Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County received a credit rating of Aaa from Moody’s last week, maintaining its strong financial position looking forward to 2022 and beyond. A rating of Aaa is the highest a county government can achieve.

“The rating reflects the efforts of our strong County Management team and affirms our ability to continue fulfilling the civic mission of County government including public safety, public works, human services and other foundational programs,” said County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“As Chairman of the County Commissioner Fiscal Committee, I am proud of our continued efforts to responsibly manage our County’s budget as we provide for the many important needs of our residents,” said Commissioner Christopher Hudak.

In its report, Moody’s took particular note of the County’s governance, awarding Union County its highest level in this category, a score of G-1.

“The county has built a deep bench of civil servants and outside professionals to implement its policy objectives,” Moody’s observed, adding that “strong county management has aggressively pushed operating efficiency, leading to material financial gains.”

“This, plus a combination of a strong state-wide institutional framework and highly conservative budgeting, has allowed the county not only to strengthen its finances but to do so while providing various forms of assistance to its local governments,” explained Moody’s.

Among the benefits, maintaining an Aaa rating means the County can borrow money at the lowest available interest rates, saving tax dollars.

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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Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in improving the environment can learn how to create a conservation project in their community by joining the Rutgers Environmental Stewards volunteer program. The program helps members of the public learn specific steps leading to a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

“Whether you are looking for a project or already have one under way, the Environmental Stewards program can help you develop an effective course of action that makes a real difference in the Union County community,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Environmental Stewards program is offered in New Jersey through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, which is part of the NJ Agriculture Experiment Station and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with county governments. It is designed to make university-based information available to local communities, and is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board.

Recent Environmental Steward projects in Union County include a collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation to collect data on the impact of the Ash Borer beetle on the tree population in Union County, the creation of a new program in New Providence encouraging children to learn about environmental conservation, and a new “Adopt a Storm Drain” project in Westfield to stop debris from reaching the Rahway River.

Other recent examples in New Jersey include:

• Clearing invasive plants and planting native trees for a forest restoration project at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton.
• Building 1,000 homes for native bees from bamboo kits, for distribution in Burlington, Mercer, and Ocean counties.
• Organizing a symposium for municipal leaders about the impacts of planning and zoning on the environment, in Burlington County.

The Environmental Stewards program consists of a series of weekly classes and field trips during the winter and spring. Each participant also chooses a local environmental issue as an internship project. The internship provides opportunities to gain real-world experience and build relationships in the community.

On completion of the classes and internship, participants earn certification as Environmental Stewards.

This year’s classes will include zoom sessions, in-person instruction, field trips, and electives by request. The program will cover climate change, green infrastructure, environmental justice, wildlife habitat and other topics of broad interest.

Each class will be taught by a leading researcher from Rutgers University, a government agency, or the non-profit sector. The 2022 class will begin on Tuesday, January 25 and continue on Tuesdays through May 17. Each class will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

More than 900 New Jersey residents have received Environmental Steward certification since the program began in 2005, and many continue to have an impact in their community.

To learn more about the Environmental Steward volunteer program and to sign up for classes, visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu.

For additional assistance contact Michele Bakacs, County Agent and Associate Professor for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

The Union County Commissioner Board supports the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, and funding for special projects. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, 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.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can put their kitchen scraps to good use this winter by starting a backyard compost pile. Compost is a natural, organic soil enhancer that helps flower beds, vegetable gardens and shrubs thrive without the need for extra fertilizer.

Keeping food scraps out of the waste stream helps ease the burden on municipal waste disposal operations. Pumpkins, decorative gourds and other plant-based home decorations can go into a compost pile along with kitchen scraps and yard waste.

“Union County residents got off to a great start in November by bringing more than five tons of pumpkins to our annual Jack o’ Lantern recycling event. Anyone who has access to a yard can help keep the momentum going by learning how to start a compost pile,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a simple but effective way to help recover valuable organic nutrients from the waste stream and lighten the burden local waste disposal operations.”

There is a science to composting, but the basics are simple. Scraps from the kitchen are combined with leaves and other yard waste to form a pile. The pile creates a warm environment for naturally occurring microbes. The end result is humus, a crumbly organic matter that can be worked into soil to add nutrients.

Just about any kind of fruit and vegetable scraps can go into a compost pile, raw or cooked. That includes coffee grounds and filters, and tea in the bag (with staples removed, if any). Crushed egg shells are also recommended.

