Author: Web Site Administrator

Union County Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Rebecca Williams, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran joined Assemblywoman Linda Carter, local officials and County of Union volunteers at an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Kenilworth Councilman Louis DeMondo and local officials at Union County’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Warinanco Park in Roselle. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honorees include Make the Road NJ, Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Annarelly “Annie” McNair, Union County Public Health Officer. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams, Brigadier General Edward Chrystal, Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney and members of local veterans groups at the Union County Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Day ceremony on the steps of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor and remember prisoners of war and those missing in action. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Mobile Test Unit will continue visiting local communities to provide free walk-up tests.

Union County, NJ – Effective Monday, September 21, the free Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. The Drive-Through Test Center is available by appointment to all Union County residents, and to first responders and front line medical workers regardless of their residence.

Union County residents can also obtain free COVID-19 tests on a walk-up basis in local communities, through the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit.

It is not necessary to experience a fever, coughing, or other COVID-19 symptoms in order to use the Drive-Through Test Center or the Mobile Test Unit. Anyone who is concerned about their exposure can receive a free test, without needing a doctor’s referral.

“We continue to urge Union County residents, as well as front line emergency and medical workers, to make an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University. Our community walk-up sites also provide residents with the opportunity to get a free test at a location near them, with no car needed,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you have any concerns about your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, a test will help you to make informed decisions that help keep the Union County family safe.”

To book an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center online, visit ucnj.org. Please note that a car is required to use this service. If additional assistance is needed, call 908-214-7107.

To see the Mobile Test Unit walk-up schedule, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up. An appointment is required unless otherwise noted.

Union County residents can use any Mobile Test Unit walk-up site, regardless of the municipality in which they live.

Upcoming dates and locations for the mobile test unit are:

• Rahway: American Legion, 581 Maple Avenue, Thursday, September 24^.
• Roselle: Anthony Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Thursday, September 17.
• Roselle: Roselle Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut Street, Thursday, September 17.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and other community groups can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881 to request a visit from the Mobile Test Unit in their community.

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

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

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce two new grant programs funded through the CARES Act: the Safe Learning Settings grant program and the Non-Profit Organization grant program.

Both programs were approved at the September 3^rd regular Freeholder meeting. Each program has been allocated $4 million in CARES Act funding.

“During these times there is an immediate need in our community for financial assistance,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we are able to provide these funds through the CARES Act to provide relief for non-profits, and families in need of child care.”

As part of Union County’s response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency, the Union County CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant will support child care costs for working Union County families. This program will offset child care costs to help parents continue to work. 

To be eligible for the Safe Learning Setting grant applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Reside in Union County;

• • household must be comprised of at least one adult and one school age child – 5-13 years old at the time of application;
  • school age child(ren) must be enrolled in a public school district within Union County;
• Adults in the household must be working or attending school and child(ren) must be enrolled in the USDA Free or Reduced Meal Program;
• Families must be ineligible for state/local subsidy program or other duplication of services.

There are approximately 593 slots available and applications will be rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The County is working with licensed childcare centers throughout the area.

Families interested in applying for the Safe Learning Settings Grant should visit https://ucnj.org/safe-learning-settings-grant-family-application. The program will also have the added effect of preserving and extending operations of high quality child care programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the children and families in Union County. 

“The integral role that our non-profit providers, schools, child care facilities, and educational programming play in assisting the Union County community year round is evident and now more than ever we need to work alongside these institutions in the best interest of our residents as we battle Covid-19 together,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the Fiscal Committee and the liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council.

Freeholder Granados added, “The Safe Learning Grant will assist families tremendously with students whose school districts have adapted to the new norm with virtual/hybrid learning and the Non-Profit Grant will help our non-profits continue to provide social and support services that are beneficial to many of our fellow community members.”

The Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant will be used to support the on-going work of approximately 200 local non-profit organizations that provide critical services that support the County’s prevention, preparation, and ongoing response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide them with the financial support they need to continue to reopen, or remain open safely, to provide county residents with much needed supports and services during the pandemic. 

To qualify for the Non-Profit grant each applicant must:

• have an office physically located and operated in the County of Union;
• have evidence that the organization serves County of Union residents;
• have evidence of local needs specific to COVID-19 impacts;
• be operating and registered with the State of New Jersey as a 501(C)(3); and
• disclose if the Non-Profit has received any other CARES funds, how much was allocated, and what the funds were expended on.

To access the Non-Profit Grant application and grant Information Sheet visit https://ucnj.org/non-profit-grant-application.

For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Non-Profit Grant, contact the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at (888) 845-3434 / (908) 558-2288 or email uccaresnonprofit@ucnj.org.

For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant, contact the Union County Department of Finance at UCCARESSLSG@ucnj.org or by calling (908) 558- 2367.

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

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Freeholders are pleased to announce that Union County Paratransit is providing increased passenger transportation for its residents.

Union County residents who qualify for Paratransit services can now make reservations for the following kinds of trips:

• Route 22 Shuttle Bus
• Medical
• Shopping
• Employment
• Education or Training
• Prescription pick-ups
• Other Essential Services

“As Union County continues to face the changing realities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Freeholder Board is happy to see Union County Paratransit returning to its full range of services to our residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please follow all safety regulations in order to ensure Paratransit employees can safely do their jobs and continue operating this invaluable program.”

All reservations are limited to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Transportation will be provided with limited passengers on each vehicle.

Please call 908-241-8300 (Option 1) to make your reservation and schedule your trip. All reservations may be taken up to three (3) weeks in advance. In accordance with the State of New Jersey’s COVID-19 guidelines, residents will be required to wear face masks that cover the nose and mouth.

For more information about the Union County Paratransit System, please visit ucnj.org/departments/human-services/paratransit-system/. 

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/

Outdoor event requires masks in accordance with statewide guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.

 The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to participate in the County’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

Masks are required for all those in attendance and social distancing will be enforced.

The event will feature a performance by the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre and a showing of the Disney Pixar Movie CoCo which will begin at dusk. The first 250 people will receive a Union County Hispanic Heritage logo mask or fan and will be eligible for free tapas provided by “The Garden” food truck. Participants are advised to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

“Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the diversity and cultural ties that build a strong, inclusive community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The freeholder board is proud to celebrate the undeniable impact that people of Hispanic origin have and continue to have within this country while keeping safe & social distancing.”

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honorees include Make the Road NJ, Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Annarelly “Annie” McNair, Union County Public Health Officer.

“I am honored to be able to represent the Hispanic Community on our Freeholder Board and humbled to celebrate each year our communities’ rich traditions, wisdom, & strength. When we come together with our diverse cultures to support one another is when our families and community members thrive,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month event is coordinated through the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity in partnership with the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity and the Countywide Hispanic Heritage Celebration event is part of Freeholder Chairman Granados’s 2018 “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for supporting inclusion, individual empowerment and community engagement in Union County. For more information please contact the office coordinator, Nathalie Hernandez, at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

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

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.