Category: Public Info

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.

Any Union County voter may use any of these locations for early in-person voting. Six sites are confirmed and a seventh site will be added.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that seven locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2021 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31.

These sites have been recently relocated and voters shall be advised of the new locations in New Providence and Union Township.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting for the 2021 General Election,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

There are now seven confirmed locations:

• Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Seminar Room A/B, Cranford
• Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
• New Providence Municipal Building 360 Elkwood Avenue, Gymnasium (Academy Street Entrance), New Providence (Updated)
• Plainfield Board of Education Administration Building, 1200 Myrtle Avenue, Plainfield
• Rahway Recreation Center, 275 E. Milton Avenue, Room 112, Rahway
• Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Roselle
• Union Township Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court, Union (Updated)

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 23, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 24, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 25, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, October 27, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 31, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.

Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these 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.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place.

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.

All Union County residents impacted by the storm are welcome to visit either of these sites for in-person assistance.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents impacted by Hurricane Ida that in-person assistance is available at Union County’s next pop-up event this Friday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Plainfield, at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 716 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Free off-street parking is available in the church parking lot, located at 819-821 First Place in Plainfield.

The pop-up event is the third in a series of Hurricane Ida relief events administered by the Union County Department of Human Services in partnership with Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

COVID-19 vaccination and testing will also be available at the pop-up site, along basic health screenings and emergency food distribution.

In addition, Union County residents impacted by Hurricane Ida can visit the newly opened FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Elizabeth O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Community Center in the City of Elizabeth, at 618 Salem.

The Disaster Recovery Center will be open during the following hours:

7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

8 – 5 p.m. Sunday

Residents can also contact FEMA and file a claim online at disasterassistance.gov, or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for additional assistance. Relay users can provide FEMA with the number for their videophone, InnoCaption, CapTel or other service.

For additional assistance with disaster relief or any other programs administered by the Union County Department of Human Services, call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 or send an email to DHSaction@ucnj.org.

For more resources and guidance on Hurricane recovery and COVID-19 response in Union County visit ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to attend the commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day in front of the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 17. The ceremony will start promptly at 1:00 p.m.

The ceremony features an introduction by Commissioner Palmieri-Mouded Commissioner, Chairman Alexander Mirabella as the master of ceremonies and an invocation led by Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans.

“Union County will continue to remember the sacrifices made by our military and their families” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please come out and join us as we honor those men and women who were prisoners of war, and those who are missing in action.”

The guest speaker will be Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou, D.O., the Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affair.

The presentation of colors will be performed by Honor Guards from the Union County Sheriff Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police and Fire Honor Guard.

The ceremony will include a rifle salute, TAPS performed by Alfredo Beltran and will conclude with the Retirement of the Colors.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are adhering to CDC social distancing guidelines and requiring all guest and employees attending to wear facial coverings.

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.

Union County, NJ – September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and the Union County Board of Chosen Commissioners is helping to raise awareness about the importance of early detection for women who may be at risk. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 21,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year alone.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Early detection greatly increases the survival rate, but the symptoms can be subtle.

“Learning the symptoms and seeing a doctor regularly are key steps for early detection that can save lives,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Women who have a family history of the disease, a personal history of cancer, are older than 55, have never been pregnant, or have taken menopausal hormonal replacement therapy are at a heightened risk of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, fatigue, an upset stomach, heartburn, and weight loss. Women with these symptoms should see their medical provider as soon as possible.

More details are available through the Union County Office on Women at ucnj.org/women.

For more information on programs and services of the Union County Office on Women contact the Office Coordinator, Jen Erdos, at (908) 527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

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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 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to Ride for Freedom XXV, hosted by Rolling Thunder Inc.®, New Jersey Chapter 2 on September 19^th.

Departing from Warinanco Park on to St. George’s Avenue in Roselle, kickstands will go up and the motorcycle rides will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp.

“The Commissioner Board and I are excited for this wonderful event, as it brings awareness to American prisoners and those missing in action,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please join us as we all ride for freedom.”

Registration is $10 per motorcycle and all benefits will go to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation & Vietnam Era Museum.

Residents and visitors are highly encouraged to come out and spectate. 

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.

Virtual exhibit is part of Union County’s 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present a virtual art exhibit featuring the works of Hispanic artists throughout the area, as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Union County beginning on Wednesday, September 15.

The show is available for view on the Union County YouTube channel and features paintings in acrylic and oil by artists from El Salvador and Spain.

“The new online exhibit is an exciting opportunity to share the rich artistry of Hispanic residents in and around Union County with a wide audience, and I would like to thank Ambassador Garcia for helping us bring this project to life with his experience and insights,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Engagement with the arts is one of the hallmarks of a strong, thriving community, and we are very proud to help build widespread awareness and appreciation for the many contributions of Hispanic artists to the cultural life of Union County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

The video program was filmed at the Masker’s Barn at the Deserted Village of Feltville in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, with an introduction by former United Nations Ambassador Carlos Garcia of El Salvador.

The Hispanic art exhibit was organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, with funding in party by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission in the New Jersey Department of State.

For more information on all programs and activities of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage affairs visit ucnj.org, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-527-2550.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The 4-H program encourages students in grades 1-12 to explore their interests and share their knowledge.

