County of Union, New Jersey

Union County recognizes the contributions of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Union County, NJ – There is still time to submit nominations for the Union County Small Business Community Champion recognition program. Businesses that are nominated for the program will receive a certificate of achievement and will be featured on the Union County Means Business website, ucnj.org/union-county-means-business. The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31.

Any member of the Union County community can nominate an eligible small business in their community to be recognized as a Union County Small Business Community Champion, by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business.

“Small businesses have faced extraordinary challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but many have managed to survive, to continue serving the Union County community, and even to thrive,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These resilient small businesses deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.”

To be eligible, nominees must have a small business located within Union County that is currently open for business. In addition, they must demonstrate resilience during the pandemic, either by adapting and evolving their business model or giving back to the community, or both.

Supporting documentation must include:

• A photograph of the nominated business for publication.
• A paragraph describing the nominee’s resiliency story, including changes to their business model and/or community service activities

The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31, and the recognized businesses will be posted at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business in August.

For additional information, contact Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development, at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/office-of-business-development.

To see all programs and activities of the Union County Department of Economic Development, visit ucnj.org/department-of-economic-development.

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 to Hold 2nd Massive Hire-on-the-Spot Job Fair, July 7

The job fair is hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Elizabeth Branch NAACP, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Union County, NJ – Job seekers in Union County have another opportunity to explore job opportunities with more than 50 businesses all in one afternoon, at the upcoming  Job Fair on Wednesday, July 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., taking place at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

Interviews may be offered on the spot and proper attire is strongly recommended.

Businesses participating in the Job Fair include a variety of retail, food service and other high demand sectors.

The Job Fair is hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Elizabeth Branch of the NAACP, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

“A new job can be a life-changing experience, and we encourage everyone who needs a job to attend the 2021 Job Fair. There are opportunities throughout Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Many individuals and families have been severely impacted by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, and businesses in our community also need to rebuild. The 2021 Job Fair aims to help accelerate recovery by providing support to job seekers and employers, too. I am looking forward to collaborating with our community partner NAACP and President of the organization Shawn McClain in this grassroots employment effort,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Advisory Board.

“This initiative was spearheaded by Elizabeth NAACP Branch first Vice President Arnaz Johnson, who is also Chair of Labor and Industry Committee. This job fair will assist in the improvement of the economic status of minority groups by encouraging them to re-enter into the work force. It also provides great opportunities for our youth to earn money and become economically self-sufficient by means of employment. Since being elected on January 12, 2021 as President of Elizabeth Branch I am excited to be a part of this movement. ‘Team Work makes Dream Work:’ that’s what we say during our planning meetings. By working together we can better service our community,” said Elizabeth Branch NAACP President Shawn McClain.

Pre-registration is required online through the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.

The Warinanco Sports Center (formerly the Warinanco Ice Skating Rink) is located at One Park Drive, a one-way road that loops around the park. Those arriving by car can enter Park Drive from St. Georges Avenue at the border of Roselle and Linden, or use additional access points in Roselle. For a map visit ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Warinanco.pdf.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks are optional for fully vaccinated Job Fair attendees. Those who are unvaccinated must wear masks and observe social distance.

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.

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 – Have a safe and enjoyable 4^th of July weekend! Please be advised that the free Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University will be closed on Monday, July 5.

The Test Center will be open for regularly scheduled hours on Thursday, July 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Please note that the Test Center operates on a walk-up basis with free parking available on site for those arriving by car. Visitors will use a self-administered swab test supervised by a health professional.

To book an appointment at the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/covid19 online or call 908-214-7107.  Walk-ins without an appointment will be served as time allows, and must arrive ½-hour before the site closes.

To get a free, single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this weekend, come to Union County’s pop-up vaccine clinic at the Independence Day festivities on Saturday evening, July 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Shady Rest Country Club, at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. Any Union County resident can use the pop-up clinic free of charge.

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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New operation is expected to save Union County more than $103 million over five years while ensuring continued care of incarcerated persons.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the completion of an agreement with Essex County, under which incarcerated persons from Union County will be housed at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. The transition of operations was completed at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021. Union County expects to save more than $103 million over five years as a result of the transition.

The Union County Correctional Facility in Elizabeth will continue to operate as an intake hub and temporary detention facility. Shuttle buses are available to transport those wishing to visit persons incarcerated at the Essex County facility.

“The agreement with Essex County will result in a significant savings to Union County, and it reflects trends in criminal justice that support fairness and social stability,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank all those involved for ensuring that the transition progressed smoothly and on schedule.”

