Category: Public Info

Failure to observe social distance puts others at risk and will result in parks closing

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is reopening County-owned parks effective Saturday, May 2, for passive recreation by individuals who observe social distance guidelines that protect against the COVID-19 virus.

“Social distance saves lives, it’s as simple as that,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These guidelines are designed to enable use of County parks by persons who recognize that social distance stops the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has the power to help protect our community by observing the social distance rules.”

In accordance with statewide guidelines for maintaining a six-foot social distance, the following rules apply to County parks beginning on May 2:

• Closed: All recreation equipment and facilities remain closed including restrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields, running tracks, dog parks, workout/fitness equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, Archery Range, Trailside Museum, Warinanco Sports Center, and Watchung Stable.
• Strictly prohibited: Any and all organized or group activities are strictly prohibited including picnics and social gatherings, team sports/practices, pick-up games, group workouts, yoga and fitness classes, and any other organized activities, classes, programs, etc. Teams using County parks for any reason will lose field reservation privileges.
• Permitted: Individual activities such as walking, jogging, biking and fishing are permitted. Bikes are permitted on paved paths only; trail riding strictly is prohibited. For these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
• Use of walking paths: Follow arrows to move counter-clockwise only. Slow users keep right; fast users pass on left. Give way to others to maintain six-foot distance when passing.
• Masks: Strongly recommended.
• Parking and hours of use: Union County Parks are open dawn to dusk only; no off-hours use permitted. Drivers must observe parking rules.
• Union County’s Ash Brook and Galloping Hill Golf Courses: Golf courses are expected to open on Wednesday, May 6, after routine maintenance.
• Report abuse of social distance guidelines to Union County Police: 908-654-9800

More information: ucnj.org/parks.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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 – Union County residents who are experiencing sexual or domestic violence can seek help from trained professionals and volunteer advocates in Union County.

“We want all residents to know that assistance continues to be available in our community for victims of sexual or domestic violence during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please reach out if you need help.”

Trained volunteer advocates are available to assist victims of sexual violence through Union County’s Rape Crisis Center hotline, 908-2333-7273.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Rape Crisis Center advocates have continued to provide crisis counseling and support by phone, referrals to community resources, and guidance on legal and medical issues. The Rape Crisis Center is also providing education and preventive resources online.

Services provided by the Rape Crisis Center are free of charge. As part of the Union County Department of Human Services, the Rape Crisis Center has been assisting victims of sexual violence since 1985. For more information call 908-233-7273 or visit ucnj.org/departments.

Resources available to victims of domestic violence in Union County include:

• The YMCA Union County Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours-7 days a week) 908-355-HELP (4357).
• The Union County Family Justice Center: 908-527-4980 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
• The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24-7) 1-800-572-SAFE (7233).
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24-7) 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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.

Union County, NJ – Union County parks will partially re-open beginning at dawn on Saturday, May 2, for limited and passive activities only, in accordance with statewide restrictions issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The County’s two golf courses will open next week, after routine maintenance is conducted.

“Union County parks will re-open under guidelines that are consistent with the statewide plan, which provides for residents to benefit from healthy outdoor activities while diligently observing precautions against spreading or contracting COVID-19,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“As a reminder, the virus does not disappear outside,” Mirabella added. “Please be safe, and help save lives by observing the six-foot social distance guideline and other rules for visiting County parks during this time.”

Visitors are advised to avoid congested areas. When using pathways and trails give way to others, in order to maintain a six-foot social distance.

Visitors are also advised to observe other COVID-19 preventive measures including: wash hands frequently, do not touch face, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow, do not go out if sick, stay away from sick people, and use a face mask for additional protection.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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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The County of Union wishes to encourage residents to donate blood to agencies that provide life-saving aid for those in need. Agencies such as American Red Cross and New York Blood Center, both of whom have branches in Union County, are facing critical shortfalls as previously planned blood drives have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even as our families, first responders, and community leaders work together to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot forget the needs of those who are at risk from other life-threatening illnesses,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Blood donations are urgently needed for these patients in hospitals across our region, and we urge anyone willing to make a donation to step forward and give blood if they are able.”

Residents who have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to residents unaffected by the virus who are already eligible, can now safely give blood. The American Red Cross holds several blood drives in Union County locations each month, while New York Blood Center has a permanent office in Scotch Plains. For more information and to seek an appointment, please go to https://www.redcross.org/local/new-jersey.html or https://nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/donor-center-locations-march-2020/. Residents can also schedule an appointment with American Red Cross by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS, and with New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566.

Three out of the five schools comprising the Union County Vocational-Technical School District have ranked among the top 500 public high schools in the nation, according to a new survey by Newsweek Magazine. The survey compared standardized test scores, graduate rates, and the performance of students in underserved populations, such as black, Hispanic and low-income.

“Union County offers some of the finest public education resources in the nation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Public education is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support each one of our five Vo-Tech schools.”

