Category: Public Info

The Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team is conducting a door-to-door survey of Union County residents who have received free COVID-19 tests at the County’s COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center and the Mobile COVID-19 Test Unit.

The response team will be going door-to-door Monday through Friday throughout the County starting tomorrow(August 27^th), between the hours of 3-8 p.m. The response team will wear masks, and observe appropriate social distancing protocol. The workers will also be wearing lanyards with identification, and later on, t-shirts with the Union County Covid-19 Test Center logo. The 7-question survey takes about 3-5 minutes. Once the team has finished surveying those who have been tested through Union County, it will conduct door-to-door outreach to the general public.

“If someone knocks on your door from the Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team regarding the survey, we urge you to please take a moment to answer the questions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Your answers will be confidential and will assist us in better serving you and getting you any governmental resources you may need. Your responses will also ultimately help us in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community.”

The Test Center and Mobile Test Unit are initiatives of the Freeholder Board in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Test Center is the first County-based facility of its kind in New Jersey. It has conducted well over 44,000 COVID-19 tests since opening at the Kean University campus in Union Township on March 23.

The Mobile Test Unit travels to various locations in Union County and has conducted more than 3,000 tests for senior residences and other at-risk population groups on a walk-up basis, with no car required. The Mobile Test Unit is also available to the general public on a walk-up basis.

The survey is an official program of the Union County Division of Health in the Department of Public Safety, conducted by staff under the title, “Union County Freeholders COVID Response Team.” All responses are completely confidential.

Union County, NJ — Union County residents can put their Jack o’ Lanterns to good use after Halloween by participating in Union County’s new Pumpkin Recycling Program. The pumpkins will be collected by Union County and other local governments and brought to an organic waste recycler in Elizabeth, where they will be transformed into green energy.

“The Pumpkin Recycling Program is an easy, convenient way for Union County residents to support the renewable energy industry, which creates new jobs and helps improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the #SmashItDontTrashIt campaign boosts public awareness about new opportunities for keeping food waste from going to waste.”

Two locations will be available for residents to drop off their pumpkins, each day from Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 6, from 9:00 am to 2:00:

— 151 Boulevard in Cranford (the County Emergency Services Yard)

— 1300 Lamberts Mill Road (the Westfield Conservation Center)

Both locations are available to all Union County residents.

Only pumpkins will be accepted at these locations; other food waste is not accepted. Candles and decorations must be removed.

Residents are advised to wear masks and observe social distance when dropping off their pumpkins.

The Pumpkin Recycling Program will send pumpkins to a processing facility in Elizabeth operated by the firm Waste Management. The company’s proprietary recycling system converts food waste into an organic slurry, which is used to increase the output of biogas and other renewable products at municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Food waste is a global problem that contributes to excess greenhouse gas emissions while burdening local governments with waste disposal costs. In the U.S. alone, more than 52 million tons of food are displaced in the U.S. each year according to some estimates.

Traditionally, food waste is sent to landfills or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. New organic recycling systems provide a more sustainable way to manage food waste.

Union County residents can also help reduce food waste by using up leftovers and donating unused shelf items before their sell-by date expires.

To keep up to date with all local and countywide recycling programs and events in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. For more information about Recycle Coach and all recycling programs sponsored by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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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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.

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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.

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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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.

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.

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Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at drive-up event in Union and walk-up event in Elizabeth.

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board will hold two food distributions events for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 on Saturday, December 19^th. A drive-up distribution will be held Saturday, December 19, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Also on December 19^th beginning at 1:30 p.m., a walk-up distribution will take place at the Union County Division of Social Services building located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union With support from Village Supermarket, Gargiulo Produce, Breadsmith and CMC Foods.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to our residents, especially during the holiday season.”

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

Residents wishing to pick up food at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union Township.

Residents without a vehicle can walk-up to the Elizabeth distribution site at the Union County Social Services Building.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive a holiday emergency box containing turkey, ham or chicken as well as 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 recipient.

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 from 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.   

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

To learn more about CMC Food, visit: https://www.thefarmershen.com/cmc-food/.

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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