Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Under the terms of the “Open Public Meetings Act” P.L.., 1975, C. 231, the 2022 Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., at the Union County Administration Building, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 6^th Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Current Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, a resident of Plainfield, is expected to preside as the newly elected Chair of the Board, and Commissioner Christopher Hudak, a resident of Clark, is expected to be Vice-Chair. Those scheduled to be sworn into new terms at a private installation ceremony to be held prior to the meeting include: Commissioners Alexander Mirabella, and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. James E. Baker, Jr., will begin his first term as a Commissioner.

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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.

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Please note, this date is fully booked.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any testing clinic run by Union County, free of charge.

Union County, NJ – Due to the increased demand for COVID-19 tests, the holiday schedule for Union County’s free COVID-19 testing program will include an additional testing day, on December 29.

“We continue to encourage everyone in the Union County community to get fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity, and we continue to provide free tests as well as free vaccines,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County residents can visit ucnj.org to view the latest schedules and make an appointment online at any free testing site or vaccination clinic operated by Union County.

Residents needing additional assistance to make an appointment can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays.

Union County operates two free COVID-19 test sites, at Kean University on Mondays and Thursdays, and at Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield on Wednesdays.

In addition to testing dates previously scheduled during the holidays, the Kean University site will also be open on Wednesday, December 29.

To make an appointment and to get complete details on hours, locations, and the type of test provided at both of these sites visit ucnj.org/covid19 or call 908-613-7829.

Union County also currently operates three free vaccination sites. Appointments are required at each site:

• Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park in Roselle, on Tuesdays and Thursdays except holidays.
• Downs Hall at Kean University in Union Township on Wednesdays and Fridays except holidays (closed on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31).
• Plainfield High School in Plainfield on Saturdays except holidays (closed on Saturday, December 25 and Saturday, January 1).

For complete details, including hours of operation and the type of vaccine available at each location, visit ucnj.org/vax online or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829.

New Jersey residents can now request a free COVID-19 home test kit from the New Jersey Department of Health. For more information on home testing, or to use the Department of Health’s online testing site search tool, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.

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 Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella issued the following statement on the passing of Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte:

“It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, who provided assistance and comfort to thousands of Union County residents in their time of bereavement over his years of service as County Surrogate. James was known for his sensitive, compassionate, and highly professional approach to his duties. He was a steady, reliable source of guidance for Union County residents coping with an emotional point in their lives, and he unstintingly shared his knowledge of the law with the public by arranging educational events for professionals, volunteers, non-profit organizations, civic groups, and the general public.

“His services to families, including many adoptive families and others, helped to strengthen our Union County community during the more than 20 years he served as Surrogate, and his influence will continue for generations to come. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.”

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents seeking passport services that the U.S. Department of State has raised the fees for passport books by $20.00 effective Monday, December 27.

On Monday, the fee for an adult passport book, for ages 16 and up, will be raised from $110.00 to $130.00.

The fee for a child passport book, for ages 15 and younger, will be raised from $80.00 to $100.00.

“My office is authorized to assist residents in transmitting their passport applications to the U.S. Department of State, so we make every effort to help inform the public when that agency changes its policy and procedures,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

For more details about the new fees and other passport information, visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov.

To contact the office of the Union County Clerk regarding passport assistance, call the Main Office in Elizabeth at 908-527-4966 or the Annex Office in Westfield at 908-654-9859.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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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A $25,000 donation from Amazon will go towards hot meals and holiday gifts.

Union County, NJ – On Tuesday, December 21, the Union County Commissioner Board joined New Jersey State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari and United Way of Greater Union County to receive a ceremonial check marking the donation of $25,000 from Amazon. The funds have enabled the purchase of hot meals and gifts for Union County seniors and children.

Also helping to facilitate the project are local five local businesses: The Town Bookstore and The Learning Express in Westfield, the restaurants Il Forno’s in Rahway and Two Tony’s in Linden, and Adrian’s Caterers in Plainfield.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board I would like to thank Amazon for the funds, and thank Senator Scutari, who was instrumental in coordinating this donation. This partnership with the Senator, Amazon, United Way, and Union County will help ensure that everyone in our community who needs a helping hand can feel included in the festivities of the season, especially children and seniors,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Families, children, and seniors need our support now more than ever. They need to know they are seen, and that the Union County community is there for them. The holiday season is an especially sensitive time, and these new funds will help provide the emotional support that can make a real difference,” said James W. Horne, Jr., President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County. “We thank Amazon for their contribution, and we thank all of our community partners for collaborating on this initiative.”

