County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a Public Health Emergency due to the expected spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey. As part of the declaration, Governor Murphy invoked the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which prohibits excessive price increases by businesses during and immediately following a declared state of emergency.

“Price gouging is illegal during and after a declared emergency, it’s as simple as that,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage any resident or visitor to report excessively high prices for sanitizer and other items to the County’s Office of Consumer Affairs.”

Consumers who suspect price gouging in Union County can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at 908-654-9840 or use the online complaint form at ucnj.org/public-safety/office-of-consumer-affairs.

The Governor’s Public Health State of Emergency declaration, Executive Order 103, is designed to strengthen preparedness measures. It covers procedures for staffing and supplying government offices and also qualifies New Jersey for federal disaster assistance. It does not involve travel restrictions or other closures that impact the public.

Union County residents and visitors are advised to take common sense precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Stay home if you are sick, and avoid sick people.

Health professionals also advise members of the public to maintain a safe “social distance” of approximately 3 feet from other people. This may mean avoiding crowded events, activities and spaces where social distancing is impractical.

In the event that Union County residents are advised to stay indoors for a period of time, the standard guidelines for limiting trips outside of the home apply:

• Stock up on a two-week supply of food, water, household supplies, baby care items, and over-the-counter medications, including supplies for any pets.
• Ensure that any necessary prescriptions have been filled.
• Make a plan for caring for family members in your home if needed.
• Plan for extended school and day care closures.
• Talk to your employer about telecommuting.

Additional guidance and links to more resources are available from the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health/cd/topics.

Members of the public with questions about COVID-19 can call the New Jersey Department of Health Novel Coronavirus Call Center 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. The call center is open 24/7 and offers guidance in several languages.

Please note that this number is for the general public only. Clinicians should call their local health department for guidance.

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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 consideration of the potential spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 in New Jersey, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has announced that the 2020 Union County Teen Arts Festival has been postponed. The annual event was originally scheduled for March 12 and 13 this year. For any further updates visit the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the City of Elizabeth are partnering in a new jobs initiative funded through a grant of $2.3 million from the Jobs Plus program of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth is one of only nine public housing agencies nationwide to receive a grant from the Jobs Plus program.

The Jobs Plus program is designed to support work readiness and connect public housing residents with employment, education, and financial empowerment services. The $2.3 million in funding will connect Union County’s American Job Center with public housing residents through the Mravlag Manor Community Center at 688 Maple Avenue in Elizabeth.

“Winning this competitive award demonstrates that Union County and the City of Elizabeth have the resources and collaborative experience to build on the success of the Jobs Plus program, which is an evidence-based model that is proven to help public housing residents find and keep jobs,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are all looking forward to a successful and productive partnership on behalf of the residents of Union County.”

“The Jobs Plus program is designed to support work readiness and connect public housing residents with employment, education, and financial empowerment services.” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder Board liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board. “As an Elizabeth resident, I am proud to work alongside my colleagues on the Freeholder Board collaboratively on this effort and look forward to the partnerships in our community that will provide tremendous beneficial services for our residents.”

“I want to thank the Department of Housing & Urban Development and all of those involved in securing this valuable funding for Elizabeth,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “This grant will allow us to equip residents with the knowledge and skills needed to gain employment in some of our fastest growing sectors. Investing in our residents is a key part of how we grow our economy and help families build a future.”

“It is our hope that the collective resources coming to Mravlag through the JOBS PLUS grant can help all our residents, young and old, to identify their passions and set their course for success;  to assist our working residents to increase their earnings and start saving;  to remove barriers for all adults trying to enter or re-enter the workforce; and most importantly celebrate and support each of our residents in their path toward sustainable work,”  said William D. Jones, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth.

The Jobs Plus program expands on a successful demonstration program model that combines traditional employment, training, and job placement services with a rent incentive and a place-based investment in building community support for work. The program requires public housing authorities to partner locally with Department of Labor Workforce Development Boards and American Jobs Centers.

Additionally, Jobs Plus grantees are required to demonstrate a twenty-five percent match from community partners, providing wrap-around supportive services to improve employment and earnings outcomes.

Under the partnership with the Housing Authority, Union County will commit a total of $672,000 including affordable health coverage, mental health and addiction services, and transportation assistance, from February 2020 to August 2024, in addition to employment related services including case management, career readiness skills training, career exploration and job readiness workshops, job search and placement assistance, entrepreneurship workshops, on-the-job training, internships, apprenticeships, additional education and training opportunities, and more.

Union County provides employment services and job training for all eligible Union County residents through the American Job Centers at two locations, 921 Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth and 200 West 2^nd Street in Plainfield.

To contact the Elizabeth American Job Center call 908-558-8000 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To contact the Plainfield American Job Center call 908-757-9090 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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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 advised voters at risk to plan ahead and use a Vote-by-Mail ballot to participate in the upcoming Primary Election, in accordance with guidance from health officials regarding the coronavirus COVID-19.

“Persons at risk are being advised to avoid crowded situations and maintain social distance,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “With the outbreak of COVID-19, there is all the more reason to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot and ensure your voice is heard on Election Day.”

