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View a Free Vote-by-Mail Video in English and Spanish from the Office of the Union County Clerk

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that her office has produced a how-to video on filling out a Vote-by-Mail ballot. The video features Ms. Rajoppi walking viewers through the procedure, step by step. It is available online, in both English and Spanish versions, at the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

English and Spanish versions of the “How to Vote by Mail” video are also available on the County Clerk’s free UCVotes elections app for mobile devices. 

“My office produced these how-to videos to show voters the correct procedure for filling out their ballot. I encourage both new and experienced voters to review the video if they have any questions about the procedure,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“With so much disinformation circulating on social media and other platforms, it is very important to go straight to the source for accurate, reliable guidance on Vote-by-Mail and all other aspects of the 2020 General Election,” added Ms. Rajoppi.

Vote-by-Mail ballots are being mailed to all registered Union County voters by the County Clerk on a town-by-town basis, in alphabetical order. The mailings began on September 15 and will conclude at the end of this week.

Voters can estimate when their Vote-by-Mail ballot will arrive by checking the schedule of mailings at unioncountyvotes.com and allowing up to eight days for delivery.

Voters can also follow their ballot online by using the New Jersey Elections Division’s Ballot Tracker tool.

For more information on the 2020 General Election, including options for early voting, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

Voters in need of additional assistance can contact the County Clerk’s Elections Division by phone at 908-527-4996, or by email ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all Union 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 and the Mobile Test Unit walk-in schedule, visit 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.

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Union County Announces Great Pumpkin Sail Tickets Go On Sale Starting October 6

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is happy to announce that tickets for this year’s Great Pumpkin Sail at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside will go on sale at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6. Tickets will be available online at www.ucnj.org/ticket.

“The Great Pumpkin Sail is a signature Union County event,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We look forward to bringing families together to celebrate this annual tradition.”

The Great Pumpkin Sail will take place on November 1 and 2 with four sessions scheduled for each night. The first session will run from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.; the second session will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.; the third session will run from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; and session four will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Attendees are advised to register early since space is limited. All participants must be wearing a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Each ticket admits up to six (6) people. There is a limit of 2 tickets per person. There will be no refunds, exchanges or group sales. The cost is $12 per family, and families are limited to six people for in-county residents. Out-of-county residents pay $16 per family and are also limited to six people per family.

Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving. A family ticket must be purchased in advance in order to float a Jack-o-Lantern.

For further information, please call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connection.

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Union County Military Networking Mixer in Kenilworth

Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten congratulate Debbie Skeete-Bernard of Union Township (Lt. Colonel (Retired) United States Air Force Reserve), Delia Ware-Tibbs of Roselle (Lt. Colonel (Retired) United States Army Reserves),Theresa Hilton of Elizabeth (Major, United States Air Force Reserve and Union County Prosecutor’s Office,), Sandra Cagua-Valdez of Elizabeth (E-4 Specialist, Army National Guard, Supervisor at NJ Family Care Unit) and Quelcia Olea (not pictured) of Plainfield (Sergeant, United States Army) on receiving the “SHERO” award at the Union County Military Networking Mixer in Kenilworth.

They were joined by Union County Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo, Union County Deputy Manager Amy Wagner, Division of Community Services Director Brandon T. Givens, Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams and Kenneth Glick of the Veteran Service Office.

The Union County women veterans were honored with the “SHERO” award for their outstanding military service, community work and volunteer activities.

The networking mixer is coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Raritan Valley Rail Coalition to Hold Virtual Public Meeting on October 7

Union County, NJ – The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition (RVRC) will hold a public meeting – remotely via Zoom – on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The featured speaker is Rep. Tom Malinowski and he is expected to discuss the Gateway Project and in particular the Portal Bridge Project. This virtual event is free to attend and pre-registration is required.

Those wishing to attend can pre-register at https://bit.ly/2HjuPPt. Participants with questions during the meeting, can use the chat function or the hand raising feature, located on the participant screen. Please try to enter about ten minutes before the start of the meeting.

“The progress that has been made by the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition has been beneficial to many Union County residents,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We are grateful to the RVRC for their hard work over the past 20 years.”

The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, which represents Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties, was created nearly two decades ago to campaign for a one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line, which has 23,500 passengers daily, making it NJ Transit’s third most-used rail line. While track connectivity existed into New York, Raritan Valley riders always had to get off in Newark and switch trains because their diesel engines were not allowed into the tunnels under the Hudson River.

That changed in 2014, when NJ Transit began using dual-mode locomotives that could switch from diesel to electric power, making it possible to have a direct ride into New York City.  A limited, one-seat ride was introduced during off-peak hours in January, 2015 by NJ Transit, and returned after a period of suspension last year. After another suspension earlier this year, the limited one-seat ride is back.

