County of UnionUnion County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Health Officer/Director Annie McNair at the Union County Flu Shot Drive at the County Public Safety Complex in Westfield. 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. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – A group of students from the Center for Leadership and Service at Kean University participated in Union County’s Adopt-a-Park program and spent hours last week removing invasive plants, pruning vegetation, and picking up trash in and around the Warinanco shoreline restoration project at the lake in Warinanco Park.
The students wore masks and observed COVID-19 protocols while working, as required by statewide COVID-19 prevention rules.
“Warinanco Park is the community park for thousands of Union County residents and visitors every year, and it has become a centerpiece for habitat restoration, too. We truly appreciate the students’ hard work and dedication to civic service and nature conservation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The Warinanco shoreline restoration project includes the reintroduction of pollinator-friendly native plants around the lake to support a habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial species. A formerly buried stream in the park has also been restored.
Warinanco Park is located in Roselle and shares a border with Elizabeth and Linden. As one of the oldest parks in the Union County park system, its design is rooted in the influence of Central Park creator Frederick Law Olmsted, including walking paths that meander through forested areas and broad open vistas, a picturesque driving route, and many recreational features.
More information about volunteering with Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or call 908-789-3683 or email bkelly@ucnj.org.
For quick links to all Union County parks and environmental programs visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection. Please note that in-person programs are limited at this time due to 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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Partial results available online after polls close on November 3; the final, official count will be certified and reported on November 20
Union County, NJ – Voters and other persons who are interested in following the reporting process for the results of the 2020 General Election in Union County can download the County Clerk’s free Union County Votes elections app or visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, to view results from voting machines and partial results from Vote-by-Mail ballots after the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on November 3.
The counting of Vote-by-Mail ballots will continue after November 3 due to the Executive Order of Governor Phil Murphy, which requires the 2020 General Election to be conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots. Accordingly, the County Clerk will post running updates of the Vote-by-Mail tally on a daily basis beginning on November 4. The final, official results of the 2020 General Election, including provisional ballots, will be posted after certification on November 20.
“As a reminder, each year my office reports the complete count from voting machines in the evening after the polls close on Election Day. However, we do not certify the final tally until the Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots are counted,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail and provisional ballots are always included in the official results for every election cycle. Every vote counts, regardless of how you cast your ballot.”
The County Clerk’s office will update the Vote-by-Mail tally each day at noon beginning on November 4 as additional Vote-by-Mail ballots are processed. Ballots delivered by U.S. Postal Service and postmarked on or before November 3 will be counted if they arrive at the Board of Elections within seven days of Election Day. Ballots delivered by U.S. Postal Service without a postmark will be counted if they arrive within two days of Election Day.
Voters can cast their Vote-by-Mail ballot before or on Election Day by sending it through the mail (postage is prepaid), by bringing it to any of 24 official ballot drop-off boxes located in Union County, or by hand-delivering it to the offices of the Union County Clerk or Union County Board of Elections. Details on all three methods are available at unioncountyvotes.com.
Voters can also hand-deliver their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place on Election Day. Voters who arrive without their Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. ADA accessible voting machines will be available at each polling place for voters with disabilities that prevent them from filling out a provisional ballot.
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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Personal/sensitive documents only; for Union County residents only.
Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking a free, secure way to dispose of personal papers can bring their documents to the final mobile paper shredding event of 2020, sponsored by the Freeholder Board. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Nokia campus at 600 Mountain Avenue in New Providence. It is free of charge and open to Union County residents only.
In an effort to accommodate all residents wishing to participate, there is a limit of four bags or boxes per car weighing no more than 10 pounds each. The mobile shredding truck may leave before 1:00 p.m. if full.
“Our free recycling events help ensure that all Union County residents can prevent identity theft by disposing of personal documents safely, and we also help the environment by sending the shredded paper to a recycler,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Union County’s mobile paper shredding events are drive-through only. During the COVID-19 outbreak, participants must remain in their cars with their masks on and windows rolled up at all times in order to reduce the risk of exposure. Boxes or bags should be placed in trunk or cargo area where they can be accessed by County personnel.
Participants are asked to remove plastic binders and clips before arriving at the shredding event. No wet or damp paper will be accepted.
If possible documents should be brought in paper bags, as this is a zero waste event. Boxes and plastic bags will be returned to participants.
For additional information visit ucnj.org/recycling/mobile-paper-shredding. The November 7 event is Union County’s final paper shredding event for 2020. The paper shredding schedule will resume in April 2021 at various locations throughout Union County.
Union County’s scrap metal recycling program will also end for the season in November. The final dates are Thursday, November 5 and Saturday, November 21. For times and locations visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrap-metal.
For information on all other recycling programs sponsored by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
Download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices to receive helpful recycling tips and up-to-date information on both municipal and countywide recycling programs.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, https://ucnj.org/green-connection.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit free walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. For general information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning 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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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 and walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, October 31st, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Warinanco Park, located in Roselle. The distribution will take place at the Skating Rink located within the park and residents should use the 1 Park Drive entrance.
