Category: Public Info

The County of Union today announced it will begin to offer Phase 1A Covid-19 vaccinations beginning Thursday and in accordance with state guidelines.

Health care personnel, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Health, who are eligible to receive the vaccine, must make an appointment through the County’s registration system.  For more information about who qualifies under phase 1A or to make an appointment visit https://www.ucnj.org/vaccination.​  Registration will be open tomorrow on Tuesday, January 5^th at 9 a.m. The County will be offering the Moderna vaccine.

“In the coming weeks and months, as more supplies become available, we will announce locations and procedures in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health regulations and guidance,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hold the health and safety of those we vaccinate in the utmost regard, and we are ensuring that all protocols are in place as we proceed. As we conduct this lifesaving work over the coming months, we urge all residents to continue taking every possible action to save lives, too: wear a mask, observe social distance, get tested – and get vaccinated once you are eligible and once supplies arrive. We have all been depending on each other to stay safe during this pandemic, and each one of us has the power to make a difference in our community.”

County Commissioner Sergio Granados, chair of the Public Safety Committee added:  “Union County continues to work on ways to help our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic from leading the state in testing to now kicking off the Union County COVID-19 vaccination program that we are confident will become one of the most active in New Jersey in offering vaccinations.”

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams becomes Vice Chair; Commissioners Angela R. Garretson and Christopher Hudak begin new terms; Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon begins first full term; Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Sheriff Peter Corvelli begin new terms.

Commissioner Alexander Mirabella has been selected as Chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners for the second year in a row, announcing a series of initiatives for 2021 under the title, “Union County Rising.”

Chairman Mirabella announced the new initiatives at the 165^th annual reorganization meeting of County Government. The reorganization was held virtually for the first time in history, and the installations and swearings-in were held live on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The meeting also marked the first meeting of the newly-named County Board of Commissioners, replacing the title of Freeholder.

During the meeting, Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams became Vice Chair; Commissioners Angela R. Garretson and Christopher Hudak began new terms; Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon began her first full term and also became the first Latino woman elected to the Board; and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Sheriff Peter Corvelli began new terms.

This is Mirabella’s sixth term as Chairman, having previously served in 2001, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2020.

During his speech, Mirabella called for a moment of silence in honor of those who died from COVID-19, then added:

“Union County was dealt a severe blow by the pandemic in every way­ socially, economically and physically,” he said. “Yet, we did what we always do when faced with tough times: We came together, we helped each other, we healed each other, and we must now move forward.”

The “Union County Rising” initiatives are:

*Vaccinations: The County of Union is finalizing plans to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to its residents, and is ready to begin vaccinations as soon as they arrive. Having administered COVID-19 tests throughout Union County, the infrastructure is in place to allow for a transition to a vaccination program immediately. Union County will be providing vaccinations according to the priorities established by the State of New Jersey.

*Dispatch expansion:  The Department of Public Safety has begun work on the expansion of the Union County Regional Dispatch Center. This is an important shared service handling emergency calls for the County, and many other agencies.

*The former Juvenile Detention Center in Linden: The County is planning to repurpose it as a Fire Academy, to train firefighters throughout the County.

*“Union County Means Business for all initiatives:”

1.) The Union County Economic Development Corporation has started taking applications for its VIP Virtual Incubator Program. This is limited to minority and under-served populations;

2.) The Entrepreneurship as a Second Chance (ESC) program is to be held in April/May. The focus will be on Union county registrants, and the UCEDC is accepting applications now. This will be training to assist individuals explore business ownership;

3.) The “Open for Business Initiative,” which is designed to help underserved small businesses stay open and save jobs through the UCEDC;

More information the above UCEDC programs is available online at ucedc.com.

4.) Project Fresh Start: The County’s Human Services Department will provide mobile shower and laundry service for people in need and the homeless, and it will roll out this year.

5.) The reboot of the Union County Foreclosure Task Force, which was created to help those in need after the financial crash in          2009. In its new form, the Task Force will also include tenants at risk of eviction.

6.) The Office of LGBTQ Affairs will work with the National and NJ LGBT Chambers of Commerce to develop a virtual jobs fair with accepting businesses that value  LGBTQ diversity in the workplace and offer affirming working environments where all are welcome.

7.) In line with this, the County is working with UCEDC to develop an “Open for Business – Open for Everyone: Diversity and Inclusion Symposium” for business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. Upon completion of the LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion training program, businesses will be invited to sign the “Open for Business – Open for Everyone” pledge and receive a window decal or sticker  to  post  at  their establishment.