 “The RVRC has been working diligently for years, and continued to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve service for over 23,000 daily riders,” said Raritan Valley Rail Coalition Chairman, Bruce Bergen. “Many residents along the Raritan Valley Line continued to require regular transportation into New York City even with reduced workforces having been implemented during the shutdown.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public transportation services were heavily affected. The Raritan Valley Line was no exception. One-seat rides were cancelled when New Jersey Transit reduced its service to accommodate for plummeting ridership during the 2020 Spring and Summer shutdown months. One-seat rides on the Raritan Valley Line have since been reinstated but only back to their off-peak hours from Monday to Friday, meaning passengers still have to transfer trains daily if travelling to and from work during rush hour.

“Raritan Valley line riders deserve a more even distribution of one-seat rides to and from New York during rush hour, ” said Freeholder Liaison to the RVRC Bette Jane Kowalski, “We have been told that the Gateway Project, with its additional tunnels, could be necessary for that to happen. But we believe it should be possible to add a few more direct rides to New York, especially with ridership currently reduced by the pandemic.”

The Coalition, whose membership includes County and State Officials, can be reached on email at info@Raritanvalleyrail.com, is on the web at www.raritanvalleyrail.com/, on Facebook at   www.facebook.com/raritanvalleyrail/,  and Twitter at  https://twitter.com/rvrailcoalition.

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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Union County to receive $250,000 in funding from state to dredge Clark Reservoir

Funding made available through efforts of Senator Nicholas P. Scutari and coming from Governor Phil Murphy’s 2021 budget

UNION COUNTY, NJ—The Union County Freeholder Board today announced it will be receiving $250,000 in state funds that will be used to dredge the Clark Reservoir, which sits off Lake Avenue in the township. The announcement comes as the County is currently studying recreational usage, environmental impacts and planning to dredge the 150-acre reservoir in a master plan.

“We are looking forward to making improvements at the reservoir that will enhance its use by the public, and we welcome the funding, which is perfectly timed,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank Senator Scutari for his efforts in lobbying for the funding and Governor Murphy for including it in his budget.”

Senator Nicholas P. Scutari stated: “The Clark Reservoir is an important natural resource and part of a watershed that provides a recreational oasis and picturesque backdrop for many in Union County. I also thank the Governor for including my funding request for this project in his budget.” 

Freeholder Christopher Hudak stated: “I also thank Senator Scutari for working to provide this funding. Through the Master Plan we have embarked on, we seek to maximize the benefit of this beautiful natural resource, which was once destined to be developed, and offer our residents increased recreational opportunities in a bucolic setting.”

The Clark Reservoir was built in 1907 along the Robinson’s Branch of the Rahway River.  It fell into disuse by the early 1990’s. To prevent the property from being drained and sold, Clark took ownership of the reservoir.  A conservation easement was established to protect the surrounding shoreline from development forever.

The County then acquired the reservoir in 2008 from Clark for $1.  Together with the County’s acquisition of the former St. Agnes property on Madison Hill Road in Clark and the former Schwarz Farm on Old Raritan Road straddling Clark and Westfield,  the County assembled a continuous greenway that links the Clark Reservoir with other parks and public lands nearby.

Greenways were a fundamental part of the original design of the Union County parks system, dating back to the 1920’s.  The Olmstead Brothers, the same firm that designed New York’s Central Park, envisioned continuous natural pathways along the county’s streams and rivers.

In addition to their public recreation and conservation roles, the greenways also serve as natural, low cost storm drainage systems.

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Learn How to Cook, Craft, Code, and more with Union County’s 4-H Clubs

Union County, NJ – Union County students in grades K-12 are invited to join a 4-H Club this fall and explore popular fields ranging from cooking, art to anime, coding and more. Youth in their first year after graduating from high school can also join.

All clubs will be meeting virtually and are without charge until in person meetings resume.

“4-H Clubs provide students in Union County with unique opportunities to practice teamwork, organization, leadership and other important life skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support the 4-H program in our community in a virtual capacity until it is safe for students to meet in person.”

4-H Clubs are organized by age and topic. The members meet with an adult club leader on a monthly basis during the school year to plan activities and programs.

Each club emphasizes the ability of students to learn, organize, and communicate with activities appropriate for their age. For the school year 2020 – 2021, the clubs are:

  • Variety Club (different topics with crafts and show-and-tell), grades 1 and 2.
  • Variety Club (different topics with crafts and public speaking), grades 3 and 4.
  • Variety Club (different topics with crafts and community service), grades 9-12
  • Community Service Club, grades 8-12.
  • Nature Club, grades 5-8
  • Cooking Club, grades 4-12.
  • Disc Gulf Club, grades 5-12.
  • Horticulture Club, grades 4-12.
  • Creating Music through Coding, grades 6 – 8

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community. A recent Tufts University study found that as a group, girls who join 4-H clubs are especially likely to demonstrate positive behaviors.

