Category: Public Info

The County of Union will continue to operate its free COVID-19 testing site at Kean University throughout the Fall semester under a first-of-its-kind partnership that will provide testing for the campus community as well as opportunities for research and student employment, Union County Freeholder Chair Al Mirabella and Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., announced today.

The County, which was the first in New Jersey to operate a COVID-19 testing site, will expand the partnership to provide a valuable public service for Union County residents and first responders from across the state while enhancing academic coursework, internships and employment for Kean students.

“The pandemic presents challenges on every front, but it also creates unique opportunities like this one for government and higher education to work together,” Mirabella said. “Combining forces like this not only helps the County to fight the spread of COVID-19, but also provides Kean students with hands-on experience in fields ranging from data analysis to public health management to crisis communications.”

President Repollet said the decision to keep the testing site operating on campus through the

Fall semester was made in keeping with the University’s longstanding commitment to public service and in response to requests from the University community for efficient testing and contact tracing. The combination of significantly reduced campus density and continuous access to testing will help the Union campus to operate successfully throughout the semester, he said.

“This partnership is an opportunity for Kean to demonstrate its innovative nature as well as its strength in applied research and public service as it pursues a long-term goal of securing research university status,” Repollet said. “Working together, this initiative can show immediate results to benefit not only the campus community but also the county and the state of New Jersey.”

Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the “one of a kind” partnership between Union County and Kean University.

“I congratulate and thank Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Kean University President Dr. Lamont Repollet on this exciting new jointure,” Governor Murphy said. “This is a unique opportunity for those in public office and in our higher education settings to work together to not only defeat this virus, but to train the next generation of virus-fighters.”

Ada Morell, chair of the Kean Board of Trustees, also noted that the partnership moves the University forward in areas of research, public health and public service, and provides students with internship and job opportunities at a time when such opportunities are scarce.

“It’s good to see Kean and Union County taking a challenging situation and turning it around to benefit our students and faculty,” Morell said. “This initiative will further enhance the world-class education we provide by expanding research and service where it is needed most.”

The University and the County also are pursuing plans to create a unique and efficient one-stop COVID testing center by seeking certification for Kean University laboratories to process samples taken at the county testing site. Kean currently has the technical ability to process samples, but it requires federal approval to operate its labs for such a purpose. As demand grows for this type of processing, the University, with guidance from the state, hopes to secure the approvals later this year.

“With leadership and support from the state of New Jersey, this one-stop Covid-19 testing center would be the first its kind on a New Jersey college campus and would enhance the county’s ongoing efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus,” Repollet said.

Chairman Mirabella said the possibility of using Kean’s labs to process nearly 2,500 to 3,000 samples each week would revolutionize the current operation by significantly reducing wait times for test results.

“This could be a game-changer for County residents and really all of New Jersey,” Mirabella said. “The faster we can provide people with test results, the more effective they can be in isolating and the more effective we can be in contact tracing.”

Senator Joseph P. Cryan, whose district encompasses Kean University, stated: “History will mark this moment with the observers and the doers. And while around the country, institutions of higher education are changing their fall semesters to remote instruction – Kean University is adapting its programming to move beyond classroom teaching and into a real world practicum.”

Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, an alumnus of Kean University, stated: “The development of these services will be absolutely essential to managing the pandemic in Union County with the fall season fast approaching. We must be able to diagnose those who use the test center quickly, and it creates an opportunity to draw upon expertise of the Kean faculty, and the energy of its students. Once again, Union County is leading the way in the battle against COVID-19, and I applaud the many partners who have come together.”

Union County opened its COVID-19 testing site at Kean University on March 23, 2020, and has administered over 43,000 tests since that date. The county also has expanded community testing and outreach.  For more information on the Union County COVID-19 Center at Kean, please go to www.ucnj.org.

About Kean University

Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers seven doctoral degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean provides an affordable and accessible world-class education.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders welcomes a new state law that changes the name “board of chosen freeholders” to “board of county commissioners,” and “chosen freeholder” to “county commissioner” for all 21 counties in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation earlier today, and the changeover will take place beginning in 2021.

The title “freeholder” dates back to the 1700’s. It refers to white male property owners who had clear title to their land, reflecting laws that effectively prevented most women, and practically all Black Americans, from holding public office in New Jersey.

“This Freeholder Board strongly supports the Black Lives Matter movement, and we support efforts to break down the barrier of structural racism in all its forms,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This change in title will finally put to rest a centuries-old concept of civic participation that is out of step with the diversity of our population and inconsistent with the principles of equality.”

“County Commissioner’ is an inclusive title that celebrates and respects all citizens who seek to participate in the civic fabric of our community,” said Freeholder Angela Garretson, who sponsored a Freeholder resolution in support of the name change and worked with colleagues at all levels of government throughout New Jersey to advocate for the change.

