Category: Public Info

Commissioner Board will host a series of Black History Month events beginning with a flag raising ceremony on February 1.

Union County, NJ – January 28, 2022 — In recognition of Black History Month 2022, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to a series of events in February, highlighting key historical and cultural themes throughout Black history.

“The course of American history has been defined by the contributions, experiences and achievements of African Americans for more than 400 years. The Commissioner Board is very proud to provide Union County residents with new opportunities to explore the legacy of the past during Black History Month, and help chart a path of justice and equality to the future,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

The month-long series of events will begin with a Black History Month flag raising ceremony in front of the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

The series continues on Wednesday, February 9^th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a virtual Lunch and Learn session titled, “Maintaining Our Mental Health: Wellness Strategies for Coping during the Pandemic.” With a focus on wellness, the Lunch and Learn will address ways in which African Americans, disproportionately affected by COVID-19, can learn to cope with the mental and psychological stressors caused by the pandemic and its effects.

On Friday, February 18^th at 7:00 p.m. the Commissioner Board is partnering with the City of Rahway to present a live production of the award-winning play Fences, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The event includes the presentation of the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award.

On Thursday, February 24^th at 6:30 p.m., the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will present a free lecture on Zoom by Professor Keith E. Walcott of Union County College titled, “African American Survival: from Jim Crow to Civil Rights and beyond.” Professor Walcott will trace the capacity of African Americans to survive and achieve against great odds.

During Black History Month, the Commissioner Board also engages with various programs and activities throughout Union County, including an event featuring the 19 Black County-Elected officials in New Jersey on Wednesday, February 4^th at Kean University in Union Township. On February 4^th, 11^th, and 18^th, Union County’s social media channels will also feature Black History Month messages created by the “Divine Nine” historically Black sororities and fraternities.

For more information and updates on Union County’s Black History Month series, including links for the virtual events, visit ucnj.org/black-history-month. In addition, if you would like to learn more about Black History Month programs, please contact Judith Guest of the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

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For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Enjoy a winter wonderland hike in the snow, from the comfort of home.

Union County, NJ – January 27, 2022 — As the winter cold snap continues, nature lovers can enjoy the outdoors from indoors, thanks to a team of expert naturalists from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center. The team took a tracking hike through Conant Park in Hillside on a snowy day and filmed the adventure, featuring hawks, foxes, woodpeckers and many other signs of local wildlife.

A link to the YouTube video of the hike is available at the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside.

“It is always surprising to learn how close we are to nature in Union County. The Conant Park winter walk demonstrates how our parks serve a crucial role in habitat conservation and biodiversity, while providing open space for thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy all year,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

An oasis of nature bordered by bustling neighborhoods, Conant Park features a diverse habitat including open fields, forests and waterways, along with public recreation facilities.

The nine-minute Winter Walk in Conant Park video takes the viewer on a virtual tracking hike to learn about animal signs in winter, how plants and animals cope with the cold weather, the benefits of snow cover, and more  Viewers can also learn which trees keep their needles year-round and which hold onto their leaves long into the winter season.

Union County residents and visitors can find information about all Trailside programs and activities, both virtual and in-person, at ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside is free and open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for holidays. Please note that COVID-19 safety rules apply.

Winter Walk in Conant Park is part of an award-winning video series created by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, including historical sites as well as nature themes. The history videos are available online from the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Parks Department, at ucnj.org/cultural.

Wintertime visitors to Union County parks are reminded that sledding and ice skating are permitted only in designated areas according to safety guidelines. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the many paths and trails in County parks. Downhill skiing is not allowed in any County park.

Conant Park is one of 36 parks in Union County’s park system. For more information on all Union County parks visit ucnj.org/parks.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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— January 26, 2022 — On Tuesday, January 25th, Union County kicked off their annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and Survey of the Homeless population throughout the cities in their jurisdiction. The PIT, also known as NJCounts, takes place every January and asks for a count of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. This program, which will run through Wednesday, February 2nd, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and for the ninth year, Monarch Housing Associates is coordinating the statewide effort.

“There are so many reasons an individual can become homeless, and as we are still recovering from the pandemic from the last two years, it is so important to find these individuals and make sure they are aware of the resources available,” said Rebecca Williams, Chair of the Union County Board of Commissioners. “Being out in communities, seeing where people are living and having an opportunity to speak with them truly gives a rich perspective on the severity of this issue and will help us in the long-run in addressing this concern.”