4-H Clubs run from October to June. To sign up for a club email Tamisha Hopkins, 4H Office Manager, at thopkins@ucnj.org.

For more information contact 4H Agent James Nichnadowicz  at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 ext. 3.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.

 

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.

 

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.

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Union County Announces COVID-19 Emergency Drive-Up and Walk-Up Food Distribution, October 3

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis. Food will be distributed to both residents who drive up as well as walk-ups.

 

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 3rd, beginning at 9 a.m. at Cedar Brook Park, located in Plainfield. Residents should use the Park Avenue 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 and Village Super Market.

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%.

“Despite the progress being made, food insecurity remains a major concern among many families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This distribution was planned for Plainfield in order to provide some assistance to residents in the western part of Union County that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“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 volunteers involved in coordinating 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/.

 

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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Update: Union County Wildlife Wednesdays Program Moved to 6 PM

 The Board of Chosen Freeholders wishes to inform residents that the popular “Wildlife Wednesdays” program will continue to run each Wednesday through the end of October, with a new starting time of 6:00 PM. The previous starting time was 2:00 PM.

“Union County is striving to bring educational programs directly to our children that may not be accessible to everyone during these challenging times, and Wildlife Wednesdays is a great example of them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage residents to register for any or all of these free programs and learn more about animals and the critical role they play in our environment.”

Participation is free and open to all county residents.   Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited to the first 100 families who sign up.  The programs will be held on Zoom so a valid email and Zoom access are necessary to participate.

Wildlife Wednesdays is sponsored by Union County’s Clean Communities Grant Program as educators will raise awareness on how litter can be harmful to wildlife.   Rizzo’s Wildlife World educators will bring the classroom to you and present a myriad of wildlife critters. These programs aim to discourage littering to protect the diverse wildlife found in County parks.

September 30th’s program will feature Australian Animals such as the bearded dragon and white tree frog.  Stayed tuned for info on future programs.  Residents wishing to pre-register can do so by visiting www.ucnj.org/ww. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation and Zoom login information via email.  

For more information on upcoming Wildlife Wednesday, please visit www.ucnj.org/recycling/wildlife-wednesdays

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Union County Sheriff Thanks Connor’s Crew for Donation of K9 Lighting

The Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli would like to thank Don Szymanski and Connor’s Crew for their generous donation of the Sheriff’s Office’s newest K9-in-training, Lightning.

Lightning was purchased on 9/11/2020 for training and assignment as an explosive detection canine for his partner, Officer Sarah Green.

“Many thanks to Don Szymanski and Connor’s Crew for donating Lightning to our office,” Sheriff Corvelli said. “We welcome the newest member to our family.

“Lightning working with Officer Green will be a valuable asset to our agency and the entire community,” the Sheriff added.

Connor’s Crew is a charitable organization founded in early 2019 by Don Szymanski and his family following the untimely passing of his grandson Connor James Nemes, due to complications from a rare brain rupture. 

In addition to assisting the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Connor’s Crew continuously supports various veterans, families and organizations.

Additional information about Connor’s Crew can be found here: https://www.connorscrewnj.com/

The Union County Sheriff’s Office formally accepted Lightning from Connor’s Crew at the UCSO K9 Regional Training Facility in Summit.

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Drive in Concert ‘Prince Experience’ Comes to Plainfield, Saturday, October 10

Prince fans in the Union County area will be able enjoy classic hits from the late icon with a highly-regarded tribute act. The “Purple Madness” tribute band featuring Bobby Miller will bring forth the “Prince Experience” at a drive-in concert on Saturday, October 10th at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. “FLAVUH” will open the show, which is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

“This will be the second drive in concert sponsored by the County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we can bring exciting events to the community while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.”

This is a free event but registration is required at www.ucnj.org/concert-register. Spots are limited to the first 220 cars registered.

The registration link will go live on Thursday, October 1st, beginning at 9 a.m.

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.   

“Prince was an icon who captivated and entertained audiences all around the world,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams who is a Plainfield resident. “I am excited that we can bring his energy to Union County and provide an enjoyable event with Bobby Miller and Purple Madness.”

“Purple Madness” claims to be the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential artist of all-time. Bobby Miller presents an electrifying performance that can be best described as high energy and a “must see” performance.

For more information on Purple Madness, please go to: thepurplemadness.com

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.

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.