Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board will distribute 90,000 face masks to all 21 municipalities later this week free of charge, as part of “Mask Up UC,” a countywide public safety campaign to encourage all County residents to wear face masks and safeguard themselves and others from potential exposure to COVID-19.

Mask Up UC launched last May with the delivery of 100,000 free face masks to the 21 municipalities, which distributed them locally.

The new delivery of 90,000 masks will again be provided to municipal agencies for local distribution.

“As more is known about the COVID-19 virus, there is no question that masks are the most effective tool for prevention available to everyone now, and masks will continue to play an essential role in protecting public health even after a vaccine is available,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The countywide distribution program enables local leaders to provide their residents with increased access to donated masks, as part of the strong county/local partnerships that engage the Freeholder Board’s civic mission of fostering public safe and healthy during every phase of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Angela R. Garretson, who is Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

Other public safety resources authorized by the Freeholder Board during the COVID-19 outbreak include the free Union County Drive-Through Covid-19 Test Center at Kean University, and free walk-up saliva tests at various locations provided by the Union County Mobile COVID-19 Test Unit.

The Drive-Through Test Center is now offering a new three-panel nasal swab test that provides results for flu types A and B as well as COVID-19, in order to provide additional information to County residents during the flu season. The new swab test is also more comfortable and less invasive than the test administered earlier in the outbreak.

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.

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High-level panel will explore the road to progress on women’s equality following the 100-year anniversary of the 19^th Amendment.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites members of the public to join The 100^th Anniversary Suffrage Victory and the Effects on the Modern Woman, a virtual panel event to be held Monday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. featuring New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy and a distinguished panel of elected officials and educators working in Union County and throughout the state.

Registration is required to receive Zoom link for this event. To register, visit  tinyurl.com/NJSTRONG before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 15.

“In this historic 2020 election cycle, with an unprecedented number of votes cast for President and Vice President, it is all the more important to measure how far we have come toward ensuring the right to vote and achieving gender equality for all,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “There is much more work to be done, and I encourage everyone to join in the discussion and help chart the way forward.”

“The Freeholder Board is dedicated to raising awareness about the many generations of women who have worked toward equal rights, and helping today’s generation gain a more comprehensive awareness about the obstacles and opportunities that we face in the years ahead,” said Union County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The outpouring of participation in the 2020 election cycle has inspired and re-energized us to help ensure that the leaders of tomorrow reflect the diversity of Union County, New Jersey, and the United States of America.”

Guests of Honor include:

First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy

New Jersey State Senator Nellie Pou, 35th Legislative District

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi

Panelists include:

Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President of Union County College

Rebecca Mark, Director of Rutgers Institute for Women’s Leadership

Dr. Sadaf Jaffer, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University

Dr. Joanne J. Noel, Associate Dean, Alternative Programs, Pillar College

Dr. Barbara Ridener, Dean of College of Education, Kean University

Freeholder Jim Jefferson, Gloucester County CSW Liaison

The panel will be moderated by Dianne Bautista, Chair of Somerset County Commission on the State of Women and Shelly L. Bell, Vice Chair of the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women.

The 100^th Anniversary Suffragette Victory and the Effects on the Modern Woman was created as through the work of the Multi-County Commission on the Status of Women, the Union County Commission on the Status of women, the Union County Office on Women in the Department of Economic Development.

For more information on the Union County Office on Women, visit ucnj.org/women.

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.

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The Union County Mobile Test Unit will conduct saliva tests for the public in Springfield and Cranford

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board has announced two upcoming events for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of November. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at events in Springfield on November 12^th and Cranford on November 17^th.

The walk up events are open to all Union County residents and no appointment is necessary. Those wishing to be tested should bring a smart phone or tablet and refrain from food, drink or chewing gum 30 minutes before testing.

“The Freeholder Board continues to offer free COVID tests county-wide, as we work to keep our communities safe,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to get tested if they have any concerns about exposure to COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms.”

The Mobile Test Unit will hold COVID-19 testing for the general public on:

Thursday, 11/12 – Springfield

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Road, Springfield

Tuesday, 11/17 – Cranford

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Orange Avenue Pool, 1025 Orange Avenue, Cranford

These events are sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and done in cooperation with the City of Elizabeth and Union County College.

Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski spoke with Union County Corrections Sgt. Dean Aneiros while thanking county workers at the Union County Mobile Test Unit site in Tamaques Park in Westfield as several hundred residents lined up for free COVID-19 tests. For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)​

The Union County Mobile Test Unit will conduct saliva tests for the public

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board has announced two upcoming events for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of November. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at two events in Elizabeth on November 10^th.

The walk up events are open to all Union County residents and no appointment is necessary. Those wishing to be tested should bring a smart phone or tablet and refrain from food, drink or chewing gum 30 minutes before testing.

“The Freeholder Board continues to offer free COVID tests county-wide, as we work to keep our communities safe,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to get tested if they have any concerns about exposure to COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms.”

The Mobile Test Unit will hold COVID-19 testing for the general public on:

Tuesday 11/10

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Union County College, Lessner Building Parking Lot, 12 W. Jersey Street, Elizabeth

3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Peterstown Community Center – 418 Palmer Street, Elizabeth  

These events are sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and done in cooperation with the City of Elizabeth and Union County College.

Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County 9-1-1 callers are first in the nation to use the new CueHit service for smart phones, provided through the Union County Regional Dispatch Center. The new service provides new opportunities for the Dispatch Center to communicate with callers, while enabling first responders to focus on life threatening situations and other emergencies. The Regional Dispatch Center is the first 9-1-1 call center in the U.S. to make use of CueHit.

The Regional Dispatch Center handles 9-1-1 emergency calls and other communications for the Union County Department of Public Safety, and for a growing number of municipal public first responder offices and health care facilities in Union County.

“The Regional Dispatch Center provides municipalities in Union County with access to state-of-the-art emergency call services, while also relieving them from administrative tasks and providing a stable platform for budget management,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are constantly looking for ways to expand this shared County service as new technology comes onto the market.”

“CueHit has the potential to become a key tool in our ability to improve public safety services and address quality of life issues throughout our communities. It enhances the Dispatch Center’s ability to reach out and connect with the public on a person-to-person level, while enabling first responders to focus their attention on preventing injury and saving lives,” said Freeholder Angela Garretson, who is the Freeholder liaison to the Union County Public Safety Advisory Board.

“Emergency services have to change and grow along with the times, and the feedback component of CueHit will be especially important as we work to improve public safety services in the digital age,” said Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran.

With CueHit, smart phone users who call 9-1-1 in Union County to report incidents that are not life-threatening speak to a dispatcher at the Regional Dispatch Center, and receive a followup text message that provides an estimated time of arrival for the first responders.

The text message also provides instructions on what to do until the responders arrive.

In addition, the caller will receive a survey by text message 24 hours later, offering them with an opportunity to provide feedback on their experience. 

Examples of non-life threatening or lower priority incidents include vandalism, animal nuisances, or discovery of a theft or break-in where the perpetrator is no longer present.

Union County created the Regional Dispatch Center in 2012, as a shared county-local emergency communications service to handle the growing number and complexity of emergency calls among the 21 municipalities. It repaced the County’s existing two-console facility with a state-of-the-art, nine-console array that dispatches the Union County Police Department and many local and regional public safety agencies including Police, Fire, EMS, the Metro Strike Team and Union County Fire Mutual Aid.

In addition, Union County is the contact point for specialized resources including the Sheriff’s K-9, the Union County Bomb Squad and the Union County Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Unit (HazMat).

Union County also launched a countywide, shared ambulance service in 2012 to help relieve pressure on local responders resulting from ongoing trends, including hospital emergency room closings, local budget constraints, and difficulty in recruiting volunteers for local squads.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Find out about opportunities at Trinitas Hospital, Wakefern, Remarkable Foods, and Farmland Dairies.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents seeking jobs are invited to participate in Union County’s first virtual job fair sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the County’s American Job Center employment services program.

Representatives from major employers, including Trinitas Hospital, Wakefern, Remarkable Foods, and Farmland Dairies will be available to speak with job seekers online on Zoom, and discuss positions ranging in hourly pay from $13.00 to $39.00.

The virtual job fair will take place on Thursday, November 12 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Residents who wish to participate must register online by visiting ucnj.org/virtual-job-fair.

“The new virtual job fair builds on the strength of our relationships with leading job creators in Union County, and it provides a safe environment in which job seekers can connect with employers during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank all of those who are participating.”

