County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Board of Commissioners and United Way of Greater Union County collaborate to create pop-up clinics with vaccine for 400 vulnerable residents.

Elizabeth, NJ, March 20, 2021 – The Union County Board of Commissioners has partnered the County’s Department of Human Services with United Way of Greater Union County in a COVID-19 vaccination outreach plan for the homeless. The County and UWGUC will coordinate the administration of vaccines to 400 homeless individuals at eight pop-up clinics in local communities this coming week.

Transportation to the sites will be available if needed, and after-care kits will be distributed to everyone vaccinated.

Vaccines are an important tool to protect people experiencing homelessness from COVID-19, but public health and homeless assistance systems face substantial barriers to reaching this group. Most of the homeless population is not generally well connected to the health care system and face substantial challenges accessing the vaccine.

“The Board of Commissioners is determined to ensure vaccine access for every Union County resident who wants to be protected against this lethal virus,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank UWGUC and all of our partners for helping to ensure that life-saving vaccines can reach the most vulnerable and at-risk members of the Union County family as quickly as possible.”

“With little to no access to the internet or Wi-Fi services, and facing many other daily challenges, it is nearly impossible for the homeless to apply for a vaccine appointment.  This is our opportunity to go to them to make sure they have an opportunity to receive the vaccine,” states James Horne, CEO, United Way of Greater Union County.”

“Now more than ever it is important to commit to all of our residents during this unprecedented public health crisis. Every single resident including those who are homeless or undocumented should have the opportunity to be vaccinated as well,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Advocating for our at-risk community is a priority of mine and of the Commissioner Board, and we will continue to take the initiative and rise up to the challenge of overcoming this pandemic.”

“Thanks to the strong network of partner agencies in Union County, we are able to muster an all-hands-on-deck effort to connect with unsheltered residents in our community,” said Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

The Department of Human Services worked with UWGUC to obtain the grant for the pop-up vaccine clinic program, which will fund professional vaccination staff through the Visiting Nurse Association. The Union County Department of Human Services is coordinating outreach with shelters and other partners, in order to ensure that their clients and other at-risk residents are aware of the vaccination opportunity.

Staff from the Department of Human Services will also assist at the clinics.

In addition to the Commissioner Board, the Department of Human Services, UWGUC and the Visiting Nurse Association, other partners in the program include Angels for Action, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, St. Joseph’s Social Services, Family Promise, The Gateway Family YMCA, Homefirst, Muslim Community Soup Kitchen, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Plainfield Action Services, Salvation Army, YWCA of Eastern Union County, and Cristo Para La Naciones.

About the Union County Board of Commissioners’ COVID-19 Response

The homeless vaccination initiative builds on the Commissioner Board’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which includes conducting pop-up vaccination drives for seniors in their communities. Union County opened the first free County-based test center in New Jersey, at the Kean University campus in Union Township, on March 23, 2020. The Commissioner Board has also overseen the introduction of new tests as available, and the establishment of a new on-campus test lab at Kean, along with the launch of a mobile test unit to reach vulnerable populations and local communities on a walk-in basis. The Union County Vaccine Center opened at the Kean campus on January 7 and has administered tens of thousands of doses to Union County residents since then.

About United Way of Greater Union County

33 W Grand St., Elizabeth NJ 07202 – (908) 353-7171 – www.uwguc.org

United Way of Greater Union County fights for the health, education, financial stability and family strengthening of every person in Union County, NJ.  We provide critical resources to children and families supporting 39 nonprofit organizations and funding 5 programs. For nearly a century, United Way of Greater Union County has proven to be a pre-eminent community-based leader, partner and investment choice in these communities.

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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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all programs will be conducted outdoors in small groups, with masks and social distance.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy nature programs hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a fun season of outdoor spring activities.

“Now that spring has officially arrived, Trailside’s programs provide visitors of all ages the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors while exploring our natural heritage in the scenic Watchung Reservation,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Adults with children ages four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, a new series offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants will look for animal homes and hideouts, learn to identify birds by color and sound, take part in a scavenger hunt and search for all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk. The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents.

Two moonlight walks will be offered this spring for adults with children ages six and older. A Pink Moon Hike will take place on April 27 and a Flower Moon Hike will take place on May 26, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon. Learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.  The fee per person per program is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.

Due to popular demand, additional senior walks have been added. This spring, senior walks take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and continue through May 27. This series is free and open to participants ages 55 and older.  Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic. Participants will discover how to make their home more wildlife friendly, learn to identify common tree species, search for migrating birds at the Deserted Village and find out how to recognize common wild edible plants.

