Category: Public Info

Janna Williams, a military veteran and community advocate, has advanced to the final round of the Ms. Veteran America pageant, a national competition celebrating women who have served in the military and have established a record of service in their communities.

Janna serves as coordinator for Union County’s Office of Veteran Services.

“Janna Williams connects veterans with resources and programs, and she plays an invaluable role in the Freeholder Board’s commitment to serving our military community,” Said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We would like to congratulate Janna and wish her much success as she competes for the title of Ms. Veteran America.”

Williams, a United States Air Force veteran from Roselle, is pursuing the title that honors her three years of service as an airman and her nearly twenty years of accomplishments as an advocate for military veterans.

 She serves veterans through her work coordinating veteran services in Union County and as the founder of Vets4U, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing and other resources to military veterans in need.

“I am beyond excited about making it to the finals,” said Williams who has lived in Roselle for nearly 16 years. “I consider myself a veteran’s advocate and a leader of the veteran community. This will give me the opportunity to take my advocacy and passion for helping veterans to a higher level.”

Williams worked in the pharmaceutical division of her military unit while stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. During her service, she was named “Airman of the Quarter,” and received the Wing Commander “Attitude Is Everything” honor, along with other accolades.

After her service, she took a position in New Jersey as an Accredited Veteran Service Officer for the Union County Office of Veterans Services, and is a member of several civic, community and veteran service groups.

She served on the Roselle Board of Education and the Roselle planning board. Williams has also been recognized for her community service with the NCAAP Community Service Award in 2017, the United States Congress Award and other honors.

Williams is a single mother of three children: Jayla, Laci and Elijah. She is the daughter of Lorraine Shipp, a U.S. Navy veteran.

Williams competed on June 27 and 28 in a virtual competition and secured her spot in the final round, scheduled to be held on Oct. 11, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The semifinals were originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas but were converted to a virtual competition due to the coronavirus outbreak travel and social restrictions.

Williams is fundraising for Final Salute, Inc., a charity that helps homeless female veterans find shelter and other resources. Those interested in donating can make a donation through her Facebook page at JannaW4MVA2020 (https://www.facebook.com/JannaW4MVA2020/), her Twitter page at @JannaW4MVA2020 or by visiting https://charity.gofundme.com/finalsaluteinc

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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Masks and social distance required during COVID-19 outbreak.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announces that the next mobile paper shredding program of 2020 for personal and confidential documents will be held on August 8th, at Kean University in Union.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred your confidential documents,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “It promotes our County’s recycling efforts and ties in with other Green Initiatives in Union County.”

The August 8 shredding event will take place at Kean University on Morris Avenue in Union.  The program will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.  The event will end before 1 p.m. if the shredding trucks reach capacity.  Residents should enter the University from the main entrance on Morris Avenue. 

Residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and stay in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in vehicles trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, who will remove it from the vehicle

The next shredding event will be Saturday, September 12^th at Union County College on Springfield Avenue in Cranford, also from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per person. It is preferred that materials be brought in paper bags.

Documents should not be bound and plastic binders and paperclips should be removed. Paper that is wet/damp will not be accepted. Residents should continue to recycle non-confidential papers and magazines with their municipal recycling program.  Paper that is already shredded will not be accepted. 

Documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company. The items are then placed onto a conveyor belt and shredded on site. Participants are welcome to view the shredding process via a closed-circuit television. The shredded documents are then recycled via local paper mills. 

The mobile shredding program is paid for through New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Enhancement Act Grant Funds. For more information about future events or directions please call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889 or visit us online at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

The Freeholder Board also reminds residents to download the free Recycle Coach app for the latest news and information on all countywide and local recycling programs, located at www.ucnj.org/recycle.

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

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

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The Elizabeth and Westfield offices will also resume extra evening and weekend hours; masks and social distance are required.



Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents that the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will begin providing U.S. passport services by appointment beginning on August 3. Residents can contact the offices to book an appointment beginning on Monday, July 27. The first available appointment date will be Monday, August 3. No walk-ins will be permitted for passport services.

In addition, the County Clerk’s annex office in Westfield will resume its regular schedule of extra hours for in-person services, including U.S. passport services. Beginning on the week of August 3, the office will remain open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 7:30 p.m., and will be open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“Union County residents who expect to travel in early 2021 and who need a U.S. passport should apply now, because the State Department is still experiencing significant delays of five months duration,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I strongly urge residents to plan ahead now for travel next year. My office will re-open for in-person passport services in August, and we will also resume extra evening and Saturday hours, in order to assist residents who cannot visit during weekday hours.”