Union County, NJ — Union County 4-H Clubs are gearing up for a new season, and students in grades 1-12 are invited to join the fun. Students and their families are welcomed to attend the 4-H Club Open House on Saturday, September 25 to meet this year’s 4-H club leaders and learn more about the topics students can explore during the 2021-2022 school year.

“The 4-H program provides unique hands-on learning and leadership experiences. It also encourages young people to become experts on topics that interest them and to share their knowledge with others,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support the 4-H program in Union County.”

The 2021 Open House will take place from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on the grounds of the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is available on site.

The meeting will be held at the outdoor theater by the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden. 4-H club leaders will be present for parents to meet and learn more about the club and 4-H in general.

To sign up for a 4-H club or to get more information about the program, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz by email at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org. Students can sign up for a maximum of 2 clubs per year. There is a fee for joining each class which varies by activity.

The list of clubs this year includes anime, archery, cooking, disc golf, engineering, gardening, LEGO robotics, living history, nature exploration, civic service, and sewing. Students can also join clubs that encourage exploration in multiple areas. Club members meet with an adult leader each month during the school year to plan activities and programs.

For the 2021-2022 school year, the full list of clubs and their age ranges are as follows:

• Anime Club, grades 4 and up
• Archery Club, grades 4 and up
• Coding Club, grades 4 – 5
• Cooking Club, grades 4 and up
• Disc Golf Club, grades 5 and up
• Engineering Club, grades 4 – 5
• Gardening Club, grades 4 and up
• LEGO Robotics Club (with LEGO Robotics MindStorms kits), grades 4 -5
• Living History Club, grades 4 and up
• Nature Club, grades 5 – 9
• 4-H Service Club, grades 8 – 12
• Sewing Club, grades 6 and up
• 1st and 2nd Grade 4-H Club (activities exploring different skills and hobbies), grades 1-2
• 3^rd and 4^th Grade Variety Club (different topics focusing on the environment), grades 3 – 4
• 9^th through 12^th Grade Variety Club (different topics with crafts and cooking), grades 9 – 12

The national 4-H program is the largest youth development program in the country. It began as a way to encourage young people in rural communities to learn about innovative new farming practices. The focus on innovation and leadership continues to the present day, through age-appropriate topics and activities.

The national 4-H youth development program is part of the Extension system under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Union County, 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County as part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. It is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards, and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce. More information about 4-H in New Jersey is available at nj4h.rutgers.edu.

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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.

All Union County residents impacted by Hurricane Ida are welcome to visit this event for in-person guidance and resources.

Union County, NJ (updated with new location) — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that the next event in the County’s series of pop-up disaster relief sessions, in partnership with Red Cross and the Salvation Army, will be held in Plainfield on Friday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Due to the expectation of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at 716 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield.

Attendance at all of the pop-up events is free and open to all Union County residents who need assistance, regardless of their town of residence.

“These events are aimed at ensuring that Union County residents can access all the resources for which they are eligible as quickly as possible, by meeting with our trained staff in person. The personal touch can make all the difference, and we will continue holding these sessions as long needed,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who need transportation within Union County to attend a pop-up event can schedule a ride with Union County Paratransit Services by calling 908-241-8300.

Services and information include assistance with property damage claims, missing documents, temporary housing, food assistance, stress counseling, and more.

COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson) will also be available on site, along with COVID-19 testing and basic health screenings.

The pop-up events are organized through the Union County Department of Human Services. For additional assistance with disaster relief or any other Human Services programs, call the Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 or send an email to DHSaction@ucnj.org.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Cleanup project in Hillside is part of a project involving several parks along the Elizabeth River.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the company United by Blue and other community partners invites residents to join in a cleanup project at Conant Park in Hillside, taking place on Saturday, September 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online pre-registration is strongly recommended at https://unitedbyblue.com/pages/join-a-cleanup. Walk-ins are also welcome to register at the site beginning at 10:00 a.m. (entrance to park is directly off of Conant Avenue).

The event features a visit from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center and giveaways from the Bureau of Recycling.

“The Commissioner Board appreciates all of the residents who are coming together to help clean up the Elizabeth River in Hillside,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As these clean-ups are family friendly and ability inclusive, feel free to bring the entire family.”

“United by Blue is taking the lead with partners like Union County Board of Commissioners to help maintain a clean and welcoming space at Conant Park, which is the centerpiece of many community gatherings to enjoy nature and the park amenities. Collaborating with residents and volunteers is always rewarding for all who contribute to the beauty of one the many parks in the county, and I am proud to support this effort in making a difference for the environment, too.” said Union County Commissioner and Hillside resident Dr. Angela R. Garretson.

Keeping the parks along the Elizabeth River free of litter is important because windblown items from land can easily fall into the river and flow into Newark Bay, where it is harder to recover and a greater threat to wildlife.

All cleanup supplies will be provided by United by Blue, including gloves, bags, safety materials, and reusable cleanup supplies. The supplies are industrially cleaned between uses, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own supplies if they feel more comfortable

Volunteers are reminded to wear closed toed shoes and clothes that may get dirty. Long pants and bug spray are highly encouraged.

Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles. A water station will be available at the site to refill the bottles.

Although this event is fully outdoors, participants should bring a mask in case of close proximity situations.

United by Blue is a clothing brand that provides sustainable fashion for all. Striving for cleaner oceans and waterway, for every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. Please visit https://unitedbyblue.com/ for more information.

For more information please contact Union County’s Department of Parks and registration at 908-527-4900.

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.