Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County’s annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. The weekend of activities features special events for all ages at more than 30 historic sites throughout Union County.

“Four Centuries in a Weekend is a Union County tradition that enables residents and visitors to travel through time and learn about the rich history of our community,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This year marks the return of Four Centuries after last year’s hiatus, and we encourage all residents to take this opportunity to explore the many historic treasures we have here in Union County.”

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers at over 30 houses, museums and historic sites. The two-day free event opens the doors to more than 370 years of history throughout the county.

Visitors will be able to stop by a beautifully restored mansion and church, Revolutionary War burial grounds, the county’s oldest railroad station, unique houses and museums, special exhibitions, and more.

This year, Four Centuries welcomes several new sites including the Wallace Chapel on Broad Street in Summit. Wallace Chapel is known for its role as the home of the Reverend Florence Spearing Randolph, a 20^th century activist and one of the first women in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church denomination to be ordained as a deacon and elder. Florence Spearing Randolph served on the executive board of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association and was founder and president of the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.

This year, Four Centuries will also feature the 100th anniversary of the Union County Parks system will be featured during the weekend, along with special programs including:

Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park in Berkeley Heights. Visitors will be given a special tour led by none other than “David Felt” himself, founder of Feltville in the mid-1800’s. There will be apple cider pressing, games and archeological activities for children, and visits to a classic general store.

William Miller Sperry Observatory in Cranford. Visitors will get to tour the observatory and learn about its long history. On Sunday, October 17 there will be an outdoor solar observation event, weather permitting.

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site in Elizabeth. Visitors will be given guided tours of this elegant 18th-century home, where George Washington dined while en route to his inauguration as President. Learn about famous, infamous, and should-be-famous people who are connected with this historic site.

Oswald J. Nitschke House in Kenilworth. Visitors will receive guided tours of the circa-1880 house, restored and furnished in late 19th-/early 20th-century style, as well as its teaching gardens with heirloom flowers, vegetables and herbs. There will also be a Living History program, “Persevering Through Times of Triumph and Tribulation (1917-1921)” focused on World War I, Prohibition and Women’s Suffrage.

African American History & Heritage Learning Center of Rahway. Visitors to the Learning Center will take part in an oral history event and tour, presented in partnership with the Ebenezer A.M.E. Congregation and the Rahway Community. Rod’s Fish & Chips will be present with a food truck and there will be family-oriented games and prizes. The Learning Center will only be open Saturday, October 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Liberty Hall Museum in Union, part of and within the campus of Kean University. Visitors to this historic mansion will be touring the home of a Founding Father of the United States of America, a place where generations of the well-known Livingston and Kean families welcomed distinguished guests such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ulysses S. Grant and others. There will also be self-guided tours of the arboretum, gardens and grounds.

Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield. Visitors will be able to step back into Colonial times and witness open-hearth cooking demonstrations, as cooks work in the kitchen using herbs and seasonal vegetables to make authentic 18th-century recipes. On Sunday, cooks will “fire up” the beehive oven to bake delectable colonial treats including bread, muffins and biscuits, while none other than “George Washington” himself will be present.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Complete details about Four Centuries in a weekend are also available online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/historic-sites-map.

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

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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Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the free COVID-19 vaccines and testing available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the month of October. The upcoming clinics will be held in Plainfield, Roselle Park, Union, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Roselle.

Third doses and boosters of the Pfizer vaccine for eligible residents will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics. To check eligibility for a third dose, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-pfizer-booster-dose/.

In addition to free vaccinations, residents can also get a free COVID-19 saliva test at any of the pop-up clinics. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s permanent vaccine clinics. For an updated list of permanent sites, residents can visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page/. Vaccines are also available weekdays on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

“Due to variant strains of COVID-19, we strongly urge residents to get their vaccine as soon as possible,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Residents who are eligible for a third dose should also make an appointment as soon as possible for added protection.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

“The Board of County Commissioners will continue to provide residents with opportunities for vaccination and testing,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy access to vaccines and testing remains our focus as vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants.”

