County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – The County of Union today announced the cancelation of this year’s Four Centuries in a Weekend celebration, due to the COVID -19 pandemic. The event was originally scheduled for the weekend of October 17 and 18.

“The safety of staff, volunteers, and our residents is of the utmost importance and our highest priority,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board and the Department of Parks and Recreation will be working to make next year’s event even better and we thank residents for their understanding as we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

The many sites vary in size and capacity, making it difficult to accommodate the restrictions in place due to the ongoing pandemic.

Residents may visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ for information about each site, including virtual tours.

 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 community is invited to honor the memory of the 60 residents who perished in the World Trade Center attack of 2001, by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial on Friday, September 11 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

The Memorial will be open from the morning hours until 9:00 p.m. on September 11. The Union County Sheriff’s Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The public is invited to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks. The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will also contribute candles to the memorial.

“On this date, we join with those who lost loved ones in honoring the memory of our fellow Union County residents who perished in the attacks, and we remember the many acts of courage that occurred in the midst of a terrible national tragedy,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements of design that include all three sites where attacks took place on September 11, 2001. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.

In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.

Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build the Memorial.

Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003, the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost. For more details visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial.

The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union County’s Echo Lake Park (view map), near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park.

Visitors are reminded that COVID-19 prevention rules are in effect in all Union County parks. Masks are strongly recommended and social distance must be observed. For more details visit ucnj.org/parks.

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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County will have a total of 13 ballot drop-off boxes, exceeding Governor’s mandate of 10 per County

UNION COUNTY, NJ—-The Union County Board of Elections today announced it will be receiving eight new ballot drop-off boxes from the State of New Jersey for residents who wish to drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballots.  Governor Phil Murphy has ordered the November 3^rd election to be conducted primarily by Vote-By-Mail ballot.

Locations for the eight new drop-off boxes will be released in an upcoming announcement. Once the boxes from the state have arrived, the County will have a total of 13, exceeding the Governor’s mandate of a minimum of 10 boxes per County.

The County Board of Elections currently has five drop-off boxes that have been in place prior to the July primary: Cranford (Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue), Elizabeth (Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza), Plainfield (Plainfield Municipal Building Parking Lot, 515 Watchung Avenue), Union Township (Union Township Municipal Building Rear Entrance, 1976 Morris Avenue), and Westfield (Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East). 

Board of Elections Administrator Nicole Dirado stated: “The ballot drop-off boxes are an essential component and provide voters with a convenient, timely and secure way to participate in the November 3^rd election.”

The drop-off boxes are available on a 24-7 basis. Voters may deposit their ballot in a drop-off box at any time of day or night, up to 8:00 p.m. on November 3rd.

The current locations are ADA accessible and under constant camera surveillance, as will be the upcoming locations.

Ballots will be picked up and brought to the Board of Elections on a daily basis.

In addition, voters using a drop-off box may bear their own ballot, and ballots of up to three other voters.  Ballot bearers must sign the bearer portion of the outside envelope in the presence of each voter whose ballot they are bearing.

Voters who wish to hand deliver their ballots can also bring them to the Board of Elections office at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth. As with the drop off boxes, they may bear their own ballot and ballots of up to three other voters.

Voters choosing to drop off their ballot at the Board of Elections office are reminded that they must sign a register, and produce a New Jersey Driver’s License or New Jersey Issued Identification.

In addition to regular weekday hours between now and November 3rd, the Board of Elections will be open Tuesday, October 13^th until 9 p.m., which is the deadline for voter registration for the Presidential election on November 3rd.

While visiting the Board of Elections office, voters must wear masks and observe social distance.

Voters may also send their ballots to the Board of Elections by U.S. mail. Each ballot comes with prepaid postage.   Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Union County Election Board by November 10, 2020.  If your ballot is mailed, but not postmarked by the USPS, it must be received by the Union County Election Board by November 5.

All voters wishing to use a polling location on Election Day will be required to complete a paper provisional ballot. Voters who cannot vote on a paper ballot due to a disability will be afforded the opportunity to vote on an ADA-compliant machine, after they have certified that they cannot vote on a paper ballot.

To view instructions for using a Vote-by-Mail ballot correctly, visit the Election Board online at www.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.

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Invasive insect threatens native trees and plants, and can destroy valuable crops.

Union County residents who are looking for ways to help the environment are advised to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that can destroy native trees like the black walnut, red maple, silver maple, and river birch. The spotted lanternfly is also notorious for damaging crops and ornamental flowers.

“Union County residents have worked hard to preserve open space and protect native habitat in our public parks, so we all have a stake in ensuring that the spotted lanternfly does not take hold in our area,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “I encourage everyone to help do a service to our native ecosystems by learning how to recognize this pest and its eggs, and destroying any that you encounter.”

The adult spotted lanternfly is easily recognized by black speckles on whitish upper wings and red lower wings. The insect lays egg masses of 30-50 eggs over a small area of about 1 inch, typically on flat surfaces including the outsides of vehicles. Masses laid on trees are mainly found about 10 feet above ground.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species of Asian origin that was originally confirmed to be spreading in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in September 2014. However, in 2018 the plant hopper was seen in New Jersey.