The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.
The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CBJNJ)
Feeding America 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%.
“We continue to adapt our food distributions in order to assist as many residents as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This combination drive-up and walk-up distribution allows those in Union County to pick up food even if they don’t have access to a car.”
“We continue to work to provide our residents with 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 Village Super Market and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for their partnership in this effort.”
Residents wishing to pick up food can arrive in a vehicle or walk-up to the distribution site.
Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. 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 or walk-up.
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.
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 Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.
To learn more about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://www.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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New COVID-19/flu test is latest in series of innovations at free Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center, located at Kean University, which will expand testing hours and add new test beginning November 2nd
Union County, NJ – Beginning Monday, November 2nd, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that the free Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at the Kean University campus in Union Township will be the first such facility in New Jersey to offer a new three-panel swab test that produces results for the COVID-19 virus, Influenza A, and Influenza B all on the same swab. Kean is one of only two universities in New Jersey to serve as a location for free countywide COVID-19 testing, and it will be the first in New Jersey to offer the new three-panel swab test.
The Drive-Through Test Center is also expanding its schedule from twice weekly to three days a week. As of Monday, November 2, the Drive-Through Test Center will be open by appointment every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No doctor referral is required, but the site is accessible by car only. To make an appointment online visit Union County’s new COVID-19 website, ucnj.org/covid19, or call 908-518-4307. The Test Center is available to all Union County residents, and to first responders and front line health personnel who work in New Jersey. No symptoms or doctor referral are required to use the Test Center.
In addition to ensuring that all Union County residents have access to COVID-19 testing, the Test Center is Union County’s innovation hub for COVID-19 emergency response, including the introduction of new COVID-19 tests as they become available as well as recruiting and organizing health professionals and volunteers, and exploring new partnerships with Kean University including on-site specimen testing capability.
“The Union County family is facing this public health emergency together, and the new three-panel swab will be an important part of our efforts to help ensure that every resident has quick, reliable access to information about their exposure to COVID-19 and other potentially lethal viruses that are especially prone to spread at this time of year, regardless of their financial situation or their health insurance status,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Since the beginning of the outbreak last March, Kean University has been a key partner in our public health emergency response, and we are proud to bring this new testing capability to the Union Township campus and communities throughout the County.”
Kean President Lamont O. Repollet said: “Kean University is proud of our continued partnership with the County of Union to offer a convenient and accessible testing site for county residents and all front-line medical workers. As demand for testing increases, we remain steadfast in our shared commitment to defeat this virus and protect public health.”
Governor Phil Murphy stated: “This innovative partnership between Union County and Kean University will provide a very important service to residents of one of our most populous counties. As the flu season approaches, and cases of COVID-19 have risen at an alarming rate, Union County’s efforts to promote the safety of residents and to reduce strain on our healthcare system are remarkable and needed.”
Union County established the free Drive-Through Test Center at the campus of Kean University at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak on March 23, and continues to be the lead agency in organizing, financing, and running the operation through the Union County Division of Health in the Department of Public Safety in partnership with Kean University.
The new three-panel swab test will be introduced starting on Monday, November 2 with an initial turnaround time of 48 hours, which will be phased down to just 24 hours before the end of the month.
The 24-hour turnaround will be accomplished by transitioning specimen tests from a vendor located off-campus to a new on-campus lab to be operated by Kean University. The Division of Health is overseeing establishment of the new laboratory.
Union County’s Mobile Test Unit has also increased its activities. As of Tuesday, November 3, the Mobile Test Unit will offer free tests on a regular basis every Tuesday and Thursday, at various locations throughout the County. These are walk-up events; no car is required. For upcoming dates and locations visit ucnj.org/covid19.
The new initiatives are in response to an increase in COVID-19 case numbers in New Jersey and elsewhere. Public health experts have warned the public to prepare for an increase in COVID-19 cases during the fall, as the start of the seasonal flu year coincides with an increase in activities indoors, where COVID-19 is more likely to spread.
In support of its COVID-19 response efforts, Union County is also offering free seasonal flu vaccines at various locations. For the schedule of upcoming flu shot drives visit ucnj.org/covid19.
The Union County Drive-Through Test Center has provided free COVID-19 tests to more than 60,000 Union County residents, first responders and front line health personnel working in New Jersey since opening on March 23. It was the first county-based test center to open in New Jersey, and continues to lead in offering new resources .
The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is part of the Division of Health. It began operating in March with an initial focus on walk-up, on-site testing for senior residences and other vulnerable populations. The service recently expanded to include walk-up tests for the general public in communities throughout Union County.
The Mobile Test Unit also provides walk-up tests at various locations for Union County’s new school district test program, and it runs Union County’s COVID-19 testing, tracking, tracing and public outreach programs.
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, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
Union County, NJ — Union County residents can put their Jack o’ Lanterns to good use after Halloween by participating in Union County’s new Pumpkin Recycling Program. The pumpkins will be collected by Union County and other local governments and brought to an organic waste recycler in Elizabeth, where they will be transformed into green energy.
