County of Union, New Jersey

County plans to go door-to-door to reach unvaccinated residents throughout County, will set up mobile popup clinics and partner with community groups

UNION COUNTY, NJ—-In an effort to ensure that as many county residents are vaccinated as possible, the Union County Board of Commissioners today announced a door to door campaign aimed at reaching the unvaccinated that will begin at the end of May throughout the County.

The announcement is part of a comprehensive outreach plan that involves a transition to a new pre-registration system that is now online at www.ucnj.org/vax, mobile vaccination clinics, partnerships with hospitals, churches and community-based organizations, and efforts to vaccinate both the young and elderly population segments and under vaccinated urban communities.  Vaccination appointments are currently available to anyone wishing to get one.

“We are targeting under-vaccinated communities in an effort to reach herd immunity,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “While many people who wanted a vaccine have already received one, there are still many in certain population segments and urban communities that we will reach out to vaccinate.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response, added: “Our plan is to target residents in their own neighborhoods.  We will eventually begin a door to door effort to ask, educate and register residents at home, with a ‘pop up’ or mobile clinic the following day or two in their neighborhood. We are taking a community-wide approach and building partnerships that will boost our vaccination numbers.”

The outreach plan is as follows:

• The County is partnering with area hospitals, churches, schools, community organizations and youth groups to build lists and target anyone who doesn’t have a vaccination;
• The County’s Vaccination Call Center is calling Union County residents in under vaccinated areas to see if they’ve received a vaccination;
• A new registration system is now in place for the Dunn Center and Plainfield vaccination clinics, as well as mobile walk-up clinics, at www.ucnj.org/vax. Eventually all vaccinations will be transitioned online to the same system.
• The County also began its vaccination program for homebound residents several weeks ago and has been vaccinating the homeless for the past several months;
• The County is working with Union County College and Kean University to vaccinate staff and students at the County’s vaccination center at Downs Hall, Kean University in Union;
• At the end of May, the County is seeking to launch a door to door campaign and within a few days, launch a mobile vaccination clinic in the area to serve residents. Some of the areas that are being targeted include: Elizabeth, Plainfield, Roselle, Linden and Hillside.

A little more than 45 percent of all Union County residents have received at least one vaccination, while about 34 percent have been fully vaccinated. Some suburban communities have vaccination rates nearing 80 percent, while a number of urban areas throughout are under 50 percent.

For 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 – Debra Varnerin of Berkeley Heights takes the oath of office to serve as a Commissioner on the Union County Board of Elections.  Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi administers the oath.  (May 11, 2021)

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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COVID-19 safety rules apply at this event.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s seasonal series of drive-up movies continues on Friday, May 28 with a screening of The Black Panther at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. This event is free and open to Union County residents only. Pre-registration is required in order to reserve a spot.

To register online visit ucnj.org/reserve beginning on Friday, May 21 at 9:00 a.m. Please be advised that space is limited and spots book up quickly.

“Our series of drive-up movies provides the Union County community with a chance to enjoy the big screen experience while continuing to observe safety protocols during the pandemic,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Black Panther opened in 2018 to enthusiastic reviews. It tells the story of T’Challa, heir to the reclusive but technologically advanced kingdom of Wakanda, who must confront a challenger from the past and lead his country into a new future.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drinks available for purchase.

To observe social distancing during drive-up movies, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

For information on all recreation activities and programs supported by the Commissioner Board, visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at ucnj.org/parks.

For 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 County of Union invites all Union County gardeners to a “Native Plant Swap and Shop” event where they can trade an invasive plant from their yard for a colorful native plant. This free event will take place at the Union County Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside on Thursday evening, June 10 from 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Pre-registration is required by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/plant-swap.

Pink, lavender, white, red, blue, and yellow flowering native plants are available for swap including swamp milkweed, beebalm, creeping phlox, wild senna, and hummingbird-friendly calico beardtongue and cardinal flower.

“The Native Plant Swap and Shop event makes it fun and easy for gardeners to replace invasive species with native plants that support biodiversity in our community and help create a more healthful environment,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Attendees can come at any time during the event and stay for as long as they like. They may bring any number of invasive plants from their yards to the event, and will receive up to three native plants per household in their place.

Attendees who plan to bring invasive plants to swap should dig up the entire plant, including the roots, and bring it to the event in a box or bag that is tied up or taped.

