do so well in advance of Election Day. All Vote-by-Mail ballots are provided with a pre-stamped return envelope.

Vote-by-Mail users can also drop their ballot off on or before Election Day in any secure drop box listed on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com. The drop boxes are available on a 24/7 basis, and are monitored by security cameras. The ballots are collected by election workers on a daily basis.

For more information about Vote-by-Mail ballots and all other elections services of the Union County Clerk, 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.

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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