“The Freeholder Board is committed to seeking new opportunities to assist residents who have been struggling during the outbreak, including food assistance and grants for small businesses as well as employment services with the help of online technology,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Freeholder Board’s liaison to the Human Service Advisory Board.

Participants in the virtual job fair should dress professionally, have a copy of their resume at hand, and be prepared to answer questions from employer representatives.

Positions available through the job fair include:

Wakefern: Warehouse Selector (Jamesburg, first and second shift) and Elizabeth (second shift), starting at $14/hr.

Remarkable Foods, in Cranford: “Chef on the Road” Drivers, Production Cooks, Food Assembly Associates, Sanitation Associates, Warehouse & Material Handlers, $14-$20/hr.

Trinitas Hospital, in Elizabeth: Service, Clerical, Technical and Clinical positions (includes Patient Care Associates, Nursing Assistants, Food Service, Housekeeping, ICU/OR Nurses and more), $13-$39/hr.

Farmland Dairies, in Newark: Truck Drivers (CDL Class A&B), Driver Helpers, Warehouse Associates, $13-$23/hr.

The American Job Center provides employment related services to Union County businesses and residents. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the program maintained a schedule of in-person job fairs, training programs, informational events, and applicant pre-screening sessions.

To continue providing employment services during the outbreak, last June Union County launched Union County Works, New Jersey’s first “virtual one-stop” employment center. The online portal includes information tailored to veterans and youth, and offers all residents information about job openings, job training and education opportunities, as well as help creating resumes, and more.  For more details visit ucajc.org.

Last August, the Freeholder Board also established the new Food Insecurity Task Force to coordinate food assistance on a countywide basis. The County sponsors a regular series of emergency food aid distribution events funded through the federal CARES act for residents impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. For information about upcoming events visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and 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, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters that the New Jersey online ballot tracking system will move all ballots to “accepted” status on November 20, when she certifies the 2020 General Election results.

“My office has been receiving calls from voters who are concerned about the status of their ballots, so just to be clear, the tracking system will indicate ‘accepted’ for all ballots only after the final count and certification takes place, on November 20,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

“There is an extraordinarily high volume of ballots to be scanned for the General Election, so the tabulation process is longer than usual,” Ms. Rajoppi explained.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy mandated that the November 3 General Election be conducted primarily by Vote-by-Mail ballots, resulting in a historically high number of paper ballots to be scanned and tallied. The November 20 deadline was established to allow sufficient time before recording the final, certified results.

Vote-by-Mail ballots are still in the process of being tallied, as those postmarked before or on Election Day are eligible to be counted up to one week after Election Day.

To log into the New Jersey online ballot tracking system, visit the New Jersey Division of Elections at voter.svrs.nj.gov/auth/sign-in.

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.

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Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. 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 food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 7th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the eastern parking lot at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Participants should follow signs posted on Morris Avenue to enter the campus.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

“The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our residents continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and food insecurity remains a concern. We are proud to provide valuable service to those in need.”

“We thank our partner, Community FoodBank of New Jersey as well as the volunteer involved in coordinating this effort,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We will continue our work to ensure that residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. 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. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”  

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

For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

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/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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Union County, NJ — Union County’s free recycling programs continue in November with two opportunities to drop off scrap metal, in Cranford and Kenilworth. These are countywide programs sponsored by the Freeholder Board, and all residents are invited to participate at any location.

“Every year, thousands of Union County residents pitch in to help the environment through our free recycling events, and on behalf of the Freeholder Board I would like to thank everyone for another successful season,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County’s scrap metal recycling program will be available on from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 and Saturday, November 21, in Cranford at the Emergency Services building at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard, and in Rahway at the Park Service Yard in Rahway River Park.

Residents may bring a wide variety of metal goods for recycling including metal fencing, gutters, tire rims, cabinets, lawn furniture, bicycles, kitchen appliances (with doors removed), and much more. Please note that electronic goods are not accepted, and should be brought to a municipal electronics recycling program in the resident’s home town.

For everyone’s safety, be advised that all participants for all events 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.

For more details about scrap metal recycling and other Union County recycling programs in November, visit ucnj.org/recycling.

November marks the end of the 2020 season for Union County’s regular schedule of free recycling events and programs. The schedule will resume in April 2021. Download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices to receive up-to-date information on both municipal and countywide recycling programs.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, https://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 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.