The County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18. Those who receive the first dose of a two dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at one of Union County’s Mobile Vaccinations Clinics will receive instructions as to how and when to receive their second dose. Currently, third doses of the two dose vaccines are available for immunocompromised residents.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Saturday, October 9th – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Plainfield Health Fair and Bazaar, 525 East Front Street, Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Saturday, October 9th – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Anti-Bullying Youth Summit, Gazebo Park, 16 East Grant Street, Roselle Park (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Saturday, October 9th – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Union County Food Drive at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Sunday, October 10th – Plains 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – St. John’s Baptist Church, 2387 Morse Avenue, Scotch Plains (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Wednesday, October 13th – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Addams Fest at the Westfield Train Station (Southbound side), 401 South Avenue, Westfield (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Friday, October 15th – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Latino Festival, 10 Chestnut Street, Roselle (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Saturday, October 16th – 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Union County Hispanic Heritage Concert in the Park – Warinanco Park (Skating Rink Lot), Roselle (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

• Monday, October 18th – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – United Methodist Comminutes – 623 East Front Street, Plainfield (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

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.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that Tuesday, October 12 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2021 General Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, November 2.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online or in person in order to register..”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the October 12 voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections Office will remain open until 9:00 p.m. to receive forms.

Municipal Clerk offices that are currently open can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

Voter registration forms can also be downloaded from the Union County Board of Elections website at hucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow the Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

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

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.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that box-lunch meals for pick-up will once again be available to seniors through the “Grab & Go” nutrition program. A voluntary donation of $1.75 is suggested for each meal.

The program had been suspended temporarily after Tropical Storm Ida struck the area last month.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board, I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to get this popular program back on its feet after the storm,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We developed Grab & Go to provide seniors with a contact-free meal option during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then it has become a mainstay of our nutrition services for seniors.”

The Grab & Go program is administered by the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection in the Department of Human Services. It is offered to Union County residents age 60 and up, who are not receiving home delivered meals from Meals on Wheels.

The program is available through 19 local senior centers and senior housing sites throughout Union County.

Eligible seniors can come to any of these sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of approximately 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. to pick up a lunch.  No reservations are required. Meals will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis due to limited supplies.

Masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing maintained, in order to pick up a lunch.

Any eligible senior can use the Grab and Go program at any of the following senior centers:

• Ann Ferguson Towers, 1601 Dill Ave., Linden
• Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St., Roselle Park
• Cranford Lincoln Apartments, 800 Lincoln Ave., Cranford
• Ehrhart Gardens, 100 Francis St., Union
• Farley Towers, 33 Cherry St., Elizabeth
• Gregorio Recreation Center—330 Helen St., Linden
• Hillside Senior Center—265 Hollywood Ave., Hillside
• JFK Senior Apartments, 250 W. Grand Ave., Rahway
• Kenilworth Senior Center—526 Boulevard, Kenilworth
• Liberty Square Senior Center—204 Elizabeth Ave., Elizabeth
• O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center—622 Salem Ave., Elizabeth
• Plainfield Senior Center—400 E. Front St., Plainfield
• Roselle Community Center—1268 Shafer Ave., Roselle
• Schaefer Gardens, 35 Summer Ave., Union
• Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains
• Stephen Sampson Center, 800 Anna St., Elizabeth
• Union Senior Center—968 Bonnel Ct., Union
• Westfield Community Center—558 W. Broad St., Westfield
• Winfield Community Center—25 Roosevelt Dr., Winfield Park

The Grab and Go program is designed to allow for safe social distancing to protect against transmission of COVID-19, while continuing to provide healthy meals for Union County’s aging population. Each meal meets one-third of the daily nutritional requirements of an adult aged 60 or older.

For more information about Grab & Go, and other programs for seniors in Union County, call the Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-527-4877, or visit ucnj.org/aging and use the online contact form.

The Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is federally recognized as the Area Agency on Aging for Union County. The nationwide Area Agency on Aging “on-the-ground” model was established under the 1973 Older Americans Act, with the goal of helping seniors live independently, and with dignity, in their communities.

As an Area Agency on Aging, the Division on Aging is authorized to issue contracts for senior service providers including health aide/homemakers, nurse visits, social work visits, hospice, home delivered meals, kosher home delivered meals, congregate nutrition, caregiver services, legal services, information & assistance, social/medical adult day services, residential maintenance, emergency energy assistance, telephone reassurance, grocery shopping, transportation, grandparents raising grandchildren, and much more.