The three Vo-Tech schools included in Newsweek’s survey are the Academy for Information Technology (#130), Union County Magnet High School (#131), and the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (#207).

Union County Vocational-Technical schools are committed to developing students’ career, decision making and employability skills.

Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth was also included in the top 500, ranking #257 in the nation.

For more information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools, visit www.ucnj.org or www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

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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.

In a letter to editors, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises Union County voters on new deadlines in advance of the July 7 Primary Election.

To the Editor:

Following are important updates for Union County voters regarding deadlines for the upcoming primary election in New Jersey.

The primary election was moved from June 2 to Tuesday, July 7, by Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 120, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This order includes the postponement of the primary for President, U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and county and municipal elections.

All statutory election deadlines have changed and are now calculated by using the July 7 election date.

This did not affect any deadlines that occurred prior to April 11, with the exception of the deadline for changing party affiliation, which was rescheduled from April 8 to Wednesday, May 13, by order of Governor Murphy.

Based on the new primary election date of July 7, it is important to note that the voter registration deadline for new or moved voters is Tuesday, June, 16 and the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot will be Tuesday, June 30.

The primary election timeline with revised deadlines is available on our elections website at UnionCountyVotes.com and on our free Union County Votes mobile app.

During this period my staff continues to be available during regular business hours to any questions regarding the primary election. Please call the Election Division at 908-527-4996, or email ucvote@ucnj.org. We look forward to serving you.

Sincerely,

Joanne Rajoppi

Union County Clerk

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For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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.

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 – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado reminds Union County voters who wish to change their party affiliation that the deadline to do so is Wednesday, May 13, in order to participate in the July 7 primary.

The Primary Election is being held later than usual this year as a precautionary response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, pursuant to Executive Order 120 issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

The change in party affiliation does not require an in-person office visit.

“Union County voters who wish to change their parties can do so by mail, helping to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus during this public health emergency,” said Ms. DiRado.

Since the Union County Election Board is working remotely, voters who are unsure of their current party affiliation can call the Election Board at 908-527-4123 to leave a message.  The call will be returned promptly.

“Voters who conduct business with the Motor Vehicle Commission sometimes inadvertently change their affiliation. If you have any doubt about your current status, please call my office,” said Ms. DiRado.

To request a Party Declaration Form by mail, call the Union County Board of elections at 908-527-4123 or send an email to ucboe@ucnj.org.  The requirement for an original signature on the form has not been relaxed.  Be sure to complete, sign and mail your form soon enough to allow delivery by the postal service.

Voters can also download Party Declaration Forms in English and Spanish from ucnj.org/ucboe, unioncountyvotes.com and the New Jersey Division of Elections, at state.nj.us/state/elections.

The May deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on July 7.  Further, unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They will receive a ballot for each party, and then return only the ballot for which they declare.

In the event that in-person voting is conducted for the July 7 Primary Election, voters can familiarize themselves with new voting machines that were introduced countywide last year by viewing a teaching video on the Board of Elections website, at ucnj.org/boe/expressvote-xl-voting-machine (please note that live demonstrations have been suspended during the COVID-19 outbreak).

For information on all Union County Board of Elections programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

Please note that the Board of Elections office is closed to visitors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Voicemail messages and emails are being responded to promptly during regular business hours.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County 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 Covid-19 Drive Thru test Center will have new hours, effective Monday: the facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. First responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms can also contact the center, regardless of their place of residence. Testing is free.

Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-214-7107. First responders and front-line health workers may also call 908-373-5105.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center is celebrating Earth Day 2020 with a new online backyard nature walk and other nature videos, activities and programs for all ages.

“The message of Earth Day continues to ring loud and strong, and Trailside continues to provide our residents with programs that inspire, enlighten, and entertain,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please join us online as we continue our mission of environmental education and stewardship in Union County.”

Trailside is closed to the public during the COVID-19 outbreak but continues to provide online learning in celebration of Earth Day, and beyond.

In a new video, online visitors can follow a Trailside Senior Park Naturalist on a backyard walk and spot a salamander, a trout lily, a woodpecker and more.

To see the video and find a list of Trailside-approved programs including citizen scientist campaigns, zoo cams, and activities for preschoolers, visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Other online environmental activities available to Union County residents include:

• The Union County Falcon Cam free livestream.
• A documentary about plastic bags and recycling.
• The Recycle Coach app, including animated interactive videos.
• Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H from Home featuring STEAM activities and community service for students.
• Rutgers Cooperative Extension Earth Day at Home, a six-week course on sustainable lawn, yard, and garden care.

To join a worldwide online celebration of Earth Day, visit earthday.org.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 451 New Providence Road in Mountainside, in Union County’s Watchung Reservation. It follows the National Parks Service “trailside museum” model for fostering environmental stewardship, and was the first such nature center to be established in New Jersey, in 1941.

Union County’s environmental programming includes open space preservation, nature education, recycling, tree planting, pollinator habitats, community gardening and more. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit ucnj.org/green-connect. Please note that in-person activities are limited 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 the Union County 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.