“As one of five women on our nine-member Freeholder Board, I understand the historical significance, and need for change. I am especially proud of the transition to a title that fully embraces the contributions of all women, minorities, and/or non-privileged members into the democratic process in New Jersey,” Freeholder Garretson added.

“We continue to strive to represent our ever diversifying constituency,” said Freeholder Andrea Staten.  “As an African American member of a majority female board, this new title is a positive and significant change for County Freeholders throughout the State of New Jersey.”

“As the late, great Toni Morrison noted, language is something that we ‘do,’ it is the action verb that we perform daily. With the change to County Commissioner, the State of New Jersey acknowledges that the path toward an equitable and inclusive society requires that we pay attention to how we use language to represent both ourselves and the people—as commissioners, we are entrusted to serve the people with all the meaning with which that word is invested,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams.

Collective efforts to modernize the title have been undertaken periodically in recent years. These efforts gained momentum in recent months, following the murder of Minneapolis, Minnesota resident George Floyd. The widespread actions, including many in New Jersey and Union County, challenged the persistence of institutional and structural racism in America and raised awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement and racial inequities, at a time when the COVID-19 crisis has underscored disproportionate impacts on health and food security.

For 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.

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Nature enthusiasts can visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center website every week to participate in a “virtual summer camp” experience that includes original nature videos, activities, crafts and more. The program is part of a series of online activities offered by Trailside during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The Freeholder Board knows how much children and families enjoy the summer programs and activities at Trailside,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to offer this virtual summer camp opportunity and encourage residents of all ages to explore the natural world right in their own backyards and surrounding areas, including Union County parks.”

The series features videos filmed around the Watchung Reservation and nearby locations, as well as activities and craft ideas selected by Trailside’s team of professional naturalists. Each week, campers can “meet” Trailside’s naturalists and follow along as they explore different nature-themed topics.

In the latest video, Animal Homes and Hideouts, viewers discover what types of environments make ideal homes for different types of animals and learn to identify them in their own backyards.  Go in search of animal hide-outs such as bird nests, chipmunk burrows and discover life under a log.  Campers can have fun with an animal scavenger hunt in their own backyard and build an animal home using natural materials.

Other topics include Turtle Time, Pond and Stream, Terrific Trees and Bugs & Beyond.  Check in over the final weeks of summer for Birds of a Feather and Pollinator Power.  All virtual content can be viewed on the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside.

For more information about virtual summer camp and many other free nature programs available online during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Organized activities in Union County Parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

All visitors to Union County parks must observe social distance guidelines in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended. For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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, 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.

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Union County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran at the site of the Covid-19 free walk up testing in Tamaques Park in Westfield this morning. The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is now visiting various community locations to provide free tests for Union County residents. Any resident can make an appointment for a test, whether or not they have symptoms. No doctor visit or car is needed; all tests are conducted on a walk-up basis with masks and social distance required. 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 the Mobile Test Unit, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team is conducting a text message survey of Union County residents who have received free COVID-19 tests at the County’s COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center and the Mobile COVID-19 Test Unit. First responders and front-line health workers who work in New Jersey are also eligible to receive free tests regardless of residence, and are included in the survey.

The Test Center and Mobile Test Unit are initiatives of the Freeholder Board in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Test Center is the first County-based facility of its kind in New Jersey. It has conducted well over 40,000 COVID-19 tests since opening at the Kean University campus in Union Township on March 23.

The Mobile Test Unit travels to various locations in Union County and has conducted more than 2,000 tests for senior residences and other at-risk population groups on a walk-up basis, with no car required. The Mobile Test Unit is also available to the general public on a walk-up basis.

“If you receive a text message from the Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team regarding the survey, please take a moment to answer a few brief questions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Your answers will help us ensure that these free services continue to play an instrumental role in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community.”

The survey is an official program of the Union County Division of Health in the Department of Public Safety, conducted by staff under the title, “Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team.” All responses are completely confidential.

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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urges voters to familiarize themselves with Vote-by-Mail procedures in advance of receiving their Vote-by Mail ballot for the  November 3 General Election. By Executive Order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the General Election will be held mainly through Vote-by-Mail ballots.

“Although the July 7 Primary Election was conducted by mail, the process is still new to many Union County voters. It is important for every voter to understand how to fill out and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot, to ensure their voice is heard on Election Day,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“Inaccurate information can easily travel across social media, which makes it all the more important for voters to become familiar with Vote-by-Mail,” added Ms. Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail is a reliable and accurate way to vote.”

Vote-by-Mail ballots will be mailed to voters beginning this September. The mailings will continue through the first week of October.

