Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to enjoy the beautiful autumn season in the Watchung Reservation with a variety of outdoor programs offered by Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

“Trailside’s programs offer families a wonderful opportunity to spend time together outdoors and reconnect with the natural world around us,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Adults with children age four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, which are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., beginning October 5. Participants will discover animal homes and hideouts, explore all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk and search for monarch butterflies.

The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents. Other topics include snakes & turtles, backyard birds, senses, seeds and mammals.

Back to Nature, a series of walks in the Watchung Reservation for families, will resume on October 9, while moonlit family hikes will occur on October 21 and November 18. Programs are open to families with children ages four and older.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Families will learn to identify birds by color and sound, experience the life of the Lenape Native Americans and search for animal tracks on a fall hike.  Other topics include bats and animal tracks.

The fee per program is $5 for Union County residents and $6 for non-county residents.

A Hunter’s Moon Hike will take place on October 21 and a Frost Moon Hike will take place on November 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon and learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors. Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including 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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Posted information also includes early voting locations, gubernatorial candidate statements, and more.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that  sample ballots for the November 2 General Election can be viewed and downloaded on the County Clerk’s elections website unioncountyvotes.com, and through Union County Votes, a free app for all mobile devices.

Gubernatorial candidate statements are also available through the website and app, in English and Spanish.

Ms. Rajoppi’s office also mails sample ballots to every registered voter. Sample ballots will be mailed prior to the start of early voting, which begins on October 23.

“The website and app offer a convenient way for voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot, even before they receive their copy in the mail,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This year it is especially important to be informed and up-to-date, as it is a gubernatorial year and early voting will be introduced from October 23 to 31 as well as Election Day voting on Tuesday, November 2.”

Voters with any questions about their sample ballots can call the County Clerk’s Elections Division, 908-527-4996 or email the Elections Division at ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com 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 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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Free double feature drive up movie event, presented by Union County’s Board of County Commissioners and in partnership with Plainfield Public Schools

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to a double feature drive up movie event on October 1^st featuring Ferdinand and In the Heights in Plainfield High School’s parking lot, 950 Park Ave.

The parking lot will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:00PM.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required at ucnj.org/reserve. Please keep in mind that only one registration is required per car.

“We are all excited for this double feature event in Plainfield,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This event is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the entire family.”

Ferdinand is a 2017 computer-animated comedy adventure film based on a bull named Ferdinand who refuses to participate in bullfighting but is forced back into the arena where his beliefs are challenged when he faces off against the world’s greatest bullfighter.

In the Heights is a 2021 musical drama film based on the well-known stage musical. This film tells the story of a corner in the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City, where every member of the community pursues their dreams of a better life.

The event will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date will be October 15^th.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note that the audio for the movie will be transmitted thru Wi-Fi.

Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the restroom).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please contact Nathalie Alcaide-Hernandez by email at nahernandez@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-527-4880.

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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COVID-19 Vaccinations as well as Saliva Testing to be offered walk-up at events in Union, Roselle and Plainfield

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in September to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, September 25, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Walk-Up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce

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, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at all listed events. Johnson & Johnson (for those 18 years or older) and Pfizer (12 years or older) vaccines will be offered. Appointments are recommended. Residents can register for vaccines by calling (908) 613-7829 or visiting ucnj.2120check.com/home.  Along with vaccinations, COVID-19 saliva tests will be available as well on a walk-up basis.

Masks are required for residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Roselle 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.

To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoodsus.com/.

For more 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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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 Commissioners welcomes back seniors age 55 and up to participate in a series of free guided walks at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside this fall.

Located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, the series will take place every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning October 8.

“These guided walks offer an excellent opportunity for senior residents to take part in an outdoor activity while enjoying the beautiful autumn season of the Watchung Reservation,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic, including Reptile Ramble, Migratory Birds, a Fall Nature Walk, Plant This, Not That, Ecosystem Invaders, a Deserted Village Tour, Lenape Native Americans and an Early Winter Walk.

Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Social distancing will be practiced and face coverings are recommended.

The Sensory Friendly Trail first opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular destination. It winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired. It also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.

For more information about the guided walks for seniors, online nature activities and other activities for families and children hosted by Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

For more information about upcoming activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including 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 $200 stipend applies to Election Day 2021, on Tuesday, November 2.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking an opportunity to help during the 2021 Gubernatorial election cycle still have time to apply to become poll workers this year. All poll workers must attend a paid, mandatory training session as Electronic Poll Books will be used for the first time ever.

Poll workers will earn $200 for the day, starting at 5:15 a.m. through the close of the polls at 8:00 p.m.

Poll workers perform essential services on Election Day, by ensuring every eligible voter is afforded an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can apply to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. All new poll workers must attend a single-session training course. Returning poll workers take a paid, training seminar on the use of the new electronic poll books.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker for the General Election on November 2nd are advised to apply now to reserve a spot.

To apply online, click here: https://ucnj.org/boe/election-day-poll-worker-application/, or request an application form by mail by calling the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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 County Commissioners invites persons with physical disabilities and veterans to participate in the “First Swing” golf clinic on Saturday, September 25, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Learning Center located at Union County’s Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth.

