County of Union, New Jersey

Mobile Test Unit Continues to Provide Testing to Residents

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled more upcoming visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 tests for residents this fall. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“We encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service. The test provides vital information that protects our community and saves lives,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Testing has been a cornerstone of our ability to prevent the virus from spreading,” added 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 resident can use any of the walk-up sites, regardless of their place of residence. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for October and November (note: the Mobile Test Unit will use the new saliva test at these locations):

• Roselle, October 24, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Roselle Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut Street
• Summit, October 28, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Jefferson School, 100 Ashwood Ave
• Westfield, November 5, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tamaques Park
• Plainfield, November 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Faith Christian Outreach Center, 533 West Fifth Street

For more details and to view the most recent 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.

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Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran at the Union County Mobile Test Unit site at the Roselle Park First Aid Squad. The Freeholder Board has announced a series of dates for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of October. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at these events. Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Phase 1 of the program will be available at thirteen county senior centers for registered Congregate Nutrition Program participants

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Office on Aging and Disability Services is providing nutritious, box-lunch meals to Congregate Nutrition Program participants through the “Grab and Go Lunch Program” as an alternative to congregate dining. This program will be available at 13 sites throughout the county every Tuesday and Thursday beginning on October 27th.

The “Grab and Go” program allows for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population.

“Union County is working daily to adapt our services so that our residents can continue to have access to resources they depend on,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to offer this alternative dining option to our senior population so that they can remain safe and have access to healthy meals.”

The Grab and Go Lunch Program provides registered Congregate Nutrition Program participants with an option to order a complete boxed lunch. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult over 60 years of age.  The program is being offered for those seniors who are not currently receiving home delivered meals from Meals-On-Wheels. 

Meals will be available at the 13 senior centers on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Seniors must be aged 60 or older, and a resident of Union County.  A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for the meal.  Reservations are required.

Residents may reserve a meal by calling the Union County Division on Aging at (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877. Reservations for Tuesday meal pick-ups must be made by 10 a.m. on the Friday prior and by 10 a.m. on the Tuesday prior for Thursday meal pick-ups.  Reservations are only taken on weekdays.

Upon arrival on the day of pickup, Grab and Go participants should follow directions to pick up their meals at the designated location.  Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing maintained.

The 13 “Grab and Go Lunch Program” locations are:

• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Peterstown Community Center—418-34 Palmer St., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Rahway Senior Center— 1306 Esterbrook Ave., Rahway
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Stephen Sampson Center—800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

For more information about the “Grab and Go Lunch Program” and other programs from the Union County Division on Aging, please call (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877.

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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Free Flu Shots to Union County Residents by Appointment

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board announced updated dates and locations for upcoming flu shot drives throughout Union County in October and November. The County is offering a series of free flu shot drives in local communities to help ensure that everyone has access to a free seasonal flu vaccine at a convenient location, especially residents who have no health insurance.

The free flu shot drive is open to Union County residents age four and up. Appointments are required and residents can schedule their appointment by visiting ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-518-4307. Masks are required for residents who attend to receive a flu shot. Temperatures will be taken when arriving.

“Public health experts are concerned that our medical resources will be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you have never gotten a seasonal flu shot before, now is the time to do it. Let’s all do our part to help our Union County family stay safe during the flu season.”

Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a flu drive site. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of illness should check with their doctor. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive the flu shot.

The following dates have been scheduled for the Union County flu shot drive. Each event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participation is on a walk-up basis, first come first served:

• October 22 – Roselle (Abraham Clark High School, 122 East 6th Street)
• October 29 – Westfield (location to be determined)
• November 5 – Summit (Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue)
• November 12 – Linden (St. Theresa Church, 131 E Edgar Road)
• November 19 – Rahway (Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue)

For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

Please note that the Union County flu shot drive is for seasonal flu vaccines only. There is no vaccine available for the COVID-19 virus at this time.

