County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the deadline for residents to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is Monday, September 27. The ERAP program will provide financial relief for Union County residents unable to meet their rental obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 15 months of assistance for unpaid back rent and utility bills.

Both landlords and tenants are required to register for this program in order to expedite the grant process. Landlords and tenants can register at ucnj.org/rental-assistance. The funds will be awarded to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are eligible for the grant.

“Hundreds of residents have applied for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance and we encourage renters within Union County experiencing difficulty paying their rent and utilities to register for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program before the upcoming deadline,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Communication between landlords and tenants regarding ERAP relief is key to ensuring applications can be reviewed without delay.”

The landlord and the tenant portals will both remain open throughout the application phase of the program which ends on September 27. Residents who may qualify are encouraged to visit the website for guidance on assembling the information and documents necessary to apply for funding.

To qualify for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Union County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;
• Make less than 80% of the average median income of Union County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four);
• Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Provide required supporting documentation (copies of identification, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).

The application website for eligible residents, will contain information and list all documents needed to apply. Should applicants have any questions they can call the call center directly at 855-552-1172 or contact one of the three nonprofit agencies involved in assisting in completion of applications by calling:

• United Way of Union County – 908-353-7171
• Family Promise of Union County – 908-289-7300
• Urban League of Union County – 908-351-7200

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy the beautiful autumn season in the Watchung Reservation with a variety of outdoor programs offered by Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside’s programs offer families a wonderful opportunity to spend time together outdoors and reconnect with the natural world around us,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Adults with children age four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, which are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., beginning October 5. Participants will discover animal homes and hideouts, explore all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk and search for monarch butterflies.

The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents. Other topics include snakes & turtles, backyard birds, senses, seeds and mammals.

Back to Nature, a series of walks in the Watchung Reservation for families, will resume on October 9, while moonlit family hikes will occur on October 21 and November 18. Programs are open to families with children ages four and older.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Families will learn to identify birds by color and sound, experience the life of the Lenape Native Americans and search for animal tracks on a fall hike.  Other topics include bats and animal tracks.

The fee per program is $5 for Union County residents and $6 for non-county residents.

A Hunter’s Moon Hike will take place on October 21 and a Frost Moon Hike will take place on November 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Posted information also includes early voting locations, gubernatorial candidate statements, and more.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that  sample ballots for the November 2 General Election can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices.

Gubernatorial candidate statements are also available through the website and app, in English and Spanish.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter. Sample ballots will be mailed prior to the start of early voting, which begins on October 23.

“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This year it is especially important to be informed and up-to-date, as it is a gubernatorial year and early voting will be introduced from October 23 to 31 as well as Election Day voting on Tuesday, November 2.”

Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.

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 the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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Free double feature drive up movie event, presented by Union County’s Board of County Commissioners and in partnership with Plainfield Public Schools

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to a double feature drive up movie event on October 1^st featuring Ferdinand and In the Heights in Plainfield High School’s parking lot, 950 Park Ave.

The parking lot will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:00PM.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/reserve. Please keep in mind that only one registration is required per car.

“We are all excited for this double feature event in Plainfield,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This event is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the entire family.”

Ferdinand is a 2017 computer-animated comedy adventure film based on a bull named Ferdinand who refuses to participate in bullfighting but is forced back into the arena where his beliefs are challenged when he faces off against the world’s greatest bullfighter.

In the Heights is a 2021 musical drama film based on the well-known stage musical. This film tells the story of a corner in the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City, where every member of the community pursues their dreams of a better life.

The event will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date will be October 15^th.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note that the audio for the movie will be transmitted thru Wi-Fi.

Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the restroom).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please contact Nathalie Alcaide-Hernandez by email at nahernandez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4880.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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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COVID-19 Vaccinations as well as Saliva Testing to be offered walk-up at events in Union, Roselle and Plainfield

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in September to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, September 25, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Walk-Up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource as well as an opportunity for residents to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents continue to face housing issues, food insecurity and unemployment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at all listed events. Johnson & Johnson (for those 18 years or older) and Pfizer (12 years or older) vaccines will be offered. Appointments are recommended. Residents can register for vaccines by calling (908) 613-7829 or visiting ucnj.2120check.com/home.  Along with vaccinations, COVID-19 saliva tests will be available as well on a walk-up basis.

Masks are required for residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Roselle and Plainfield Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoodsus.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.