Category: Public Info

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, October 17^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Union County Vocational Technical High School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

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 and Village Super Market.

Feeding America 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%.

“The Freeholder Board wants to continue to accommodate those in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We will continue to host food distributions in order to provide assistance to as many residents as possible in union County that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“This drive-thru distribution is just one way that we continue to offer assistance. We strive to provide our residents with the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites non-profit organizations to attend a free online workshop, “Social Media Marketing for Non-Profits,” on Tuesday, October 27 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Jessica Maarek, owner of the social media marketing agency Red Root Marketing, will present the workshop via Zoom.

“Union County is pleased to be offering this professional development session to grantees and other non-profits. It will provide hands-on tools that community-oriented organizations can quickly put into action in today’s media landscape,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Online registration for the workshop is required. Please go to https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/social-media-marketing-for-non-profits/ to register.

Participants will learn specific ways to optimize their social media platforms, effective methods for engaging their community in meaningful ways, and how to plan and create compelling content. Resources and tools will be provided.

This workshop is open to all arts and history organizations, especially those receiving grants through Union County’s HEART, Local Arts Program, and History Grant initiatives. Other non-profit organizations may also attend.

The workshop is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the event please call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550. The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

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, please 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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

 Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that Union County is participating in the #LightUpMBC campaign to raise awareness about stage IV metastatic breast cancer. On Tuesday afternoon, October 13, and throughout the month of October, the County Administration Building will display lights in pink, teal and green to help advocate for the campaign. The #LightUpMBC campaign is a project of the Moore Fight Moore Strong initiative with the nonprofit research and support organization METAvivor.

Stage IV MBC is an incurable form of breast cancer that is estimated to kill over 42,000 Americans this year.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the #LightUpMBC campaign, by providing the Administration Building to serve as one of the campaign’s 115 landmarks in all 50 states and around the world,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With this display, we reaffirm our support for the efforts to prevent and treat breast cancer, and our support for the #LightUpMBC message of renewal, hope, and healing represented by the colors pink, green, and teal.”

October 13 is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, recognized by the New Jersey State Senate and several local governments through the state. Laura Inahara, Executive Director of Moore Fight Moore Strong, explains, “The 115 landmarks that will illuminate this year represent the 115 lives lost every day to MBC in the U.S.  We hope that #LightUpMBC will not only spread awareness and raise funds, but also inspire people to truly want to make a difference for people living with MBC.”

All of the landmarks can be viewed across the globe via the #LightUpMBC Live virtual benefit at 8pm EST on October 13th through @METAvivor Facebook Live and www.metavivor.org.  Musical performers include John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls and David Bryan of Bon Jovi, who is also a Tony Award winner.

A #LightUpMBC Social Media Challenge has been established and those wishing to participate are asked to answer the question:  Who lights up your life?  and publicly share a photo and/or story of someone who inspires them by posting on their social media channels with the donation link www.metavivor.org/LightUpMBC  and the hashtags #LightUpMBC #METAvivor.  By nominating friends to participate, you can help raise funds for MBC research. 

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is stage 4 breast cancer, for which there is no cure. Over 627,000 people die each year globally from MBC, with over 42,000 dying each year in the U.S. alone (115 per day).  Metastatic breast cancer spreads mostly to the bones, liver, lungs and the brain, causing MBC patients to be in treatment for the rest of their lives – with only 22% of U.S. MBC patients living longer than 5 years. 20-30% of early stage breast cancers recur as stage 4 MBC. 98% of all breast cancer related deaths are from MBC, yet less than 5% of overall breast cancer funding is currently allocated to researching metastatic breast cancer.

For more information on METAvivor and to donate, visit www.metavivor.org/lightupmbc and follow on @METAvivor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/metavivor and Instagram @metavivor

For more information on Moore Fight Moore Strong, visit www.MooreFightMooreStrong.com and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MooreFightMooreStrong  and Instagram @moorefightmoorestrong

#  #

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 invites residents of all ages to take a self-guided stroll along Union County’s Sensory Friendly Trail on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy nature in the beautiful Watchung Reservation during the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk at Trailside Nature & Science Center. As visitors make their way along the trail, they will encounter a dozen different pieces of colorful eco-art made from recycled plastic water bottles. 

“Through this unique event, visitors will have the opportunity to view these unique, creative art pieces as they learn about our natural environment and the importance of recycling,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each piece of recycled art is made out of hundreds of recycled plastic bottles, with over four thousands used in total to complete the project. This free outdoor exhibit shows visitors how artists can use recycled or reused to make attractive pieces of art, turning every day trash into imaginative treasures.

The Sensory Friendly Trail is a 0.3 mile ADA accessible loop with a central gazebo. The trail is designed to provide tactile experiences and create new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while learning about natural heritage in Union County.

