Category: Public Info

The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to present “Fix You”, a highly regarded Coldplay tribute band, live in concert at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The concert is on Saturday, November 7^th starting at 6:30 PM. Tickets will become available online at www.ucnj.org/reserve on Friday, October 28th at 9 AM and are first-come, first-served. Attendance is limited to 220 cars.

“I am happy to welcome ‘Fix You’ as our next performer in our great drive-in concert series,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These concerts are providing great entertainment for Union County residents.”

“Fix You”, named after one of the top hits of the legendary British rock band Coldplay, describes itself as the latter’s ultimate tribute band. “Fix You” has played around the world and covers Coldplay’s greatest hits such as Parachutes and Head Full of Dreams. Learn more about the band and its performances at https://www.fixyoulive.com/.

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

The Freeholder Board is proud to present the new Virtual Saturday Series through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. The series will be held every other Saturday from October 10th through December 19^th.

Each virtual event will feature a different interactive program for all ages.

“This virtual series will provide a wide variety of activities for our residents with disabilities and special needs to enjoy with their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. 

The next program is Saturday, October 24^th and will be an interactive Healthy Eating Workshop with Tony Bianchino from Out Run Your Fork. The workshop’s topic is “How to Beat Your Sugar Cravings.”

Each program will run from 10:00 until 11:00 am and will be hosted on GoToMeeting. Participants will receive the GoToMeeting link a few days in advance of the event. 

The schedule for the series is as follows: 

• Saturday, October 24^th  – How to Beat Your Sugar Cravings with Tony Bianchino
• Saturday, November 7^th – Rizzo’s Wildlife World – NJ Native’s  
• Saturday, November 21^st – Magic With Simon Mandal  
• Saturday, December 5^th – Healthy Eating for Your Picky Eater with Tony Bianchino
• Saturday, December 19^th – Rizzo’s Wildlife World – Mammals  

To register visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Space is limited to 75 participants in each event. 

For more information on the virtual series contact Nicole DeAugustine at ndeaugustine@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced today that there will be a free Drive-Up screening of “Casper” at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 p.m. Parking begins at 6:00 p.m.

Due to space limitations, advanced reservations are required. To register, go to ucnj.org/reserve/ beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23. Only one registration is required per vehicle.

“The Casper drive-up movie provides families with a great way to celebrate Halloween and enjoy a ‘night out at the movies’ with safety in mind,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The following rules and guidelines apply to residents wishing to attend:

• The event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• Due to space limitations reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.
• To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted.
• Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.
• Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.
• Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)
• Port-o-johns will be available. Masks are required when using 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are pleased to present a unique Beatles tribute band, The Weeklings, live in concert at the Union County Vocational-Technical School in Scotch Plains on Sunday, November 1^st. An opening act to be announced later will go on at 6 p.m., and the Weeklings will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Tickets will become available online at www.ucnj.org/reserve on Friday, October 23 at 9 AM, and are first-come, first-served.

“Our amazing concert series continues with the Weeklings, a band that will present the music of the Beatles, who are universally loved, featuring Glen Burtnik, a great performer and Garden State musical icon,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage our residents to sign up early as this is sure to be another popular performance.”

The Weeklings are a tribute to the music and inspiration of the Beatles, performing explosive renditions of Beatles classics, uniquely arranged Beatles nuggets plus brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals. The group features legendary Jersey shore rocker, Glen Burtnik who is known as much for his work with bands such as Styx, as he is for his work as a song writer for artists such as Don Henley and Patty Smyth (“Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough”), Mark Collie, Randy Travis, John Waite, Jo Dee Messina and Neal Schon. In addition to Burtnik, the Weeklings consist of Bob Burger, John Merjave, and Joe Bellia.

Burtnik also enjoyed success as a solo performer, and has played with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Bobby Bandiera, and Southside Johnny. He was a member of two other well-known New Jersey bands, La Bamba and the Hubcaps and Cats on a Smooth Surface.

In his early years, Burtnik appeared in the Broadway production of Beatlemania as Paul McCartney, alongside Marshall Crenshaw, who played John Lennon.

To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns and wash stations will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

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Mobile Test Unit Continues to Provide Testing to Residents

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled more upcoming visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 tests for residents this fall. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“We encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service. The test provides vital information that protects our community and saves lives,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Testing has been a cornerstone of our ability to prevent the virus from spreading,” added Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any resident can use any of the walk-up sites, regardless of their place of residence. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for October and November (note: the Mobile Test Unit will use the new saliva test at these locations):

• Roselle, October 24, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Roselle Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut Street
• Summit, October 28, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Jefferson School, 100 Ashwood Ave
• Westfield, November 5, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tamaques Park
• Plainfield, November 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Faith Christian Outreach Center, 533 West Fifth Street

For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit is available on request to visit local communities to provide tests for the general public. The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

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.

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 Andrea Staten joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran at the Union County Mobile Test Unit site at the Roselle Park First Aid Squad. The Freeholder Board has announced a series of dates for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of October. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at these events. Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Phase 1 of the program will be available at thirteen county senior centers for registered Congregate Nutrition Program participants

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Office on Aging and Disability Services is providing nutritious, box-lunch meals to Congregate Nutrition Program participants through the “Grab and Go Lunch Program” as an alternative to congregate dining. This program will be available at 13 sites throughout the county every Tuesday and Thursday beginning on October 27th.

