County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The Union County Master Tree Stewards will continue their unbroken record of school visits in 2021, by offering virtual lessons on trees for 4^th grade students throughout the County. The online format will take place this year in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Tree Stewards are community volunteers who are trained and certified by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to educate children and adults on the role of trees in the urban and suburban environment.

The program began operating in Union County in 1991. Since then, approximately 200 certified Tree Steward volunteers in Union County have provided lessons to 50,000 4^th grade students.

“The Tree Steward volunteers have touched the lives of thousands of Union County residents with important information about tree conservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support this program as part of our ongoing efforts to protect and improve the treescape in our community.”

The virtual Tree Steward lesson is a live, interactive program offered free of charge to schools every Wednesday from January to March. To arrange for a session, educators can contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854 (ext. 3).

Union County residents who are interested in becoming volunteer Master Tree Stewards can also email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 (ext. 3).

In addition to classroom visits, the Master Tree Stewards have also been creating tagging trees of significance along popular multi-use paths in Union County parks. The tags are small green signs posted just above eye level, which display QR codes that link to information about each tree. To see a list of paths in Union County parks, visit  ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Along with their role in providing habitat for wildlife, trees help prevent erosion and reduce flooding in cities and towns. They also help reduce airborne pollutants, and they help create a cooling effect in the summer. Studies show that a healthy tree canopy is linked to higher property values, lower crime, and other community benefits.

The Freeholder Board supports tree conservation on County property through a tree replacement policy, including County parks and roads. In 2004 the Freeholder Board also launched the annual Greening Union County grant program, which provides local governments with funds to plant trees on municipal property.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is part of a statewide program run by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension of Rutgers University, connecting citizens with science-based educational opportunities. In Union County, the Freeholder Board supports the Rutgers Cooperative Extension with administrative support and local offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

In addition to the Tree Steward program, the Extension offers a training course to help Union County residents develop environmental projects in their communities. The next training session will be conducted online beginning in January. Field sessions may be added in the spring, conditions permitting. For information visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/county-classes.

The Extension also runs the Union County 4-H clubs for students in grades K-12+. In-person activities are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but students can participate in the 4-H Mars Base Camp challenge and many other hands-on activities through the 4-H at Home program.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs for youth and adults visit ucnj.or\g/rce.

For more online educational activities related to nature, science, and the environment, visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center at ucnj.org/trailside.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection. Please note that in-person activities are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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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Union County residents who are interested in making a difference can join the free Rutgers Environmental Stewards program and learn how to create community programs based on the science behind recycling, water conservation, nature conservation, climate change and other key issues.

“The Environmental Stewards program has already made a difference in Union County, and we encourage anyone with an interest in civic engagement to join up,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “No background in science is needed, just a willingness to learn, and to work on solutions to environmental issues in our community.”

This year, the Environmental Stewards program will be held online in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 crisis. Conditions permitting, field sessions may be added in the spring.

Sessions for the five-month program will be held on Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning on January 26 and running until June 1.

Participants will explore environmental issues in New Jersey and learn how to create and implement an effective environmental protection program in their community, guided by experts in the academic, government and non-profit sectors.

Topics include climate change, solid waste and recycling, soil health, energy conservation, water resource protection, land use policy, wildlife ecology and habitat conservation, among others.

Participants who complete an internship of their choosing can also qualify to achieve certification as an official Rutgers Environmental Steward.

The Environmental Stewards program is a statewide program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension as part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, based at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

For more details and a registration link for the Environmental Stewards program, visit the Extension online at envirostewards.rutgers.edu/county-classes.

In Union County, the Freeholder Board supports the Rutgers Cooperative Extension with administrative support and local offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Other popular Extension programs in Union County supported by the Freeholder Board include the Master Tree Stewards and the Master Gardeners community volunteer programs for adults, and the 4-H youth development program for students in grades K-12+.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs for youth and adults visit ucnj.or\g/rce.

For more online educational activities related to nature, science, and the environment, visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center at ucnj.org/trailside.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection. Please note that in-person activities are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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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Union County, NJ – Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella has been appointed to the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2020-2021 Board of Directors. With Chairman Mirabella’s appointment, Union County becomes the sole representative for New Jersey counties on the board, which includes approximately 125 members and executives.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Union County for 23 years on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and I look forward to bringing the issues, concerns, and achievements of our community to the national conversation on county governance,” said Chairman Mirabella.

Mirabella brings years of experience in business and public service to the Board of Chosen Freeholders. First elected in 1997, he is serving his eighth three-year term. He has served as Vice Chairman five times and was sworn in as Chairman for the fifth time in 2020.

As Chairman in 2020, Mirabella has spearheaded Union County’s response to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, including the creation of New Jersey’s first county-run free COVID-19 drive-through test center at Kean University and the organization of free walk-in test sites in local communities, which together have  provided more than 100,000 residents with COVID-19 tests.

Union County has also distributed more than 1 million meals for families and created eight new grant programs funded through the federal CARES act, providing COVID-19 emergency funding for small businesses, schools, libraries, restaurants, nonprofit organizations, child care, respite assistance for caregivers of special needs children and youth, and tenants in need of rental assistance.

In meeting these new challenges, Union County has also leveraged years of prudent fiscal management to avoid a tax increase and avoid layoffs, while continuing to provide residents with essential and core services under COVID-19 prevention protocols.

