Category: Public Info

Students looking to enhance their artistic abilities are encouraged to take advantage of a series of free virtual art lessons with Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Club of Union County.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H to provide learning opportunities and activities to Union County students,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These virtual lessons offer new learning opportunities to youth in our community with a wide variety of techniques and styles.”

The four day series will be instructed by Miss Martha Garcia, a professional art teacher working in Jersey City Schools and a former Union County 4-H member and club leader.

All classes are from 11:30 to 12:30 and can be accessed via Zoom. The schedule for the series is as follows:

• Monday, August 3rd – Learn about a mandala and be able to create one yourself. Materials: various sized lids or circles templates such as a paper plate. Paper, pencil, and coloring supplies such as (color pencils, crayons, or markers)
• Tuesday, August 4th – The importance of Value in Art! Learn how to create a value scale and practice using a value in a Cubism inspired hand project. Materials: Paper, pencil, and/or color pencils 
• Wednesday, August 5th – Learn about zentangles and creating different patterns. Materials: Paper, pencil and/or marker. If you have a dual tip sharpie that would come in handy but not required.
• Thursday, August 6th – Learn about perspective and how to create a horizon line with a vanishing point. Materials: Paper, pencil, ruler or straight edge like a book, and coloring supplies such as (color pencils, crayons, or markers) 

Space is limited for this program and registration is required. Participants do not have to be 4-H members to participate.

To register or to inquire more information, contact Tamisha Hopkins, 4-H office manager at thopkins@ucnj.org.  Please specify the days you will be attending. Access passwords will be sent to registered participants.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

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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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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Moviegoers must follow mask and social distance guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has updated the schedule for a series of free Walk-up and Drive-up movies in August, held in accordance with statewide regulations aimed at reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.

“Union County residents and visitors have been doing a great job of protecting each other during the COVID-19 outbreak, and moviegoers can keep up the good work by wearing masks, observing social distance rules, and following other guidelines for a safe night out,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

All movies are free and begin at dusk.  Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Port-a-johns and wash stations will be available.

For Walk-up movies, attendees will be required to sit in marked circles in order to maintain social distance between groups. Masks are strongly encouraged at all times, and are required when using port-o-johns and in areas where social distancing is not possible. No pre-registration is required.

The upcoming Walk-up movies are:

Secret Life of Pets 2: Tuesday, August 4 at Rahway Park near the Hickory Picnic area in Rahway.

The Lion King (2019 version): Tuesday, August 11 at the Loop area in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside.

Drive-up movies are open to Union County residents only, and will require online pre-registration. One registration will be required per car.

For Drive-up movies, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns; no chairs, stools or other seating outside of the car is permitted.

The upcoming Drive-up movie will be Onward. Please note that Onward will be shown in place of the originally scheduled Scoob.

Onward will be shown on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Space is limited and registration for Onward will be on a first come, first serve basis. The registration portal for both dates will open on Friday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m., at https://tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie.

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

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for 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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will conduct the ballot position drawing for the November 3 General Election and School Board Election on Facebook Live on Monday, August 10, beginning at 3:00 p.m., as designated by New Jersey state law. The event is being held remotely in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Remote technology has been an important part of our work in ensuring that elections services and other essential operations continue during the COVID-19 outbreak, while reducing the risk of infection,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I encourage voters, candidates, and anyone interested in elections, to watch the livestream and observe the process in real time.”

The ballot position drawing for the July 7 Primary Election was also conducted through Facebook Live on April 9.

As an additional precaution against COVID-19 infection, the July 7 Primary election was conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots, in accordance with statewide emergency orders issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

The Governor has not issued similar instructions for the November 3 elections at this time.

“Even if there is not a statewide order, I continue to urge all voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot in every election,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail is easy and convenient. It enables voters to cast their ballot regardless of unforeseen circumstances that may arise on Election Day, and during the COVID-19 outbreak it enables voters to participate while reducing their risk of exposure.”

Under existing New Jersey state law, any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot.

Voters can also download an application for a Vote-by-Mail ballot from the County Clerks’ elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or from the free Union County Votes app for mobile devices.

To request an application form by phone or email, contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

More information about all County Clerk programs and services is available 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.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Freeholder Board today announced that the County is setting aside $4 million in federal CARES Act funds to assist local school districts with planning for re-opening this fall during the COVID-19 outbreak.