Residents should save the date for Saturday, April 24, when Trailside will offer a variety of outdoor activities in honor of Earth Day.  Participants can take part in guided nature walks and live animal talks. Preregistration is required. There will also be a recycled art wildlife walk along the sensory friendly trail.  Check the trailside website for updates on this event.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children 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.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including the Falcon Cam and other 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, 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 reminds all candidates running in the 2021 primary election that petitions are due before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5. Candidates for County positions must file their petitions with the office of the County Clerk, located at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street, Room 113.

Candidates for municipal positions must file with the borough, township, or city in which they are running.

“It is important to be aware of the petition deadline,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Under the law, my office will not accept petitions after 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5.”

Both traditional paper petitions and electronic petitions are permitted. All paper petitions must be notarized. Electronic petitions do not need notarization.

Electronic petitions and directions are available online at unioncountyvotes.com.

Candidates who need paper petitions must obtain them from the County Clerk’s office if running for a County position. Candidates running for municipal positions must obtain their paper petitions from their borough, township, or city clerk.

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 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites all Union County seniors and their caregivers, friends, and neighbors to join the next session of “Online with Aging,” a free online presentation about programs and services for seniors in Union County. Online with Aging will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, March 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A link to join is posted on the Union County Division on Aging web page at ucnj.org/aging.

Participants are reminded to download Zoom before joining.

“The Board of Commissioners has been reaching out to engage and assist seniors throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and the interactive Zoom format provides another pathway for seniors and their caregivers to connect with professionals for accurate, reliable information and guidance,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage everyone with an interest in senior issues to join the Online with Aging conversation.”

Online with Aging participants who have questions about senior services will be able to speak directly with specialists in the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection during the Zoom event.

The topics of discussion will be focused on our two community-based programs, the Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving program (JACC) and the Statewide Respite Care program. This event allows seniors and their loved ones to speak directly with the coordinators regarding their program, eligibility requirements, services provided and more.

“Online with Aging” launched in 2020 as a means of connecting the senior community with remote learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, topics have included adult day services, home delivered meals, low income energy assistance, and more.

The Division on Aging/ADRC is part of the Union County Department of Human Services, and is federally recognized as the Area Agency on Aging for Union County. The nationwide Area Agency on Aging “on-the-ground” model was established under the 1973 Older Americans Act, with the goal of helping seniors live independently, and with dignity, in their communities.

As an Area Agency on Aging, the Division on Aging is authorized to issue contracts for senior service providers including health aide/homemakers, nurse visits, social work visits, hospice, home delivered meals, kosher home delivered meals, congregate nutrition, caregiver services, legal services, information & assistance, social/medical adult day services, residential maintenance, emergency energy assistance, telephone reassurance, grocery shopping, transportation, grandparents raising grandchildren, and much more.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Division’s Aging Services Kiosk and other in-person outreach events have been canceled until further notice.

For more information visit online at ucnj.org/aging or call contact the Division on Aging at 908-527-4870. Para español, llama 908-527-4863.

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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All Union County Residents Invited to Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines, March 29

Board of Commissioners hosts “Conversation with Communities of Color on COVID-19 Vaccines” event to break myths, misinformation, and other barriers.

Union County, NJ – With misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines continuing to run rampant, the Union County Board of Commissioners will host a virtual, interactive Town Hall on Zoom beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29. The Town Hall is aimed at helping the Union County community confront the rumors head-on and increase the vaccination rate in communities of color.

Pre-registration is required for the Zoom link at bit.ly/vaccinetownhallucnj.

Vaccination rates in the U.S. vary widely by race, with communities of color far below the rate for whites. In a recent county-by-county analysis of New Jersey, the percentage of Black residents receiving the vaccine was at least 41% lower than for whites, and the difference was at least 45% for Hispanic/Latinx recipients compared to whites.*

“We are determined not to let the weight of the past overpower equal access to safe, effective vaccines for every Union County resident,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “By bringing this conversation to the community, we hope to break down the myths and empower everyone to arm themselves with facts in the fight against COVID-19.”

“Spreading lies is especially harmful to diverse communities like Union County, and that is why the Board of Commissioners is taking action,” said Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “It is important to know where these rumors come from and why they impact communities of color, in order to ensure that every Union County resident knows they have the power to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities against a lethal virus.”

