County of Union, New JerseyUnion County Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Rebecca Williams, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran joined Assemblywoman Linda Carter, local officials and County of Union volunteers at an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Kenilworth Councilman Louis DeMondo and local officials at Union County’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Warinanco Park in Roselle. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honorees include Make the Road NJ, Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Annarelly “Annie” McNair, Union County Public Health Officer. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that Vote-by-Mail ballots are being mailed to registered voters on a town-by-town basis. The mailings began on September 15 and will be completed on or before October 5.
“My office is sending the ballots out in waves over a three-week period, to help ensure that the U.S. Postal Service can handle the increased volume in an orderly manner and deliver it on time,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Although the General Election is weeks away, I strongly encourage voters to fill out and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as they receive it, to account for any unforeseen delays.”
Voters can view the updated schedule of mailings on the County Clerk’s elections website, at UnionCountyVotes.com. The schedule is also available on the County Clerk’s free mobile app, UC Votes.
Vote-by-Mail ballots were sent to registered voters in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, and Hillside on September 15.
Ballots were also sent to voters in Elizabeth on September 17, and are being sent to Mountainside and New Providence on September 18 and 19.
Mailing dates will be announced in the coming days for voters in Kenilworth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield and Winfield.
Voters can choose several ways to return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as early as possible before Election Day: by Postal Service (postage is pre-paid), secure drop-off box, or hand delivery to the County Clerk’s offices or Board of Elections office.
The drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on November 3, when the polls close.
The County Clerk and Board of Elections offices will be open for voters to hand deliver their vote by mail ballots until 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Voters who hand deliver their ballots to these offices must sign a registry and present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.
In addition, voters can hand deliver their Vote-by-Mail Ballot to their designated polling place when the polls open on November 3. Voters who come to their polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. ADA-accessible voting machines are available only for voters with disabilities who certify they cannot use a paper ballot.
For more details, including the location of offices, drop-off boxes, and polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com.
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 guidance on 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 Freeholder Christopher Hudak and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams, Brigadier General Edward Chrystal, Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney and members of local veterans groups at the Union County Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Day ceremony on the steps of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor and remember prisoners of war and those missing in action. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September.
(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County will receive a total of 22 secure ballot drop-off boxes.
Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado announced the locations of two additional ballot drop-off boxes for the November 3 General Election, bringing the number of drop-off boxes in Union County to nine. Over the coming weeks an additional 13 locations will be announced, for a total of 22.
[Update: As of Wednesday, September 23, the total number of installed locations is now 17, with five more locations to be announced.]
The locations of the installed drop-off boxes are:
“When all 22 ballot drop-off boxes are in place, Union County will far exceed Governor Phil Murphy’s mandate of at least 10 drop-off boxes per county,” said Ms. DiRado. “The extra locations will help ensure that every Union County voter has convenient access to a secure, reliable, method for casting their ballot in time to be counted.”
Under Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 prevention orders, the November 3 General Election will be conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots. All registered voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail, and are strongly urged to cast it as soon as they receive it.
Voters can choose any of the following methods to cast their Vote-by-Mail prior to, or on, Election Day, November 3:
A list of drop-off locations is posted on the Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations. The list will be updated as more drop-off boxes are added.
Each drop-off box has been placed in a secure location that is under constant surveillance. The drop-off boxes are accessible only by Board of Elections staff and are emptied daily by a bipartisan team.
In addition, when the polls are open on Election Day voters may bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place. A list of polling places is available at ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote. Please note that voters who come to a polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to cast their vote.
ADA-accessible voting machines will be available at polling places only for voters with disabilities who certify that they cannot use a paper ballot.
Union County residents who have not registered to vote are reminded that the deadline for voter registration is Tuesday, October 13. For more information on voter registration visit ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information.
Board of Elections staff is available to answer questions about voter registration, and the office will provide extended hours on October 13 until 9:00 p.m. While visiting the office, voters must wear masks and observe social distance.
To view instructions for using a Vote-by-Mail ballot correctly, visit the Election Board online at ucnj.org/boe/make-sure-your-vote-by-mail-ballot-is-counted-2
For information on all Board of Elections services visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123. All email and phone messages will be returned.
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 in local communities, 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.
The Union County Mobile Test Unit will continue visiting local communities to provide free walk-up tests.
Union County, NJ – Effective Monday, September 21, the free Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. The Drive-Through Test Center is available by appointment to all Union County residents, and to first responders and front line medical workers regardless of their residence.
Union County residents can also obtain free COVID-19 tests on a walk-up basis in local communities, through the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit.