School districts may use their funds to help defray costs for a variety of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as health monitoring, cleaning/disinfecting protocols, and protective equipment.

“We are working closely with local school districts and health officials to ensure that students can begin their school year with health and safety as a top priority, said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is an unprecedented community effort, and everyone in the Union County family can help out by continuing to take every precaution against spreading this deadly virus.”

“The CARES Act funds will help local school districts in Union County’s 21 municipalities map out strategies that fit the needs of their students, teachers, staff, family members and surrounding communities,” said Daryl Palmieri, Interim Executive Superintendent of Schools for Union County.

Mirabella announced the funding plan in a conference call with local school districts on Thursday, July 28.

In accordance with statewide COVID-19 prevention guidelines, every person in Union County is required to observe social distance and wear masks when distance is impractical. Washing hands frequently, staying away from sick people, and staying home when sick are also among other precautions outlined by health experts.

Union County has also launched a $4 million relief grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through CARES Act funding, with an emphasis on certified minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ and disabled-owned businesses.

Other County assistance measures during the outbreak include organizing large scale donations of food for distribution to local social service agencies, and organizing drive-up food distribution events that have served more than 2,000 individual households so far.

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act was signed into law in March, providing more than $2 trillion in federal funds for economic aid during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that it has voted to extend funding to The Simon Youth Foundation for another 18 months, beginning July 1, 2020 and concluding December 31, 2021, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Out-of-School Youth Grant.

The Simon Youth Academy is a partnership between the Simon Youth Foundation, the Freeholder Board and the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools District. The academy was established at The Mills at Jersey Gardens Mall in 2018, providing at-risk youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma.

Thirty-two students were enrolled during the 2019-2020 school year with a waiting list of students wanting to enroll.

 “The Freeholder Board is proud to continue to support the Simon Youth Academy in our community,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “It provides a positive, supportive academic experience for our county’s at-risk youth and helps empower them to grow and reach their own individual goals.”

The Simon Youth Academy is the first school of its kind in New Jersey. It is one of more than 40 high schools in the U.S. established by the Simon Youth Foundation in partnership with local school districts. Located primarily at shopping malls owned by Simon Properties, the schools are designed to help make learning accessible to students who struggle to connect with material in a traditional classroom or school because of homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, supporting their families, or other challenging personal circumstances.

“I am pleased that the Simon Youth Academy is continuing to make a difference in the lives of at risk youth in Union County,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who announced the creation of the academy in 2018 as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiative during his term  as chairman. “I am a strong believer that education is the key to success and we will continue to champion this through various educational initiatives that benefit our residents. This academy is providing students with a second chance to gain a high school diploma through a different educational approach than in their local school district that is tailored to them.”

The Simon Youth Academy at The Mills has maintained a 100% graduation rate, with eight graduates in the 2018-2019 school year and 10 graduates in the 2019-2020 school year.

Over the summer of 2019 the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience Strength and Hope (E.S.H) recovery high school became the second Simon Youth Academy in New Jersey.

For information about enrollment, eligibility criteria and curriculum, please contact Simon Youth Academy Principal, Syreeta McClain, by phone at 908-977-1697 or by email at smcclain@ucvts.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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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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New mail-in process aims at preventing spread of COVID-19 virus.

Union County, NJ – Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Farmers Market vouchers for eligible Union County seniors will be distributed only by mail. Each eligible senior can obtain six $5.00 vouchers for a total of $30.00 to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at Farmers Markets that display the black and yellow WIC posters.

To be eligible, seniors must be age 60 and older. A single person’s annual income cannot exceed $1,968 per month and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $2,658 per month.

“The mail-only distribution process will enable seniors in need to continue engaging with a popular program that adds variety and nutritional value to daily meals while supporting local farmers,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Eligible seniors can request a voucher application form by calling the Union County Division on Aging, 908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Requests can also be submitted after hours and on weekends, by leaving a voice message including name, address, and phone contact, or by emailing the information to Kathleen Malkiewicz, Nutrition Program Director, at kmalkiewicz@ucnj.org. Ms. Malkiewicz may also be reached at 908-527-4877 during office hours.

A limited number of vouchers are available and applications will be evaluated on a “first-come first-served” basis.