Chairman Mirabella has served on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Fire Services Advisory Board, and Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Education. He has been honored by Prevention Links for his work in substance abuse prevention, by the Union County Library Directors for his advocacy on behalf of libraries, by Community Access Unlimited for his efforts on behalf of the disabled, and by the Raritan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross for securing grant money to train disaster volunteers.

He was also instrumental in creating the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, the first office of its kind in New Jersey. During its first year in 2018, the Office organized outreach and advocacy events addressing housing, senior services, education, health, public safety, community engagement and other areas of concern.

Mirabella was first elected to the Roselle Park Borough Council in 1991 and served until 1996. He graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. with a degree in Economics. He and his wife, Phyllis, have a son, Alexander, and a daughter, Micayla.

NACo was founded in 1935 as a national advocacy group for America’s county governments, supporting federal policies that prioritize the needs of counties and their residents, while also promoting innovative programs that optimize tax dollars and improve government efficiency.

For more information about NACo, visit naco.org.

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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 students ages 8-14 can send a mission to Mars by joining the Mars Base Camp Challenge, a project of the national 4-H youth program that explores hands-on STEM activities related to space travel including mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and agriculture.

“The young students of today will see an actual mission to Mars take shape during their lifetimes, and the Mars Base Camp challenge helps them develop essential skills for a successful endeavor – even including agriculture,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support the 4-H youth development program here in our community.”

To find out more about Mars Base Camp, visit 4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge.

An optional materials kit for the Mars Base Camp program is available free of charge to a limited number of Union County students through the Union County 4-H program. To request a kit, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Kits are also available for purchase through the 4-H shop, at shop4-h.org/products/mars-base-camp-stem-challenge. In addition, students can assemble their own kits with materials found from home, or participate without a kit.

4-H club activities are limited this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but students can continue to explore a wide range of 4-H topics online through the popular 4-H At Home program.

For other at-home science and nature programs supported by Union County during the outbreak, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation to view original videos and hands-on activities, featuring Timber the turtle.

4-H is the largest youth development program in the nation, run through the county-based Extension system under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment station.

The Freeholder Board supports the Union County Extension with administrative support and offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Other popular Extension programs supported by the Freeholder Board include the Master Tree Stewards and the Master Gardeners community volunteer programs.

 For more information about all Union County 4-H activities, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

For information about all Union County Extension programs for youth and adults please go to ucnj.or\g/rce.

The Mars Base Camp Challenge was developed by Google and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Other partners in the program include Bayer, Toyota, and the U.S. Air Force.

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.

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

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will hold two food distributions events for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, December 12^th. A drive-up distribution will be held Saturday, December 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Union County Vocational Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Rd in Scotch Plains. Also on December 12^th beginning at 1:30 p.m., a walk-up distribution will take place in front of the Union County Division of Social Services building in the Gerald B. Green Plaza Rotunda Complex at 200 West 2^nd Street in Plainfield.

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 distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union With support from Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Gargiulo Produce, and Breadsmith.

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

“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Gargiulo Produce and Breadsmith for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Scotch Plains.

Residents without a vehicle can walk-up to the Plainfield distribution site at the Union County Social Services Building.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive a holiday emergency box containing turkey, ham or chicken as well as non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up recipient.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. 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.

Walk-up recipients 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.

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 the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.   

To learn more about Breadsmith, visit: https://www.breadsmith.com/cranford/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of “Youth Forward,” a new service that connects Union County residents ages 14-24 with job placements, internships, tutoring, GED services, career and college counseling, and training and certification courses.

“Youth Forward is tailored to the 14-24 age group in recognition of the unique needs, circumstances, and opportunities for young people to find their footing in the economic life of Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Youth Forward is a job readiness, employment, and youth empowerment program that focuses on paid and unpaid work experiences, comprehensive guidance and counseling and tutoring among other elements, with the goal of enabling Union County youth to develop work-ready skills and  compete in today’s employment environment.

This first-of-its-kind program in Union County draws on the resources, networks, and experiences of the County’s existing American Job Center employment services program and the Division of Youth Services, both housed in the Department of Human Services.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Job Center has developed new online resources to assist job seekers and employers while limiting in-person contact. The Youth Forward service follows the creation of the new Union County Works online portal last summer.

Youth Forward is funded by a grant under the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, administered by the Union County Workforce Development Board through the  American Job Center.

Union County residents ages 14-24 can connect with Youth Forward by calling 908-558-2520 or by emailing info.youthforward@ucnj.org, or by filling out the online contact form at ucnj.org/human-services.

For more information, visit online at ucnj.org/youth-forward.

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.

Holiday Schedule for Kean COVID-19 Drive-In Testing Site Also Announced

 

UNION COUNTY – The Freeholder Board informs all residents of upcoming dates and schedule changes for Union County’s COVID-19 testing program. The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled additional visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 saliva tests for residents during the month of December. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

Also, the Kean University COVID-19 Drive-In Testing site will operate Monday through Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the weeks of December 21^st and December 28^th during the Holidays.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for December (note: the Mobile Test Unit will administer the saliva test at all of these locations):

• Mountainside – December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Mountainside Fire Station, 210 New Providence Road
• Plainfield – December 10, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Milt Campbell Field, East 3^rd Street
• Hillside – December 12, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Conant Park, 320 Conant Street
• Rahway – December 15, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Friendship Baptist Church. 809  East Hazelwood Avenue
• Fanwood – December 15, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fanwood Train Station, 256 South Avenue
• Berkeley Heights – December 17, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Church of the Little Flower, 110 Roosevelt Avenue

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit is available on request to visit local communities to provide tests for the general public. The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.