Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center marked a milestone this past week, completing 100 days of testing, and has administered a total of 40,226 COVID-19 tests  to residents, essential employees and first responders.

 “Union County is proud to have been the first County-run drive-thru testing site in the State of New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The dedication of the volunteers and medical personnel over the past few months has resulted in thousands of our residents and first responders gaining access to critically needed testing. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that testing is available to all in need. ”

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center currently administers an average of between 650-700 tests per day. Currently the positivity rate for those tested at the testing center is at 3%.

Dozens of volunteers have been working at the testing center since the opening in mid-March. Under the umbrella of Union County’s Department of Public Safety, a number of County employees from various departments have been reassigned to work at the test center since the spring in multiple capacities. Medical personnel at the site also includes volunteers from Atlantic Health, Trinitas and Robert Wood Johnson, as well as nursing students and other medical professionals.

“We are proud of all the volunteers who have selflessly come day after day to continue the testing and contact tracing efforts,” said Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran. “The goal is to get a clear and current picture of the spread of COVID-19 in Union County and adequate testing is the first step toward ensuring the safety of our residents during this pandemic.”

Those interested in volunteering at the Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center can contact the Union County Department of Health by calling 908-518-5620 for more information.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that $1 million in Kids Recreation matching grants and $100,000 in Greening Union County matching grants are available to municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Letters were mailed out to all 21 municipalities this past week, and applications must be submitted by September 16, 2020.

The Kids Recreation grants can be used to acquire, develop and/or refurbish parks and recreational facilities.  The Greening Union County grant provides funding for municipalities to purchase plant and maintain trees within their towns.  

“The Trust Fund was established almost 20 years ago with the overwhelming support of Union County voters, and it continues to fulfill its mission today,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Now more than ever before, our public open spaces and recreation resources are of vital importance to the health and well-being of our residents.”

The Open Space Trust fund has provided more than $16 million in matching grants to municipalities since its inception in 2000, to plant trees and build or improve playgrounds, pocket parks, recreational areas, playing fields, pools, picnic areas and more.

More than 300 acres of open space land have also been preserved from development and added to the Union County park system through the trust fund.

“Open Space funding furthers Union County’s mission to create healthy opportunities for children to learn and play,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board. “These projects enrich our lives and serve as our legacy to future generations.”

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks. 

In 2004 the mission of the Trust Fund was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, as well as annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants to plant trees on municipal properties.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will once again award two types history grants under the FY 2021 Union County History Re-grant Program. The deadline for final applications is August 31.

Funding for the History Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and History programming to be funded must take place in Union County.          

“The Union County History Re-Grant Program is an excellent opportunity for local historical groups to obtain funding that assists with operating expenses and other costs,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to provide this opportunity to work towards a successful grant application.”

Each of the two grant programs includes general standards for eligibility as well as specific requirements:

1. General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $5,000.
2. Special Project (SP) grants supports history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $3,500.

New applicants are encouraged to submit a draft for review by August 14, 2020. Final application materials must be submitted to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs by August 31, 2020. For more details and to apply, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.\

For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Testing by appointment only with no car required; participants must wear masks and observe social distance.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is now visiting various community locations to provide free tests for Union County residents. Any resident can make an appointment for a test, whether or not they have symptoms. No doctor visit or car is needed; all tests are conducted on a walk-up basis with masks and social distance required.

The new community program builds on the Mobile Test Unit’s ongoing work of providing on-site tests for seniors in congregate housing, and for other at-risk populations in Union County.

“The Mobile Test Unit has enabled hundreds of our most vulnerable residents to receive a COVID-19 test in a familiar location where they feel safe, comfortable, and at home. The new community program expands on this effort by bringing Union County’s team of experienced health professionals to local neighborhoods,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The walk-up program is an important part of our efforts to ensure that all residents have the information and resources they need to protect themselves and the entire Union County family, as we work through this time of crisis together,” Mirabella added.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any Mobile Test Unit site, regardless of the municipality in which they live.

To pick a location, date and time, and to make an appointment online, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up.

The upcoming dates and locations for the Mobile Test Unit are:

Plainfield: Mount Olive Church, 216 Liberty Street, Sunday, August 9.

Union Township: Senior Center, Bonnel Court, Tuesday, August 11.

Union Township: Jefferson School, 155 Hilton Avenue, Tuesday August 11.

Winfield: Fire Station, 12 Gulfstream Avenue, Thursday, August 13.

Elizabeth: The Logan Center, 163 First Street. Please note that the initial date of August 4 was  postponed to Saturday, August 15 due to tropical storm Isaias. Residents who made an appointment for August 4 will receive an email confirming their appointment will be shifted to August 15.

Union County residents who need to make an appointment by phone can call 908-518-4307 for assistance.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and other community groups can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881 to request a visit from the Mobile Test Unit.

The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is staffed by health professionals with the Union County Division of Health, in the Department of Public Safety. The Mobile Test Unit has conducted more than 2,000 tests to date.

In addition, the free Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University has conducted more than 30,000 tests to date, for Union County residents as well as front line emergency and medical personnel in New Jersey.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for the Mobile Test Unit, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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.

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 Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that applications to the 2021 Local Arts Grant program are now being accepted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. Last year, Local Arts grants were awarded to 33 organizations.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support a program that does so much to enrich Union County’s cultural and artistic life,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We look forward to seeing the many creative programs and projects which will be supported by the Local Arts Grant program this year.”

Final application materials must be submitted to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs by September 14, 2020. New applicants are encouraged to submit a draft for review by August 17, 2020. For more details and to apply, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Grants will be awarded to organizations that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming. Applications must reflect arts activities to take place during 2021 with qualifying expenses to be paid during that year. Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and arts programming to be funded must take place in Union County.