8.) The Office of LGBTQ Affairs will work with our Parks Department to develop plans for a unique LGBTQ+ inclusive and welcoming space for all to enjoy at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

*Parks Department announcements:

1.) Continuation of drive-up concerts and movies in the spring;

2.) Work should be completed by summer on the newly ­renovated Ulrich Pool in Rahway;

3.) A new turf field and baseball facility at Snyder Avenue will be completed in Berkeley Heights in the spring;

4.) The County will begin construction of a new outdoor riding ring for those with disabilities at the Watchung Stables. The ring should be completed by the end of the year;

5.) The County will complete the master plan for the Clark Reservoir in the next few months;

6.) The County plans to transform County property on Cushing Road into a working farm, as part of a unique educational opportunity for students at the Union County Vocational-Technical School District in Scotch Plains.

*The County anticipates a groundbreaking on one of Union County’s largest and most important economic development projects ever — the construction of two new County office buildings on West Grand Street in Elizabeth. The plan is to consolidate employees from the current Administration Building and several other leased facilities into these two new buildings. By financing through the Union County Improvement Authority and eliminating leases, the County will save $120 million over 30 years.

Mirabella concluded his speech with a call to action.

“I said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m proud of each County employee, who in their own way, enabled us to continue providing essential County services while managing new challenges brought on by the pandemic, including testing, tracking, tracing, emergency food distribution, and CARES Act grant programs,” Mirabella said.  “We are facing formidable challenges this year, but I know that together we will rise above all. Together, we can, we must, and we will get over the pandemic and move Union County forward.”

NEW PROVIDENCE – The County of Union today announced it has received a gracious donation from the Max Challenge gyms of New Providence and Springfield/Union in the amount of $6,030 to help county residents in need.

The donation, which came in the form of grocery store gift cards, will be distributed to those in need by the Union County Division of Social Services and was made possible by the generosity of the gyms’ members.

Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams and Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner joined gym owners Allison DiMarzio and Amy Walsh along with Sara Kirsch, gym manager and instructor at the New Providence location, in accepting the donation on the County’s behalf.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of our community during this difficult holiday season,” said Freeholder Williams. “We thank the Max Challenge gyms of New Providence and Springfield/Union for this donation. It’s beautiful that residents can come together and raise money for a good cause while meeting their goals in a safe and healthy way.”

The gift card collection was done as part of the gym’s 6th Annual “Fitmas Competition,” a friendly and competitive way to get members focused on their fitness and nutrition goals during the toughest time of the year to do just that.

“Members work hard posting pictures of their compliant meals, selfies after their workouts, and sharing how their fellow members inspire them, among other ways to earn points for their team,” said Kirsch.  “The most incredible way that members could participate was by donating grocery store gift cards for local families in need. THE MAX Challenge of Springfield/Union & New Providence are so grateful for the generosity of its members, reinforcing that THE MAX is more than a fitness & nutrition center. This place is a community, a support system, and a family!”

Any Union County resident experiencing hunger this holiday season is encouraged to visit ucnj.org/food to get information on upcoming food drives, or call the Division of Social Services at 908-965-2700 (Elizabeth) or 908-791-7000 (Plainfield).

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 statewide 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.

Union County Government will hold its annual reorganization on Sunday, January 3rd, which begins at 12 p.m. The installation ceremony and the reorganizational meeting will be held in person at the steps of the Union County Courthouse and will convene virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic so that the public may participate.  Both the installation ceremony and the reorganizational meeting will be broadcast live on the County’s Facebook page.

Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella, a resident of Fanwood, is expected to continue a second year in a row as Chairman, and Commissioner Rebecca Williams, a resident of Plainfield, is expected to be Vice Chair. Those scheduled to be sworn into new terms include: Commissioners Angela R. Garretson and Christopher Hudak. Lourdes M. Leon  will begin her first term as a Commissioner. County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and County Sheriff  Peter Corvelli will be sworn in to new terms.

Commissioners will also vote to fill numerous positions on county standing committees, advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2021 schedule and more.

The Union County Department of Corrections today donated toys from off their annual Toy Drive collection to the Trinitas Pediatric Hospital in Elizabeth. Happy Holidays to all! Pictured is LT. A.Davis, Sgt. J.Ellis, Officer D. Serafino and Officer J.Collins.

Essentials for emergencies and PPE to prevent spread of COVID-19 to be distributed

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of the “To-Go Bags” program, aimed at ensuring that residents with disabilities and special needs have personal protective equipment and other essential supplies to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The To-Go Bag program will also provide assistance during unexpected winter emergencies.

