Category: Public Info

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at walk-up event in Plainfield.

New academy is located in Linden at former County Juvenile Detention Center

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners cut the ribbon today on the new Union County Fire/EMS Training Academy. The new facility provides classroom space for both professional and volunteer firefighters in training, as well as continuing education for firefighters and EMT’s who are currently serving.

Forty-four firefighters from Hillside, Linden, Rahway and Union Township have commenced classroom instruction at the new Fire Academy, formerly the site of the Union County Juvenile Detention Center, located at 1075 Edward Street in Linden.

“We had a building that was available for repurposing and this works out well for the County as well as for local fire departments,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to offer a conveniently located facility for Union County’s Firefighters and EMT’s to work toward the completion of their training.”

Future plans include the development of a course catalog with public safety classes such as CPR training available to members of the general public.

“I am extremely excited about this new academy, it has been a long time coming. This gives our firefighters from all the different municipalities the ability to start their careers by training together while building relationships. They will be seeing each other on the various fire grounds throughout their careers,” said Michael Scanio, Chief of the Township of Union Fire Department and president of the Union County Chiefs Association.

Currently, the county has an existing facility located on Lower Road in Linden that will continue to provide a realistic environment for conducting live burn training for both career and volunteer firefighters.

The Fire Training Academy is operated by the Union County Department of Public Safety. For more information, please visit: ucnj.org/public-safety.

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.

Union County, NJ — The red, black, and green flag is flying proudly at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, marking the start of the Union County Board of Commissioners annual celebration of Black History Month in February.

“We look forward to working with our community partners on events in celebration of Black History Month, to reflect upon the achievements and obstacles of the past and present, and to recommit ourselves to the promise of the future,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The Pan-African Flag is a symbol of the determination, resiliency, and achievement of people of African descent throughout the continent and the diaspora, and its message is all the more compelling in light of the challenges we have all faced during the past year,” said Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“So many milestones continue to be achieved for the black community, most recently by Vice President Kamala Harris, who is a graduate of Howard University. She is the first graduate of a historically Black college or university and the first member of a Black Greek organization to serve as second in command to the presidency. We also began the statewide use of our new title, County Commissioners, showing inclusivity is a possibility from DC to New Jersey counties,” said Commissioner Angela R. Garretson

“Knowledge is power, and Black History Month provides an opportunity to uplift, inspire, and prepare the next generation to take on new challenges and build a stronger community,” said Commissioner Andrea “Sunshine” Staten.

The RBG or red, black and green flag was raised on Sunday evening in order to ensure that it would fly on February 1, regardless of a severe winter storm hitting the area.

Each year, the Union County Board of Commissioners celebrates Black History Month with a flag-raising and a series of events and activities held in cooperation with community partners.

The month is highlighted by the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. The award was created by the Board of Commissioners in honor of the late former Union County Commissioner Chester Holmes, who was known for his lifelong dedication to community service.

Beginning on January 1 of this year, the statewide title for county elected officials changed from Freeholder to Commissioner. The title for elected bodies also changed, from Board of Chosen Freeholders to Board of County Commissioners.

The Freeholder title dated back to Colonial days, when a citizen’s ability to hold public office was defined by gender, race, and property.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including testing and vaccination, ucnj.org/covid19. For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance 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.

Latest update: Due to weather conditions the Westfield passport office will close at 6 pm tonight, Tuesday February 2. All other Union County Clerk offices in Elizabeth are open.

Union Vicinage buildings are closed on Monday (new update: Vicinage buildings will also be closed on Tuesday, February 2); remote operations continue.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents are advised of changes to the Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center and other programs in anticipation of the winter storm forecast for Sunday evening into Tuesday.

1. COVID-19 testing: The free Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University will be closed on Monday, February 1 due to the storm. Persons with a Monday appointment will need to reschedule through the Test Center portal at ucnj.org/covid19.

The Test Center will be open on Wednesday, February 3 (normal days of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Visits to the Test Center are by appointment only. Please check the Union County COVID-19 portal online at ucnj.org/covid19 for more details or to schedule an appointment.

Union County’s series of free walk-up test sites will continue on Thursday (location and time will be posted at ucnj.org/covid19).

2. The walk-up emergency food distribution event originally scheduled for Tuesday in Plainfield has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 4 in Plainfield. Please visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events for details.

3. Meals-on-Wheels deliveries are suspended for Monday (additional meals were delivered over the weekend to provide for Monday).

4. Paratransit service will be suspended on Monday.

5. (update 2x): Due to inclement weather, the Union Vicinage will close its doors on Mon., Feb. 1, 2021 (new update: the buildings will also be closed on Tuesday, February 2). While the physical court offices will be closed, virtual operations will continue.

The Union County Vaccination Center at Kean University runs on an appointment-only basis and will be open for those holding appointments on Tuesday, February 2, weather permitting. Please check the Union County vaccination portal, ucnjvaccine.org, on a regular basis for updates on vaccine availability, as supplies are limited and appointments book up quickly.