The Union County Flu Shot Drive is administered by the Union County Office of Health Management in the Department of Public Safety, the Visiting Nurse Association, and volunteers from the Union County Medical Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps accepts volunteers with a variety of skills both in and out of the medical profession.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the free Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19. 

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.

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Union County, NJ – Senior Citizens can now learn if they qualify for property tax relief and all other relief programs currently offered by the state through an informative YouTube video.

The video can be viewed on the New Jersey Senior Citizens Council website njseniorcouncil.com.

“The new video is an informative tool for seniors and their families to explore the different relief programs available to them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank the NJ Senior Council for making this new resource available throughout our community.”

The YouTube video will highlight five kinds of property tax relief options available to seniors, senior freeze, homestead benefit, senior citizens annual property tax deduction, veterans’ property tax relief, and NJ state income tax relief: property tax deduction/credit.

“One of the programs, the Senior Freeze, returns a check for property taxes already paid.  The deadline for filing the 2019 Senior Freeze application is November 2, 2020,” said Ellen Steinberg, Director of the Senior Citizens Council.

For more information contact the Senior Citizens Council at 908-964-7555 or visit online at njseniorcouncil.com. The Senior Citizens Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 to assist older adults. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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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The Union County Freeholder Board is seeking public input on its Truck Mobility Study being conducted through the County Economic Department’s Division of Strategic Planning and Bureau of Transportation Planning.

The Truck Mobility Study analyzes the flow of truck traffic on the 174-mile County roadway network. In consideration are the needs of businesses located on County roads and residents who drive cars, walk or bicycle along the same network.

“Our Union County Truck Mobility Study has been underway for several months and we’ve reached a point where feedback from our residents is necessary,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage all residents to participate and do their part to help to make County roads safer.”

To obtain insights from residents and businesses, a “Wikimap” of Union County and County roadways has been created. All municipalities are marked and residents are asked to click within the map to comment on specific locations where they have concerns about trucks and congestion. Safety concerns as well as specific bicycle and pedestrian concerns will also be addressed.

Residents can access the “Wikimap” site at https://bit.ly/UCTruck to add their input.

Wikimap is an interactive, crowd-sourced online tool as well as an efficient means to get comments and feedback. The “Wikimap” is bilingual and can be access from any internet-enabled device.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gathering, this online tool is critical to the success of the Union County Truck Mobility Study. Residents are provided an opportunity to offer their feedback safely and at times convenient to them.

Reponses will be tallied at the conclusion of public outreach.

Businesses are attracted to Union County for its geographic advantage and skilled workforce. During the Truck Mobility Study, the Bureau of Transportation Planning has worked with local governments and businesses to learn more about the freight activity in the area.

The goals of the Union County Truck Mobility Study are to identify freight-focused improvements and upgrade safety and security for users and all modes of travel. The concerns of those who drive, bike, or walk and regularly share the roadway with trucks will also be addressed.

For questions or more information regarding the Union County Truck Mobility Study contact Liza Betz, Bureau of Transportation by phone at 908 558 2273 or email at ebetz@ucnj.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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Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

 Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, October 24^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The distributions have been a lifeline to many of our residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We continue to work to ensure that our residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of 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. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”

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

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/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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 – Starting on Monday, November 2, the Elizabeth Office of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will resume offering in-person passport, notary, and trade name services. The restoration of these services follows a temporary suspension for office upgrades. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, in midtown Elizabeth.

All in-person visits for passport, notary, and trade name services require an appointment in advance, by calling 908-527-3062.

“We are looking forward to resuming passport, notary, and trade name services at the Elizabeth office, and I would like to remind all visitors that masks and social distance are required,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The County Clerk’s Westfield office continues to be open for persons seeking passport, notary, and trade name services, with masks and social distance required. To make an appointment at the Westfield office, call 908-654-9859. The office is located in the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Both offices have also continued to provide election-related services to Union County voters throughout the upgrade.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, including office hours and locations, 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 guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a schedule of local walk-up sites, 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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