It is not necessary to experience a fever, coughing, or other COVID-19 symptoms in order to use the Drive-Through Test Center or the Mobile Test Unit. Anyone who is concerned about their exposure can receive a free test, without needing a doctor’s referral.
“We continue to urge Union County residents, as well as front line emergency and medical workers, to make an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University. Our community walk-up sites also provide residents with the opportunity to get a free test at a location near them, with no car needed,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you have any concerns about your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, a test will help you to make informed decisions that help keep the Union County family safe.”
To book an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center online, visit ucnj.org. Please note that a car is required to use this service. If additional assistance is needed, call 908-214-7107.
To see the Mobile Test Unit walk-up schedule, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up. An appointment is required unless otherwise noted.
Union County residents can use any Mobile Test Unit walk-up site, regardless of the municipality in which they live.
Upcoming dates and locations for the mobile test unit are:
Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and other community groups can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881 to request a visit from the Mobile Test Unit in their community.
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.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que el popular programa de “Fauna Silvestre los Miércoles”regresa el próximo miércoles 23 de septiembre con “Nativos de NJ” un programa que se enfoca en la fauna silvestre del estado jardín, como la Tortuga manchada y la culebra. Nuevos programas continuarán cada miércoles hasta el final de octubre, comenzando a las 2:00 pm.
“El Condado de Union está luchando por traer programas educacionales para nuestros niños que son dificiles durante estos momentos que estamos viviendo, y Fauna Silvestre los Miércoles es un gran ejemplo de ellos,”dijo el Legislador Presidente Alexander Mirabella. “Les pido a los residentes que se inscriban para todos estos programas gratis y aprendan más sobre los animals y el papel que representan en nuestro medio ambiente.”
La participación es gratis y abierta a todos los residentes del condado. Se necesita pre-inscripción ya que la capacidad es limitada a las primeras 100 familias Los programas se llevarán a cabo en Zoom por lo tanto un correo electrónico es necesario lo mismo que el acceso a Zoom.
Fauna Silvestre los Miércoles es patrocinado por el Programa de Subvenciones Para Comunidades Limpias del Condado de Union que como educadores crearán conciencia de como la suciedad y basura puede hacer daño a la fauna silvestre. Los educadores de Rizzo Mundo de la Fauna Silvestre presentarán en su clase una gran cantidad de criaturas silvestres. Estos programas ayudan a disuadir el esparcir despercicios para proteger la fauna silvestre que se encuentra en los parques del Condado.
El 30 de septiembre el programa presentará Animales de Australia como el dragon barbudo y la rana alborícola blanca. Mantenganse al tanto para programas futuros. Los residentes que se quieran inscriber lo pueden hacer visitando la página www.ucnj.org/ww. Cuando se inscriban, recibirán una confirmación y como iniciar la session Zoom por via correo electrónico.
Para más información en los próximos programas visite www.ucnj.org/recycling.
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La Distribución es un esfuerzo en conjunto con el Village Super Market. Vegetales serán distribuidos por orden de llegada.
Condado de Union, NJ – La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union anunció que tendrá una distribución de emergencia de alimentos para los residentes de del Condado de Union que han sido afectados por la crisis de la pandemia del COVID-19 el sábado 19 de septiembre comenzando a las 10:00 am en el Parque Cedar Brook, situado en Plainfield. Se les pide a los residentes deven usar la entrada de Park Avenue.
La distribución de alimentos está abierta a todos los residentes del Condado de Union. Los alimentos serán distribuidos por orden de llegada y no se necesita inscripción previa.
Esta distribución de alimenteos ha sido coordinada por el Condado de Union y el Village Super Market.
Alimentando América proyecta un 56% de incremento en inseguridad alimenticia a través de New Jersey como resultado de la crisis del COVID-19—que es una cantidad adicional de 432,000 residentes. Esta tasa de aumento es más alta que el promedio nacional del 46% y mayor que ninguno de los estados vecinos de New Jersey.
En el Condado de Union especificamente la tasa de inseguridad de los alimentos ha subido de un 8.2% a un 12.9%.
“Además del progreso que se ha hecho, la inseguirdad de alimentos continúa siendo la principal preocupación entre muchas familias,” expresó el Legislador Presidente Alexander Mirabella. “Esta distribución fue planeada por Plainfield para asistir a los residentes en la parte occidental del Condado de Union que ha sido afectada por la pandemia del COVID-19.”
