County of Union, New Jersey

April 14 is the deadline for voters who plan to change parties before the 2021 Gubernatorial Primary Election  

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 14, in order to participate in their new party’s Gubernatorial Primary Election on June 8.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 8, 2021 Primary for Governor, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 14.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transition, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy.  Voters can:

1. Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
2. Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
3. Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
4. Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s nominee for Governor.

The April 14 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 8.

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They receive a ballot for each party, and they return only the ballot for which they declare.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – In an effort to help connect Union County residents with guidance and resources on coping with alcoholism, the Union County Board of Commissioners is joining in a nationwide campaign in April to raise awareness about the facts and dangers of alcohol abuse.

“The Commissioner Board has a longstanding commitment to help the Union County community know the facts about alcohol, keep the lines of communication open, and ensure that our community has access to resources that can prevent or overcome alcohol abuse,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “That work is more important than ever during the COVID-19 crisis, and we are proud to reaffirm our commitment in partnership with countless others who are working to raise awareness.”

Alcoholism is a progressive disorder that results in severe health issues, and alcohol accounts for a significant proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions. In Union County, 35% of persons admitted for treatment list alcohol as their primary drug.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis began, alcohol was listed among the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. The social and economic stress of the pandemic has worsened the problem.

Alcohol sales in the U.S. rose 54% at the beginning of the pandemic, according to a Nielsen survey. A recent study also demonstrates consumption has increased significantly since one year ago, with women accounting for a disproportionate share of the difference.

Alcohol consumption by women rose 17% since last year, compared to an increase of 14% for all genders. The study also tracked a 41% increase in heavy drinking by women.

The Union County awareness campaign is being conducted through the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services.

As part of the campaign, all Union County residents and visitors are encouraged to wear purple on April 16, which has been declared “Wear Purple Day” in support of the Alcohol Awareness Month program of the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism.

By wearing purple, members of the public demonstrate that they support treatment and recovery for alcoholism, or that they know someone who has benefited from treatment.

The Commissioner Board will also support the campaign through social media, and by providing information on resources and guidance on the County website at ucnj.org/obhsa.

In addition, banners honoring Alcoholism Awareness Month will be hung in the lobby of the County Administration Building in Elizabeth, and County staff will distribute Alcohol Awareness ribbons.

A national helpline run by the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism is available to the public at 800-662-HELP (4357) to provide free, confidential referrals and information on a 24/7, 365-day-a-year basis.

For more information about the awareness campaign in Union County, Gene Tavera, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinator, Division of Individual & Family Support Services, Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse, in the Union County Department of Human Services, at gene.tavera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4844.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Remote procedure held in consideration of COVID-19 precautions.

Union County, NJ – Due to ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the  ballot position drawing for the June 8 2021 Primary Election will be live-streamed on Facebook.  The drawing will be held on Friday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. as designated by law. A link will be posted prior to the drawing.

“My office will continue to make use of the technology at hand to ensure that the mandated steps occur according to schedule, while taking every available precaution to protect staff and the public during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Although in-person voting will be available on June 8, Ms. Rajoppi advises voters who are concerned about the COVID-19 virus to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, especially those who are considered at higher risk due to their age or health status.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, including applying for a vote by mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at drive-up event in Scotch Plains, and walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners will hold three emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in April to aid those affected by COVID-19.

• Tuesday, April 13, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Elizabeth – Walk-up only
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains – Drive-up only
• Tuesday, April 27, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield – Walk-up only

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.

The food distributions are being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to our residents in the coming months.”

“During this time, residents continue to mitigate effects of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and 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 partnership in this ongoing effort.”

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.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Elizabeth 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.

All drive-up recipients at Union County Vocational Technical School 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.

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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.

Splintered Sunlight to perform at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains; COVID-19 safety rules apply

UNION COUNTY –The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Splintered Sunlight, a Grateful Dead tribute band, will headline a free, live drive-in concert Saturday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. The concert will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Opening for Splintered Sunlight will be The Sweater Pills.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9, on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited to 240 cars and reservations book quickly.

“For the past 25 years Splintered Sunlight has been sharing their unique take on the music of the Grateful Dead,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a real pleasure to continue offering outdoor entertainment to the community while taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19, and we are looking forward to enjoying the music of Splintered Sunlight and The Sweater Pills”

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

To help promote social distancing, 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).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to join an interactive online discussion of grief and loss as experienced by women, titled Grief and Loss. The program will be held on Zoom on Thursday, April 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grief and Loss is presented by the Board of Commissioners through the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services, and the Office on Women in the Department of Economic Development.

“This program provides women in Union County with a forum to share their insights, and learn about resources for coping with grief and loss during these unprecedented times,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Grief and Loss will be hosted by Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and feature Monica Indart, Psy.D, Consultant, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Associate Clinical/Teaching Professor, Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

The focus will be on defining grief and loss, and providing information about the psychological and emotional impact that loss has on women during this time.

Additionally, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to engage with each other, the presenter and local health and human service providers.

