County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ –The Union County Board of Commissioners welcomes back seniors age 55 and up to participate in a series of free guided walks at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside this fall.

Located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, the series will take place every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning October 8.

“These guided walks offer an excellent opportunity for senior residents to take part in an outdoor activity while enjoying the beautiful autumn season of the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic, including Reptile Ramble, Migratory Birds, a Fall Nature Walk, Plant This, Not That, Ecosystem Invaders, a Deserted Village Tour, Lenape Native Americans and an Early Winter Walk.

Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

The Sensory Friendly Trail first opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination. It winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired. It also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

For more information about the guided walks for seniors, online nature activities and other activities for families and children hosted by Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

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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The $200 stipend applies to Election Day 2021, on Tuesday, November 2.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2021 Gubernatorial election cycle still have time to apply to become poll workers this year. All poll workers must attend a paid, mandatory training session as Electronic Poll Books will be used for the first time ever.

Poll workers will earn $200 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. All new poll workers must attend a single-session training course. Returning poll workers take a paid, training seminar on the use of the new electronic poll books.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker for the General Election on November 2nd are advised to apply now to reserve a spot.

To apply online, click here: https://ucnj.org/boe/election-day-poll-worker-application/, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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 persons with physical disabilities and veterans to participate in the “First Swing” golf clinic on Saturday, September 25, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Learning Center located at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

Admission is free but pre-registration is required at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The First Swing golf clinic provides an introduction to the recreational and therapeutic benefits of golfing. We are very proud to offer First Swing as part of our inclusive programming at Galloping Hill, where golfers of all ages and skill levels are welcome,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

No golfing experience is needed to participate in the First Swing clinic. Participants who have clubs should bring a seven or eight iron and a putter. A limited number of clubs will be available for those who need them.

Methods of grip, stance and swing will be discussed. Participants can improve their functional skills such as range of motion and balance, and learn about adaptive equipment that will assist them in executing the golf swing.

The event is organized by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Office of Veteran services.

For more information about programs and services offered by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs.

For more information about the Office of Veteran Services visit ucnj.org/uc-hero.

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.

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Free Flu shots available for Union County residents, starting Sept. 23 (update: please note location change for September 23 clinic)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year. Free flu shots will be dispensed at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Thursday, September 23. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.

“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room, by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.

The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County adults and children ages nine and up.

Children ages four years through eight years can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received two flu shots in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Appointments are strongly encouraged and residents can schedule their appointment online by visiting ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829.

Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.

The following dates have been scheduled for the Union County flu shot drive. Each event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• 9/23 – LOCATION CHANGE: Please note, this flu clinic will be held at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden.
• 9/30 – Roselle,  High school –Abraham Clark High School, 122 E 6^th, Roselle, NJ
• 10/7 – Plainfield , Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield
• 10/14 –  Summit City Hall, Whitman Room, 512 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ
• 10/21 – Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park, NJ
• 10/28 – Hillside Community Center, 274 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ
• 11/4 –  Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E Milton Ave., Rahway, NJ
• 11/18 – Chisholm Community Center, Springfield

Any Union County resident may visit any of these clinics, regardless of their town of residence.

To prepare for a visit to Union County’s flu shot clinics, residents are advised to review the fact sheet issued by the Centers for Disease Control in English, Spanish and other languages at https://www.immunize.org/vis/ (select “Influenza, inactivated” from the vaccine index).

Masks are required when visiting one of Union County’s free flu shot clinics, and temperatures will be taken when arriving.

Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a flu drive site. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of illness should check with their doctor.

For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

Please note that the dates and locations listed above are for seasonal flu vaccines only.

Residents seeking free COVID-19 vaccines can find a list of sites run by Union County at ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page to see a schedule for COVID-19 vaccination sites run by Union County.

Children and adults in need of a variety of standard immunizations can visit Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. Please note that there is no income eligibility requirement for the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccines. Other immunizations are available on an income-eligible basis. For more information call the Immunization Center at (908) 965-3627 or (908)965-3868.

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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend “Stories over Stigma,” a free webinar featuring Lucas Wolfe, author of My Perfect Life, on Wednesday, September 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Zoom.

The Zoom link can be accessed by registering online at ucnj.org/suicide-prevention-awareness.

“Now more than ever, it is important to be informed and aware of the signs and symptoms of depression, especially considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida on our community,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “By engaging in open discussion, we can all help raise awareness and create a supportive environment for those in need of help.”

