Category: Public Info

The $200 stipend applies to Election Day 2021, on Tuesday, November 2.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2021 Gubernatorial election cycle still have time to apply to become poll workers this year. All poll workers must attend a paid, mandatory training session as Electronic Poll Books will be used for the first time ever.  Poll workers will earn $200 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. All new poll workers must attend a single-session training course. Returning poll workers take a paid, training seminar on the use of the new electronic poll books.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker for the General Election on November 2nd are advised to apply now to reserve a spot.

To apply, download an application form at the Board of Elections website, https://ucnj.org/boe/virtual-poll-worker-training-sessions/, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

New state guidelines for additional shots will go in effect beginning Saturday, August 14.

Union County, NJ – Union County will begin offering an additional COVID-19 shot to eligible residents beginning this Saturday, August 14. Under new guidelines issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, residents who are already vaccinated against COVID-19 with either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can receive a third shot if they are in an immunosuppressed category.

Details about eligibility are available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

“Throughout the pandemic, Union County has carefully followed federal vaccination guidelines to ensure that the approved regimens are applied in our community as soon as possible. The FDA and CDC took an important step forward today, and we stand ready to start this important service tomorrow morning,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who are eligible for a third shot can use Union County’s online system at ucnj.org/vax to make an appointment, or they can walk up to any vaccine location with proof of their original vaccine series for a third shot.

Permanent vaccination sites in Union County are located at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth and Downs Hall at Kean University. Union County’s mobile clinics also visit local neighborhoods on a regular basis.

Any resident who needs help using the ucnj.org/vax  online system can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours.

Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth is also providing free COVID-19 vaccines. The Immunization Center provides all other standard immunization shots for children and adults, as well. Call 908-965-3627 or 965-3868 for more information.

In addition, home-bound residents can use Union County’s home vaccination service. To receive a home visit for an additional shot or a first shot, call the service provider, Mobile Medical Services, at 1-833-256-2478 or request a visit by sending an email to vaccine@mmst.io.

All New Jersey residents age 12 and up are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. All residents age 18 and up can also use the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Residents making appointments for third doses at Union County’s vaccination clinics are reminded that they will be receiving the same mRNA as their original vaccination, and they must have finished their original vaccine series four weeks or more before receiving a third shot. Those who received Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine are not eligible at this time.

Photo ID and proof of prior vaccination are required. Either the CDC vaccination card or the state-approved Docket app can be used as proof of vaccination.

Residents who have lost their CDC card can also receive a copy of their immunization record from the New Jersey Department of Health, by using the “Submit a Request” link at https://njiis.nj.gov.

Free COVID-19 tests are also available at Union County’s vaccination clinics.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution, emergency rental assistance and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free event saluting COVID-19 first responders and front-line heroes at Oak Ridge Park

Union County, NJ — The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the Union County Car, Truck and Bike Show saluting the County’s first responders and front-line heroes. The event will take place on Saturday, August 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Park Sports Complex, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. The event is free for all to attend.

The event will showcase the Union County Public Safety and EMS fleet and COVID-19 front line responders along with scores of unique and unusual car show vehicles.

The rain date for this event is scheduled for Sunday, August 22. Those attending are encouraged to wear masks or practice social distancing when possible.

“The Union County Car, Truck and Bike Show gives everyone an opportunity to have a great time and salute our first responders and front line heroes who make all the difference in our lives,” Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Union County Car, Truck and Bike Show will be a family friendly event. Attendees of all ages will be able to enjoy TV Movie cars, super hero characters, food vendors, a DJ and more. For more details about the event, residents should contact GWIZ Auto Entertainment Group by phone at 908-482-8132 or by email at gwizauto.nj@gmail.com.

The Union County Mobile Vaccination Unit will be at the event from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to provide free COVID-19 vaccines and saliva testing.

Appointments for vaccines at the event, and at Union County’s other vaccination sites, can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

The saliva tests are on a walk-up basis and no appointment is necessary.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents at multiple locations throughout the month

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that free COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the month of August. The upcoming clinics will be held in Elizabeth, Union Scotch Plains Hillside and Roselle.

All residents are strongly urged to get their vaccine as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. In addition to vaccinations, residents can also get a COVID-19 saliva test. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.

“There is a real race against the COVID-19 variants as cases are once again rising in New Jersey and around the country,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We urge unvaccinated residents to make an appointment at any of our vaccination sites as soon as possible and ask that they encourage family and friends to get their shot, too.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

“Easy access to vaccines and testing remains our focus as vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe while we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “The Board of County Commissioners will continue to provide residents with updated information about vaccination and testing.”