Face coverings and social distance are required when visiting Farmers Market sites during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Participating Farmers Market in Union County are located in:

• Cranford (Dreyer Farms, 831 Springfield Avenue)
• Elizabeth (Elizabeth Avenue Farmers’ Market, Union Square between Elizabeth Avenue and High Street)
• Kenilworth ( 455 Boulevard)
• Plainfield (Watchung Avenue and East 6^th Street, across from City Hall)
• Rahway (Rahway Farmer’s Market, at NJ Transit Train Station Plaza
• Roselle Park (Roselle ark Farmers’ Market, at Chestnut Street and East Grant Avenue)
• Scotch Plains (Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market, Municipal Parking Lot at 430 Park Avenue)
• Springfield (66 Mountain Avenue)
• Summit (Park & Shop #2, at Maple Street and DeForest Avenue)
• Westfield (NJ Transit Railroad Station, North Avenue Parking Lot)

For more information about the Farmers’ Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Division of Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226, or visit online at ucnj.org/aging. Please note that in-person services are limited or modified at this time due to the COVID-19 outbreak

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

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

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

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that free scrap metal recycling drop-off continues in August.  A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, are included in the program.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, participants in the drop-off program must remain in their cars with their window rolled up and face coverings on. Materials must be easily identifiable in the trunk, cargo area or truck bed for safe removal by staff.

“This countywide drop-off program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal will be accepted on Thursday, August 6 and Saturday, August 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two designated drop off centers:

• Cranford: County Emergency Services Yard, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard

• Rahway: Rahway River Park (enter park from St. Georges Avenue and follow signs)

Acceptable items for recycling include aluminum scrap, aluminum cans, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), wire hangers, and more.

Please note that by law, the drop-off program will only accept refrigerators and freezers with doors removed. Items brought to the drop-off program with doors intact will not be accepted.

The August scrap metal drop-off dates are part of a series of free countywide monthly scrap metal recycling programs, available on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

For handy information and updates on scrap metal drop-off and all recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices. The app also provides fun, informative videos and other information on recycling.

More details about Recycle Coach and all Union County recycling programs are available online at ucnj.org/recycle, or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. 

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

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

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

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

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County of Union, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is doubling the amount of funds available to assist small businesses under the Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program. The Freeholder Board initially authorized the grant program on July 9 with $2 million in funding. The Board added another $2 million in funding during its regular meeting on Thursday, July 23 for a total of $4 million. The additional funding will emphasize certified minority/women/veteran/LGBTQ/disabled owned businesses.

“We added another $2 million to the program due to the overwhelming response we received to the initial grant offering, and the emphasis on certified minority/women/veteran/LGBTQ/disabled owners will help ensure that small businesses in Union County continue to reflect our diverse population as we seek to regain our economic footing during this time of crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Small businesses make key contributions to the Union County economy and to our quality of life, and their survival is vital to our recovery as a community.”

Union County received more than 750 applications from businesses meeting the eligibility guidelines in response to the first round of $2 million in funding. The guidelines include having 25 employees or less before the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program is funded by the COVID-19 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund.

Qualified businesses can receive up to $20,000 in assistance for three month’s rent, property mortgage, utility and insurance expenses through the COVID-19 Relief Grant program.

Questions about the grant program can be sent to dmesaros@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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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 Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Rebecca Williams joined Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and volunteers at a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. The food distribution was sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. As part of the collaboration, Stop & Shop donated fresh local produce to be distributed. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board is offering a simple, easy way for residents to safely and properly dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other hazardous products.  The next Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, August 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Union County Vocational Technical School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. 

The event is free and open to Union County residents, disposing of approved household waste. Hazardous waste from businesses will not be accepted. The collection event will be held rain or shine. Proof of Union County residency is required.                                                                                                         

Among the items accepted for disposal are: outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches. Car tires will also be collected during this event.  There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

The Union County Police Bomb Squad will also be on hand at the event to assist with collection of unwanted ammunition and fireworks from residents. 

“This is the time and place to safely dispose of potentially dangerous items such as ammunition and fireworks thanks to the support of trained experts with the Union County Bomb Squad,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These recycling events lead to safer homes and a cleaner environment for our families and our neighbors.”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Materials should be placed in vehicles trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, who will remove it from the vehicle upon arrival.

Latex, acrylic, enamel and water-based paints (wall paint) are not accepted. Residents wishing to dispose of paint are advised to use it up or dry the paint out and discard it with regular garbage.  Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted and as well as information on upcoming recycling event dates and locations, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit ucnj.org/recycle.

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

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.