Category: Public Info

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.

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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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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Master Tree Stewards will continue their unbroken record of school visits in 2021, by offering virtual lessons on trees for 4^th grade students throughout the County. The online format will take place this year in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Tree Stewards are community volunteers who are trained and certified by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County to educate children and adults on the role of trees in the urban and suburban environment.

The program began operating in Union County in 1991. Since then, approximately 200 certified Tree Steward volunteers in Union County have provided lessons to 50,000 4^th grade students.

“The Tree Steward volunteers have touched the lives of thousands of Union County residents with important information about tree conservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to support this program as part of our ongoing efforts to protect and improve the treescape in our community.”

The virtual Tree Steward lesson is a live, interactive program offered free of charge to schools every Wednesday from January to March. To arrange for a session, educators can contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or 908-654-9854 (ext. 3).

Union County residents who are interested in becoming volunteer Master Tree Stewards can also email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org or call 908-654-9854 (ext. 3).

In addition to classroom visits, the Master Tree Stewards have also been creating tagging trees of significance along popular multi-use paths in Union County parks. The tags are small green signs posted just above eye level, which display QR codes that link to information about each tree. To see a list of paths in Union County parks, visit  ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Along with their role in providing habitat for wildlife, trees help prevent erosion and reduce flooding in cities and towns. They also help reduce airborne pollutants, and they help create a cooling effect in the summer. Studies show that a healthy tree canopy is linked to higher property values, lower crime, and other community benefits.

The Freeholder Board supports tree conservation on County property through a tree replacement policy, including County parks and roads. In 2004 the Freeholder Board also launched the annual Greening Union County grant program, which provides local governments with funds to plant trees on municipal property.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is part of a statewide program run by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension of Rutgers University, connecting citizens with science-based educational opportunities. In Union County, the Freeholder Board supports the Rutgers Cooperative Extension with administrative support and local offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

In addition to the Tree Steward program, the Extension offers a training course to help Union County residents develop environmental projects in their communities. The next training session will be conducted online beginning in January. Field sessions may be added in the spring, conditions permitting. For information visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/county-classes.

The Extension also runs the Union County 4-H clubs for students in grades K-12+. In-person activities are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but students can participate in the 4-H Mars Base Camp challenge and many other hands-on activities through the 4-H at Home program.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs for youth and adults visit ucnj.or\g/rce.

For more online educational activities related to nature, science, and the environment, visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center at ucnj.org/trailside.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection. Please note that in-person activities are limited during the COVID-19 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.