“The winter storm season has added another element of risk to the COVID-19 pandemic, the To-Go Bag program will help ensure that our most vulnerable residents have the supplies they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The To-Go Bag program will provide residents in need with hygiene products, fever medication/pain relievers, batteries, and other critical supplies needed in times of an emergency or natural disaster. In addition, the To-Go Bags will also contain PPE such as masks as well as alcohol wipes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The To-Go Bags will be distributed by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs through a network of community partners and local agencies.

For more information about the COVID To-Go Bags, call (908) 527-4781 or email opdsn@ucnj.org.

For more information regarding the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit https://ucnj.org/departments/human-services/opdsn/.

For information on programs and initiatives from the Union County Department of Human Services, please visit ucnj.org/human-services.

For upcoming Emergency Food Distributions, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

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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Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

                                  

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 Tuesday, December 29^th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Warinanco Park, located in Roselle. The distribution will take place at the Skating Rink (Warinanco Sports Center) located within the park and 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 with support from the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Gargiulo Produce and Breadsmith.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This combination drive-up and walk-up distribution allows those in Union County to pick up food even if they don’t have access to a car.”

“During this time as residents face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we continue to work to provide everyone with support” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Gargiulo Produce and Breadsmith for their partnership in 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.  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 Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

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

To learn more about Breadsmith, visit: https://www.breadsmith.com/cranford/.

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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Winter safety rules and COVID-19 prevention are in effect.

Union County, NJ – With miles of rustic trails and one of the best sledding hills in the area, Union County parks offer a wide variety of winter activities. Residents and visitors are reminded to observe ice and snow safety rules and take precautions against spreading or contracting the COVID-19 virus while enjoying County parks this winter.

“Thousands of residents and visitors enjoy Union County parks every year, and we ask everyone to observe a few simple rules that protect health and safety under winter conditions, while also helping to preserve the ecosystem and wildlife habitat in our parks,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Bicycles are strictly prohibited on all unpaved trails in all County parks. Bicycles, including mountain bikes and fat-tire sport bikes, are permitted only on paved multi-use pathways. Off-trail biking is strictly prohibited. All cyclists are reminded that paved pathways are shared with pedestrians.

Ice skating is prohibited on ponds and lakes in County parks, except where expressly permitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Ice is tested regularly for safety and signs are posted where conditions are safe enough to support ice skating.

Sledding is permitted only in Echo Lake Park and in other designated areas, in order to prevent collisions with trees, traffic, and pedestrians, and in order to prevent damage to ecologically sensitive areas.

For safety reasons, toboggans, bobsleds and other non-steerable devices are discouraged.

Downhill skiing is prohibited in all County parks.

Cross-country skiing is permitted only on marked trails and paved paths; off-trail skiing is prohibited. Skiers are reminded to share trails and paths with pedestrians.

Hiking and snowshoeing are permitted on trails and paths throughout County parks. Hikers are asked to help prevent damage to natural habitats; do not hike off-trail or take shortcuts.

COVID-19 prevention: The Warinanco Sports Center remains closed for ice skating and other activities until further notice. Visitors to County parks must observe social distance and wear face masks where distance is impractical.

For a list of all activities in each Union County park, visit ucnj.org/parks-activities (please note that winter activities are permitted as described above).

Union County parks feature many trails and walking routes of special interest including history, geology, and the East Coast Greenway bike route. For a complete list visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/paths-trails-greenways.

For a list of ordinances governing the use of bicycles and other vehicles in County parks, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/parks-regulations.

For additional information regarding winter activities, please call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 527-4900 or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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 statewide 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.

Kean University COVID-19 Drive Through Testing Center, Paratransit and Meals on Wheels food delivery to be affected

Union County, NJ – The County of Union has cancelled and adjusted the following programs and services due to the impending winter storm:

*The COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center at Kean University will be closed on Thursday, December 17^th.  All appointments for that day have been moved to Friday, December 18^th, and the drive-thru test center will be open that day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

*The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Testing Event scheduled for December 17^th in Berkeley Heights from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. has been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

*All Union County Paratransit service will not run on Thursday, December 17^th. Paratransit service, including the Route 22 shuttle, will run until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16^th and resume Friday, December 18^th.

*The Meals on Wheels program will not deliver meals on Thursday, December 17^th. Meal delivery will be doubled on Wednesday, December 16^th.

*Individuals who are in need of shelter during or just prior to the storm can call the Division of Social Services 908-965-2700 and transportation will be arranged as needed.

For updates on Union County services and events during the winter storm, please visit

www.ucnj.org.

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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