Category: Public Info

All Union County Residents Invited to Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines, March 29

Board of Commissioners hosts “Conversation with Communities of Color on COVID-19 Vaccines” event to break myths, misinformation, and other barriers.

Union County, NJ – With misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines continuing to run rampant, the Union County Board of Commissioners will host a virtual, interactive Town Hall on Zoom beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29. The Town Hall is aimed at helping the Union County community confront the rumors head-on and increase the vaccination rate in communities of color.

Pre-registration is required for the Zoom link at bit.ly/vaccinetownhallucnj.

Vaccination rates in the U.S. vary widely by race, with communities of color far below the rate for whites. In a recent county-by-county analysis of New Jersey, the percentage of Black residents receiving the vaccine was at least 41% lower than for whites, and the difference was at least 45% for Hispanic/Latinx recipients compared to whites.*

“We are determined not to let the weight of the past overpower equal access to safe, effective vaccines for every Union County resident,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “By bringing this conversation to the community, we hope to break down the myths and empower everyone to arm themselves with facts in the fight against COVID-19.”

“Spreading lies is especially harmful to diverse communities like Union County, and that is why the Board of Commissioners is taking action,” said Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “It is important to know where these rumors come from and why they impact communities of color, in order to ensure that every Union County resident knows they have the power to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities against a lethal virus.”

“Fear-mongering and misinformation have carved a deadly path all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is clearly a public safety issue that impacts all of us, and the Town Hall is another step in our campaign to push back and shine a light on the facts,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “We encourage all Union County residents to attend this forum, especially those in minority communities where statistics indicate the need for accurate, fact based information about COVID-19 vaccines.”

“The historical wrongs against communities of color on the public health front are real and should be considered as we continue to roll out efforts to achieve full vaccination and guard against the spread of COVID-19.   However, we should not allow any groups to sow seeds of trepidation and anxiety to influence our population to make choices that create a risk of harm to any of our communities.  Our goal is to shine a light on the past as we inform and empower Union County families to make fact-based decisions about health and safety,” said Commissioner Angela R. Garretson.

The Town Hall will begin with opening remarks by Commissioner Garretson, followed by a presentation on the historical background of vaccine skepticism by Vice Chair Williams and a panel discussion featuring Dr. Chris T. Pernell, MD of University Hospital, Dr. Omar M. Bey, MD of RWJ Barnabas Health, and Dr. Gerardo Capo, MD of Trinitas Medical Center.

The public will be invited to ask questions of the panelists as well as other elected officials, community leaders, and religious leaders. The event will conclude with closing remarks by Commissioner Granados, including information on how to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

*Source: NJ Advance Media.

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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, NJ – In honor of National Poetry Month, the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will be hosting Emmy Award nominee Susanna Rich for a virtual performance of Shout! on April 14 at 6:00 p.m. Shout! is a collection of Rich’s original poetry, which recreates the experiences of suffragists through the battle for Suffrage and Equal Rights during key historical moments.

“Suffragists fought long and hard for equal rights, and it is incredibly important that we continue to recognize this fight,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to honor the hard work of suffragists and remember their legacies as we celebrate National Poetry Month with this performance.”

Shout! is written from the points-of-view of core suffragist figures during key moments in the fight for equal rights, ranging from the 1848 Seneca Falls Woman’s Rights Convention and the 1920 Tennessee ratification of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, to 21st century women.

Admission to Shout! is free of charge on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, pre-registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x3PdqD03RKCF0V0gGHuXDg​.

Susanna Rich is a Professor of English at Kean University. Rich specializes in writing historical poetry, with a focus on creating dynamic, four-dimensional experiences for readers and audiences. In 2008, Rich founded Wild Nights Productions, which creates one-woman, audience-interactive poetry experiences. In addition to being nominated for an Emmy Award, Rich has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in Creative Writing and received numerous awards and honors for her poetry.