Jack O’ Lanterns, flower arrangements and other plant-based decorations can also be composted. Any non-plant accessories should be stripped off.

Some paper products can also go in, such as towels, napkins and plain cardboard. These should be ripped into strips to aid in decomposition.

Dairy products and cooked meats should be left out of home compost piles, as they may attract pests. The experts categorically state that raw meat should never be composted at home, and the same for used kitty litter and other pet waste.

Nut shells, corn husks and other “woody” kitchen scraps can also be left out, because they take too long to decompose.

Backyard composters also need to be selective about yard waste. Weeds can go in, but not their seeds, or else more weeds will grow from the pile. Similarly, any plants that show signs of infestation or disease should be left out.

Winter composting can be a challenge due to the cold weather. Following a few simple steps can help keep the pile warm and active.

Start by saving fallen leaves in your yard. Leaves supply the carbon needed for composting, while food scraps provide the nitrogen.

• Place your pile where it will be sheltered from wind. Avoid a covered spot, because the pile will need rain to keep moist. A good location will also get sunlight to help keep the pile warm.
• Start by heaping up a large mound of leaves. Fluff them up instead of trying to compact them. The air spaces between the leaves will help insulate the pile. The extra air is also needed to help the decaying process.
• Make a hole in the middle of the pile. This is where your food scraps will go.
• To help the scraps decompose faster, chop larger pieces into smaller ones (pumpkins and other foods with hard rinds may need extra chopping).
• Each time food scraps are added, push some leaves from the sides of the pile over the top.
• Compost piles need some moisture. If it doesn’t rain for several days, or if cold weather freezes the top layer of leaves, add a bit of water along with the food scraps.

If needed, extra insulation can be added in several ways:

• Cover the pile with burlap or an old cloth tarp. The loose cloth will help lock in moisture while allowing rain to seep in.
• Keep the pile from spreading out by enclosing it in chicken wire or other fencing. Straw bales are ideal, as they also serve to insulate the pile.
• Before starting the pile, scoop a shallow pit of 1-2 feet into the ground. The earth will help keep the pile insulated.

A basic, “unscientific” compost pile will create humus in a matter of months, though it could take up to a year or more. Home composters can easily speed up the process to just a few weeks, by cultivating an ideal environment for microbial activity.

The factors for faster composting include using an optimal mixture of “green” and “brown” waste, such as two parts kitchen scraps and grass clippings to one part leaves.

Aerating the pile by turning it with a pitchfork once a week will also help. Store-bought compost tumblers are designed to accommodate aeration, but be wary of the possibility of freezing over the winter.

For additional guidance on home composting, visit the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station online at njaes.rutgers.edu/fs811. Video instructions are also available at envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.html.

Union County’s Bureau of Recycling and Planning held the 2021 pumpkin recycling event at locations in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, and Westfield. During the weeklong event, Union County residents returned more than five tons of pumpkins, which were collected by the firm Waste Management for conversion to green energy.

For quick links to all environmental activities and programs in Union County, including the NJAES Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit 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.

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Union County residents of all ages invited to participate.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s new Watershed Ambassador is available to conduct free classes on watershed protection and help create new cleanup and restoration projects in Union County and the surrounding area. The Watershed Ambassador program is designed to include both adults and students in environmental education activities and projects that make a real difference in the community.

This year’s Watershed Ambassador is Cassidy Attanasio. She can be reached by email at wma7.njwap@gmail.com or by phone at 908-654-9855.

“The Watershed Ambassador program helps engage Union County residents of all ages in the preservation and protection of our environment, and we are very pleased to welcome Ms. Cassidy Attanasio to our community,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As stewards of water resources that feed into the Atlantic Ocean, we have both a local and a global responsibility to take care of our watershed.”

A watershed is a specific land area that drains into a river system or other body of water. Some watersheds are fairly small. Others sprawl out to include rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

A large portion of Union County is located in New Jersey’s Watershed Management Area 7, also known as the Arthur Kill watershed.

Area 7 covers the 11-mile Elizabeth River, the 24-mile Rahway River and major tributaries including the East Branch Rahway River and Robinson’s Branch. Area 7 also covers bodies of water in Union County parks including Lake Surprise in the Watchung Reservation and Echo Lake in Echo Lake Park.

In addition to waterways within Union County, Area 7 encompasses parts of Essex and Middlesex Counties including Woodbridge River tributaries, the Middlesex Reservoir, the Orange Reservoir and Diamond Mill Pond.