“The Pumpkin Recycling Program is an easy, convenient way for Union County residents to support the renewable energy industry, which creates new jobs and helps improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the #SmashItDontTrashIt campaign boosts public awareness about new opportunities for keeping food waste from going to waste.”
Two locations will be available for residents to drop off their pumpkins, each day from Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 6, from 9:00 am to 2:00:
— 151 Boulevard in Cranford (the County Emergency Services Yard)
— 1300 Lamberts Mill Road (the Westfield Conservation Center)
Both locations are available to all Union County residents.
Only pumpkins will be accepted at these locations; other food waste is not accepted. Candles and decorations must be removed.
Residents are advised to wear masks and observe social distance when dropping off their pumpkins.
The Pumpkin Recycling Program will send pumpkins to a processing facility in Elizabeth operated by the firm Waste Management. The company’s proprietary recycling system converts food waste into an organic slurry, which is used to increase the output of biogas and other renewable products at municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Food waste is a global problem that contributes to excess greenhouse gas emissions while burdening local governments with waste disposal costs. In the U.S. alone, more than 52 million tons of food are displaced in the U.S. each year according to some estimates.
Traditionally, food waste is sent to landfills or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. New organic recycling systems provide a more sustainable way to manage food waste.
Union County residents can also help reduce food waste by using up leftovers and donating unused shelf items before their sell-by date expires.
To keep up to date with all local and countywide recycling programs and events in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. For more information about Recycle Coach and all recycling programs sponsored by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle.
For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County 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 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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Drive-in event will observe COVID-19 prevention rules.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Funk Salsa Urban (F.S.U.), will be live in concert at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. The event is drive-in only, in order to conform to COVID-19 prevention rules.
The concert is on Sunday, November 8 starting at 6 PM. Tickets will be available online at ucnj.org/reserve on Wednesday, October 28 at 9 AM and are first-come, first-served. Attendance is limited to 220 cars.
“The Freeholder Board is pleased to welcome Funk Salsa Urban to Union County. Their unique blend of musical styles is an exciting addition to our series of outdoor concerts this year,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
To conform to COVID-19 prevention rules, 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.
Funk Salsa Urban (F.S.U) is a Latin band originally from New York City whose work is inspired by the 1990’s Latin group DLG. Funk Salsa Urban fuses basic Salsa rhythms with elements of Funk and Urban to create a new inner-city sound. Along with fusing the different rhythms, the band uses Spanglish lyrics to appeal to a broader audience. Funk Salsa Urban has grown to be among the most dominant and sought-after bands in New York City. For more information visit fsumusic.com.
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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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Masks and social distance are required for office visits.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters that the County Clerk’s Elections Office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth and the Annex Office in the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield will be open on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.
“Many voters are using a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the first time, and we are offering these extra weekend hours to help ensure that all voters have an opportunity to contact our professional staff with any questions or concerns they may have,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
Regular weekday hours for the Elections Office in Elizabeth are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Weekday hours for the Annex Office in Westfield are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has mandated that the November 3 election will be conducted primarily by Vote-by-Mail.
Voters with questions about using a Vote-by-Mail ballot can also visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, to view a step-by-step Vote-by-Mail video and read a list of frequently asked questions.
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. A list of official drop box locations is available at unioncountyvotes.com, on the home page.
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 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 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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Real-Time Mail-In Ballot Processing Accessible on the County Website
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections is providing residents with a way to see how a fair and transparent election plays out – live.
The public will be allowed to watch ballot processing from two different perspectives in real time via live stream. Ballot processing for the November 3rd General Election will be live streamed on https://ucnj.org/boe/live-camera-feeds/.
“The Board of Elections has worked hard to make this new voting reality as seamless as possible for voters within Union County” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Vote-by-Mail is a reliable, secure and accurate way to vote and providing residents the opportunity see the ballot processing live instills further trust and confidence in the process.”
The live stream will be accessible throughout the Board of Elections operations for the General Election. Viewers will be able to see a view of the tabulation machines as well as view the Board of Elections employees opening and prepping ballots.
The New Jersey State Legislature passed a trio of election laws in August 2020 that included a provision allowing counties for the first time ever to begin the counting of ballots to begin as early as 10 days before polls close to mitigate the large volume of paper ballots being mailed in due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting Saturday, October 24, counties in New Jersey can start running ballots through scanning machines, which read and record the colored circles and translate them into vote counts.
The machines keep running tallies in memory that are not readily available to those working at the Board of Elections processing ballots. It is prohibited by law to disclose any election results before polls close at 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Disclosure of such information is a third-degree offense and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
For additional instructions on filling out a Vote-by-Mail ballot, as well as locations of official ballot drop boxes within Union County, visit the Board of Elections online at https://ucnj.org/boe/.
To contact the Board of Elections call 908-527-4123 or email ucboe@ucnj.org.
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