Due to the pandemic, Union County has altered how they will conduct the count versus previous years. This year, teams of Union County staff, government officials and local nonprofit organizations will band together in smaller groups of 4-6 people in three separate shifts during the morning, afternoon and late evening hours. Smaller groups will survey people throughout the County who “sleep outdoors, in parks, alleys, under bridges, or places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, abandoned buildings, garages, or other structures without electricity or water.”

The Eviction Moratorium ended in New Jersey on January 1st, 2022 and there are concerns that as courts are beginning to see eviction cases and as lockouts are being issued, there will be a large number of persons entering the homeless service system. It is critical to have the data from NJCounts 2022 to assess the system’s current capacity and prepare for the influx of households that will enter the system.

“It is our hope that we get as accurate of a count as possible so we can continue to provide services to all of those in need,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “The data that is gathered during this survey will provide us with the necessary information we need to raise public awareness and develop better strategies to assist our Human Services Department in strengthening their services and response to our most vulnerable residents. No one should be without a roof over their head, and together we can combat this issue.”

The data collected during NJCounts also helps determine how much McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance HUD funding New Jersey will receive. The State will then decide how it will use the money to fund various statewide programs.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Expert offers insights on food trends and hot topics for the coming year.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can catch up on interesting food and nutrition trends in the year ahead by reading Healthy Food Predictions for 2022, an article authored by Dr. Karen Ensle, Family and Community Health Sciences Educator at Rutgers University and Department Head of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The article is available on the Union County website at ucnj.org/rce.

“The Rutgers Cooperative Extension connects Union County residents from all walks of life with useful information based on expert insights and scientific, peer reviewed research. The Commissioner Board is very proud to support this mission, especially in regards to providing our community with guidance and information that supports a healthy diet,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Healthy Food Predictions for 2022 highlights a wide variety of interconnected trends including the rise in online food shopping, changes in food habits associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, the explosive growth of restaurant delivery service, a heightened awareness of the importance of food sustainability and security, and improvements in eco-friendly packaging by food producers.

In terms of nutrition guidance, Dr. Ensle observes that the research continues to support the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recently updated for the years 2020-2025. The Guidelines focus on plant-based, minimally-processed foods that are low in added sugar, salt, and processed fats.

“The science stays the same,” Dr. Ensle explains.  “The DASH Diet and Mediterranean Diet along with the MyPlate icon still provide the most relevant scientific information for nutrition and health as they support the Dietary Guidelines.”

The MyPlate icon has replaced the once-familiar U.S. Department of Agriculture “food pyramid” as a visual guide for organizing eating habits around a healthy diet. For more information visit myplate.gov.

DASH is a common sense, easy-to-follow heart-healthy eating plan based on foods commonly available at local grocery stores. Details and guidance are available from the National Institutes of Health.

The Mediterranean diet is a generic term for diets that focus mainly on fruits, vegetables, bread and grains, as well as potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, with fat coming mainly from olive oil. Red meat is minimized in favor of low-to-moderate amounts of dairy, eggs, fish and poultry.

Residents who would like to know more about DASH and the Mediterranean diet can attend a free Zoom class presented by Dr. Ensle, titled “Which is Better:  DASH or Mediterranean Diet?”

The class will be held on Wednesday February 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., as part of the Rutgers Family and Community Health Sciences Wellness Wednesday series. To register and get the Zoom link, visit go.rutgers.edu/e1n0alph

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including 4-H clubs for youth and the Master Gardner, Master Tree Steward and Environmental Steward community volunteer programs for adults visit ucnj.org/rce.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Annual program provides funding for workshops, performances, festivals, exhibitions and more.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that 66 artists, historians and local non-profit organizations will receive funding through the 2022 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program.

“The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support the HEART grant program, which continues to bring artistic and educational experiences to Union County residents under difficult and unprecedented circumstances during the pandemic,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Board, I congratulate our 2022 awardees and thank them for their dedication to creativity and enrichment in our community.”

In addition to meeting ongoing grant qualifications, the 2022 awardees demonstrated a willingness to modify their plans and activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the mastery of new tools and technology for virtual events, and an ability to conduct in-person events in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines.

For information about next year’s HEART Grant Program, artists, educators, civic groups and historical non-profit organizations can contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 558-2550 or by email at culturalinfo@ucjnj.org NJ Relay users can dial 711.