“Because the number of persons incarcerated at the Union County jail has decreased dramatically in recent years, the new operation will result in a substantially more efficient use of public funds,” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “We have also worked diligently to minimize disruption to staff as they transition to new employment.”

Due to social trends and public policies that have reduced the number of incarcerated persons in Union County and New Jersey, the number of individuals housed at the Union County jail fell nearly 67 percent over the past ten years, from a population of more than 1,000 down to 345 at the beginning of 2021. In combination with other factors, the result has been a sharp increase in the cost-per-inmate of housing prisoners at the facility.

Prior to the transition, a total of 243 persons were employed at the jail including Corrections Officers and civilian personnel. Approximately 53 Corrections Officers and civilians remain employed at the Union County Jail for its hub operations, which will operate 365 days a year.

The five-year memorandum of agreement the County of Union has approved with Essex County to provide jail services has an option for renewal. In addition, the Union County Department of Corrections will become a division of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The agreement with Essex County is part of the Commissioner Board’s ongoing efforts to respond to significant changes in the criminal justice system, resulting in a more effective use of public funds.

In 2019, Union County also closed its Juvenile Detention Center, saving $24.6 million a year, sending its detainees to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark.

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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 Commissioners is pleased to invite children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the new “Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park” series, every Wednesday evening in the month of July from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Special Needs Night at Wheeler Park series has been organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“The Special Needs Night series provides an opportunity for children and their care givers to connect and have fun,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It provides a safe space for families with special needs, and it supports our goal of providing inclusive, welcoming environments for all County residents.”

The series kicks off on Wednesday, July 7 at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. To register, visit secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

“The Union County Commissioners are excited to bring this wonderful event back and create a series for families with special needs,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and we are proud to support the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in presenting recreational programs that are accessible to all residents.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

The next three events in the Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park series are:

July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

July 21 at 6:30 p.m.

July 28 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4781.

For information on all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs.

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 best way to protect against the COVID-19 virus is to get vaccinated, and Union County’s series of free pop-up vaccination clinics makes it easy and convenient. The next two clinics will be held just before Independence Day, at local fireworks celebrations in Roselle Park on July 1, and in Scotch Plains on July 3.

Any Union County resident can use either of these pop-up clinics.

“The COVID-19 virus is still active, and it can still cause serious illness or death among people who are not vaccinated,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage everyone to take this simple step to protect themselves, and help stamp out this pandemic once and for all.”

Union County health professionals will staff the two pop-up clinic tents and administer doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Only one dose is required; no return visit is needed.

• The Roselle Park clinic will be available on Thursday, July 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 214 West Colfax Avenue.
• The Scotch Plains clinic will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the historic Shady Rest Golf Club, 182 Jerusalem Road.

Any Union County resident age 18 and older can make an appointment to use either of the pop-up clinics by booking online at ucnj.org/vax, or by calling the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829.

Union County also operates three permanent vaccination clinics in at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, at Kean University in Union Township, and at Plainfield High School in Plainfield. Appointments can be booked at all three clinics online at ucnj.org/vax, or by calling 908-613-7829.

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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Update August 3, 2022: For details about the 2022-23 Master Tree Stewards program, including a downloadable application form, click here or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents are invited to join the 4-H Master Tree Stewards of Union County this fall. Members of this all-volunteer group receive expert training in tree identification, ecology, and biology, and they put this knowledge to use by providing interactive lessons about tress and the environment to local children.

No previous experience is required.

“Our Master Tree Stewards play an important role in our conservation efforts and have inspired countless Union County youth to care for our environment,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support this program.”

Each volunteer Master Tree Steward will be trained by experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. In-person training begins September 8th and primarily consists of guided educational walks in nature preserves across New Jersey.

In the spring, Master Tree Stewards visit 4th grade classrooms in Union County to teach students about the importance of tress to the environment. No previous teaching experience is necessary, and the Extension provides a lesson kit and teaching support.

Master Tree Stewards also participate in other community service projects. Earlier this month, a group of volunteers created a new “tree trail” in Rahway River Park. Visitors to the park can use QR codes posted on trees of distinction to find out more about each tree. The Tree Stewards have also created tree trails in nine other County parks.

To join the Master Tree Stewards, or for more information, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The 4-H Master Tree Stewards program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Supported in part by the Board of Commissioners with offices in Westfield, the Union County Extension is part of a nationwide public outreach initiative coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about other Extension programs in Union County, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

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

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.