Funding for the Local Arts Grant program is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner of the national Endowment for the Arts. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact Martha Sturm, Local Arts Program Coordinator, at 908-558-2552 or by email at msturm@ucnj.org.

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

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Distributions are a joint effort with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey

      

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold two drive-up food distributions for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, August 13^th and Thursday, August 27^th. Both events will begin at 9 a.m. at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Avenue and Morris Avenue.  The food distributions will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

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

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“Food insecurity remains a major concern in these uncertain times,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “To that end, the Freeholder Board and the County continue to coordinate events such as these drive-up food distributions to assist our residents in any way we can.”

“As we all know, COVID-19 has affected all residents across Union County and this world. People are struggling with health issues, employment issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “These free food distributions are another example of the work being done by the Freeholder Board in support of all residents in need during this pandemic. We thank the partners and volunteers involved in coordinating these efforts.”

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.

“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.”

Both events 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 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 during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

Movie will screen August 14 and 15; moviegoers must follow mask and social distance guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board reminds residents that they can reserve a spot for a free drive-up screening of Onward beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7. The online reservation form is available at https://tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie.

Due to space limitations, registration for Onward will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Two screenings of Onward are scheduled, on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Both screenings start at dusk. Both are open to Union County residents only, and require online registration. One registration is required per car (not per person).

Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Port-a-johns and wash stations will be available.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns (masks required for port-o-johns). No chairs, stools or other seating outside of the vehicle is permitted.

The Drive-up movies are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Information about activities permitted in County parks during the COVID-19 outbreaks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/Trailside for links to free online nature activities for all ages including the new “Virtual Summer Camp” series with different themes each week.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias, thousands of Union County residents were affected by power outages, with some residents still waiting for power to be restored. The Freeholder Board is urging residents still experiencing an outage to exercise extreme caution when using generators, candles and other alternative power sources.

Carbon monoxide exposure from generators used during power outages after storms is a serious health risk that can lead to hospitalization.

“Generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning when used improperly, resulting in serious illness or death,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “No matter what fuel your generator uses, be sure to follow safety and usage instructions.”

Carbon monoxide is a gas that gives no warning. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be confused with symptoms of common colds or the flu.

“If you suspect CO poisoning, handle it as a medical emergency,” said Mirabella. “Call 911 immediately and let the responders know about any generators or alternative fuel sources in or near your home.”

County residents and businesses using generators are urged to review the manufacturer’s warnings and safety instruction during power outages. These include:

 

• Never place generators indoors. That includes basements, garages and sheds as well as homes and other buildings.

 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for positioning your generator outdoors. Generally that means at least 20 feet away from your building and any adjacent building.

 

Additional safety tips from the US Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov/co

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Program resumes on Saturday, August 15.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s free scrap metal recycling program will not be held on Thursday, August 6, due to downed wires and other debris from Tropical Storm Isaias in Cranford and Rahway.

The program will resume on its regularly scheduled date of Saturday, August 15.

Free scrap metal recycling is available to Union County residents at two drop-off locations:

• Cranford – Emergency Services Building at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard.
• Rahway – Rahway River Park, at the park maintenance yard.

Both locations are open for drop-offs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, until November 21.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-9, participants must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and stay in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in the vehicle’s trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, who will remove it from the vehicle.

A complete list of accepted metals, and information on all Union County recycling programs, is available online at ucnj.org/recycling or call the Recycling Hotline, 908-654-9889.

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

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Visit the Isaias updates page on the Union County website, https://wp.me/p4sLwl-mam, for additional updates on County services and cancellations during the storm.

Union County, NJ – Union County is expected to receive torrential rain, strong winds, and storm surge from Tropical Storm Isaias.

A tropical storm warning and flash flood watch has been issued for the Union County area with 3 to 6 inches of rain, 60-70% chance of 40-50 mph sustained winds with gusts of up to 70 mph, and minor to moderate storm surge concerns.

The storm is expected to reach its peak Tuesday afternoon into the evening during rush hour commute.

The Union County area is also under a tornado watch until 4:00 pm

Take extra precaution, especially if you live in flood prone areas. For additional updates and information on Union County services, and contacts for local utilities and power outage reporting, visit the Isaias updates page on the Union County website, https://wp.me/p4sLwl-mam. 

Event Cancellations and Service Updates (updated 10:00 a.m., August 4, 2020):

• The Secret Life of Pets 2 scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 in Rahway River Park is cancelled
• The scheduled walk-up County of Union Covid-test site in Elizabeth at the Logan Rec Center for Tuesday, August 4th is postponed to Saturday, August 15th (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) due to expected inclement weather. If you made a previous appointment, you will receive an email honoring your appointment within the new established time frame.
• All Judiciary offices (County Courts) will be closed on Tuesday, August 4th 2020. While the physical court offices will be closed, virtual operations should continue to the extent possible.
• Paratransit ends at 3 p.m. and Human Services is enacting Code Blue to assist homeless into shelters.

Utility contact formation:

Electric —

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734
Outages: Report Map

Jersey Central Power & Light (First Energy)

Gas —

Elizabethtown Gas

1-800-242-5830    Website

 

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734  Website

Report gas leak 1-800-436-7734

Water —

New Jersey American Water

1-800-272-1325    Website

United Water – Rahway

1-877-303-2435    Website

Emergencies 1-877-303-2435

TV/Internet / Phone

Cablevision
1-866-575-8000   Website

Comcast  – Xfinity
1-800-266-2278   Website

Xfinity: 1-800-XFINITY (934-6489) Website

 

Verizon FiOS

1-888-438-3467   Website

Verizon
1-800-827-4966   Website

Time Warner

201-886-0900  Website

 

Dish Netowork

1 (800) 333-3474 Website

 

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

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.