Union County HEART Grants Awarded 2022:

Individuals

• Candace Waller, Fanwood, $1,000, providing free dance classes
• Brian Beste, Fanwood, $1,000, presenting photography workshops
• Daphnie Manzione, Elizabeth, $1,000, providing a Peace Garden at Elizabeth Public Library
• Judy England-McCarthy, Linden, $1,000, providing historical story videos for libraries
• Lesl Harker, New Providence, $1,000, presenting Irish music workshop and concert
• Lowell Schantz, Westfield, $1,000, presenting two free jazz concerts in Union County libraries
• Margaret Smith, Westfield, $1,000, providing free Creative Journal Expressive Arts workshops
•  Nancy Ori, Berkeley Heights, $1,000, providing photographs and presentation of U.C. historic sites,
• Valerie Graham, Roselle, $1,000, presenting free crafts workshops for seniors

Organizations/Community Groups

• Borough of Fanwood, Fanwood, $2,300, presenting a Cultural Arts Performance Series
• Borough of Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, $1,000,  presenting a free concert
• Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Union, $2,300, presenting a dance festival
• Catalyst Theater Company Productions, Plainfield, $2,300, providing a musical theater production
• Central Presbyterian Church, Summit, $2,000, presenting a children’s musical
• Community Access Unlimited, Elizabeth, $1,000, providing Arts in the Park activities
• Continuo Arts Foundation, Summit, $2,300, presenting a choral music concert
• Cranford Housing Board, Cranford, $1,000, presenting a Valentine’s Day concert for senior residents
• duCret School of Art, Plainfield, $2,400, presenting outdoor plays
• Elizabeth Avenue Partnership, Elizabeth, $2,200, presenting a Hispanic Heritage Month concerts
• Elizabeth Renaissance Foundation, Elizabeth, $2,400, provide self-guided walking tours
• Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Frazee House, Inc., Scotch Plains, $2,000, presenting 3 October outdoor events
• Friends of Summit Public Art, $2,300 providing a public art installation
• Groundwork Elizabeth, Inc., Elizabeth, $2,200, presenting 18^th Annual Tour de Elizabeth bicycle tour
• Hanson Park Conservancy, Cranford, $1,600, providing an Educational Volunteer Day
• Historical Society of Elizabeth NJ, $1,000, presenting a history panel discussion
• Historical Society of Plainfield, Plainfield, $2,500, providing virtual history programming
• Inspiration Audio, Rahway, $1,000, providing a fund raising concert
• Institute of Music for Children, Elizabeth, $2,500, providing arts and culture classes for Teens
• Ivy Visions, Charitable Arm/Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Plainfield, $1,800,  presenting first-hand account historical series
• Jefferson Parks Ministries, Elizabeth, $2,200, providing a Haitian storytelling event,
• Jewish Community Center of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, $2,200, presenting a cultural appreciation series for Seniors
• Jewish Family Services of Central NJ, Elizabeth, $2,400, presenting a virtual concert program
• Josephine’s Place, Elizabeth, $2,500,  presenting arts programs for immigrant women
• Kenilworth Historical Society, Kenilworth, $1,000, presenting Living History programs
• Liberty Hall Museum, Union, $2,400 presenting a dance festival
• Life Drawing Studio Group, Fanwood, $2,200, providing visual arts workshops
• Merchants & Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway, $2,000, presenting a historic hearth cooking program
• Music for All Seasons, Scotch Plains, $2,500, presenting music programs for “The Real House” residents
• New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, New Providence, $2,500, presenting a community concert
• New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, Westfield, $1,000, provide outdoor musical performances
• New Providence Public Art, $2,300, providing an interactive sculpture park
• Occupational Center of Union County, Inc., Roselle, $2,500, presenting art education classes for people with disabilities
• Overlook Foundation, Summit, $2,200, presenting “Healing Caregivers” healing arts program
• Peruvians for Progress, Inc., Rahway, $2,200 presenting a free traditional Peruvian Christmas celebration,
• Plainfield Symphony Society, Plainfield, $2,300, presenting a free symphony concert
• Portuguese Instructive Social Club, Elizabeth, $2,500, providing a 100 year commemorative mural
• Premiere Stages at Kean University, Union, $2,300, presenting an original play
• Preserve Shady Rest Committee, Scotch Plains, $1,000, providing recorded oral history of Shady Rest
• Roselle Board of Education, Roselle, $2,300, presenting a high school performing arts program
• Roselle Park Loves Arts, Inc., Roselle Park, $2,300, provide an arts festival
• SAGE Eldercare, Inc., Summit, $2,100, presenting free arts programs for older adults,
• Social Justice Matters, Inc., Scotch Plains, $2,500, providing a Juneteenth Celebration,
• Stony Hill Players, Summit, $2,400, presenting children’s theatrical productions
• The Gateway Family YMCA, $2,400, Elizabeth, presenting Cognitive Creation arts program
• The Theater Project, Union, $2,400, presenting theatrical performances in Union
• Town of Westfield, Westfield, $2,200, providing a photography exhibit
• Union Township Historical Society, Union, $1,000, presenting a history program
• United Youth of NJ, Elizabeth, $2,400, presenting Ghana live webinars
• Visual Arts Center of NJ, Summit $2,300, presenting a visual arts program for older adults
• Vivid Stage, Summit, $2,400, producing a theatrical workshop of “Twirl”
• Westfield Arts Collective, Inc., Westfield, $2,300, presenting Local Luminaries live event
• Westfield Coalition for the Arts, Westfield, $2,300, providing art exhibits for Westfield Schools
• Westfield Community Center, Westfield, $1,000, providing Black History programs
• Westfield Neighborhood Council, Westfield, $2,000, presenting dance classes
• Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Heights, $1,000, presenting free arts education workshops
• YM-YWHA of Union County, Union, $2,400, presenting arts programs for seniors and youth