Now in its 21st year, the Watershed Ambassador program sends trained presenters to classrooms and civic groups, to help teachers, students, and community members discover how human behavior can impact the land and water around them.

The free program also offers easy, practical solutions that everyone can implement to reduce pollution and improve water quality, such as eliminating or minimizing the use of pesticides on lawns, picking up pet waste, and not feeding geese.

In addition to educational presentations, the program offers stream assessment training for individuals and groups.

Ms. Attanasio has a bachelor’s degree in biology with a specialization in zoology from Delaware Valley University. Her experience includes volunteer service in wildlife and natural resource management with the United States Geological Survey and the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Residents interested in cleanups and other environmental activities in Union County parks are also encouraged to join the Adopt a Park/Adopt a Trail program of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, by phone at 789-3682 or by email at dbernier@ucnj.org. Individuals and groups are welcome to participate.

The Water Ambassador Program is a federally funded position administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, and supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Watershed Ambassador works from the Extension offices in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County Complex in Westfield, located at 300 North Avenue East.

More information about the Union County parks system is available at ucnj.org/parks. For information about all Extension programs in Union County visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection at 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 – As the New Jersey “bag ban” approaches, Union County residents can prepare in advance by taking a few simple steps to cut down on single-use bags and other types of waste. Taking those steps during the holiday season can make a real difference. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the waste generated by American households jumps 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

The new state law banning single-use bags will take effect in May. The law aims to reduce the waste of resources in shopping bags and other single-use items.

“As we enjoy the festivities of the season, we can also take a few easy steps to reduce waste. It’s a simple way for all Union County residents to support environmental conservation, by starting at home,” said Union County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The additional waste caused by holiday season activity results in up to 25 million extra tons of trash either heading to landfills or burned in incinerators each year.

Here are five easy ways to reduce the holiday season waste:

Avoid excess packaging while shopping:  By bringing your own reusable bag to stores while shopping for presents, you can avoid collecting single-use plastic bags, which often end up in the garbage can after one or two uses. For online purchases, some retailers provide the option to have your order shipped in fewer boxes. That reduces unnecessary packaging and also lowers the overall carbon footprint of the purchase related to transportation.

Shop selectively: Consider quality over quantity when giving gifts.  Quality doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive, but rather more thoughtful, more useful, more durable, and more sustainable.  For example, theatre tickets and other experiences make great gifts and can result in zero waste.  When purchasing items to gift, opt for those made of recycled or sustainable materials when possible.  Shop for eco-friendly gifts at one of Union County’s many local businesses to support the local economy, too.

Save on gift wrap:  Most wrapping paper and gift boxes are used once and thrown in the trash.  Instead, gifts can be wrapped inside other gifts, such as scarves, baskets, blankets, reusable tote bags, or decorative tins.  Decorating and re-using shipping boxes is another option.

Recycle the recyclables:  With so much shopping online, boxes filled with packing materials are a common sight on many doorsteps.  Fortunately, much of it can be recycled.  Cardboard and paper should be put in the curbside recycling bin, as long as it’s clean and dry.  Nine municipalities in Union County also collect block-type Styrofoam packing foam (check ucnj.org/recycling for a list of participating towns).  Clean, dry plastic bags can be recycled at your local grocery store.  Plastic envelopes used for shipping and bubble wrap are not recyclable, but they can be re-used. Save some for re-use and put the rest in household trash.

Find new homes for old items:  Discarding old items to make room for the new is often part of the holiday ritual.  Consider ways to give them a new life through donations to a local second-hand store or non-profit, re-selling them online, or offering them as giveaways through “no-buy” or “free-cycle” groups. Non-working electronic items can be recycled (visit ucnj.org/recycling for information on electronics recycling in your town).

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are recyclable in Union County. The app also provides up to date information on both countywide and Union local recycling programs in Union County.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at 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.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.

Presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites members of the public to attend a virtual, interactive Town Hall on COVID-19, on Zoom beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, aimed at helping the Union County community understand the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots and pediatric doses for ages 5-11.

Union County will also livestream the event on Facebook.

The Town Hall will feature a panel of experts in pediatric medicine and infectious disease.

To participate on Zoom and submit questions in advance, and for more details about the panelists, visit ucnj.org/covid19/town-hall.

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.

Free drive-up concert will observe COVID-19 safety guidelines; space is still available.

