Month: October 2020

 

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 total number of drop-off boxes in Union County to 24.

The two new locations are Kean University, Wilkins Theater on Morris Avenue in Union and Union County College, Commons Courtyard near Parking Lot 2 on Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

The locations of the installed drop-off boxes are:

• Berkeley Heights – Snyder Avenue Park, 240 Snyder Avenue
• Clark – Clark Recreation Center, 430 Westfield Avenue
• Cranford – Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue
• Cranford – Union County College, Commons Courtyard, near Parking Lot 2, Springfield Avenue
• Elizabeth – Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza
• Fanwood — Fanwood Memorial Library, 5 Forest Road
• Garwood – Garwood Public Library, 411 3rd Avenue
• Hillside – Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Avenue
• Kenilworth — Kenilworth Recreation Center, 575 Boulevard
• Linden– Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Avenue
• Mountainside — Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road
• New Providence– New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Avenue
• Rahway – Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue
• Roselle– Roselle Public Library, 104 West Fourth Avenue
• Roselle Park – Union County EMS Building, 535 Laurel Avenue
• Plainfield – Plainfield Municipal Building Parking Lot, 515 Watchung Avenue
• Scotch Plains – Union County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue
• Springfield — Chisolm Recreation Center, 100 South Springfield Avenue
• Summit — Chestnut Street Parking Lot, adjacent to Fire Department, 406 Broad Street
• Union – Union Township Municipal Building Rear Entrance, 1976 Morris Avenue
• Union – Kean University, Wilkins Theater, Morris Avenue
• Westfield – Colleen Fraser Building in Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East
• Winfield– Winfield Park Mutual Housing Building, Wavecrest Avenue
• Union County Board of Elections– 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth

“With 24 ballot drop-off boxes now in place, Union County has far exceeded Governor Phil Murphy’s mandate of at least 10 drop-off boxes per county,” said Ms. DiRado. “The extra locations help to 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:

1. Deposit your ballot in a secure Board of Elections drop-off box. Any Union County voter can use any drop-off box in any municipality, regardless of their residence. All drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis from now until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. 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.

2. Return your ballot to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service(postage is prepaid). Voters choosing this method are especially advised to mail their ballot as soon as they receive it, in order to avoid any unforeseen delivery delays.
3. Deliver your ballot by hand. Voters may bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to the Board of Elections office at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, or bring it to the Union County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, or the annex office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. On Election Day, all three offices will be open for extended hours until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. Voters choosing hand delivery are required to sign a register and provide a New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.
4. Designate a ballot bearer to deliver your ballot by hand. By law, a ballot bearer may deliver up to three ballots for other voters to the Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices. A ballot bearer may also bring up to three ballots for other voters to a Board of Elections drop-off box.

Each Vote-by-Mail ballot includes instructions for designating a ballot bearer.

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

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

 

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to present “Fix You”, a highly regarded Coldplay tribute band, live in concert at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The concert is on Saturday, November 7^th starting at 6:30 PM. Tickets will become available online at www.ucnj.org/reserve on Friday, October 28th at 9 AM and are first-come, first-served. Attendance is limited to 220 cars.

“I am happy to welcome ‘Fix You’ as our next performer in our great drive-in concert series,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These concerts are providing great entertainment for Union County residents.”

“Fix You”, named after one of the top hits of the legendary British rock band Coldplay, describes itself as the latter’s ultimate tribute band. “Fix You” has played around the world and covers Coldplay’s greatest hits such as Parachutes and Head Full of Dreams. Learn more about the band and its performances at https://www.fixyoulive.com/.

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 Freeholder Board is proud to present the new Virtual Saturday Series through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. The series will be held every other Saturday from October 10th through December 19^th.

Each virtual event will feature a different interactive program for all ages.

“This virtual series will provide a wide variety of activities for our residents with disabilities and special needs to enjoy with their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. 

The next program is Saturday, October 24^th and will be an interactive Healthy Eating Workshop with Tony Bianchino from Out Run Your Fork. The workshop’s topic is “How to Beat Your Sugar Cravings.”

Each program will run from 10:00 until 11:00 am and will be hosted on GoToMeeting. Participants will receive the GoToMeeting link a few days in advance of the event. 

The schedule for the series is as follows: 

• Saturday, October 24^th  – How to Beat Your Sugar Cravings with Tony Bianchino
• Saturday, November 7^th – Rizzo’s Wildlife World – NJ Native’s  
• Saturday, November 21^st – Magic With Simon Mandal  
• Saturday, December 5^th – Healthy Eating for Your Picky Eater with Tony Bianchino
• Saturday, December 19^th – Rizzo’s Wildlife World – Mammals  

To register visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Space is limited to 75 participants in each event. 

For more information on the virtual series contact Nicole DeAugustine at ndeaugustine@ucnj.org.

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

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced today that there will be a free Drive-Up screening of “Casper” at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. Parking begins at 6:00 p.m.

Due to space limitations, advanced reservations are required. To register, go to ucnj.org/reserve/ beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23. Only one registration is required per vehicle.

“The Casper drive-up movie provides families with a great way to celebrate Halloween and enjoy a ‘night out at the movies’ with safety in mind,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The following rules and guidelines apply to residents wishing to attend:

• The event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• Due to space limitations reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.
• To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted.
• Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.
• Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.
• Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)
• Port-o-johns will be available. Masks are required when using the port-o-johns.

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are pleased to present a unique Beatles tribute band, The Weeklings, live in concert at the Union County Vocational-Technical School in Scotch Plains on Sunday, November 1^st. An opening act to be announced later will go on at 6 p.m., and the Weeklings will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Tickets will become available online at www.ucnj.org/reserve on Friday, October 23 at 9 AM, and are first-come, first-served.

“Our amazing concert series continues with the Weeklings, a band that will present the music of the Beatles, who are universally loved, featuring Glen Burtnik, a great performer and Garden State musical icon,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage our residents to sign up early as this is sure to be another popular performance.”

The Weeklings are a tribute to the music and inspiration of the Beatles, performing explosive renditions of Beatles classics, uniquely arranged Beatles nuggets plus brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals. The group features legendary Jersey shore rocker, Glen Burtnik who is known as much for his work with bands such as Styx, as he is for his work as a song writer for artists such as Don Henley and Patty Smyth (“Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough”), Mark Collie, Randy Travis, John Waite, Jo Dee Messina and Neal Schon. In addition to Burtnik, the Weeklings consist of Bob Burger, John Merjave, and Joe Bellia.

Burtnik also enjoyed success as a solo performer, and has played with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Bobby Bandiera, and Southside Johnny. He was a member of two other well-known New Jersey bands, La Bamba and the Hubcaps and Cats on a Smooth Surface.

In his early years, Burtnik appeared in the Broadway production of Beatlemania as Paul McCartney, alongside Marshall Crenshaw, who played John Lennon.

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.

# #

Mobile Test Unit Continues to Provide Testing to Residents

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

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

“Testing has been a cornerstone of our ability to prevent the virus from spreading,” added Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any resident can use any of the walk-up sites, regardless of their place of residence. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

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

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

For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit is available on request to visit local communities to provide tests for the general public. The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Free Flu Shots to Union County Residents by Appointment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

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.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.