County of Union, New Jersey

Early in-person voting will be conducted by voting machine at seven polling sites in Union County.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that early in-person voting in New Jersey will begin in October for the 2021 General Election. “There are three options for voting this year, so eligible voters can plan ahead and choose an option that makes it easy and convenient for them to participate, especially since this is a gubernatorial election year,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It’s also important to have an alternate option ready, in case of unforeseen emergency.”

Under New Jersey state elections law, the three options available to voters for the 2021 General Election are:

1. Vote-by-Mail. Please note that mail-in ballots will be available to voters at the end of September.
2. Early voting in person, from October 23 to October 31. As a reminder, state law provides for Union County to have voting machines available at seven polling locations during this time.
3. Voting in person on Election Day, November 2. In-person voters will use their designated polling place on Election Day.

Permanent Vote by Mail voters will receive an opt-out letter in the coming days, which provides an opportunity for users to remove themselves from the list for mail-in ballots if they no longer wish to receive their ballot automatically. The postage-paid self-mailer should be returned as quickly as possible.

Voters who are not on the permanent Vote by Mail list will need to request a mail-in ballot for the 2021 General Election. Please visit the County Clerk’s election website, unioncountyvotes.com, for information on applying for a mail-in ballot.

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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Enjoy a free, outdoor concert – registration is not required

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The concert will take place on Saturday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m.

Attendees will have the pleasure of enjoying two opening acts, Ray Andersen and the First Verse and The Rusty Monks.

“Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes has been a fan-favorite act in Union County for many years,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As one of New Jersey’s most iconic rock acts, we are looking forward to a fantastic show.”

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes are among the creators of the legendary Jersey Shore Sound. The talented band  has recorded more than 30 albums and toured all over the world during the past five decades while playing a classic blend of searing rock, soul, and blues accompanied by a solid guitar sound and a blistering horn section.

Ray Andersen and The First Verse will open the stage with their rock sounds and the Rusty Monks will be opening with their groove oriented mixture of funk, rock, Latin and jazz started by Housecatnick in the early 2000’s.

Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs.

Food trucks and restrooms will be on site.

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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Recycling saves resources and helps cut down landfill waste in landfills and incinerators.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that nine municipalities have locations available for their residents to recycle clean “block” type, #6 Styrofoam. These drop-off locations are free of charge and are for use by the residents of each municipality only, not for businesses.

Residents are also advised that dropping off Styrofoam at a commercial recycling establishment is prohibited. Commercial recycling businesses do not accept material from the general public.

“We encourage residents of these nine municipalities to participate in their local Styrofoam recycling program,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Recycling ‘block’ Styrofoam enhances our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives we are actively promoting here in Union County.”

Union County supports municipal Styrofoam recycling programs by providing signs, educational materials, and recycling bins.

Typical examples of acceptable foam include furniture and appliance packaging stamped with the #6 symbol. Other types of foam items, such as packing “peanuts,” egg cartons, or food containers, are NOT accepted. Wet or dirty foam will be rejected. Foam items without the #6 stamp must be disposed with regular household garbage.

The drop-off locations are for residential use only, as a municipal service. Residents should never drop off unsolicited foam or other household waste at a commercial location.

Nine municipalities in Union County provide public locations for their residents to recycle Styrofoam. These sites are not available to out-of-town residents:

Berkeley Heights
Department of Public Works, 101 Berkeley Avenue, first Saturday of each month from 9:00 A.M. to Noon.

Cranford                                                                                         
Cranford Conservation Center, 210 Birchwood Avenue, Wednesdays from 9:30 A.M. to 3:20 P.M., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 A.M. to 3:50 P.M.

New Providence
Department of Public Works, 29 Park Place, first and third Saturday of each month from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Plainfield
PMUA Transfer Station, 95 Rock Avenue, Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 1:45 P.M.

Scotch Plains
Department of Public Works, 2445 Plainfield Avenue, on Thursdays between 7:00 A.M and 2:00 P.M..

Springfield
Municipal pool parking lot, 40-44 Morrison Road, first Saturday of every month between 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.

Summit
Summit Transfer station, 40 New Providence Avenue, Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 3:45 P.M., and Saturdays from 7:30 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.

Union
Department of Public Works, 1 Swanstrom Place, Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Westfield
Westfield Conservation Center, 1300 Lamberts Mill Road. Visit westfieldnj.gov for days and hours of operation.