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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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 “Avoid the spark” to prevent battery fires.

Union County, NJ – In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to learn how to dispose of spent household batteries properly.

An increasing number of fires linked to improper battery disposal are occurring in waste hauling trucks, landfills and recycling facilities. Battery fires send clouds of noxious smoke into the air, expose workers to risk of injury, and raise costs for emergency response.

“Some types of batteries can be hazardous to people and the environment if disposed improperly,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Residents can protect themselves and others by learning a few simple rules for the safe handling of spent batteries.”

The rule of thumb is that only single-use alkaline batteries can go into household trash. These batteries are clearly marked “alkaline” on the package.

Everything else requires special handling. That includes:

• Rechargeable batteries of any type.
• Single use “button” type batteries, such as those used in smaller electronic devices.
• Single use batteries marked “lithium.”

Residents can bring any of these batteries to Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events for safe disposal. The next event will be held on Saturday, October 23. For location, hours, and a list of other special wastes accepted at the event, visit ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste.

Residents can also visit the organization Call2Recycle.org online for a list of nearby stores that accept spent batteries.

As a reminder, alkaline batteries may be disposed in household trash. Residents who are interested in recycling these batteries can learn about their options through Call2Recycle.

To learn more about all recycling programs in Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycling or download the free Recycle Coach App.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

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The Union County Board County Commissioners invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Commissioner Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“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 2021 Sensory Friendly Theatre series kicks off on Sunday, October 17 at 1:00 p.m. with the interactive “Bubble Trouble” show presented by the Master of Bubbles himself, Jeff Boyer.

On Sunday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre will bring the beloved ballet classic The Nutcracker, to the Union County community, performed by the American Repertory Ballet.

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 on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

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.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

COVID-19 prevention rules are in effect at the venue and may be viewed online at ucpac.org/covid-19.

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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Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to Union County’s 13th Annual Columbus Day Flag Raising event. The ceremony will take place Friday, Oct. 8th, at 1:00 p.m., on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“We are proud of the achievements of Italian Americans who have made amazing contributions in all facets of our daily lives,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who is emceeing the program. “Today we recognize the hard work and dedication of Italian-Americans across our great nation and especially within Union County.”

Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded will be the Featured Speaker at the flag raising.

Anthony Bengivenga, 2^nd Vice President of UNICO National will be joined by Bob Bengivenga, UNICO’s District X Governor at this year’s event.  April Bengivenga, President of the Plainfield UNICO chapter will also participate in the program along with Robert Tarte, President of the Westfield UNICO Chapter and William Schievella, President of the Italian American Police Society of NJ.

The County will honor UNICO National, UNICO District X, the Plainfield Chapter of UNICO, the Westfield Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American Police Society and other local UNICO chapters with a resolution to be presented during the event.

UNICO is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization whose chapters and members engage in promoting and defending Italian culture and heritage, as well as providing scholarships, engaging in community service and other philanthropic endeavors. UNICO District X and Plainfields’ UNICO chapter work to organize and co-sponsor Union County’s Columbus Day event.

Italian-style refreshments and pastries will be served after the program outside the historic Union County Courthouse. All those who are attending are urged to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 protocols.

Paid parking is available in the Midtown area at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking deck at Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. A second deck is Elizabeth’s Parking Deck No. 6 on Jefferson Avenue and Dickinson Street—the entrance is on Dickinson Street.

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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Union County, NJ – Job seekers and employers can find the perfect match at the next hire-on-the-spot job fair sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, October 5, at the Center Court of the Jersey Gardens Mall located at 651 Kapkowski Court in Elizabeth. The job fair will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Nike, Bed Bath and Beyond, Adidas, Marshalls, Kate Spade, and Ralph Lauren are among the many firms seeking to hire qualified employees at the October 5 job fair.

“These job fairs are part of our efforts to ensure that qualified Union County job seekers can connect with the right employers more quickly and effectively. We encourage everyone to come and participate,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our residents and our business community both need to rebuild after the COVID-19 crisis, and the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida has added to the challenges. As we work to recover in Union County, we have been putting together these Job Fairs to make it easy for businesses and those looking for employment to connect at convenient locations,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board.