“Fear-mongering and misinformation have carved a deadly path all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is clearly a public safety issue that impacts all of us, and the Town Hall is another step in our campaign to push back and shine a light on the facts,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “We encourage all Union County residents to attend this forum, especially those in minority communities where statistics indicate the need for accurate, fact based information about COVID-19 vaccines.”

“The historical wrongs against communities of color on the public health front are real and should be considered as we continue to roll out efforts to achieve full vaccination and guard against the spread of COVID-19.   However, we should not allow any groups to sow seeds of trepidation and anxiety to influence our population to make choices that create a risk of harm to any of our communities.  Our goal is to shine a light on the past as we inform and empower Union County families to make fact-based decisions about health and safety,” said Commissioner Angela R. Garretson.

The Town Hall will begin with opening remarks by Commissioner Garretson, followed by a presentation on the historical background of vaccine skepticism by Vice Chair Williams and a panel discussion featuring Dr. Chris T. Pernell, MD of University Hospital, Dr. Omar M. Bey, MD of RWJ Barnabas Health, and Dr. Gerardo Capo, MD of Trinitas Medical Center.

The public will be invited to ask questions of the panelists as well as other elected officials, community leaders, and religious leaders. The event will conclude with closing remarks by Commissioner Granados, including information on how to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

*Source: NJ Advance Media.

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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 – In honor of National Poetry Month, the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will be hosting Emmy Award nominee Susanna Rich for a virtual performance of Shout! on April 14 at 6:00 p.m. Shout! is a collection of Rich’s original poetry, which recreates the experiences of suffragists through the battle for Suffrage and Equal Rights during key historical moments.

“Suffragists fought long and hard for equal rights, and it is incredibly important that we continue to recognize this fight,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to honor the hard work of suffragists and remember their legacies as we celebrate National Poetry Month with this performance.”

Shout! is written from the points-of-view of core suffragist figures during key moments in the fight for equal rights, ranging from the 1848 Seneca Falls Woman’s Rights Convention and the 1920 Tennessee ratification of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, to 21st century women.

Admission to Shout! is free of charge on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, pre-registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x3PdqD03RKCF0V0gGHuXDg​.

Susanna Rich is a Professor of English at Kean University. Rich specializes in writing historical poetry, with a focus on creating dynamic, four-dimensional experiences for readers and audiences. In 2008, Rich founded Wild Nights Productions, which creates one-woman, audience-interactive poetry experiences. In addition to being nominated for an Emmy Award, Rich has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in Creative Writing and received numerous awards and honors for her poetry.

To learn more about Susanna Rich, visit susannarich.com. For more information about Shout!, visit wildnightsproductions.com/shout-poetry-for-suffrage.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

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 residents who are interested in protecting rivers and streams can join the Stream School program, a citizen-scientist project that trains volunteers to monitor local waterways in Union County and nearby communities. Stream School is hosted by the Rahway River Watershed Association with training provided by the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors, a program of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“Stream School provides an opportunity for Union County residents to make a real difference, by learning about water monitoring and applying their knowledge to local rivers and streams,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Stream School is a workshop series that introduces local volunteers to water quality monitoring and assessment. No prior experience is necessary. Any person over age of 16 may enroll. Minors under age 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The full series consists of three virtual workshops on April 7, 8, and 9, followed by an in-person field workshop on April 11. Union County residents who are interested in participating in Stream School on a non-certified basis are welcome to attend the first two workshops in the series.

To be certified for official data collection, participants must attend all four workshops, undergo a field audit, and pass a test. Certified participants are qualified to join the Rahway River Watershed Association’s Stream Team program, and will be assigned to a local monitoring station.

To register for Stream School, call 908-472-6152 or visit thewatershed.doubleknot.com/stream-school-april-2021. Registrants will be able to choose the certified or non-certified path when registering.

The Union County Board of Commissioners supports the Watershed Ambassador program for New Jersey Water Management Area 7 through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station with offices in the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. For more information on all Extension programs and activities, visit ucnj.org/rce.

To contact the Area 7 Watershed Ambassador email watershedma7@gmail.com or call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 (x 7554).

The Rahway River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Rahway River. RRWA works in cooperation with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and with local communities and organizations, to provide opportunities for education, curriculum support activities, community awareness, and environmental stewardship. To learn more, visit rahwayriver.org.

To learn more about volunteering in Union County parks, and for quick links to other environmental programs and activities in 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.

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