The County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18. Those who receive the first dose of a two dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at one of Union County’s Mobile Vaccinations Clinics will receive instructions as to how and when to receive their second dose.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Friday, August 13 in Elizabeth at Make the Road NJ, 42 Broad Street, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, August 14 in Union (held during the County’s Food Distribution event), Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue,  8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing), in partnership with United Way
• Saturday, August 14 in Elizabeth, Church Without Walls Event at Steele Memorial Church, 504 Court Street,  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Thursday, August 19 in Plainfield, Plainfield Milt Campbell Field (During the free Community Concert), East 3^rd Street,  5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Friday, August 20 in Hillside, AAK Food Services/Gargiulo Produce, 535 Sweetland Avenue,  2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Friday, August 20 in Plainfield (held during the County’s Food Distribution event),Gerald B. Green Plaza, 200 West Second Street,  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Tuesday, August 24 in Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains High School, 200 West Second Street,  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, August 28 in Roselle (held during the County’s Food Distribution event), Warinanco Park,  8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing).

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

Residents can also get vaccinated for free at any of Union County’s four permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township. COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Union County’s COVID-19 permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer). COVID-19 Vaccines are also available weekdays on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

To schedule an appointment at Dunn Sports Center, Kean University or Plainfield High School, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Funding is available for organizations based in Union County, and programs taking place in Union County.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Union County History Re-Grant Program is now accepting applications for the 2022 grant cycle. All application materials must be submitted by September 15, 2021.

“The Union County History Re-Grant Program provides support for historical groups across Union County, through funding provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. We encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Funds from the History Re-Grant Program can be applied to special projects, or to general operating expenses:

• Special Project grants supports history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $5,000.
• General Operating Support grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum grant request is $7,500.

For complete information on eligibility, and instructions on submitting an application, follow the “History Re-Grant Program” links at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Applicants must be based in Union County, and the programming to be funded must take place in Union County.

The History Re-Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission. For additional assistance about the application process, contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Board of Elections is seeking tech-savvy residents who can commit to work during the early voting period. Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help their community vote in the state’s first ever early voting period may register at the Union County Board of Elections website.

Poll workers will be responsible for ensuring the first ever early voting period is a success by performing essential functions to ensure our community can exercise their right to vote.

“I am proud that New Jersey is expanding voters’ rights by instituting early voting.  The Election Board is seeking committed, qualified residents, to help administer this election,” states Nicole DiRado, Administrator. 

Early voting poll workers must commit to working October 23 through October 31, 2021.  The hours from Monday through Saturday are 9am – 9pm.  The hours on Sundays are 9am to 7pm.  The hourly rate is $14.29.  Training will be paid if the poll worker completes their early voting working commitment.

Residents interested in serving as an Early Voting Poll Worker must complete the form online at https://ucnj.org/boe/district-board-member-application-for-appointment-early-voting/.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The spotted lanternfly has appeared in Union County. This invasive insect has the potential to impact dozens of important plant species including grape vines and black walnut trees.

Residents and visitors are advised to keep an eye out for spotted lanternflies, and kill them on sight.

To get information on extermination and prevention, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture online at nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/pests-diseases/spotted-lanternfly.

To report sightings, use the online reporting tool at nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/pests-diseases/spotted-lanternfly.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections announces that the secure ballot drop boxes are open ahead of the Rahway Special School Election scheduled for September 28, 2021.

Ballot drop boxes are under 24/7 camera surveillance. Board of Election staff picks up the ballots every day. 

During the 2020 Presidential Election, the Election Board installed 24 ballot drop boxes to ensure voting was safe, convenient and accessible during the state’s first, all mail-in election.  The Board is committed to ensuring voting is safe, convenient and accessible to all voters.  The secure drop box in Rahway is located at the Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue.  For a complete list of drop boxes, please visit https://ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations/.

Rahway voters who chose to vote by mail-in ballot may deposit their ballot in any Union County Drop Box up until 8:00pm on September 28, 2021.  Voters may also mail their ballot by September 28, ensuring it is postmarked; ballots received through the USPS by October 4, 2021 will be canvassed and counted.  Voters may return their ballots in person to the Union County Board of Elections by close of the polls on Election Day: September 28, 2021 at 8:00pm.  Voters may also vote in person on September 28, 2021 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.  To find your polling location, visit https://ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote/.

For additional assistance, please contact 908-527-4123 or email the Board of Elections at boesupport@ucnj.org.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Tonight’s presentation of Tom & Jerry at Warinanco Park for Tuesday, August 10th has been postponed until tomorrow, Wednesday, August 11th due to inclement weather and field conditions.  

Free, secure paper shredding event for Union County residents only.

All Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The next event will take place on Saturday, August 14, rain or shine, at the Kean University campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The event is scheduled to conclude at 1:00 p.m. but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

All of Union County’s free papers shredding events are drive-up only. Use the GPS address 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township to reach the entrance to the Kean campus near the shredding site. Ample signage will be posted to direct drivers from the entrance to the site.

Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

As a precaution against COVID-19, participants should keep their windows rolled up and wear a face mask.

“The free shredding service makes it easy and convenient for Union County residents to dispose of sensitive documents while also supporting our countywide recycling efforts, and we strongly encourage everyone to participate,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

All Union County residents can use the free paper-shredding event at Kean, regardless of their home town. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

The program will continue each month through October with visits to Cranford, Westfield, Scotch Plains, and New Providence. For the complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. For information, contact the municipal recycling coordinator.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.