“On behalf of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank the County of Union for their continued partnership in support of economic advancement in our area. Job Fairs like these are a great opportunity to help our local businesses find quality applicants while also helping our residents find new employment opportunities, this is truly a collaborative effort as we move forward together in these difficult days,” said Jennifer Costa, President of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce.

The October 5 job fair is also sponsored by Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, American Job Center, and the Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Job seekers who plan to attend the October 5 event must use the online form at https://ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair/ to pre-register. Attendees are advised to bring their resumes and wear attire appropriate for interviews.

Vendors who would like to participate can also pre-register at https://ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.  Tables, chairs, table cloths, and water will be provided, and there will be a private area for interviewing purposes. An indoor concession stand will be open for the purchase of food.

In accordance with current COVID-19 prevention guidelines, masks are optional for fully vaccinated Job Fair attendees. Those who are unvaccinated must wear masks and observe social distance.

For questions, or to seek transportation to and from the job fair, please call 1-888-845-3434.

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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Bring any gun, in any condition, and receive up to $250 – no questions asked!

Union County, NJ – Union County residents with unwanted guns in their possession can earn up to $250 per weapon by participating in the upcoming Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program, scheduled for Saturday, October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Three convenient locations will be available for those turning in guns.

No questions will be asked, and guns in any condition will be accepted. All persons turning in a gun may do so anonymously.

“We will take any gun, regardless of how it came into your possession. Amnesty buyback programs are needed now more than ever, as communities in New Jersey and across the country face a new wave of deadly gun violence,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”

“Gun buyback programs are an important opportunity for the community and law enforcement to collaborate on an initiative to reduce violent crime,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “We encourage Union County residents to participate in the gun amnesty program on October 23rd and decrease the number of unwanted firearms in their communities.”

The buyback locations for the October 23 event are:

Elizabeth: Master’s Table Christian Fellowship, 207-211 Bond Street

Plainfield: Shiloh Baptist Church, 515-521 West Fourth Street

Westfield: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 506 Westfield Avenue

As a reminder, each location will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 23, on a walk-in basis. No appointment or pre-registration is needed, and no questions will be asked.

Participants in the Union County Amnesty Gun Buyback program may bring up to three weapons for reimbursement.

Those arriving on foot should convey their weapon in a sturdy, closed container. Persons arriving by car must keep the container in their trunk while in transit.

To reduce the risk of theft or mishap, participants are also advised to proceed directly to the drop-off location, without making any stops for errands or social calls.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed at these events. Please be prepared to wear a mask indoors.

The Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program is supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Westfield.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.

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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters who wish to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot that they can apply for one in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth. They can also fill out their ballot during the same visit and cast it in a secure drop-off box at the office, or take it with them to fill out later.

“We encourage voters to come to our offices and use our convenient ‘one-stop’ service, which enables voters to go through all the Vote-by-Mail steps in one visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a reminder, Vote-by-Mail ballots can also be returned by mail or deposited in any of the official, secure drop boxes in Union County, including one located at the entrance of our Westfield office.”

The County Clerk’s office in Westfield is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East. Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The County Clerk’s office in Elizabeth is located in the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Approximately 42,000 voters in Union County automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot by U.S. Post. Other Union County residents who wish to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot can obtain theirs in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth or Westfield. Voters can also receive an application in the mail by contacting the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

In addition, voters can download a Vote-by-Mail application from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or from the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Vote-by-Mail is one of three options that Union County voters can use this year to cast their vote in the General Election:

1. Use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. In addition to early voting, Vote-by-Mail ballots can returned on Election Day, November 2. Drop boxes will be open until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. Ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by midnight on November 2.
2. Vote early in person, by using any one of the seven central early voting polling places in Union County.
3. Vote on Election Day in person, at the local polling place assigned to the voter.

For more details, including the locations of drop boxes and polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com or use the Union County Votes app.

For more information about all County Clerk election services visit unioncountyvotes.com, use the Union County Votes app, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

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 the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, 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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Connect with Union County on social media.