The “Grab and Go” program allows for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population.

“Union County is working daily to adapt our services so that our residents can continue to have access to resources they depend on,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to offer this alternative dining option to our senior population so that they can remain safe and have access to healthy meals.”

The Grab and Go Lunch Program provides registered Congregate Nutrition Program participants with an option to order a complete boxed lunch. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult over 60 years of age.  The program is being offered for those seniors who are not currently receiving home delivered meals from Meals-On-Wheels. 

Meals will be available at the 13 senior centers on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Seniors must be aged 60 or older, and a resident of Union County.  A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for the meal.  Reservations are required.

Residents may reserve a meal by calling the Union County Division on Aging at (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877. Reservations for Tuesday meal pick-ups must be made by 10 a.m. on the Friday prior and by 10 a.m. on the Tuesday prior for Thursday meal pick-ups.  Reservations are only taken on weekdays.

Upon arrival on the day of pickup, Grab and Go participants should follow directions to pick up their meals at the designated location.  Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing maintained.

The 13 “Grab and Go Lunch Program” locations are:

• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Peterstown Community Center—418-34 Palmer St., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Rahway Senior Center— 1306 Esterbrook Ave., Rahway
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Stephen Sampson Center—800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

For more information about the “Grab and Go Lunch Program” and other programs from the Union County Division on Aging, please call (908) 527-4870 or (908) 527-4877.

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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Free Flu Shots to Union County Residents by Appointment

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board announced updated dates and locations for upcoming flu shot drives throughout Union County in October and November. The 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.

The free flu shot drive is open to Union County residents age four and up. Appointments are required and residents can schedule their appointment by visiting ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-518-4307. Masks are required for residents who attend to receive a flu shot. Temperatures will be taken when arriving.

“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.”

Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive the flu shot.

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:

• October 22 – Roselle (Abraham Clark High School, 122 East 6th Street)
• October 29 – Westfield (location to be determined)
• November 5 – Summit (Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue)
• November 12 – Linden (St. Theresa Church, 131 E Edgar Road)
• November 19 – Rahway (Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue)

For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.

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.

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.

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Union County, NJ – Senior Citizens can now learn if they qualify for property tax relief and all other relief programs currently offered by the state through an informative YouTube video.

The video can be viewed on the New Jersey Senior Citizens Council website njseniorcouncil.com.

“The new video is an informative tool for seniors and their families to explore the different relief programs available to them,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank the NJ Senior Council for making this new resource available throughout our community.”

The YouTube video will highlight five kinds of property tax relief options available to seniors, senior freeze, homestead benefit, senior citizens annual property tax deduction, veterans’ property tax relief, and NJ state income tax relief: property tax deduction/credit.

“One of the programs, the Senior Freeze, returns a check for property taxes already paid.  The deadline for filing the 2019 Senior Freeze application is November 2, 2020,” said Ellen Steinberg, Director of the Senior Citizens Council.

For more information contact the Senior Citizens Council at 908-964-7555 or visit online at njseniorcouncil.com. The Senior Citizens Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 to assist older adults. 

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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The Union County Freeholder Board is seeking public input on its Truck Mobility Study being conducted through the County Economic Department’s Division of Strategic Planning and Bureau of Transportation Planning.

The Truck Mobility Study analyzes the flow of truck traffic on the 174-mile County roadway network. In consideration are the needs of businesses located on County roads and residents who drive cars, walk or bicycle along the same network.

“Our Union County Truck Mobility Study has been underway for several months and we’ve reached a point where feedback from our residents is necessary,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage all residents to participate and do their part to help to make County roads safer.”

To obtain insights from residents and businesses, a “Wikimap” of Union County and County roadways has been created. All municipalities are marked and residents are asked to click within the map to comment on specific locations where they have concerns about trucks and congestion. Safety concerns as well as specific bicycle and pedestrian concerns will also be addressed.

Residents can access the “Wikimap” site at https://bit.ly/UCTruck to add their input.

Wikimap is an interactive, crowd-sourced online tool as well as an efficient means to get comments and feedback. The “Wikimap” is bilingual and can be access from any internet-enabled device.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gathering, this online tool is critical to the success of the Union County Truck Mobility Study. Residents are provided an opportunity to offer their feedback safely and at times convenient to them.

Reponses will be tallied at the conclusion of public outreach.

Businesses are attracted to Union County for its geographic advantage and skilled workforce. During the Truck Mobility Study, the Bureau of Transportation Planning has worked with local governments and businesses to learn more about the freight activity in the area.

The goals of the Union County Truck Mobility Study are to identify freight-focused improvements and upgrade safety and security for users and all modes of travel. The concerns of those who drive, bike, or walk and regularly share the roadway with trucks will also be addressed.

For questions or more information regarding the Union County Truck Mobility Study contact Liza Betz, Bureau of Transportation by phone at 908 558 2273 or email at ebetz@ucnj.org.

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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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