To help voters learn about voting in the General Election, Ms. Rajoppi has posted FAQs on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, and on the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Among the most frequently asked questions are:

1. Who is going to automatically receive a VBM (Vote-by-Mail) ballot?

All active, registered voters will automatically be mailed a VBM ballot. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully before filling out the ballot.

2. Do voters need to file an application to receive a VBM ballot?

No. VBM ballots will be sent automatically to all registered voters for the November 3 election. Governor Murphy’s Executive Order acts as the application from the voter.

3. Can I vote at a polling place?

A limited number of polling places will be open on November 3 for voters who are disabled and need to use a voting machine. Any other voter coming to the polling location to vote will be given a paper or provisional ballot.

4. How can I return my VBM ballot?

There are multiple ways to return a VBM ballot prior to Election Day, and on Election Day.

1. Use any one of the 13 ballot drop-off boxes that will be placed at various locations in Union County. The locations will be announced in September.
2. Drop it off at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street and in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East, or at the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth at 271 North Broad Street.
3. Send the ballot by U.S. Mail. Pre-paid postage is provided on the ballot return envelope.
4. On Election Day, voters can bring their VBM ballot to their designated polling place.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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

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

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County’s Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will accept applications until October 13

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2021 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program. The 2021 HEART Grants fund projects and activities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2021. The application deadline is October 13, 2020. The draft deadline for first-time applicants is October 2.

HEART Grants are administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Grants are awarded for projects related to local history, the arts and humanities. Union County based non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations or individual artists, historians or others with programs that benefit Union County residents are eligible to apply.

 “The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – as well as organizations. Heart Grants make it possible for the residents of Union County to gain an increased appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities.”

The due date for 2021 HEART Grant applications is October 13. Applicants must submit one original and three copies. First-time applicants must submit a draft of the narrative and budget page by October 2. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Grant Writing Workshop for those wishing to apply will not be available. Applicants can request an individual telephone consultation to review their HEART Grant questions at 908-558-2550.

Organizations can request up to $2,500 (with a 25% cash match for anything over $1,000). Individuals can request up to $1,000 (no cash match required). The grant program period is 1/1/20-12/31/21. Residents should consult instructions and guidelines to know if a program is eligible.

For additional information about the HEART Grant, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs by email at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

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.

Union County, NJ – Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte issued the following statement in response to actions reportedly taken by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resulting in delays in the delivery of mail.

“If accurate, the reports of an intentional slowdown in mail delivery go beyond allegations of election interference to impact the emotional and financial well-being of our residents, who are already coping with the economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 crisis as they work through the process of estate settlement,” said Surrogate LaCorte. “Any delay in the normal course of procedure only adds to the stress and heartbreak of losing a loved one.”

“Postmaster DeJoy has announced his intention to suspend his actions, but the damage has already been done. The Postal Service must be returned to normal operations as quickly as possible, and those responsible for this callous neglect of a vital, constitutionally mandated service must be called to account for their actions,” added LaCorte.

The Surrogate’s Office has been experiencing delays of up to three weeks in mail delivery since June, even as the need for its services has increased significantly during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In July, the office conducted 64 administrations and 155 probates, an overall increase of almost 40% compared to July 2019.

The Office of the Union County Surrogate is responsible for probating wills and appointing administrators and trustees of decedents’ estates. In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the office has been conducting transactions through the U.S. Postal Service as well as by phone, email, and fax. The office also maintains a drop box for contactless delivery of paperwork.

For more information about the programs and services of the Union County Surrogate, visit ucnj.org/surrogate, email sbadri@ucnj.org or lbrophy@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4280.

Questions and concerns may also be faxed to the Surrogate’s Office at 908-351-9212.

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.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents who have lost a loved one that there is a simple procedure for removing them from the elections roll, in order to discontinue Vote-by-Mail ballots or other official election mailings under the deceased’s name.

“Because of the increased use of Vote-by-Mail ballots this year, my office has received many calls from residents who continue to receive Vote-by-Mail ballots for loved ones who have passed away,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It is heartbreaking to hear of their distress, and I hope this guidance helps in some small way to ease their grief.”

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued executive orders mandating that the 2020 Primary and General elections be held primarily by mail, resulting in a significant increase in the use of Vote-by-Mail ballots.

To have a deceased voter removed from the election rolls in Union County, a family member or next of kin must send a signed letter to the Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

The letter must indicate that the person who has passed away should be removed from the rolls, and it must include the deceased person’s name, address, date of birth, and date of death. A copy of the death certificate must be included.

Residents who have moved within Union County are also urged to file a voter registration form with their new address by Tuesday, October 13. Registration forms are available for download through the County Clerk’s website, unioncountyvotes.com, and through the free Union County Votes app for mobile devices.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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

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

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