The HEART grant program was created by the Board of Commissioners in 1998, in recognition of the importance of culture and the arts to the Union County economy and quality of life. The innovative program supports projects related to history, the arts and humanities, and demonstrates a commitment to the artists and community organizations of Union County. Total funding for this year’s grants is $125,000.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all programs and activities of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs visit online at ucnj.org/cultural.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Rapid and PCR tests will be available beginning Tuesday, January 18.

Union County, NJ – January 16, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises Union County residents that the New Jersey Department of Health is opening a free COVID-19 testing clinic in the City of Plainfield beginning on Tuesday, January 18. The clinic will be administered by the firm Vault Health.

“We continue to work with our partners at the New Jersey Department of Health to ensure that COVID-19 testing is available to everyone who needs a test,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “We also continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, as the most effective way to prevent serious illness, long term health impacts, or death from infection with this deadly virus.”

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve remained committed to providing the tools needed for our residents to fight back as effectively as possible,” said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “This testing site is one more resource for our residents and will augment the testing already taking place in various other parts of the city and alleviate the long lines and long wait times for results.  During times of crisis, we must be flexible and utilize our assets.  Using the Plainfield Performing Arts Center as a testing site is just one example of creatively finding solutions for our community and providing easy access to our residents. I continue to encourage our residents to get vaccinated and, if already vaccinated, get the booster.  This is the most effective way of fighting the virus if you contract it. We are grateful for the partnership of The Union County Board of Commissioners, the New Jersey Department of Health, and Vault Health, whose collaboration made this possible.”

Both the rapid and PCR tests will be available at the Plainfield site, located at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center at 724 Park Ave in Plainfield.

The Plainfield testing site will be open beginning on Tuesday, January 18, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It will continue every weekday until further notice, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm., and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The PCR test will be a saliva test, with results available in 24 – 48 hours. The rapid test will be a nasal test and results will be available in 15 minutes.

Online registration is required separately for each test. Please visit the Union County website at  ucnj.org/testing for links to the Vault Health registration system, and for information about all free COVID-19 testing services offered by Union County.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Plan Ahead for the Next Winter Storm

Take basic precautions when using emergency generators and other alternative power and light sources.

Union County, NJ – January 14, 2022 – A deep freeze, high winds, snow, and rain are all coming to Union County over the weekend and into Monday. In case of any power outages, residents are reminded to take basic safety precautions when using emergency generators, candles, kerosene lamps and other alternative power or light sources.

Temperatures in Union County are expected to plunge overnight Friday into Saturday, with snow and rain expected Sunday evening into Monday.

Carbon monoxide gas comes from burning fuels. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, but it can quickly concentrate into a deadly poison in closed, unventilated spaces.

Carbon monoxide exposure from improperly used emergency generators is a serious health risk that can lead to hospitalization or death.

Basic emergency generator safety measures include:

• Never place a generators anywhere inside a building. That includes basements, garages and sheds.

• Never place a generator next to a building. Carbon monoxide gas can seep into adjacent buildings and collect indoors. Always check the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions.

Additional generator safety tips from the US Centers for Disease Control are available online at cdc.gov/co

Carbon monoxide poisoning can also result when gas cooking stoves, charcoal grills, and other open-flamed devices are used for indoor heating.

Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up when cars are idled in a garage, even with the garage door open. Carbon monoxide from an attached garage can easily seep into a home. Drivers who choose to warm up their vehicles should pull them fully out of the garage before letting them idle.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with symptoms of the common cold or seasonal flu. Residents who suspect carbon monoxide poisoning should call 911 immediately and let the responders know about any generators or fuel sources in or near their home.

Caution should also be exercised when using candles or kerosene lamps for lighting. Place them on a flat, stable surface that pets or small children can’t reach. Keep them well away from drapes, papers, and other fire hazards.

Visit ucnj.org to view receive winter weather updates, alerts, and other information from Union County.

To sign up online for emergency alerts by email or on a mobile device, use the “Citizen System” registration form ucnj.org/alerts. Please note that residents with land lines will continue to receive reverse-911 alerts on their home phones.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Update: due to inclement weather, the  food distribution event originally scheduled for January 26 has been postponed to Saturday, February 5.

Union County, NJ – January 12, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that an emergency food distribution event will be held at Kean University in Union Township, for Union County residents affected by COVID-19.

(postponed to Saturday, February 5).

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County has distributed over 12 million pounds of food to families in need since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner, Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions and we are proud to continue to provide this valuable resource

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents still face housing issues, food insecurity and unemployment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution event at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing.

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 Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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 – January 14, 2022 – Union County residents looking for family-friendly outdoor fun during President’s Day weekend are invited to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center for a special series of outdoor nature programs. Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available at the site.

Programs are recommended for families with children ages four and older.

“February Festivities at Trailside offers a wide variety of programs designed to entertain and delight visitors of all ages, all taking place in the beautiful natural setting of the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

Three programs will be offered each day on Saturday, February 19 and Monday, February 21, weather permitting.

A Wildlife Winter Walk is offered from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Participants will learn how animals adapt to long, cold days, and go on a hike to look for animal homes and hideouts and search for animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other telltale signs of a visit from animal neighbors.

The Journey of Sap to Syrup meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See how 100% real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree. Find out what equipment is needed to collect sap and take part in a taste test to see if you can identify the real thing.

A Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt takes place from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Investigate the winter woods for buck rubs, bird nests and bright red berries. Enjoy a scavenger hunt through the Reservation to see how many items you can find.

All participants are invited to conclude their outdoor nature experience around a warm campfire with some hot chocolate.

Pre-registration is required for all February Festivities programs. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside and follow the link to Union County’s secure online registration page.

The fee per person per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.

Face coverings are recommended. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.

For more details about February Festivities and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. For quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by the Commissioner Board visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.orgcovid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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 residents invited to donate essential items for those in need, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Drop-off locations available in Elizabeth, Garwood, Springfield and Summit until Friday, January 21.

Union County, NJ – January 12, 2022 — Union County residents have an opportunity to help the youngest members of the community in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, by donating new packages of diapers, wipes and hygiene supplies for both baby and mom to the Moms Helping Moms Foundation for distribution to families in need.

Donation bins have been placed at four locations for drop-off during regular business hours until Friday, January 21:

• Union County Administration Building lobby, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth
• Garwood Borough Hall front hall, at 403 South Avenue in Garwood
• Chisholm Community Center, at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield
• Summit UPS Store, at 55 Union Place in Summit

Residents who would prefer touchless pick-up can make arrangements through the Union County Office on Women, by contacting Jennifer Erdos at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

“Residents who donate to the Diaper Drive will provide local families with much-needed assistance in meeting the cost of basic necessities. Together, we can all make a difference,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams.

“Moms Helping Moms is an organization that provides direct assistance to households with babies and young children up to age five. We are very proud to support their efforts, and we encourage everyone to pitch in,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

A group of new mothers launched Moms Helping Moms in 2011, with the goal of ensuring that every baby is provided with life’s basic necessities. Moms Helping Moms has since grown into a network that partner with community organizations, social workers, homeless shelters, schools, and others to collect and distribute essential items including diapers, clothing, formula, nursing supplies and strollers.

The collection bin in the Administration Building will be available during regular weekday hours until 5:00 p.m. beginning January 12^th and ending January 21st. The Union County Administration Building will be closed on Martin Luther King Day holiday.  The Martin Luther King Day of Service collection is organized by the Union County Office on Women and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

For more information about the Office on Women visit online at ucnj.org/women or contact Jen Erdos, Coordinator, at jerdos@ucnj.org or 908-527-4216.

More information on Moms Helping Moms is available at momshelpingmomsfoundation.org.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is observed each year on the third Monday in January. It is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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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