In My Perfect Life, Mr. Wolfe describes how suicidal depression can hide in plain sight while those who experience it suffer silently, all too often with tragic consequences. His pursuit of peace, purpose and healing offers hope to those looking for guidance and support.

The Stories over Stigma webinar is presented through the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Union County Department of Human Services.

As part of Union County’s suicide awareness and prevention efforts, the office is also providing copies of My Perfect Life at no cost to every high school in the 21 municipalities, along with access to a coordinated mental health curriculum for high school students.

For those seeking help, the Lifeline National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. It offers free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for individuals and their loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

For more information on all Human Services programs and activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs.

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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises all Union County residents of the new updates of the polling locations for the 2021 general election. Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida, a few polling locations have been changed.

“Hurricane Ida has devastated us all, including numerous polling locations” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to visit our website to ensure the location of your designated polling location for the upcoming General Election. Voters will also find this information on their sample ballots.”

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place. Please visit ucnj.org/ucboe for the complete updated list of designated polling locations.

Updated polling locations include:

• Elizabeth, Ward 4, Districts 6, 7, 9 & 10: O’Donnell Sampson Towers, 632 Salem Avenue
• Springfield, Districts 1, 2, & 3: Caldwell School, 36 Caldwell Place, Gymnasium

The New Providence early voting location has been relocated to the New Providence Municipal Center, 360 Elkwood Avenue, Gymnasium (Academy Street Entrance), due to damage sustained during Hurricane Ida.

The Union Township early voting location has also been relocated to the Union Township Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court.

Please keep in mind that early voting locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations. Please visit https://ucnj.org/boe/early-voting/ for the complete list of early voting locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the Board of Elections 24 secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 2, 2021 at 8pm.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Any Union County voter may use any of these locations for early in-person voting. Six sites are confirmed and a seventh site will be added.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that seven locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2021 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31.

These sites have been recently relocated and voters shall be advised of the new locations in New Providence and Union Township.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting for the 2021 General Election,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

There are now seven confirmed locations:

• Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Seminar Room A/B, Cranford
• Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
• New Providence Municipal Building 360 Elkwood Avenue, Gymnasium (Academy Street Entrance), New Providence (Updated)
• Plainfield Board of Education Administration Building, 1200 Myrtle Avenue, Plainfield
• Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue, Room 112, Rahway
• Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Roselle
• Union Township Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court, Union (Updated)

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 23, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 24, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 25, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, October 27, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 31, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.

Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the Board of Elections 24 secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 2, 2021 at 8pm.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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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All Union County residents impacted by the storm are welcome to visit either of these sites for in-person assistance.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents impacted by Hurricane Ida that in-person assistance is available at Union County’s next pop-up event this Friday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Plainfield, at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 716 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Free off-street parking is available in the church parking lot, located at 819-821 First Place in Plainfield.

The pop-up event is the third in a series of Hurricane Ida relief events administered by the Union County Department of Human Services in partnership with Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

COVID-19 vaccination and testing will also be available at the pop-up site, along basic health screenings and emergency food distribution.

In addition, Union County residents impacted by Hurricane Ida can visit the newly opened FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Elizabeth O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Community Center in the City of Elizabeth, at 618 Salem.

The Disaster Recovery Center will be open during the following hours:

7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

8 – 5 p.m. Sunday

Residents can also contact FEMA and file a claim online at disasterassistance.gov, or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for additional assistance. Relay users can provide FEMA with the number for their videophone, InnoCaption, CapTel or other service.

For additional assistance with disaster relief or any other programs administered by the Union County Department of Human Services, call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 or send an email to DHSaction@ucnj.org.

For more resources and guidance on Hurricane recovery and COVID-19 response in Union County visit ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive

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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to attend the commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day in front of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 17. The ceremony will start promptly at 1:00 p.m.

The ceremony features an introduction by Commissioner Palmieri-Mouded Commissioner, Chairman Alexander Mirabella as the master of ceremonies and an invocation led by Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans.

“Union County will continue to remember the sacrifices made by our military and their families” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please come out and join us as we honor those men and women who were prisoners of war, and those who are missing in action.”

The guest speaker will be Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, D.O., the Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affair.

The presentation of colors will be performed by Honor Guards from the Union County Sheriff Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police and Fire Honor Guard.

The ceremony will include a rifle salute, TAPS performed by Alfredo Beltran and will conclude with the Retirement of the Colors.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines and requiring all guest and employees attending to wear facial coverings.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.