Union County Freeholders Chris Hudak, Bette Jane Kowalski and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded visit the Union County Mobile Test Unit site offering free walk-up COVID-19 tests for residents at the American Legion in Rahway. 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. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, and Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams
today joined with Mayor Raymond Giacobbe, members of Rahway City Council and Board of Education, students, parents, and members of the Rahway Youth Soccer Association in cutting the ribbon on two multi-use fields at Madison Avenue Park.
“The Freeholder Board has long enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Rahway in providing great recreational amenities throughout the City, and we are pleased to have added these two new two turf fields in an area where they will be put to good use by different organizations,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
“Madison Avenue Park, locally known as Greenfield, is a valued recreational resource in our community, heavily utilized by youth soccer, rugby, and other sports organizations, as well as our public school teams and residents. We are grateful for the continued partnership between the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Rahway Board of Education, and the City of Rahway which led to the rejuvenation of this recreational gem,” said Rahway Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe, Jr.
The two synthetic turf fields are striped for soccer, rugby and lacrosse. Lighting was also installed, as well as bleachers for seating and goal posts/nets for soccer, rugby and lacrosse. As a result of the construction of the new fields, the County has removed the old playground area and will install a new one in the spring next year at the park.
The County also added a number of parking spots in the school lot to help accommodate visitors to the new fields. The fields will be used by organizations such as the Rahway Youth Soccer Association, and student athletes from teams in the Rahway schools system.
Union County, NJ – The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition (RVRC) will hold a public meeting – remotely via Zoom – on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. The featured speaker is Rep. Tom Malinowski and he is expected to discuss the Gateway Project and in particular the Portal Bridge Project. This virtual event is free to attend and pre-registration is required.
Those wishing to attend can pre-register at https://bit.ly/2HjuPPt. Participants with questions during the meeting, can use the chat function or the hand raising feature, located on the participant screen. Please try to enter about ten minutes before the start of the meeting.
“The progress that has been made by the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition has been beneficial to many Union County residents,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We are grateful to the RVRC for their hard work over the past 20 years.”
The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, which represents Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties, was created nearly two decades ago to campaign for a one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line, which has 23,500 passengers daily, making it NJ Transit’s third most-used rail line. While track connectivity existed into New York, Raritan Valley riders always had to get off in Newark and switch trains because their diesel engines were not allowed into the tunnels under the Hudson River.
That changed in 2014, when NJ Transit began using dual-mode locomotives that could switch from diesel to electric power, making it possible to have a direct ride into New York City. A limited, one-seat ride was introduced during off-peak hours in January, 2015 by NJ Transit, and returned after a period of suspension last year. After another suspension earlier this year, the limited one-seat ride is back.
“The RVRC has been working diligently for years, and continued to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve service for over 23,000 daily riders,” said Raritan Valley Rail Coalition Chairman, Bruce Bergen. “Many residents along the Raritan Valley Line continued to require regular transportation into New York City even with reduced workforces having been implemented during the shutdown.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, public transportation services were heavily affected. The Raritan Valley Line was no exception. One-seat rides were cancelled when New Jersey Transit reduced its service to accommodate for plummeting ridership during the 2020 Spring and Summer shutdown months. One-seat rides on the Raritan Valley Line have since been reinstated but only back to their off-peak hours from Monday to Friday, meaning passengers still have to transfer trains daily if travelling to and from work during rush hour.
“Raritan Valley line riders deserve a more even distribution of one-seat rides to and from New York during rush hour, ” said Freeholder Liaison to the RVRC Bette Jane Kowalski, “We have been told that the Gateway Project, with its additional tunnels, could be necessary for that to happen. But we believe it should be possible to add a few more direct rides to New York, especially with ridership currently reduced by the pandemic.”
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.
New Union County flu shot drive focuses on residents without health insurance.
Update October 2, 2020: Please note that the location of the October 8 flu shot drive has been changed. The new location is the Plainfield Cultural Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue.