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For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including testing and vaccination, ucnj.org/covid19. For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance visit 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that 60 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2021 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

The HEART grant program was created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, in recognition of the importance of culture and the arts to the Union County economy and quality of life. The innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $115,700.

“The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support the HEART grant program, which continues to bring artistic and educational experiences to Union County residents under difficult and unprecedented circumstances during the pandemic,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Board, I congratulate our 2021 awardees and thank them for their dedication to creativity and enrichment.”

In addition to meeting ongoing grant qualifications, the 2021 awardees demonstrated a willingness to modify their plans and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the mastery of new tools and technology for virtual events, and an ability to conduct in-person events in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines.

For information about next year’s HEART Grant Program, artists, educators, civic groups and historical non-profit organizations can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550 or by email at culturalinfo@ucjnj.org  NJ Relay users can dial 711.

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2021 (Total $115,700)

Individuals

• Brian Beste, Fanwood, $1,000,  presenting photography workshops
• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $1,000,  providing free dance classes
• Lesl Harker, New Providence, $1,000,  presenting Irish music workshop and concert
• Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $1,000,  presenting two free jazz concerts in Union County libraries
• Michael Yesenko, Union, $1,000, providing a pictorial history installation of the Revolutionary War
• Rafael Simancas, Roselle Park, $1,000, providing Art Day and mural project
• Valerie Graham, Roselle, $1,000,  presenting free crafts workshops for seniors

Organizations/Community Groups

• BOLD Community Care Services, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting adaptive art programming
• Borough of Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, $1,000,  presenting a free concert
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union, $2,500,  presenting a dance festival
• City of Rahway, $2,500, presenting Rahway Diversity and Social Justice Lecture Series
• Community Access Unlimited, Elizabeth, $1,000, providing Arts in the Park activities
• Continuo Arts Foundation, Summit, $2,500, presenting on-line music activity programs for children
• Dreamcatchers Repertory Theatre, Summit, $2,500 presenting audioplay of “Everything is Super Great”
• duCret School of Art, Plainfield, $2,500, presenting outdoor plays
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting Hispanic Heritage Month concerts
• Friends of Summit Public Art, $2,500 providing a public art installation
• Friends of Westfield Memorial Library, $1,350,  providing lecture series videos
• Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $700,  presenting an organic gardening lecture series
• Historical Society of Elizabeth NJ, $1,000,  presenting a history panel discussion
• Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $2,500, providing virtual history programming
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500,  providing arts and culture classes for Teens
• Jefferson Parks Ministries, Elizabeth, $2,500,  providing art gallery exhibits
• Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $2,000,  presenting a cultural appreciation series for Seniors
• Jewish Family Services of Central NJ, Elizabeth, $2,500, presenting a virtual concert Program
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting arts programs for immigrant women
• Kenilworth Historical Society, Kenilworth, $1,500,  presenting a Living History exhibition
• Liberty Hall Museum, Union, $2,500 presenting a dance festival
• Life Drawing Studio Group, Fanwood, $2,500,  providing visual arts workshops
• Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway, $1,200,  presenting a history tour and presentation
• Musical Club of Westfield, Scotch Plains, $2,500,  presenting a benefit concert
• Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,500,  presenting music programs for U.C. Detention Center
• NAACP Rahway Branch, $2,500,  presenting a Juneteenth Celebration program
• New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Westfield, $2,500, presenting a live concert
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, New Providence, $2,500,  presenting a community concert
• New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, Westfield, $1,000, provide outdoor musical performances
• New Providence Public Art, $2,500, providing an interactive sculpture park
• Overlook Hospital Foundation, Summit, $2,500, presenting “Healing Caregivers” healing arts program
• Occupational Center of Union County, Inc., Roselle, $2,500,  presenting art education classes for people with disabilities
• Plainfield Public Library, $2,500, presenting a photojournalism program
• Plainfield Symphony Society, Plainfield, $1,650,  presenting a free symphony concert
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $2,500, presenting an original play
• Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit, $2,500,  presenting concert with jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimee
• Roselle Park Loves Arts, Inc., Roselle Park, $2,500, provide an arts festival
• SAGE Eldercare, Inc., Summit, $2,100,  presenting free arts programs for older adults
• Social Justice Matters, Inc., Scotch Plains, $2,500, producing an oral history of Kramer Manor
• Springfield Free Public Library, $600,  producing a museum exhibit
• Stony Hill Players, Summit, $2,500,  presenting children’s theatrical productions
• Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah, Clark, $500,  presenting a free music program
• The Theater Project, Union, $2,500,  presenting theatrical performances in Union
• Township of Berkeley Heights, $2,500,  presenting a civil rights cultural event
• Township of Hillside, $1,000, producing the Recreational Center Mural Project
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $1,660,  presenting a pictorial history exhibit
• United Youth of NJ, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting an historical play
• Visual Arts Center of NJ, Summit $2,500,  presenting a visual arts program for older adults
• Westfield Community Center, Westfield, $1,000,  providing Black History programs
• Westfield Historical Society, $1440, providing digital archives
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $2,000,  presenting dance classes
• Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,000, presenting digital performances for older adults
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,500, presenting a “Y” Senior Soirees Series

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.

COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed at these events.

Union County, NJ — Now that winter is in full swing, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present Back to Nature, an annual series of outdoor programs for families with children ages four and older.

The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring a different nature or science theme each week. Programs begin on February 20 and continue through March 20.

Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/trailside. Please be advised that programs fill up quickly and are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Trailside’s Back to Nature series offers families an opportunity to spend time together in the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the Watchung Reservation,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. Topics include Maple Sugaring, Cool Camouflage, a Winter Scavenger Hunt, Winter Backyard Birds and an Early Spring Hike.

The fee per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents. Programs are held rain or shine.

Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.

For more information about upcoming programs and activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

In-person 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.

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 County Commissioners.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-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 and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on state vaccine planning are 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.

In order to better assist seniors 65 years of age and older, and those who may not have internet access, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the opening on Friday, January 29^th of a COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center for residents to schedule an appointment. The Union County COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center will also work to answer questions from residents who need more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and can also help arrange transportation if necessary for residents with a confirmed vaccination appointment.

The phone number is 908-613-7VAX (7829), and the hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Within the hotline system, there will be tailored assistance for:

• Seniors over 65 years of age;
• Those in the 18-64 age range with qualifying medical conditions who may lack internet access;
• Residents who need assistance in Spanish;
• Residents who may need assistance with transportation to and from vaccination sites

Those currently eligible to receive the vaccination are individuals ages 65 and older, persons 18-64 with high-risk medical conditions, uniformed police officers, firefighters, health care workers and others identified in Group 1A.

Those wishing to make an appointment online for the Union County Vaccination center may also do so at www.ucnj.org

Updated: Due to a winter storm forecast from Sunday evening into Tuesday, the food distribution event in Plainfield will be moved from February 2 to Thursday, February 4.

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners announces that an emergency food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 will be held on Thursday, February 4 at Gerald B. Green Plaza located at 200 W. 2^nd Street in Plainfield

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 With support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to the residents in the western part of Union County.”

“Residents continue to face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We thank Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

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 produce, dairy and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.

Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

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.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.   

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 – Union County residents who are looking to add variety, spice, and healthy ingredients to their home cooked meals can find guidance online from the experts, through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

“Cooking at home is recommended as an effective strategy for improving health and well-being, and it is all the more important during the winter months when outdoor activities are limited,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to support the Extension in its efforts to provide the public with expert, fact-based research on healthy meals.”

Studies show that interest in home cooking and comfort foods has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home cooks are also expanding their use of new products and different ingredients.

Online learning topics include:

• The many benefits of squash, including Vitamin A, fiber, antioxidants and minerals (visit Health Tips at org/rce).
• Food safety tips for pregnant women (visit Health Tips at org/rce).
• Five ways to plan for family meals (visit Small Steps to Health and Wealth at rutgers.edu or Family Meals at ucnj.org/rce).
• How to choose foods that boost energy, and reduce stress (visit Small Steps to Health and Wealth at rutgers.edu).

Guidance for following a Mediterranean diet is also available at ucnj.org/rce.

A complete online edition of Small Steps to Health and Wealth is available at njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw.

To see new research on food trends for 2021 from Rutgers, visit njaes.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Commissioners, with offices at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The Extension belongs to a statewide research and youth development program run in New Jersey by the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, as part of the national Cooperative Extension network of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more health tips and information on popular Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs for Union County residents, including Environmental Stewards, Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards, and 4-H youth activities, visit ucnj.org/rce or call 908-654-9854.

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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 residents who are seeking ways to help the environment this year can start by bringing reusable grocery bags to the supermarket, and skipping single-use bags.

“Switching to reusable grocery bags is a simple but effective way for everyone to help cut down on waste and litter pollution, and start getting into the ‘Choose to Reuse’ habit,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Single-use grocery bags have become notorious symbols of waste and litter. They pollute waterways and harm wildlife and marine animals, which often mistake them for food.

Whether made of paper or plastic, single-use grocery bags consume vast amounts of energy and raw materials, but they are only used for about 12 minutes on average. They are easily torn or damaged, which prevents them from being reused even once.

In contrast, reusable bags are sturdy and can last for years.

On November 4, 2020, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a ban on single-use paper and plastic grocery bags that goes into effect in May of 2022. Union County residents can plan ahead by making the switch to reusable bags now.

Here are some additional facts about plastic bags:*

• Up to 80 percent of ocean plastic pollutionenters the ocean from land.
• At least 267 different specieshave been impacted by ocean plastic pollution.
• 100,000 marine animalsare killed by plastic bags every year.
• One in three leatherback sea turtleshave been found with plastic in their stomachs.
• Plastic bags degrade into microplastic particles that continue to pollute.
• The average family in the U.S. takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year.
• An average only 15 of every 1,500 plastic bags are recycled in the U.S.

For more information about recycling programs and events hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle. For on-the-go updates on all local and countywide recycling programs download the free Recycle Coach app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

*Source: The Center for Biological Diversity.

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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.