“Every act of kindness counts all the more at this time of year. I thank Amazon, United Way and the County of Union for helping to ensure that every child and senior citizen in our community can partake in the simple pleasure of enjoying a hot meal and receiving a gift during the holiday season,” said New Jersey State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, who represents the 22^nd Legislative District in Union County.

“As we continue to grow in New Jersey and specifically Union County, we want to be not just a good employer, but also a good neighbor,” said Colin Newman, Amazon’s Public Policy Director in New Jersey. “United Way of Greater Union County is a vital community anchor, and we’re glad these resources will help them reach more young people and seniors this holiday season.”

The Union County Department of Human Services collaborates with United Way and other local non-profits to provide essential services to Union County residents in need. United Way received the check from Amazon and coordinated with Union County to distribute the funds.

In addition, more than 1,300 families in Union County will receive donations through Union County’s annual Holiday Toy Drive, which concludes on December 22. To make a donation of a new toy, order from the UC Holiday Workshop on Amazon at amazon.com/hz/wishlist or use the drop-off bin in the lobby of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. For more information contact Nathalie Hernandez by email, at nahernandez@ucnj.org or ucholidaytoydrive@ucnj.org.

Union County also hosts emergency food distribution events each month. The emergency food program is an ongoing series established in May 2020 in order to assist households impacted financially by the COVID-19 outbreak. For details about upcoming food distribution events visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events. Any Union County resident in need can come to any of these events, regardless of their home town.

To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call the Action Line at 888-558-2288. Seniors age 60 and up can call the Union County Division on Aging at 888-280-8226.

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 – Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs will continue under a modified schedule during the holidays.

“Considering the surge in cases linked to the delta and omicron variants, it is still vitally important to take every precaution against infection. We continue to encourage everyone in the Union County community to get fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County residents can visit ucnj.org to view the latest schedules and make an appointment online at any free vaccination clinic or testing site operated by Union County.

Residents needing additional assistance to make an appointment can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays.

Union County currently operates three free vaccination sites. Appointments are required at each site:

• Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park in Roselle, on Tuesdays and Thursdays except holidays.
• Downs Hall at Kean University in Union Township on Wednesdays and Fridays except holidays (closed on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31).
• Plainfield High School in Plainfield on Saturdays except holidays (closed on Saturday, December 25 and Saturday, January 1).

For complete details, including hours of operation and the type of vaccine available at each location, visit ucnj.org/vax online or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829.

Union County also operates two free COVID-19 test sites, at Kean University on Mondays and Thursdays, and at Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield on Wednesdays. For complete details and to make an appointment visit ucnj.org/covid19 or call 908-613-7829.

New Jersey residents can now request a free COVID-19 home test kit from the New Jersey Department of Health. For more information on home testing, or to use the Department of Health’s online testing site search tool, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.

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.

County remains at the forefront of testing and vaccination as first case of Omicron variant is identified

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University, the first County and academic run lab in the nation, has recently expanded testing protocols to include detection of the Omicron variant. Union County has updated sequencing processes for all test samples collected through mobile clinics and permanent testing sites as variants are identified. On December 3, the Partnership Lab at Kean began sequencing for the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa. This week, the proprietary lab sequenced and identified the first case of the Omicron variant among positive samples tested through the Union County run COVID-19 testing programs.

From the onset of the pandemic in March of 2020, COVID-19 testing done through Union County mobile clinics and permanent testing sites has been consistently updated to identify new variants in samples that are found to be positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has proven to be more contagious and thus, easily transmissible, adding to the many moving parts in our battle against the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “We strongly urge residents to get tested if they have been exposed and to get their vaccine or booster as soon as possible.”

