County of Union, New Jersey

Everyone can help prevent mosquito-borne diseases in Union County.

Union County, NJ – Now that the summertime outdoor activity season has begun in earnest, the Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents, businesses and visitors alike to help reduce the mosquito population in their neighborhoods and in Union County. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses.

West Nile virus is the most common example of a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease that can occur in New Jersey.

“The best protection is prevention,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “In addition to using insect repellent, everyone can help keep mosquitoes at bay by eliminating any places where they can breed.”

Mosquitos can breed practically anywhere water can collect. That includes clogged rain gutters, corrugated down spout extensions, outdoor equipment, children’s toys and playsets, and garden items including flower pots, buckets, recycling containers, grills, wheelbarrows and tarpaulins.

Old tires are a major concern as they tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but one old tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes during the summer.

Even an item as small as an upturned bottle cap or a crumpled plastic bag can become a prolific mosquito breeding ground.

The recent wet weather has provided mosquitos with many new breeding sites. Property owners and tenants are advised to take advantage of dry spells to make a quick sweep of their yards and shake out any items that have collected stagnant water.

Unused pools, fountains and ornamental ponds should be drained and covered. Water in birdbaths should be refreshed daily.

Additional guidance is available through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at nj.gov/dep/mosquito.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use EPA-registered insect repellants and to follow all instructions on the label carefully.

Another effective precaution is to wear long, light-colored clothing when outdoors. Exposure can also be reduced by avoiding time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

The Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control has been in continual operation since April 1, 1912 and works closely with officials from New Jersey DEP. The Bureau regularly inspects and tests for mosquitoes throughout the County and conducts larviciding and adulticiding operations on an as-needed basis.

Mosquito infestations can be reported by calling the Union County Mosquito Hotline at 908-654-9835. County inspectors will examine the property and provide guidance on eliminating breeding sites. If necessary, inspectors will also survey the surrounding area.

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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Donated food, free COVID-19 testing, free COVID-19 vaccination, and other resources for those in need are included.

Union County – The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee, is commemorating World Refuge Day with a free resource and food distribution event for refugees, immigrants and others in need.

The event will take place behind the Union County Social Services Building located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26.

All services are provided on a walk-up basis. No pre-registration or appointment is needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or test.

The food donations consist of both nonperishable shelf items and fresh produce, provided by The Village Supermarket and Garguilo Produce, on a first come, first served basis. Attendees who wish to pick up food are advised to bring a cart or wagon.

Attendees will also receive resources for utility assistance, nutrition programs and much more.

“This year’s theme for World Refugee Day is ‘together we heal, learn and shine.’ It is a reminder that we are all connected in the Union County community, and we all have the power to lend our strength to those in need,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Created by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is celebrated internationally each year on June 20. Worldwide, people commemorate this day by donating, raising awareness and learning more about refugees and their struggles.

“With this event, we hope to raise awareness of the ways in which our residents can reach out to assist refugees and help them find their footing after a long and often traumatizing journey. The County Commissioners are strongly committed to ensuring that people who are fleeing violence and strife in their native countries can find a welcoming and inclusive home in Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Board.

“On World Refugee Day this year, IRC’s partnership with the County of Union represents the power of community welcoming,” said IRC Deputy Director Alison Milan. “For refugees who have fled their homes and have left so much behind, building a new life becomes a little bit easier when they can connect to local resources; encounter a friendly face; or can share their talents. Today we celebrate the resilience of refugees and their vast contributions right here in New Jersey.”

For more information about the event please contact Nathalie Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Division of Outreach & Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services, at 908-527-4880 or nahernandez@ucnj.org.

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 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 can explore job opportunities with more than two dozen retail outlets and service providers at The Mills at Jersey Gardens all in one afternoon, at the upcoming 2021 Job Fair on Wednesday, June 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Qualified attendees are eligible to be hired immediately.

The 2021 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.

“The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall has been a strong partner in our continuing efforts to ensure that job seekers in Union County can connect with high quality employers,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “A new job can be a life-changing experience, and we encourage everyone who needs a job to attend the 2021 Job Fair.”

“Many individuals and families have been severely impacted by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, and many retail establishments 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.

Stores participating in the 2021 Job Fair include Movado, Sephora, Starbucks, Perry Ellis, Crocs, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, and many more.

Additional participants include D2 Logistics, HydroChemPSC, and Guest Services at The Mills at Jersey Gardens among others.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens is located in Elizabeth at 651 Kapkowski Road. The 2021 Job Fair will take place indoors at the site of the former Modell’s store.