The trail winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired.

The Sensory Friendly Trail also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

Raised garden beds also add seasonal color to this multi-dimensional experience, providing visitors with additional opportunities to use their senses of sight, smell and touch.

Masks are strongly recommended and social distancing guidelines will be in place.

In-person activities in Union County Parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside Visitor Center is closed to the public until further notice.

Please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for more information about the Recycled Art Wildlife Walk or other nature programs and activities for all ages.

For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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, please 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.

#  #

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.

Each year, the Freeholder Board’s annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit showcases original work created by county residents aged 60 and above. The 2020 exhibit comprises 124 works of art entered by both professional and non-professional artists.

This year’s exhibit can be viewed online at www.ucnj.org/senior-art. All artwork images were submitted directly by the artists.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to showcase the artwork created by our senior citizens each year, and this year we are very pleased to present this exhibit virtually, enabling these talented artists to share their work with everyone in the community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Professional artists Barbara Wallace, Joseph Borzotta and Alina Marin-Bliach served as jurors, designating awards in each media category.

All entries awarded First Place honors will advance to the state level, to represent Union County in the 2020 New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show.

The artworks awarded first place cover a wide variety of media and materials by professional and non-professional artists, including:

• Eileen Bonacci (Oil Painting)
• Dante Bonardi (Watercolor)
• Lynda DuBois-Jackson (Craft)
• Marcia Haller (Acrylic Painting)
• Janice Metzger (Printmaking)
• Nancy Ori (Photography)
• Leona Seufert (Digital/Computer Art)
• Barbara Uhr (Pastel)
• Roberta Zlatkin (Mixed Media)
• Anne Castellano (Pastel)
• James Colangelo (Craft)
• William Connolly (Drawing)
• Stephanie Dexter (Oil Painting)
• Nancy Fine (Mixed Media)
• Robert Gasson (Acrylic Painting)
• Deborah Mainiero (Sculpture)
• Anne Occi (Watercolor)
• Catherine Varnelas-Smith (Digital/Computer Art)
• David Weisbrod (Photography)

“Afternoon in Amsterdam,” an oil painting by professional artist Eileen Bonacci, was awarded Best of Show by a Professional Artist.

A sculpture by Deborah Mainiero, “Abstract Flower,” was awarded Best of Show by a Non-Professional Artist.

The annual Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is coordinated and administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the virtual art gallery and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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.

# #

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 Freeholder Chris Hudak and Freeholder Sergio Granados, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran joined Community FoodBank of New Jersey President and CEO Carlos Rodriguez, Kean University students and County of Union volunteers at the drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County – Testing Educators for Safe Teaching will hold first two testing events on October 16 in Linden and       October 27 in Clark.  

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to announce the launch of the UC-TEST (Testing Educators for Safe Teaching) program. The UC-TEST program will function as a pop-up mobile testing site that will visit school districts throughout the County to provide twice monthly testing for all teachers. Administration and school staff will also be tested.

UC-TEST is the result of a partnership between the County of Union and the Union County Education Association (UCEA). The ultimate goal of the program is to bring as many municipal education associations into the partnership for maximum coverage of testing for those working in schools within Union County. The mobile test unit will administer the saliva test to all those being tested.

“The Freeholder Board is proud of this partnership, as we continue to work to keep our communities safe,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “It is especially important that we provide a safe environment for students across the county as they navigate in-person learning during COVID-19. UC-TEST will be an important component in our ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

The first scheduled mobile pop-up testing event will take place on October 16^th between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Linden. The mobile test unit will be set up in the parking lot at the Linden Board of Education building located at 2 East Gibbons Street.

“Our message has always been that we must provide the highest measures of safety for children and staff with any in-person re-opening,” said Linden Education Association President, Eloy Delgado. “Having access to testing is a key component of ensuring safety for all in our community. I am proud to have been able to partner with Union County in order to provide free COVID-19 testing for our school employees.  Thank you to all the individuals who were instrumental in making this happen. Working together, we will contain COVID-19.”

The second mobile pop-up testing will take place on October 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Union County Education Association (UCEA) Headquarters located at 77 Central Ave in Clark. Details on subsequent events will be forthcoming.

“Thank you to Union County for testing and accommodating our 13,000 member educators. It is our collective responsibility to minimize the spread of this virus,” said Lisa D. Palin, President of the UCEA. “First and foremost, we want to ensure a safe and effective transition in order for us to provide a traditional education for our students and families. This is just a first step and I encourage all to do their part to stop the virus.”    

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.

#  #

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.