Union County, NJ – As the flu season approaches, Union County is offering a series of free flu shot drives in local communities to help ensure that everyone has access to a free seasonal flu vaccine at a convenient location, especially residents who have no health insurance. Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Public health experts are concerned that our medical resources will be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you have never gotten a seasonal flu shot before, now is the time to do it. Let’s all do our part to help our Union County family stay safe during the flu season.”
The goal of the free flu shot drive is to ensure that every Union County resident can get a flu shot this year, even if they have no health insurance.
The free flu shot drive is open to Union County residents age four and up.
Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a flu drive site. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of illness should check with their doctor.
The following dates have been scheduled for the Union County flu shot drive. Each event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participation is on a walk-up basis, first come first served:
1 – Elizabeth (Peterstown Community Center, 408 Palmer Street)
8 – Plainfield (Update: new address is Plainfield Cultural Arts Center, 724 Park Avenue)
15 – Hillside (Hillside Community Center, 274 Hillside Avenue)
22 – Roselle (Abraham Clark High School, 122 East 6th Street)
29 – Westfield (location to be determined)
5 – Summit (Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue)
12 – Linden (location to be determined)
19 – Rahway (Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Street)
For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org.
Any Union County resident age four and up can visit any of the seasonal flu shot drive events and receive a free flu shot. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Please note that the Union County flu shot drive is for seasonal flu vaccines only. There is no vaccine available for the COVID-19 virus at this time.
Union County residents are also reminded that the COVID-19 virus is far more deadly than seasonal flu, and it spreads more easily. Someone infected with the COVID-19 virus can spread it simply by talking, even if they show no visible signs of illness.
Because COVID-19 can be transmitted by infected people who do not have symptoms like coughing or sneezing, it is very important for everyone to wear a mask and observe social distance. All Union County residents and visitors are urged to continue maintaining every precaution to prevent COVID-19 during the fall season, especially when indoors.
In addition to wearing masks and observing social distance, effective precautions include washing hands frequently, avoiding sick people, and staying home when sick.
The Union County Flu Shot Drive is administered by the Union County Office of Health Management in the Department of Public Safety, the Visiting Nurse Association, and volunteers from the Union County Medical Reserve Corps. The Medical Reserve Corps accepts volunteers with a variety of skills both in and out of the medical profession.
For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the free Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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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.
Funding made available through efforts of Senator Nicholas P. Scutari and coming from Governor Phil Murphy’s 2021 budget
UNION COUNTY, NJ—The Union County Freeholder Board today announced it will be receiving $250,000 in state funds that will be used to dredge the Clark Reservoir, which sits off Lake Avenue in the township. The announcement comes as the County is currently studying recreational usage, environmental impacts and planning to dredge the 150-acre reservoir in a master plan.
“We are looking forward to making improvements at the reservoir that will enhance its use by the public, and we welcome the funding, which is perfectly timed,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank Senator Scutari for his efforts in lobbying for the funding and Governor Murphy for including it in his budget.”
Senator Nicholas P. Scutari stated: “The Clark Reservoir is an important natural resource and part of a watershed that provides a recreational oasis and picturesque backdrop for many in Union County. I also thank the Governor for including my funding request for this project in his budget.”
Freeholder Christopher Hudak stated: “I also thank Senator Scutari for working to provide this funding. Through the Master Plan we have embarked on, we seek to maximize the benefit of this beautiful natural resource, which was once destined to be developed, and offer our residents increased recreational opportunities in a bucolic setting.”
The Clark Reservoir was built in 1907 along the Robinson’s Branch of the Rahway River. It fell into disuse by the early 1990’s. To prevent the property from being drained and sold, Clark took ownership of the reservoir. A conservation easement was established to protect the surrounding shoreline from development forever.
The County then acquired the reservoir in 2008 from Clark for $1. Together with the County’s acquisition of the former St. Agnes property on Madison Hill Road in Clark and the former Schwarz Farm on Old Raritan Road straddling Clark and Westfield, the County assembled a continuous greenway that links the Clark Reservoir with other parks and public lands nearby.