Union County, NJ – Music lovers in Union County can celebrate the season with the “Soulful Holiday Show” free drive-up concert presented by the Commissioner Board, featuring Terron Brooks and The Company Men at the campus of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11.

The event is free of charge but registration is required online in advance at ucnj.org/reserve. Only one registration is needed per car. Please note that limited space is available. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

“A Soulful Holiday Show” will run in compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

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 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.

Additional details will be provided to attendees upon registration.

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.

Presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy a sensory friendly version of the beloved ballet classic The Nutcracker, performed live on stage by the American Repertory Ballet at the Union County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, December 5, at 1:00 p.m.

“Sensory Friendly Theater provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances in a beautiful theatre, while providing a relaxed, judgement-free environment. We are delighted to welcome the series back to Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Performing Arts Center is located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

Please note that proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test is required for all attendees, including children under age 12. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19.

Sensory Friendly Theatre is sponsored by the Commissioner Board.  The series showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began in 2012 as an initiative of Chairman Mirabella. It follows guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity.

During each of the Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

For more information about the series visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

To see a list of additional recreation activities for persons with disabilities and special needs sponsored by Union County, and to sign up for programs, visit the secure registration page at ucnj.org/reserve.

To contact the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special needs use the online form at ucnj.org/dhs or call 908-527-4807.

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.

Omicron variant included in testing protocols

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University has expanded testing protocols to include detection of the Omicron variant. Beginning this week, COVID-19 testing done through Union County mobile clinics and permanent testing sites have analysis prepared to identify cases of all currently known variants.

“Variant strains of COVID-19 have made the fight against this pandemic a battle with many moving parts,” 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 will continue to provide residents with opportunities for testing,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy access to both testing and vaccination remains our focus and is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants.”

As part of the efforts to identify possible cases of the Omicron variant within Union County and in addition to current analysis of tests performed this week, 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 several countries in Africa, Europe 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 five states with confirmed cases of the Omicron variant – California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. The case in Minnesota was confirmed to have been a COVID-19 positive result of someone who attended a conference at the Javits Center in Manhattan with over 40,0000 participants. Due to the fact that this case was identified in the tristate area, the New Jersey Department of Health is working in a collaboration with the State of New York in contact tracing efforts related to this case.

Along with the permanent testing sites at Kean University in Union and the Gerry B. Green Building in Plainfield, Union County offers pop-up COVID-19 mobile test clinics in local communities in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site. All results are analyzed through the Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University. For a list of https://ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-testing-options/

Appointments at the pop-up clinics or 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.

The Covid-19 Virtual Town Hall will focus on misinformation and vaccines for children.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites members of the public to attend a virtual, interactive Town Hall on COVID-19, on Zoom beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, aimed at helping the Union County community understand the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots and pediatric doses for ages 5-11.

Union County will also livestream the event on Facebook.

A pre-registration link is available at ucnj.org/covid19/town-hall. Registrants may submit questions in advance at this link.

“We are hearing concerns about newly available vaccines for children, as well as guidance on booster shots and third doses for persons with immune deficiencies,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Virtual Town Hall will provide an opportunity to get reliable answers from experts in the fields of medicine and public health, and we encourage everyone to attend.”

“The Town Hall is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that every Union County resident has access to up-to-date information about preventing infection from this deadly virus. We continue to encourage residents to can get fully vaccinated as soon as possible, and we hope that everyone who still has questions about COVID-19 will attend the Town Hall and get the facts,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chairman of the Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

The Town Hall will be hosted by Union County Superintendent of Schools Daryl Palmieri and will feature a panel of experts consisting of:

Dr. Margaret Fisher: A specialist in infectious disease and pediatrics, Dr. Fisher is co-chair of the Professional Advisory Committee to the New Jersey Department of Health. She is also Medical Director of Clinical and Academic Excellence at Monmouth Medical Center.

Dr. Cecilia Di Pentima: The director of pediatric infectious disease at Morristown Medical Center and a professor of pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Di Pentima is Double-board-certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases. She is a specialist in treating children with an array of complex conditions, with more than 20 years of experience working closely with her young patients’ pediatricians, neonatologists, intensive care unit doctors, and other specialists.

Joseph Youngblood II, Ph.D.: Dr. Youngblood serves as Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Kean University and is Chair of the St. Francis Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. St. Francis is an acute care teaching hospital with more than 300 medical staff physicians representing all specialties.

For updates and additional details about the Town Hall visit Union County online at ucnj.org/covid19/town-hall.

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.