“Continuamos trabajando para proporcionar a nuestros residentes con los recursos necesarios durante este tiempo tan díficil donde existen altos niveles de desempleo,problemas de vivienda e inseguirdad alimenticia,” añadió el Legislador Sergio Granados quien también sirve como enlace a la Junta Asesora de Servicios Humanos. “Le damos las gracias al Village Super Market y a los voluntarios por coordinar este esfuerzo.”
Residentes que necesiten recoger alimentos debe llegar en auto, no se permiten peatones
Al llegar, cada auto debe presentar una identificación con el nombre y la dirección e indicar cuantas personas viven en su casa. Los residentes recibirán una caja de alimentos enlatados y vegetales y frutas frescas que servirá por unos cuantos dias. Por favor tome en cuenta que solo se entregará una caja por auto.
Este evento se ejecuta con las órdenes emitidas por el estado sobre el COVID-19 con respeto al uso de máscaras, distanciamiento social; y otros protocolos. Todos los residentes deben tener las ventanillas de los carros cerradas. Las cajas de comida se pondrán en el baúl del auto por voluntarios.
Para preguntas e información los residentes deben llamar a la Línea de Acción de la Oficina del Director de UCDHS al 888-845-3434 o 908-558-2288.
Para tener más información sobre el Village Super Market, visite: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.
La Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar que el Transporte de Paratránsito ha incrementado su transporte de pasajeros para los residentes del Condado.
Aquellos residentes del Condado de Union que califiquen para este tipo de transporte puedan llamar para hacer reservaciones si necesitan viajar a los siguientes lugares:
“Como el Condado de Union está enfrentando las realidades que ha traído la pandemia del COVID-19, la Junta de Legisladores están complacidos de que el Transporte de Paratránsito retome los servicios a los residentes,” dice el Legislador Presidente Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Por favor siga todas regulaciones de seguridad para aseguranos que los empleados del transporte puedan continuar su trabajo y podamos seguir con este invaluable programa.”
Todas las reservaciones están limitadas por orden de llegada. La transportación se proporcionará con un límite de pasajeros en cada vehículo.
Por favor llamar al 908-241-8300 (Opción 1) para hacer su reservación y programar su viaje. Todas las reservaciones deben ser hechas con (3) semanas de anticipación. De acuerdo con todas las pautas del Estado de New Jersey en prevención de la contaminación del COVID-19, se require que los residentes usen máscaras facials que cubran la boca y la nariz.
Para más información sobre este programa de transporte del Condado de Union, puede visitar la página ucnj.org/departments/human-services/paratransit-system/.
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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce two new grant programs funded through the CARES Act: the Safe Learning Settings grant program and the Non-Profit Organization grant program.
Both programs were approved at the September 3rd regular Freeholder meeting. Each program has been allocated $4 million in CARES Act funding.
“During these times there is an immediate need in our community for financial assistance,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we are able to provide these funds through the CARES Act to provide relief for non-profits, and families in need of child care.”
As part of Union County’s response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency, the Union County CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant will support child care costs for working Union County families. This program will offset child care costs to help parents continue to work.
To be eligible for the Safe Learning Setting grant applicants should meet the following requirements:
There are approximately 593 slots available and applications will be rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The County is working with licensed childcare centers throughout the area.
Families interested in applying for the Safe Learning Settings Grant should visit https://ucnj.org/safe-learning-settings-grant-family-application. The program will also have the added effect of preserving and extending operations of high quality child care programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the children and families in Union County.
“The integral role that our non-profit providers, schools, child care facilities, and educational programming play in assisting the Union County community year round is evident and now more than ever we need to work alongside these institutions in the best interest of our residents as we battle Covid-19 together,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the Fiscal Committee and the liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council.
Freeholder Granados added, “The Safe Learning Grant will assist families tremendously with students whose school districts have adapted to the new norm with virtual/hybrid learning and the Non-Profit Grant will help our non-profits continue to provide social and support services that are beneficial to many of our fellow community members.”
The Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant will be used to support the on-going work of approximately 200 local non-profit organizations that provide critical services that support the County’s prevention, preparation, and ongoing response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide them with the financial support they need to continue to reopen, or remain open safely, to provide county residents with much needed supports and services during the pandemic.
To qualify for the Non-Profit grant each applicant must:
To access the Non-Profit Grant application and grant Information Sheet visit https://ucnj.org/non-profit-grant-application.
For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Non-Profit Grant, contact the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at (888) 845-3434 / (908) 558-2288 or email uccaresnonprofit@ucnj.org.
For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant, contact the Union County Department of Finance at UCCARESSLSG@ucnj.org or by calling (908) 558- 2367.
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.