To book an appointment for U.S. passport services at the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, call 908-527-4966 beginning on July 27. The main office is located at the County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To book an appointment for U.S. passport services at the annex office in Westfield, call 908-654-9859 beginning on July 27. The office is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East. Daytime office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Beginning in August, the office will remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and will be open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Residents who need to travel at short notice on a life-or-death emergency must contact the  U.S. State Department regional passport office in New York City for assistance within a three-day window, at 877-487-2778 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or  202-647-4000 (after 5:00 p.m.).

Ms. Rajoppi also advises passport holders who are expecting to travel in the near future to check their destination country for quarantine instructions and other restrictions, including travel bans.

The Union County Clerk’s offices have been re-opening for in-person services in accordance with statewide guidelines designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All visitors must wear masks and observe social distance.

For more details about all County Clerk 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.

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Free “Wellness Wednesday” webinar series continues in July.

Union County, NJ – Nutrition and health experts from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension have been sharing their knowledge with the Union County community this summer through the “Wellness on Wednesday” free live webinars. The weekly series focuses on simple tips for improving diet and overall well-being while saving money.

“The Rutgers Cooperative Extension has continued to connect the public with fact based guidance for healthy living,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The new Wellness on Wednesday series is especially welcome at this time, as many families are coping with the economic impact of the outbreak.”

Wellness on Wednesday features experts from the Rutgers University Department of Family & Community Health Sciences.

The series takes place every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. until August 26. Each session last approximately 45 minutes. Participants will need a computer, tablet, or smart phone with speakers.

Two live webinars remain in July:

July 22 – Easy Changes, Make Healthy Eating a Habit: Easy Changes to your diet are possible by choosing nutritious foods from a variety of food categories.  Learn which ones will make the biggest impact on your health.  Hosted by Karen Ensle, EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS, FCHS Educator, Union County (register at go.rutgers.edu/g7o5c6tt).

July 29 – Let’s Go Nuts: There is so much we can do with nuts. Together let us find out how we can incorporate nuts in our meal plans. Are they fattening? Is it the good fat or the bad fat? Join this webinar to find out about easy ways to go “nuts.” Hosted by Shailja Mathur, M.S., M.Ed., RDN, FCHS Educator, Middlesex County register at go.rutgers.edu/zmqgpf02).

Topics coming up in August include reading nutrition labels, how to spot hidden sugars, eating healthy on a budget, and convenient ways to add more fruits and veggies to your diet. More details and registration links for these programs are available at sebsnjaesnews.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is dedicated to connecting the public with science based knowledge that can be applied to improve daily life. It is supported in part by the Freeholder Board through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with offices at the County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Wellness on Wednesdays is part of the Extension’s efforts to continue serving the public.

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 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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UPDATED: July 21, 2020

Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce donated by Stop & Shop will be distributed on a first come-first served basis

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, July 23^rd, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, 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%.

“Food insecurity remains a major concern in these uncertain times,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “To that end, the Freeholder Board and the County continue to work hard in assisting our residents through events such as this drive-up food distribution.”

“As we all know, COVID-19 has affected all residents across Union County and this world. People are struggling with health issues, employment issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “This free food distribution is another example of the work being done by the Freeholder Board in support of all residents in need during this pandemic. We thank the partners and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. 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.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County and steadfast supporters like Stop & Shop are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”

As part of the collaboration, Stop & Shop donated fresh local produce to be distributed.

“Stop & Shop supports the incredible efforts of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to meet the growing need for assistance in Union County and across New Jersey,” said Stefanie Shuman, Community Relations Manager for Stop & Shop. “We hope our contribution of 5 tons of local produce helps ease the burden that so many families are experiencing as a result of the pandemic.”

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. 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 Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.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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Union County, NJ – Children and families in Union County who love nature can visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center website every week for a “virtual summer camp” experience that includes original nature videos, craft ideas and more. The program is part of a series of online activities offered by Trailside during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to offer the option of a virtual summer camp experience for children and families of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We also encourage participants in the online program to explore Union County parks this summer – and of course, we continue to urge everyone to observe social distance, wear masks, and wash hands frequently in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The virtual summer camp offers a wide variety of engaging videos and activities created and curated by Trailside’s team of professional naturalists, highlighting a new theme every week.

Campers can follow along with Trailside naturalists to explore ponds and streams, trees, bugs, birds, animal homes, and more in Union County’s Watchung Reservation.