Please contact your municipal recycling coordinator to confirm dates and times. As a reminder, these locations are only available to residents of their host municipality. To get more information about your local recycling program, contact your municipal recycling coordinator or download the free Recycle Coach app.

For information on free paper shredding, household hazardous waste disposal, scrap metal recycling and other programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available 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.

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Free COVID-19 shots to be provided in local neighborhoods

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the months of July and August in addition to permanent sites in Elizabeth, Union Township, and Plainfield.

“We have come a long way, but we are still in a race against dangerous new COVID-19 variants that can impact people who are unvaccinated,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage all residents to inform family and friends to take advantage of these new opportunities to get vaccinated.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

In partnership with United Way, the County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18.

Unless otherwise noted, the July and August pop-up clinics are currently offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose. Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• July 9 in Roselle: Roselle Municipal Building – 210 Chestnut Street, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – (Moderna)
• July 11 in Linden: 1st Church of God Pentecostal – 914 East Saint George Avenue, 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)
• July 14 in Plainfield: Cedar Brook Park, Park Drive, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)
• July 25 in Roselle Park: Casano Community Center – 314 Chestnut Street, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)
• August 5 in Elizabeth: Ministerio Presencia del Rey, 1148 East Jersey Street – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)

Appointments can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax, or by contacting the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

In addition, COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available by appointment at Union County’s three permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson). For appointments, create an account at at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

Union County has also been conducting person-to-person outreach through the Union County Vaccine Call Center, and is working with United Way and other community stakeholders to collaborate with civic and religious groups that can assist the effort to reach unvaccinated people in underserved communities.

In July, the outreach effort will expand to include door-to-door visits, with the aim of alerting local residents to upcoming pop-up clinics in their neighborhood, encouraging them to register for an appointment, and connecting them with a health care professional if needed.

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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Updated planning document makes Union County eligible for certain types of state and federal funding.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites members of the public to review and comment on Union County’s Federal Emergency Management Agency Approved Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan. The plan is being updated by the County’s Division of Emergency Services. A draft of the updated plan will be available for public view on the project website, unionhmp.com, until Friday, August 6, 2021

“The Hazards Mitigation Plan helps ensure that state and federal assistance is allocated on a coordinated, strategic basis, to address issues of concern for Union County and the region,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our Emergency Services staff worked hard all year to keep the update on track when COVID-19 restrictions were in force, and we encourage members of the public to add their insights and help complete the process.”

A five-year update to the Hazards Mitigation Plan is required by state and federal agencies in order for communities in Union County to be eligible for certain types of state and federal mitigation and disaster assistance funding. The previous plan was developed in 2016.

Hazard mitigation refers to actions that can help reduce or eliminate long-term risks caused by hazards or disaster, such as flooding.

Updating the Hazards Mitigation Plan involves identifying local risks and vulnerabilities associated with disasters, and developing long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events.

Engaging as many voices from the community as possible is important to the success of the Hazardous Mitigation Plan update. Members of the public can use the “Plans and Documents” link at the project website, unionhmp.com, to view the draft until August 6. To submit a comment, use the online form at the “Contact the Team” link.

The project website also provides links to background information and resources on hazard mitigation. Please note that the 2016 plan is a continuation of the 2015 process.

The Division of Emergency Services is an office of the Union County Department of Public Safety. For more information about all Emergency Services programs and activities visit ucnj.org/public-safety.

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 informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in July to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

• 10:00 a.m. – Our Lady of Fatima Church in Elizabeth
• Walk-up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Saturday, July 17, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-Thru
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

• 12:00 p.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up

Saturday, July 31, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-Thru

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.

“Food distributions continue to be a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource to our residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“During this time as residents continue to deal with unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” 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.”

It is recommended that residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield wear masks or maintain social distance. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

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 and other protocols.

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.

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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Petitions must be returned before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26.

Union County, NJ – Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 26, before 4:00 p.m. in the Main Office of the County Clerk, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113.

“Service on a school board provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to the community,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a former board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty.  Interested applicants should make note of the deadline.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.

The 2018 law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words.  Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.

For more details about school board petitions, including a downloadable petition, visit the County Clerk’s elections website online at unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petition. A petition can also be obtained in person at the Main Office in Elizabeth.

Main Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

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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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.