To learn more about Susanna Rich, visit susannarich.com. For more information about Shout!, visit wildnightsproductions.com/shout-poetry-for-suffrage.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in protecting rivers and streams can join the Stream School program, a citizen-scientist project that trains volunteers to monitor local waterways in Union County and nearby communities. Stream School is hosted by the Rahway River Watershed Association with training provided by the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors, a program of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“Stream School provides an opportunity for Union County residents to make a real difference, by learning about water monitoring and applying their knowledge to local rivers and streams,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Stream School is a workshop series that introduces local volunteers to water quality monitoring and assessment. No prior experience is necessary. Any person over age of 16 may enroll. Minors under age 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The full series consists of three virtual workshops on April 7, 8, and 9, followed by an in-person field workshop on April 11. Union County residents who are interested in participating in Stream School on a non-certified basis are welcome to attend the first two workshops in the series.

To be certified for official data collection, participants must attend all four workshops, undergo a field audit, and pass a test. Certified participants are qualified to join the Rahway River Watershed Association’s Stream Team program, and will be assigned to a local monitoring station.

To register for Stream School, call 908-472-6152 or visit thewatershed.doubleknot.com/stream-school-april-2021. Registrants will be able to choose the certified or non-certified path when registering.

The Union County Board of Commissioners supports the Watershed Ambassador program for New Jersey Water Management Area 7 through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station with offices in the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. For more information on all Extension programs and activities, visit ucnj.org/rce.

To contact the Area 7 Watershed Ambassador email watershedma7@gmail.com or call the Extension offices, 908-654-9854 (x 7554).

The Rahway River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Rahway River. RRWA works in cooperation with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and with local communities and organizations, to provide opportunities for education, curriculum support activities, community awareness, and environmental stewardship. To learn more, visit rahwayriver.org.

To learn more about volunteering in Union County parks, and for quick links to other environmental programs and activities in Union County, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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 County Commissioners announces “a weekend of shredding” to kick off the first mobile paper shredding programs of 2021.   Free shredding of personal and confidential documents will be available on Saturday, March 27th and Sunday, March 28th.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred your confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other Green Initiatives in Union County.”

The March shredding events will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Both events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The events will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle.  It is preferred that you bring your material in paper bags. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted.  PLEASE do not bring paper that is already shredded; it will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then placed onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then recycled via local paper mills. 

All of Union County’s recycling events are posted on our website, www.ucnj.org/recycle. The Board of County Commissioners also encourages residents to download the free Recycle Coach app for recycling event reminders and local curbside collection info.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through County Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces “a weekend of shredding” to kick off the first mobile paper shredding programs of 2021.   Free shredding of personal and confidential documents will be available on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred your confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other Green Initiatives in Union County.”

The March shredding events will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Both events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The events will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle.  It is preferred that you bring your material in paper bags. Documents should not be bound. Please remove plastic binders and paperclips. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted.  PLEASE do not bring paper that is already shredded; it will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then placed onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then recycled via local paper mills.

All of Union County’s recycling events are posted on our website, www.ucnj.org/recycle. The Board of County Commissioners also encourages residents to download the free Recycle Coach app for recycling event reminders and local curbside collection info.

The mobile shredding program is paid for through County Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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 – With winter season coming to an end, pothole season is starting to begin. The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like you to know there are resources you can use to report them to the proper agency.

“In order for repair crews to act quickly, we encourage drivers and pedestrians alike to learn how to report any pothole they come across, whether it’s a local street, a county road, or a state highway,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

To report a pothole or any other issue with a Union County road, use an online form available through the Union County Department of Public Works and Facilities Management at ucnj.org/pot-hole.

County roads are identified by their blue route signs, which include the letters “CR” followed by a three-digit number.

Persons without Internet access can report potholes on Union County roads by calling 908-789-3660.

For potholes on state highways, call the New Jersey Department of Transportation at 1-800-POTHOLE or use the online form at state.nj.us/transportation.

For local roads, contact the municipality in which the road is located. Links for all 21 Union County municipalities are available through the County website, ucnj.org/municipalities.

To plan a commute around major road projects that may disrupt traffic patterns in Union County, visit the “Road Construction Update” page at ucnj.org/traffic.

For all transit information in Union County including car, bus, rail, aircraft, bicycle and Paratransit, visit Union County ConneXions at ucnj.org/connect.