The first topic, Turtle Time, is currently available on the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside. Take a virtual nature walk with Timber the Eastern Box Turtle as he looks for worms and other tasty snacks, play turtle word search and matching games, learn fun facts about turtles, and do an easy turtle craft.

For more information about virtual summer camp and many other free nature programs available online during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside. 

Organized 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 public until further notice.

All visitors to Union County parks must observe social distance guidelines in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended. For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Trailside Nature & 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 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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Initial Round of Program would provide grants up to $20,000 for impacted small businesses with 25 or less employees

The Union County Freeholder Board today announced the initial-round launch of the Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program for small businesses that have been impacted by the health emergency.

The grant program will make available a total of $2 million in CARES Act relief funds. Out of this funding, the program will provide grants up to $20,000 to eligible small businesses to cover three month’s rent, property mortgage, utility and insurance expenses. The grant will be available to small businesses located within the boundaries of Union County with 25 or less employees prior to the COVID emergency.

“Union County’s small businesses are the life-blood of our communities and our downtowns,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These businesses, which contribute so much to our quality of life as a whole, have been devastated by the COVID-19 emergency and need our assistance. The survival of these businesses is vital to Union County, and we encourage our small businesses to apply for a grant once the program is available.”

The Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program is funded by the COVID- Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund. The County of Union will begin accepting applications for the program through an online portal beginning Thursday at 10 a.m., July 16^th at www.ucnj.org/covid-grant Questions about the County’s grant programs can be sent to dmesaros@ucnj.org

Update: July 27, 2020: please note that the August 14 and 15 events will feature the movie Onward instead of Scoob.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced the schedule for a series of free Walk-up and Drive-up movies to be held throughout the summer.

“The Freeholder Board is pleased to offer this opportunity for our residents to enjoy a ‘night out at the movies’ with their families while staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Summer 2020 movie schedule is as follows:

Walk-up movies:

July 14th – Warinanco Park in Roselle, NJ – Abominable

August 4th – Rahway Park in Rahway, NJ – Secret Life of Pets 2

August 11th – Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, NJ – The Lion King (2019 version)

Drive-up movies:

July 21st – Union County Vo-tech in Scotch Plains, NJ – Frozen 2

August 14th – Union County Vo-tech in Scotch Plains, NJ – Onward (replacement for Scoob)

August 15th – Union County Vo-tech in Scotch Plains, NJ – Onward (replacement for Scoob)

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. These events will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.

For Walk-up movies, social distance of 6 feet must be maintained between groups. Masks are strongly encouraged and must be worn where social distancing is not possible. Masks are required when using port-o-johns.

Drive-up movies are open to Union County residents and will require pre-registration. One registration is required per car. To pre-register for Drive-up movies, residents can visit https://tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie. Registration for each Drive-up movie will be open at 9 a.m. one week prior to each movie date. Due to space limitations, reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.

To help promote social distancing during Drive-up movies, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted at drive-up movies. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks and gloves will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

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

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

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite all residents of Union County, age 6o or older, to register for the Union County Senior Citizens’ Virtual Art Exhibit. Qualifying works of art will be displayed online this fall from October 12 to December 30. This year’s Senior Art Exhibit is being held entirely online due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. Registration online is required, and a digital image of the artwork entry must be submitted to complete the registration.

“Each year the Senior Art Exhibit provides senior residents with an opportunity to share their view of the world through their artwork,” said Freeholder Chairman Mirabella. “Although we are doing things virtually this year we are proud to support this program, which highlights the skills and insights of senior artists in the County.”

The Senior Art Exhibit is an annual program presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Artists at any level of skill or experience are invited to register, including amateurs, non-professionals and working professionals. To qualify, the artwork must have been created within the past three years and must be an original creation of the artist.

Registrants can enter a work in a variety of categories: acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft.

All artworks entered will be judged by a panel of professional artists. In each art category, separate awards will be given to professionals and non-professionals. First-place winners in all categories will go on to compete at the state level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show, also being held online this fall.

For complete information and to register, visit the Union County website at www.ucnj.org/senior-art.

For seniors who do not have internet access, a relative or friend with an email address may assist and register on behalf of the artist, or staff at the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs will assist the artist with registration by phone. For assistance or questions, or to receive complete instructions by mail or email, call 908-558-2552, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. Relay users dial 711.

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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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This morning Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten, Rebecca Williams and Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter joined the United Way of Greater Union County and members of County Government at the Kenilworth Veterans Center to distribute food donated by Amazon.com through the United Way to various social service organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)