Toadshade Wildflower Farm will be on site with additional native plants to purchase. Preorders from Toadshade are encouraged through toadshade.com. Attendees are welcome to purchase additional plants even if they do not bring plants to swap.

The Scout Camping Area is located on the grounds of the Demonstration Gardens at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site. Signs for the event will direct attendees upon their arrival.

The Native Plant Swap and Shop event is hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the NJDEP Watershed Ambassador Program. For additional information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683 or email wma13.njwap@gmail.com.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, such as the Adopt-a-Trail and Adopt-a-Park programs and the popular Peregrine Falcon Camera, are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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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Trailside summer camp returns with all-outdoor schedule; COVID safety rules apply.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce a new and exciting season of summer programs for children and families at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

Registration begins Saturday, May 15 at 9:00 a.m. for Union County residents, and Monday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m. for non-county residents. To register, visit Union County’s secure registration site at ucnj.org/reserve. Please be advised the programs book up quickly.

“Trailside’s summer programs offer visitors of all ages a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors and have fun while learning about our natural heritage,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

This summer, Trailside will offer a series of all outdoor, half day programs in July and August. Programs are designed to foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world through hikes and engaging activities.  Complete descriptions for all programs can be found on Trailside’s website, ucnj.org/trailside.

Half-day programs will be offered for children ages 6 to 12.  Parents can enroll their children in a morning session from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or an afternoon session from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Children ages 6 and 7 can investigate field, forest and wetland habitats to discover the diversity of plants and wildlife found in the Watchung Reservation in Have to Have a Habitat,  or they can use their imagination in Around the World to learn about animals that live in North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.  Reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects and birds are the focus of the Feather, Fur and Scales program, while Trail Tales teaches kids how to read a map, enjoy hiking and learn about the interconnectedness of all living things.

Participants ages 8 and 9 are invited to investigate the diversity of life in and around the Watchung Reservation’s wetland areas in Junior Naturalist. Campers will learn to catch, identify and release crayfish, tadpoles, frogs and aquatic insects.  Trailside Treks will focus on the joy of hiking in the great outdoors; learn to read a map, visit the Deserted Village, hike around Lake Surprise and more. The Call of the Wild program celebrates the diversity of wildlife seen in the Reservation from flying squirrels and butterflies to coyote and black bear.

Children ages 10 to 12 can discover how to make an emergency shelter, build a safe campfire and find out how to survive in the wild in Backwoods Lore, or they can discover how to identify birds by sight and sound, learn to recognize tracks of common mammals, catch salamanders in the stream and discover the wonderful world of insects in the All About Animals program.  The Nature Treks class will investigate a new trail system each day, visiting the more seldom seen sites of the Watchung Reservation.

Trailside will also offer evening programs for families with children ages 6 and older to explore the Watchung Reservation at night. Families can take a stroll as the sun sets and find out which animals become active at dusk.  Families can also enjoy learning about fireflies and nocturnal animals as well as take part in a moonlight walk.

In order to follow COVID-19 guidelines, all programs will be limited in size. Masks are required and must be worn by all participants, and social distancing guidelines must be observed.

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

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice. More information about all Union County parks is available at https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including online resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and 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 reminds residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents May to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

• Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains
• Drive-up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

• Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up only
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

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

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to continue 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 and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership.”

Residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Elizabeth, Roselle and Plainfield must wear masks at all times and 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 Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Scotch Plains.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. 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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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that  sample ballots for the June 8 Primary Election can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through the Union County Votes app, a free download for all mobile devices.

This year voters have the option of voting in person at their polling place or using a Vote-by-Mail ballot. In-person voting was temporarily restricted last year due to the pandemic.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter after the close of voter registration, approximately 10 days before the election.

“The June 8 Primary Election is especially important because this is a gubernatorial election year, and online access provides voters with a convenient way to familiarize themselves with their ballot before voting,” said Rajoppi.

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

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the 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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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, May 18 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2021 Primary Election. Voters who are registered in the Democratic and Republican parties will be able to vote in the Primary Election to choose their party’s nominee to run for Governor in the General Election, in addition to voting on local candidates.

Primary Day will be on Tuesday, June 8.  Election Day will be primarily in-person, with vote by mail ballots available to voters who choose that option.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

To download a voter registration form visit the New Jersey state elections website at nj.gov/state/elections/voter-registration. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To receive a voter registration form by U.S. Post, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

The Union County Board of Elections is open to assist residents who wish to register.  The address is 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth and office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Board will host extended hours on May 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit 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 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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.