Lanternflies feed on more than 70 different trees and plants, but are particularly dangerous to New Jersey flora such as grapevines, roses, and the river birch, silver/red maple, and black walnut trees. Because of the lethality to these particular NJ plants, a lanternfly infestation could potentially prove damaging to New Jersey’s economy.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture currently has eight counties under “quarantine” for the spotted lanternfly, including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset, and Warren. Union County may soon be next on that list, as residents have reported lanternfly sightings in Westfield, Springfield, and more.

Residents are advised to kill any lanternflies they encounter, whether by force or sprayed insecticide. Since the spotted lanternfly typically lays its eggs in October, residents are also instructed to be on the lookout for egg sacs and, if spotted, scrape them into a plastic bag full of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Residents are also advised to inspect their cars for lanternflies or eggs after traveling to one of the aforementioned quarantine counties, particularly if on a hiking or other nature trip, and act accordingly to prevent the lanternfly from hitchhiking back to Union County.

Spotted lanternfly sightings should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by calling 609-406-6943 or emailing slf-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.

For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/spottedlanternfly.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for 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.

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Union County, NJ – As the fall season approaches, Union County residents, business owners and visitors can explore new ways to save money and help preserve a healthy environment by tuning in to the new Earth Day Every Day live webinar series created in part by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The free series kicks off on September 14 at 6:30 p.m. and will continue each week throughout the fall.

Earth Day Every Day builds on the success of the Earth Day At Home webinar series, launched by the Extension last spring in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day.

“The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County connects our community with fact-based guidance that empowers people to improve their own well-being, while also contributing to a safe, healthy environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Extension has redoubled their educational and outreach work during the COVID-19 outbreak, and Freeholder Board is proud to support their efforts to inform and empower people of all ages.”

To register and join the new Earth Day Every Day webinars, and to view recorded versions from the series last spring, visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.

The new fall topics are:

9/14/20- Winterizing Your Home for Maximum Energy Efficiency

9/21/20- Collecting Native Seeds: Sow Much to Know!

9/28/20- Fall Lawn Care the Earthwise Way

10/5/20- RU Wildlife Wise: Defensive Driving to Avoid Wildlife

10/13/20- What’s An Energy Audit and Do you Need One?*

10/19/20- Ten Ways to Adapt to Coastal Flooding

10/26/20- RU Wildlife Wise: Demystifying Iconic Halloween Animals

11/2/20- Basics of Recycling

*Please note that the October 13 webinar takes place on a Tuesday.

For more expert guidance on wellness, view the latest issue of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s “Family and Community Health Sciences Visions” newsletter online at njaes.rutgers.edu/visions. Topics include pet food safety, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, and much more.

Students in grades k-12 can explore STEAM activities and community service opportunities through 4-H from Home, created by the Extension’s 4-H youth development program.

Nature enthusiasts of all ages can also visit Union County’s own Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside to participate in the “Virtual Summer Camp” series, featuring original videos, crafts, and more. Weekly topics include Turtle Time, Pond and Stream, and Trees are Terrific among others.

Union County is part of the Choose to Reuse statewide anti-litter effort, which aims to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates. For reliable information on what to recycle – and what not to recycle — view the “Recycle Right” video and find links to other County-sponsored recycling programs at ucnj.org/recycling.

In addition, residents can download the free Recycle Coach app for up-to-date information about recycling in each Union County municipality, along with fun interactive videos and more.

Union County also encourages residents, businesses and visitors to cut down on single-use plastics through the #MakeOneChangeUC campaign.

Union County’s ongoing environmental programs include drop-off recycling events, open space preservation, nature education, tree planting, pollinator habitats, community gardening and more. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit ucnj.org/green-connect. Please note COVID-19 safety precautions are required for all recycling events. Other in-person activities are limited at this time due to the outbreak.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and is supported in part by the Freeholder Board. For more Extension news and programs for environmental conservation and personal health in Union County visit ucnj.org/rce.

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 and Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter today joined with the United Way of Greater Union County and members of County Government at Hillside High School in distributing food donated by Amazon.com through United Way to various organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Free show starts at 7:30 p.m., must register on line beginning Sept. 8th to reserve spot

While the real “Boss,” has not played any live shows this year, fans of his music will be able enjoy a highly-regarded tribute act, the BStreetBand, as  the Union County Freeholders present them in a drive-in concert on Sunday, September 20^th, at the Union County Vocational Technical Schools Campus on 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. Ray Andersen and Friends will open the show, which is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in attending must reserve a spot for the free show online at www.ucnj.org/concert-register.

First-come, first-served. The registration link goes live on Tuesday, September 8^th, beginning at 9 a.m.

“As so many New Jersey residents do, I enjoy the music of Bruce Springsteen, and the BStreetBand presents a compelling and enjoyable show,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage our residents to come out for a free night of entertainment and great music in a safe setting.”

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

The BStreetBand, formerly known as “Backstreets,” claims to be the first band in the world to do a unique tribute to a live performer, beginning in 1980 with their first show in Asbury Park. There are now an estimated 140,000 tribute bands following their lead and performing all over the world.

Nearly 6,000 performances later, they describe themselves as the “hardest working tribute band” on the circuit with 175+ shows per year throughout the country. For more information on the BStreetBand, please go to: https://www.bstreetband.com/

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, September 12^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%.

“Despite the progress being made, food insecurity remains a major concern among many families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board and the County continue to work hard in assisting our residents and these drive-up food distributions have been a lifeline to many affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We are all working together 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. “This free food distribution is another example of the work being done by the Freeholder Board to assist residents in need during this pandemic. 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 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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 Connect with Union County on social media.