Under New Jersey state law, any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. There is no requirement to provide a reason.

“Every Vote-by-Mail ballot is counted in every election, the same as for in-person voting,” Ms. Rajoppi said.

Voters are advised to use Vote-by-Mail as a matter of routine, to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that could prevent them from voting in person on Election Day.

Voters who have never used a Vote-by-Mail ballot can apply for one now, by visiting the County Clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com for a downloadable version. To have an application sent by mail, call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

After the Vote-by-Mail application is approved, the voter will receive their ballot prior to Election Day. This year, the Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 2 in New Jersey. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Partnership will supplement existing volunteer Rescue Squad at no extra cost to Fanwood budget and result in faster response.

Union County, NJ — In a shared service partnership with Fanwood, the Union County Freeholder Board last night voted to provide EMS service coverage to the borough, five days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday.  The service has started immediately.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Fanwood Rescue Squad will continue to provide coverage from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, and around-the-clock coverage on weekends, Saturday and Sunday. Also, the Fanwood Rescue squad can continue to provide service from Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. if it has the staff required for coverage.

“The County is pleased to be able to provide life-saving EMS assistance to Fanwood that will work with the borough’s outstanding volunteer Rescue Squad,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is also a resident of Fanwood. “The public safety and well-being of our County’s residents is our highest priority.”

Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr thanked the County Freeholder Board for assisting Fanwood with EMS coverage.

“This is a win for our community, as the County EMS will work to supplement the existing efforts of those who dedicate their time and effort to volunteer for our Rescue Squad,” said Mayor Mahr. “We are proud of our Rescue Squad’s efforts, and pleased to be able to build on a service with the County that will provide life-saving assistance for our residents.”

The Union County EMS was started through the Freeholder Board in 2011 during a period of time of decline in EMS service in many communities.

Since then, the Union County EMS — which maintains its central countywide office in the public safety complex at Westfield, with a satellite office that is contracted to serve Roselle Park — has received more than 39,000 calls, many of them life-saving. Last year alone, the service received over 7,000 calls.

The 24-hour-a-day program has provided emergency medical care to many of Union County’s residents and visitors. In 2018, the County’s EMS was honored by Trinitas as the EMS Provider of the Year.

The County assumed Fanwood’s public safety dispatch system in 2010. The arrangement has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings for Fanwood.  Under the agreement, the County dispatches all Fanwood emergency services including Police, Fire, and EMS. The County’s Dispatch system operates out of the Froehlich Public Safety Building in Westfield.

The County of Union provides a wide-range of shared services to its municipal partners. For more information on all its shared services, please call Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner at 908-527-4200, or email her at awagner@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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites senior residents to participate in a series of guided tours at Trailside Nature and Science Center on Wednesdays in March from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This series is free and open to participants age 55 and older. The tours highlight a different topic each week. 

“We encourage our senior residents to head over to Trailside for this series of interactive mornings with a Park Naturalist. These guided walks are a great way to combine learning about different aspects of wildlife and nature, while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

On March 11, residents will discover how maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree, a procedure which is unique to this part of the world.  The program includes a taste test and walk to a tapped tree to see if conditions are right for sap to flow.

On March 18, seniors can learn more about seven species of backyard birds. Pete Axelrod, Education Outreach Coordinator for Wild Birds Unlimited in Scotch Plains, will identify songs, nests and fun facts about several different birds.

On March 25, participants are invited to join a tour of Trailside’s Visitor Center.  As the first nature center in New Jersey, Trailside has evolved from an old garage into a modern facility. A Park Naturalist will lead a tour of the innovative exhibits that make up the Watchung Reservation.

Registration for each walk can be completed by visiting ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about the guided tours for seniors and other activities for adults, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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 families looking for a fun, enriching activity for children with sensory sensitivities can come to the Union County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m. and enjoy a special one-hour performance of Cinderella by the New Jersey Ballet.

The show is part of the Sensory Friendly Theatre series sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

“The Sensory Friendly Theatre series showcases exciting live performances that are tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities, with a supportive, judgement-free environment that is welcoming to all,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

One of New Jersey Ballet’s most popular productions for children, Cinderella is a two-act romp through the well-known fairy tale, with all the trimmings including splendid sets and costumes, glorious dancing, and New Jersey Ballet’s hallmark “Storyteller” narration.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series follows guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. It has been supported by the Freeholder Board every year since 2012.

The organization Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at the Performing Arts Center. For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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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 Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Chris Hudak and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams present resolutions to the 2020 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Michael McNany and General Chairwoman Jessica Cunningham congratulating them on the 24th annual parade. The 2020 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 on Morris Avenue in Union.

For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com.

(Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

In fulfillment of his 2020 Freeholder Chairman initiative, Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella today joined with Public Safety Director Andrew Moran, and Fire Chiefs and representatives of seven municipal fire departments as the County distributed 62 new fire radios, a shared service enabling municipal fire departments to communicate more effectively with County responders during emergencies. Chiefs and representatives who received the radios were from Clark, Fanwood, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Mountainside and Plainfield. The event was held at the Froehlich Public Safety Building in Westfield.