“The Board of County Commissioners continues to provide residents with opportunities for testing and has recently increased the number of permanent vaccination sites within Union County so that residents are able to get tested when necessary,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Currently, the positivity rate in the State is trending up towards levels seen 12 months ago. Easy access to both testing and vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants. Research shows that vaccines provide protection against possible infection and subsequent transmission as well as lowers the rates of hospitalizations due to COVID-19.”

As part of the efforts to identify possible cases of the Omicron variant within Union County and in addition to current analysis, COVID-19 positive test samples going back 30 days from when the new variant was identified were pulled and re-sequenced.

To date, the Omicron variant which was first identified in South Africa, has been detected in 77 countries worldwide and in over 30 states within the U.S. One of the identifying factors is the existence of an S-gene dropout in a spike protein. An S-gene dropout is not indicative of the Omicron variant, however all positive results of the Omicron variant have been identified as containing the S-gene dropout.

Union County offers two permanent testing sites, located at Kean University in Union and the Gerry B. Green Building in Plainfield. All results are analyzed through the Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University. For hours of operations, residents can visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/testing/covid19testing/.

Appointments at Union County vaccine sites can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

Please Note – Covid-19 testing and vaccinations will be available on Sunday, only

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents of the emergency Holiday Food Distribution events for Union County residents in December to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, December 18, 2021

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

Saturday, December 18, 2021

• 12:00 p.m. – Division of Social Services in Elizabeth
• Walk-Up – Holiday Distribution

Sunday, December 19, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up – Holiday Distribution

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.

“Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource as well as an opportunity for residents to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents continue to 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.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at the walk up event in Plainfield on a walk-up basis. Johnson & Johnson and Moderna (for those 18 years or older) and Pfizer (12 years or older) vaccines will be offered. Along with vaccinations, COVID-19 saliva tests will be available as well on a walk-up basis.

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

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.

Masks are required for residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

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.

County pivots vaccine strategy to accommodate demand among residents due to new variants

Union County, NJ – In response to the rising demand for COVID-19 vaccinations, as of December 15 Union County’s test sites will operate on an accelerated schedule of five days per week shared between three mass-vaccination sites located in Union Township, Roselle, and Plainfield. The new schedule will enable Union County to increase the number of vaccinations administered each week. In order to accommodate the new schedule, Union County’s mobile vaccination service will be temporarily suspended at the end of December

The recently identified Omicron variant, and an increase in confirmed positive cases, has made the demand for vaccines dramatically increase around Union County and elsewhere in New Jersey.

“Union County’s COVID-19 response strategy is designed to adjust rapidly to new circumstances as the pandemic continues,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Vaccination is the only sure way to prevent serious illness and death, and we are committed to providing our residents with ample opportunities to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

To ensure that Union County can continue to maintain the clinical integrity of vaccine operations, stationary sites with a consistent schedule will help to bring mass vaccinations to residents in a more orderly way.

Effective 12/15, Union County will be operating stationary sites five days a week with the following schedule:

• Warinanco Park, Roselle – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Pfizer Vaccine for those ages 5 years old and up)
• Kean University, Union Township – Wednesdays and Fridays – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer 12 and up only – No pediatric vaccines)
• Plainfield High School, Plainfield – Saturdays – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (All Vaccines including Pediatric Pfizer)

“The recently identified Omicron variant of COVID-19 has made it necessary to adjust our strategy,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “We continue to urge residents to get tested if they have been exposed and to get their vaccine or booster as soon as possible.”

“The Board of County Commissioners continues to provide residents with multiple opportunities to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy and consistent access to vaccination as well as testing remains our focus and is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As of this writing, no cases of the Omicron variant have been identified within Union County. The Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University has expanded testing protocols l to include detection of the Omicron variant. Union County COVID-19 testing operations have analysis prepared to identify cases of all currently known variants. In addition to analysis of current tests performed, COVID-19 positive test samples going back 30 days have been pulled and re-sequenced.

The Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa, has been detected in various countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. One of the identifying factors is the existence of an S-gene dropout in a spike protein. An S-gene dropout is not indicative of the Omicron variant, however all positive results of the Omicron variant have been identified as containing the S-gene dropout. There are currently 19 states with confirmed cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

Appointments at permanent vaccine sites can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.