Greenways were a fundamental part of the original design of the Union County parks system, dating back to the 1920’s. The Olmstead Brothers, the same firm that designed New York’s Central Park, envisioned continuous natural pathways along the county’s streams and rivers.
In addition to their public recreation and conservation roles, the greenways also serve as natural, low cost storm drainage systems.
Union County Vote-by-Mail ballots for the November 3 General Election are clearly marked “Official General Election Mail-In Ballot” at the top, as illustrated in a free how-to-vote video available online at the Union County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/how-to-vote.
Voters are reminded to use the Vote-by-Mail ballot marked “General Election” to participate in the 2020 General Election.
Old, out-of-date Vote-by-Mail ballots marked “Primary Election” cannot be used.
Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urgently reminds Union County voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot marked “General Election” in order to participate in the 2020 General Election.
“Several ballots marked ‘Primary Election’ have been received by the Board of Elections, so it appears that some voters are using old, out-of-date ballots left over from last summer,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The County Clerk’s office destroys unused Primary Election ballots immediately after the election. If you still have a Primary Election ballot at home, please tear it up now and throw it in your recycling bin.”
“If you have already sent in a Primary Election ballot by mistake, you can still vote in the General Election. My office is mailing Vote-by-Mail ballots marked “General Election” to every registered voter in Union County. Simply fill out your General Election ballot and send it in,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
Voters who have any other questions or concerns regarding their Vote-by-Mail ballot can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 for assistance.
The County Clerk’s office is sending General Election Vote-by-Mail ballots to all registered voters in waves on a town-by-town basis, in order to avoid overwhelming the U.S. Postal Service all at once. The first wave was mailed on September 15. As required by law, the last wave will be sent on or before October 5.
The October 5 deadline allows ample time for all voters to receive their General Election ballot in time to participate in the General Election, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.
For a step-by-step video on how to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com/how-to-vote.
Voters can estimate the approximate arrival time of their General Election ballot by checking the schedule of mailings on the home page of the elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, Voters can also call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org.
General Election ballots were mailed to registered voters in the following towns on September 15:
Berkeley Heights
Clark
Cranford
Fanwood
Garwood
Hillside
General Election ballots were also mailed to registered voters in the following towns after September 15:
Elizabeth, September 17
Mountainside, September 18
New Providence, September 19
Linden, September 21
Kenilworth, September 22
Plainfield, September 23
Roselle Park, September 24
Roselle, September 25
Voters are advised to call the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 if they have not received their General Election ballot within eight days after their town’s mailing date.
Mailing dates for the following towns will be announced shortly:
Rahway
Scotch Plains
Springfield
Summit
Union
Westfield
Winfield
Every voter can help the General Election run as smoothly as possible by filling out and returning their General Election Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as possible after they receive it.
The following early voting methods are available now, and are in effect until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3:
Send it to the Union County Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service (postage is prepaid).
Deposit it in any Union County Board of Elections secure ballot drop-off box, conveniently located in all 21 municipalities. Any Union County voter can use any drop-off box in Union County, regardless of their residence. The boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on November 3.
Hand deliver it to the Union County Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices. These offices will be open for ballot delivery until 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Please note that hand delivery requires voters to present New Jersey identification and sign a register.
Designate a ballot bearer to deposit it in a drop-off box, or hand deliver it to the Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices (instructions are printed on the ballot).
In addition, on Election Day voters can bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place. To see the list of polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com/where-do-i-vote.
Voters who come to their polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. ADA-accessible voting machines are available only for voters with disabilities.
For complete details on early voting methods, including the locations of offices and ballot drop-off boxes, visit the “Early Voting” page on the County Clerk’s elections website, UnionCountyVotes.com.
To track the status of their Vote-by-Mail ballot, voters can use the New Jersey Division of Elections Ballot Tracker tool. More details are available at unioncountyvotes.com/track-my-ballot.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on 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.
Union County, NJ — The Union County Freeholders are pleased to announce that online registration is now open for outdoor family programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in October.