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

Transportation to The Mills is available. For transportation information and other registration questions, call the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at 1-888-845-3434.

Home to more than 230 stores and restaurants, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is one of the 10 largest shopping malls in New Jersey. It is a destination for shoppers from all over Union County, New Jersey, and beyond.

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.

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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’s free drive-in concert series continues; advance registration begins June 28.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that The WildFlowers will be the next performer in the County’s free drive-in concert series. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 10 at 6:00 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

Known as the #1 tribute band to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, a group of Tom Petty fans and heavily skilled musicians came together to form “The WildFlowers.”

“We are excited to welcome this talented tribute band who pays attention to detail and recreates the music and performances of Tom Petty with passion and precision,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, and attendees may also bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited and port-o-johns will be available.

This drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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: the August 24 screening of Aladdin has been moved to August 26 in Conant Park, in Hillside.

Free outdoor movies will be presented in Union County parks this summer on a walk-in, sit-down basis; no pre-registration required.

Please note: the original version of this press release had July 13 as the date for the screening. That event has been postponed to Wednesday, July 14,  in anticipation of inclement weather.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to inform all residents of the reopening of Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” outdoor movie series. On July 14, Raya and the Last Dragon will kick off the series at 7:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“We are all very excited to bring back Union County’s Family Fun and Flix series this summer,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It has been a favorite family activity for many years.”

Each movie will begin at dusk, with everyone encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim a spot on the lawn.

The fun begins with a family-friendly dance party before each movie. An ice cream truck will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase a snack.

Movies will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date for each event will be the following Wednesday night.

The 2021 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule is:

Raya and the Last Dragon:  July 14 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Scoob: July 20 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

The Croods: A New Age: July 27 at Rahway Park Stadium in Rahway

Tom and Jerry: August 10 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Black Panther :   August 17 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Aladdin – live action: Updated: the August 24 screening of Aladdin has been moved to August 26 in Conant Park, in Hillside.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org.

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 – Union County residents of all ages can become community scientists by identifying and photographing butterflies, birds, and other wildlife for the “Rain Gardens of Union County” project. The project is being run through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

“The Rain Gardens of Union County project is a unique opportunity for residents of all ages to help demonstrate how rain gardens can help attract and preserve pollinators and other wildlife in the urban and suburban environment. We hope the experience inspires the installation of additional rain gardens in our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Rain gardens are attractive, low maintenance garden areas that are specially designed to help reduce flooding and pollution in local waterways. They capture and filter rainwater and snowmelt that would otherwise flow into the street from driveways, rooftops and other hard surfaces.

When planted with native species, rain gardens also attract bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

Approximately 30 rain gardens have been installed throughout Union County. Many are located on the grounds of public buildings and other locations accessible to the public, including several in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, by the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Residents who are interested in joining the rain garden documentation project can find complete instructions online at the “Rain Gardens of Union County” page on the Rutgers NJAES website, at njaes.rutgers.edu/rain-garden-biodiversity. The page includes a Google map showing the location of local rain gardens.

Starting on July 1, a patch will be available to Girl Scouts who participate in this project from the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. For more information about the GSHNJ Guardian of the Rain Garden project, visit gshnj.org or contact GSHNJ at info@gshnj.org or 908-518-4400.

For additional information, contact Michele Bakacs, Rutgers NJAES Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent, at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Commissioner Board, with offices at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more information on all Extension programs available to Union County residents, including the popular Master Gardener, Master Tree Steward, Environmental Steward, and 4-H youth development programs, visit online at ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and volunteer activities, including the Trailside Nature and Science Center, 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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel this summer, and fall, and early winter. Some countries will not allow entry for travelers with passports that are within several months of expiring.

“Depending on the country, travelers may be barred if their passport is due to expire within three to six months of their travel date,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, travelers with expiring passports need to account for the time needed for the U.S. Department of State to process passport renewal applications.”

The State Department currently estimates that it will take 18 weeks to renew an existing passport. For residents who agree to pay an expedited fee, the wait time is 12 weeks.

“Although my office can provide assistance with the initial filing of an application, unfortunately we have no control over the processing timeline because that is a State Department function,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This is the longest delay I have seen in years, and it appears related to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.”

For the latest updates on wait times, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit the State Department online at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

To make an appointment at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, call 908-527-4966.

To make an appointment at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, call 908-654-9859.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.

For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

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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