Admission is free but pre-registration is required at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“The First Swing golf clinic provides an introduction to the recreational and therapeutic benefits of golfing. We are very proud to offer First Swing as part of our inclusive programming at Galloping Hill, where golfers of all ages and skill levels are welcome,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

No golfing experience is needed to participate in the First Swing clinic. Participants who have clubs should bring a seven or eight iron and a putter. A limited number of clubs will be available for those who need them.

Methods of grip, stance and swing will be discussed. Participants can improve their functional skills such as range of motion and balance, and learn about adaptive equipment that will assist them in executing the golf swing.

The event is organized by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Office of Veteran services.

For more information about programs and services offered by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs.

For more information about the Office of Veteran Services visit ucnj.org/uc-hero.

For more 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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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 Flu shots available for Union County residents, starting Sept. 23 (update: please note location change for September 23 clinic)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year. Free flu shots will be dispensed at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Thursday, September 23. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.

“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room, by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.

The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County adults and children ages nine and up.

Children ages four years through eight years can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received two flu shots in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Appointments are strongly encouraged and residents can schedule their appointment online by visiting ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829.

Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.

The following dates have been scheduled for the Union County flu shot drive. Each event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• 9/23 – LOCATION CHANGE: Please note, this flu clinic will be held at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden.
• 9/30 – Roselle,  High school –Abraham Clark High School, 122 E 6^th, Roselle, NJ
• 10/7 – Plainfield , Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield
• 10/14 –  Summit City Hall, Whitman Room, 512 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ
• 10/21 – Roselle Park, Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park, NJ
• 10/28 – Hillside Community Center, 274 Hillside Avenue, Hillside, NJ
• 11/4 –  Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E Milton Ave., Rahway, NJ
• 11/18 – Chisholm Community Center, Springfield

Any Union County resident may visit any of these clinics, regardless of their town of residence.

To prepare for a visit to Union County’s flu shot clinics, residents are advised to review the fact sheet issued by the Centers for Disease Control in English, Spanish and other languages at https://www.immunize.org/vis/ (select “Influenza, inactivated” from the vaccine index).

Masks are required when visiting one of Union County’s free flu shot clinics, and temperatures will be taken when arriving.

Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a flu drive site. Residents who are experiencing symptoms of illness should check with their doctor.

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

Please note that the dates and locations listed above are for seasonal flu vaccines only.

Residents seeking free COVID-19 vaccines can find a list of sites run by Union County at ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page to see a schedule for COVID-19 vaccination sites run by Union County.

Children and adults in need of a variety of standard immunizations can visit Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. Please note that there is no income eligibility requirement for the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccines. Other immunizations are available on an income-eligible basis. For more information call the Immunization Center at (908) 965-3627 or (908)965-3868.

For more 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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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 County Commissioners invites residents to attend “Stories over Stigma,” a free webinar featuring Lucas Wolfe, author of My Perfect Life, on Wednesday, September 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Zoom.

The Zoom link can be accessed by registering online at ucnj.org/suicide-prevention-awareness.

“Now more than ever, it is important to be informed and aware of the signs and symptoms of depression, especially considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida on our community,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “By engaging in open discussion, we can all help raise awareness and create a supportive environment for those in need of help.”

In My Perfect Life, Mr. Wolfe describes how suicidal depression can hide in plain sight while those who experience it suffer silently, all too often with tragic consequences. His pursuit of peace, purpose and healing offers hope to those looking for guidance and support.

The Stories over Stigma webinar is presented through the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Union County Department of Human Services.

As part of Union County’s suicide awareness and prevention efforts, the office is also providing copies of My Perfect Life at no cost to every high school in the 21 municipalities, along with access to a coordinated mental health curriculum for high school students.

For those seeking help, the Lifeline National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. It offers free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for individuals and their loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

For more information on all Human Services programs and activities, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs.

For more 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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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 Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises all Union County residents of the new updates of the polling locations for the 2021 general election. Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida, a few polling locations have been changed.

“Hurricane Ida has devastated us all, including numerous polling locations” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to visit our website to ensure the location of your designated polling location for the upcoming General Election. Voters will also find this information on their sample ballots.”

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place. Please visit ucnj.org/ucboe for the complete updated list of designated polling locations.

Updated polling locations include:

• Elizabeth, Ward 4, Districts 6, 7, 9 & 10: O’Donnell Sampson Towers, 632 Salem Avenue
• Springfield, Districts 1, 2, & 3: Caldwell School, 36 Caldwell Place, Gymnasium

The New Providence early voting location has been relocated to the New Providence Municipal Center, 360 Elkwood Avenue, Gymnasium (Academy Street Entrance), due to damage sustained during Hurricane Ida.

The Union Township early voting location has also been relocated to the Union Township Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court.

Please keep in mind that early voting locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations. Please visit https://ucnj.org/boe/early-voting/ for the complete list of early voting locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the Board of Elections 24 secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 2, 2021 at 8pm.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections 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 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.