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.

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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Saliva tests to be offered in Berkeley Heights and Plainfield

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs all residents of upcoming dates for Union County’s COVID-19 mobile testing program. The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled additional visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 saliva tests for residents during the month of March. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. No appointment is required, though residents may not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to testing. Results will be available within 72 hours. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for March (note: the Mobile Test Unit will administer the saliva test at all locations):

• Berkeley Heights – March 17, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Grove at Connell Corporate Park, 100-200 Connell Drive
• Plainfield – March 18, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Plainfield Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 724 Park Avenue

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

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.

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Union County, NJ — Work is under way on a new 10-year Master Plan for the public parks and cultural programs of Union County, and the Board of Commissioners is seeking participation from members of the public. The Union County parks system is managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which includes the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

“Now more than ever, our public parks provide an oasis for thousands of residents and visitors every year while helping to support biodiversity and a healthy environment,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We want to preserve and improve this legacy for the next generation. Everyone with an interest in recreation, nature preservation and cultural enrichment can help.”

The Master Plan provides a platform for balancing future needs in recreation, cultural activities and environmental preservation, and for organizing improvements, restoration projects, and programs throughout the entire park system. It is updated every 10 years.

Work is currently under way on Master Plan 2020, which examines the period through 2030.

Members of the public who wish to submit ideas and comments on any aspect of Union County parks and programs of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs can contact Master Plan 2020 by email at UCParks2020@ucnj.org.

To submit by U.S. Postal Service, write to:

UC Parks Master Plan

Union County Department of Parks & Recreation

10 Elizabethtown Plaza

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to April 2, 2021.

To view Master Plan 2010 online, and for more details on all programs and activities in County parks and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is responsible for policies impacting 36 County parks surrounded by a dynamic, densely populated community with a vibrant interest in cultural programs. The original five parks in the system were established in the 1920’s as a response to the growing public demand for nature conservation and public recreation. The park system has more than tripled in size since then, to encompass 6,200 acres.

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 Commissioners is pleased to announce that the County has received its first shipment of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from the New Jersey Department of Health. The available doses are being distributed to seniors at five locations through the newly launched Union County Mobile Vaccine Unit, and additional sites will be added as soon as more doses become available.

The Union County Mobile Vaccine Unit launched today at a senior residence in Linden. Residences in Hillside, Plainfield, Roselle, and Union Township are also included in the program, accounting for the full shipment received from the state Department of Health. Additional sites will be added to the mobile program once more vaccine is available.

“The new mobile unit enables us to bring vaccines to seniors who would have difficulty traveling to the Kean University site, and the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine enables us to reach more seniors as quickly and efficiently as possible. The new mobile service also helps limit the risk of exposure for people who are most vulnerable to the potentially deadly effects of the virus,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We believe that all Union County residents should have access to this life-saving vaccine,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “Our Public Safety team has made it a top priority to not only vaccinate all those who want the shot, but in while making sure we target our most vulnerable populations of residents. As more resources become available, we will focus on these communities throughout our County utilizing various initiatives and programs, including our new mobile unit.”

The new mobile unit complements the Union County Vaccine Center at Kean University and the county’s satellite site in Plainfield, through which the Commissioner Board has already administered almost 30,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine to eligible residents.

The Board has also assigned County staff to assist with the federally managed FEMA vaccination site in Elizabeth, which has administered 3,000 doses to date.

Union County residents are reminded that the vaccine supply shortage still persists. Those who already have an appointment for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine are advised to keep their appointment in order to ensure they receive a vaccine as quickly as possible.

All three vaccines are highly effective and are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Residents who would like to make an appointment at the Union County Vaccine Center at Kean University can book an appointment online at ucnjvaccine.org.

Residents are advised to check for updates frequently. Appointments are scheduled only when supplies are available, and they book up quickly.

Seniors and persons who have difficulty accessing the Internet can contact the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 to check for updates.

In addition to vaccination programs run by Union County, pharmacies and other locations are beginning offer vaccines. For a list of available sites visit the New Jersey vaccine information hub at covid19.nj.gov/pages/covid-19-vaccine.

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.