Back to Nature, a series of walks in the Watchung Reservation will resume on October 3, while moonlit family hikes will occur on October1 and October 29. Programs are open to families with children ages four and older.
Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/trailside. Please be advised that programs fill up quickly and are available on a first come, first served basis.
“Trailside’s family programs provide an ideal opportunity for adults and children to spend time together, enjoy the scenery of the Watchung Reservation, and reconnect with the natural world around us,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The fee per program is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents. Programs are held rain or shine. Credits will be issued in the event of severe weather.
Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.
The Back to Nature series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Workshops begin on October 3 and continue through October 24. This series feature a different nature theme each week.
Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. This fall, families will search for monarch butterflies, discover animal homes and hideouts, take part in a rock collecting activity and go on a nature walk to enjoy the beautiful colors of the fall foliage this season.
The Harvest Moon Hike will take place on October 1, and a Blue Moon Hike will take place on October 29, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Families who participate in this program have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon.
For more information about upcoming programs and activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.
In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the general public until further notice. For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
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 quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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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.
Union County Freeholder Chairman Mirabella congratulates the 18 new firefighters from the Fall 2019 Class on graduating the Union County Fire Training Academy during a ceremony at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. He also congratulates Curtis Gilford of the Garwood Fire Department on earning the Ben Laganga Leadership Award and Joseph Fugaro of the Colonia Fire Department on earning the Battalion Chief Ken Nocera Memorial Award for Outstanding Excellence in Firefighter 1 and the Chief Anthony Schepis Award for Excellence in Firefighter 1. They were joined by Garwood Fire Chief Alan Tweedle and Colonia Fire Chief Vincent Pereira. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce the new OUT in Union County: Queer Power Hour with host Micayla Mirabella. The new free virtual series, organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, begins on Wednesday, September 30 and runs through December 9, 2020. Each hour-long session will begin at 7:00 pm.
“Here in Union County we stand firm in our resolve to support the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, awareness and action,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to host events that seek to normalize acceptance of all identities in one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey, and the new webinar series will help inform and enlighten the concerns and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.”
OUT in Union County: Queer Power Hour will explore 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. However, all of the webinars will be live-streamed as well. The schedule and registration links can be found at ucnj.org/lgbtq.
“This effort is especially important to the LGBTQ+ community, where many people may be vulnerable to feelings of isolation during this period of separation and social distance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the Freeholder Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “Through innovative virtual programming like this new series, we continue to encourage people to connect, learn, and share with one another.”
The schedule of sessions is as follows:
Wednesday, September 30: Being a Supportive Parent to a Queer Person
Wednesday, October 14: Queer Pioneers and Activists
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, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Union County’s Sensory Friendly Trail at the Trailside Nature and Science Center includes rope guidelines, educational kiosks, and many other features designed to offer an inclusive environment for all ages and abilities.
Masks are required and social distance rules will be observed at all times.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholders invite senior citizens to participate in a series of free guided walks this fall on the Sensory Friendly Trail at the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The series takes place on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning on October 7.
This series will be held outdoors, and is open to participants age 55 and older. Masks and social distance must be observed at all times. The walks will be held in small groups in order to facilitate social distance.
Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in left-hand column).
“These guided walks offer an excellent opportunity for Union County seniors to take in the beautiful fall scenery of the Watchung Reservation in a safe, socially distanced environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Each walk is led by Trailside naturalists and highlights a different topic, including Mammals of the Reservation, Autumn Tree Identification, Fall Nature Walk and Lenape Native American History.
The walks will take place at the Union County Sensory Friendly Trail, a 0.3-mile ADA accessible loop. 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 Sensory Friendly 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 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 the visitor with additional opportunities to use their senses of sight, smell and touch.
In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the general public until further notice.
Please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for information about new online nature 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.
The 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.
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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.
New Union County flu shot drive focuses on residents without health insurance.
Union County, NJ — The Union County Freeholders are pleased to announce that online registration is now open for outdoor family programs at Trailside Nature and Science Center in October.