Happy Columbus Day weekend! The Union County Freeholder Board and members of UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO marked the holiday with the 12th annual Columbus Day Flag raising in Elizabeth at the County seat today. l. to r. Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Surrogate James LaCorte, Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Italian Tribune Publisher A.J. “Buddy” Fortunato, Plainfields UNICO President Bob Bengivenga, UNICO District X Governor @Anthony Bengivenga, Robert Tarte of Westfield UNICO, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, holding the flag and others receiving the resolution.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s free new online series, “OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour,” returns for a second episode on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. The Freeholder Board invites County residents to sign up and tune in to join host Micayla Mirabella for an hour of stories and discussions about queer pioneers and activists in and around Union County.

The Queer Empowerment Hour series is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs. The first episode aired on September 30. The biweekly series is running every other Wednesday evening through December 9, with each hour-long session beginning at 7:00 p.m.

“We were simply overwhelmed by the positive response to Queer Empowerment Hour when the series launched in September, and we are all looking forward to another informative and thought-provoking episode this week,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Queer Empowerment Hour provides the Union County community with a new opportunity to connect and share experiences, and I encourage everyone with an interest in queer affairs to join in.”

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created new burdens on members of the community who may already feel alone and vulnerable, and Queer Empowerment Hour helps to overcome this barrier of isolation. The Freeholder Boards is proud to send the Queer Empowerment Hour message of support and camaraderie throughout Union County, and beyond, said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the Freeholder Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour explores LGBTQ+ specific topics and offer stories and discussions involving queer folks from different backgrounds and experiences, in an hour-long format that includes some of New Jersey’s most dedicated LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders, and allies.

Registration is required for individuals to access each webinar through Zoom, where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. All of the webinars will be live-streamed as well. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The first episode aired on September 30 with a focus on parental support for queer people.

In recognition of LGBTQ History Month, the October 14 episode will feature educators from across New Jersey discussing the state’s inclusive curriculum and its role in raising awareness of LGBTQ pioneers and activists.

The episode will highlight Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson and other New Jersey activists who earned a place in history, along with Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, and other prominent figures in queer history.

Also featured are pioneers who whose record of activism continues to this day, including Billy Jean King, Laverne Cox, and other

Following October 14 episode, the remaining installments are:

Wednesday, October 28: Transgender Identity and Inclusion

Wednesday, November 11: Being Queer in the Military

Wednesday, November 25: Ally Talk – Hear from Straight Friends and Advocates

Wednesday, December 9: Faith and LGBTQueer+ Panel

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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.

#  #

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.

Restaurants impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for grants of up to $20,000 each; online application portal opens on Wednesday, October 14.

Union County, NJ – Restaurants in Union County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak may be eligible to receive federal CARES Act funding through the new Union County COVID-19 Emergency Restaurant Grant program established by the Freeholder Board. The new program provides a total of $2 million to qualified restaurants located in Union County on a first come, first served basis. A maximum of $20,000 per grant applies.

 “Local restaurants are woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods, providing innumerable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and civic service for our residents. Their contribution to our quality of life is irreplaceable, and this allocation of federal CARES Act funds will help offset the expense of COVID-19 prevention measures that protect the health and safety of our community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Restaurant Grant COVID-19 Emergency Restaurant Grant program provides reimbursement for expenses related to compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders on restaurant operations during the COVID- 19 public health emergency, including items for facilitating outdoor dining, social distancing, and disinfecting a facility.

The online application portal will open at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 through the link ucnj.org/restaurant-grant. Awards will be made to eligible applicants on a first come first served basis.

Applicants should be prepared to answer the following questions:

• Have you received any other type of grant funding? If so, what were the funds used for? During what months were the funds used? What was the dollar amount?
• What was the approximate sales volume/revenue of your business during the months of January through September in 2019, and January through September in2020?

In addition, the following documents must be submitted online with the application form:

• A current Food Service License from the local or County Board of Health
• All reimbursement expenditures must have a corresponding invoice and proof of payment
• Business Registration Certificate, certificate of incorporation or formation
• Good Standing Certificate (Short Form) found here : nj.us/treasury/revenue/standcert.shtml
• 2019 Tax return or Tax Extension
• W9 gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Please note that one file will be allowed for each required type of documentation.  A third party tool such as Genius Scan is highly recommended for this purpose. It will allow the user to scan and merge multiple images and documents into single PDFs.

For Apple Devices, the Genius Scan link is:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genius-scan-pdf-scanner/id377672876.

For Android (Google) Devices, the Genius Scan link is: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thegrizzlylabs.geniusscan.free.

The application portal will open on 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at  ucnj.org/restaurant-grant.

If further assistance about the Restaurant Grant program is needed, email Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development at dmesaros@ucnj.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, 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.

#  #

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.