Links to resources and services to help will be provided. Attendees should be prepared to ask questions.

To pre-register and receive the Zoom link, visit https://bit.ly/2PyQasE.

For more information on Grief and Loss contact, Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@ucnj.org.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Mobile Vaccine Operation At Warinanco Park in Roselle Will Run From 1-8 p.m.

The Union County Board of Commissioners today announced the County will hold a mobile clinic to vaccinate educators and school personnel on Tuesday, April 6^th from 1-8 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

Any educator or school personnel wishing to receive a vaccination must pre-register now   at www.ucnjvaccine.org Teachers, all staff and school administration officials who work in Union County are eligible. All must bring employment identification. Please note that walkups will not be accepted. The County will be offering the Johnson and Johnson (Jansen) one-shot vaccination at this mobile clinic.

“With this announcement, we mark the beginning of a significant step toward our overall goal of herd immunity,” said Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. “Educators and school personnel deserve the protection they need to conduct their essential work, and the vaccination will protect them and all those they come in to contact with during the performance of their duties.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the County’s Public Safety Committee added:  “The health and safety of our educators as well as support staff should be one of our top priorities. When Governor Murphy expanded eligibility in allowing teachers to get vaccinated, I knew we had to move quick to get this done. Our educators throughout Union County are among the best the State of New Jersey has to offer, so bringing them back in person to continue to help shape the mind of our students is vital.”  

To date, more than 229,000 vaccinations in all have been administered to Union County residents. More than 149,000 residents have one vaccination does, and 85,707 are fully vaccinated.

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.

Participants must observe rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, April 10, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

“The Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants remain in their vehicles while personnel at the site unload their waste items.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Participants must be Union County residents and must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
• Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
• Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
• Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
• Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.

Car tires are included in these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on April 10, and information about all Union County recycling programs, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste events provide Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

Union County, NJ – In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month this April, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a series of inclusive programs hosted by the Union County Department of Human Services’ Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Union County has been providing virtual programs for all residents to enjoy, and it is especially important for persons with special needs to stay connected,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are happy to expand our inclusive programming for special needs families in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.”

To honor Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Courthouse and Administration Building lobby will be lit up in blue from April 1 through April 30. Banners will also be hung in the County Administration Building’s lobby, and the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs (OPDSN) will be distributing Autism Acceptance ribbons.

In addition, a variety of virtual activities are planned throughout April. These programs are free, but advance registration is required. To register online, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The schedule includes a virtual dance party celebration on April 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for a fun night of social distanced dancing with friends.

There will also be a virtual BubbleMania performance on April 18 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This unique performance combines comedy with intricate and imaginative bubble tricks.

OPDSN will also host a bookmark design contest. The contest will run from April 1 to April 30 and is open to all students in grades 6-12 living in Union County. The winning bookmarks for each age group will be used to promote Autism Acceptance Month in 2022.

Bookmarks should be 2” x 7” and may be created in any 2D art medium. Designs should focus on honoring Autism Acceptance Month. Students who wish to submit bookmarks may do so in person at the drop-off box within the Union County Administration Building lobby at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, or by visiting ucnj.org/autism-awareness-bookmark-design-contest.

OPDSN has hosted virtual activities for Union County residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including yoga, karate, arts and crafts, magic shows, wildlife education, and cooking classes. More information and registration for these programs can be found at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

OPDSN is a unit of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, in the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/opdsn.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents of all ages to take a look at the County’s Falcon Cam, which provides a live stream of the action in and around the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse.

“Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species and Union County is very proud to assist in ensuring the survival of these remarkable birds in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This live feed helps builds an appreciation for preserving our natural heritage, and provides an enriching experience for County residents and observes from all over the world.”

The Falcon Cam has chronicled the activity of multiple pairs of adult peregrine falcons throughout the years. The pairs have been nesting on the roof of the historic tower of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth.

Falcons have been nesting on the courthouse every year since 2005. After the first falcon couple was unsuccessful at building their nest due to weather conditions, Union County staff stepped in to help. With an assist from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife zoologists, the County installed a repurposed igloo-style dog house and cameras inside and outside of the nest.

The cameras provide schools, researchers and birding enthusiasts with new learning opportunities and last year, the nest cam was equipped with audio.

The pair currently at the nest site is named Frida and Mango. Zoologists generally shy away from naming wildlife but in this case, since the pair are not banded and cannot be referred to by their band numbers, officials gave them names that would help observers tell them apart.  The female is named after the South American artist, Frida Kahlo because of the wide marking or “unibrow” between her eyes. The male, Mango, is named for his bright yellow-orange bill and feet.

This nesting season, Frida has laid four eggs and the pair has begun incubating consistently.  The eggs are due to hatch between April 26 and April 29.

To watch them tend to their eggs, and later care for their chicks or eyases, visit the Union County Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon or ucnj.org/falcon-mobile-page.

Union County provides nature and environmental programs throughout the year, and is offering additional online resources for all ages online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County, visit the Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.