Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2022 Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant Program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars for projects related to local history, the arts and humanities.

The HEART Grant Program was created to encourage a thriving environment for the arts and cultural activities. This program serves as a catalyst to strengthen Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their capacity to provide innovative projects relating to history, the arts and humanities, developing Union County as a center for innovation and excellence in arts and culture.

“The response to the HEART Grant Program in past years has been exciting,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The recipients are a wonderful mix of creative individuals – poets and writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians and dancers – plus arts, history and other cultural organizations and civic groups. The services they provide directly benefit the residents of Union County and increase appreciation for the arts, our history, and the humanities.”

Organizations can request up to $2,500 (with a 25% cash match for anything over $1,000). Individuals can request up to $1,000 (no cash match required).

Activities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2022, are eligible for funding consideration. All applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County. Application deadline is October 19, 2021.

Applicants are asked to be aware that all projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.

For more information on eligibility, the application and other programs, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711.

To receive the 2022 HEART Grant guidelines and writable application form, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

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.

Free COVID-19 shots for County residents offered at National Night Out event in Hillside, August 3.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents seeking free COVID-19 vaccines now have four pop-up vaccination clinics to choose from this week. The newest addition to the schedule is a pop-up clinic on Tuesday, August 3 in Hillside from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the National Night Out event at Bristol Myers Park, located at 274 Hillside Avenue. The Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines will both be available.

“We want everyone to know that free, convenient vaccination clinics are available to all Union County residents who need their shot,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As we see from the rising new wave of infections, vaccination is the only effective way to protect against this deadly virus. Health care providers and other businesses are asking their workers to get vaccinated, and our clinics help ensure that vaccines are available to all.”

“The Board of County Commissioners is working to provide our residents with convenient options and opportunities to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Vaccination reduces the risk of severe infection as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging variants. We ask that residents do their part by getting vaccinated and encouraging friends and family to do so as well.”

The Union County Mobile Vaccination Unit is scheduled to be at a total of four locations between July 30 and August 5.

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

• Friday, July 30 in Hillside at AAK Food Services, 465 Hillside Avenue (clinic will be across the street from back entrance on Ramsey Avenue), 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Tuesday, August 3 in Scotch Plains at Scotch Plains/Fanwood District High School, 667 Westfield Road, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Tuesday, August 3 in Hillside at Bristol Myers Park, 274 Hillside Avenue, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer).
• Thursday, August 5 in Elizabeth at Ministerio Presencia del Rey, 1148 East Jersey Street, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines), in partnership with United Way

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Please note that COVID-19 saliva tests will also be available at all pop-up vaccination clinics beginning next week.

Union County residents can also get vaccinated free of charge at any of three permanent vaccine sites run by the County: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer).

To schedule an appointment at any of the permanents sites, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free COVID-19 shots to be provided in Hillside, Scotch Plains and Elizabeth; all Union County residents can use any of these clinics.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that free COVID-19 vaccines are available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County. The next three pop-up clinics will be held in Hillside on July 30, in Scotch Plains on August 3, and in Elizabeth on August 5.

All unvaccinated residents are strongly urged to get their jab as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. In addition to the pop-up clinics, all residents can get vaccinated at Union County’s three permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.

“We have come a long way, but we are still in a race against dangerous COVID-19 variants, and cases are once again rising in New Jersey and elsewhere,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Everyone in our community can help turn the situation around by getting vaccinated, and by encouraging family and friends to get their shot, too.”

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.

“Vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “The Board of County Commissioners continues to provide residents with updated information about vaccination as well various options for those looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”

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.

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

• Friday, July 30 in Hillside at AAK Food Services, 465 Hillside Avenue, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Tuesday, August 3 in Scotch Plains at Scotch Plains/Fanwood District High School, 667 Westfield Road, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines)
• Thursday, August 5 in Elizabeth at Ministerio Presencia del Rey, 1148 East Jersey Street, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines), in partnership with United Way

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

COVID-19 vaccines also continue to be available by appointment at Union County’s three permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer).

To schedule an appointment at any of the permanents sites, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

New toll-free number available to make appointments during business hours, and leave callback messages after hours.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are home bound or have difficulty leaving their home can use a new toll-free number to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at home. The number to call is 1-833-256-2478, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The service is available to all home bound Union County residents free of charge, as part of the Union County Commissioner Board’s efforts to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines reach every household in the community  as quickly as possible. There is no income eligibility cutoff.

“The Commissioner Board is determined to help get the COVID-19 vaccines to our residents without delay, and the new toll free number removes barriers to access for people who would otherwise find it difficult if not impossible to travel to a vaccination clinic,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please don’t hesitate to call 1-833-256-2478 if you need help getting vaccinated at home.”

The home vaccination service is offered by the Commissioner Board through the firm Mobile Medical Services & Technology. Mobile Medical Services currently provides a choice of all three vaccines approved for use in the United States: Pfizer (ages 12 and older), Moderna (ages 18 and older), and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18 and older).

To request an appointment, home bound residents can call Mobile Medical Services at 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator. Appointments are generally available within five days or less.

Residents can also contact Mobile Medical Services by email at vaccine@mmst.io to request a callback for an appointment. In addition, residents can call 1-833-256-2478 during off-hours to leave a voice message requesting a callback. Messages are returned on the following business day.

“We are excited to partner with Union County to bring a comprehensive homebound COVID-19 vaccination program. Patient feedback has been incredible, and it feels great to be able to meet people where they are.” said Madeline De Ferrari, Founder and CEO of Mobile Medical Services & Technology.

Seniors and residents with disabilities who have additional questions are welcome to contact the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resources for assistance at 1-888-280-8226 during regular weekday business hours.

The Commissioner Board strongly urges residents who have not been vaccinated to get their jab as soon as possible, as new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge and spread.

Union County residents who do not need a home visit can use any of the free vaccination clinics established by the Commissioner Board, including three permanent vaccination sites and a mobile unit that comes to different municipalities on a rotating basis. To book an appointment online at any of these sites, and to see locations and hours of operation, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

Any resident who needs help making an appointment at a Union County vaccination site can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance, at 908-613-7829 during regular business hours.

More information about Mobile Medical Services is available at mobilemedservices.co.

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.

Tickets to Red Bulls pro soccer match offered to Union County residents at $30.00 per person; ticket price includes a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite special needs residents and their families to “A Night Out with the NY Red Bulls,” a New Jersey-based soccer team, in support of Autism Awareness Night at Red Bulls Arena beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28.

“The Commissioner Board is proud to support the annual Autism Awareness Night at Red Bulls Arena,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for their home state team on August 28.”

“The Red Bulls event provides residents with an exciting community activity in a welcoming environment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Need to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community.”

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including a new series of special sessions for children at Union County’s Wheeler Spray Park in Linden.

Red Bulls Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The August 28 match will see the Red Bulls face the Chicago Fire FC.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Awareness Night is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which is providing a limited number of tickets at a cost of $30.00 per person. The price of the ticket includes a $10 food voucher for use at the venue.

Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services.

For more details and a list of programs, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or contact the Office Director, Manuel Ramirez at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

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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.

Drive-through event provides nutrition assistance for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s ongoing series of emergency food distribution events continues on Saturday, July 31 with a drive-through event at the Kean University campus at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union County. The event begins at 8:00 a.m.

The food distribution events 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 take place rain or shine.

“Emergency food distribution continues to be a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and summer can be especially challenging for families that rely on nutrition assistance during the school year. We will continue providing this resource to those in our community who need a helping hand,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“During this time as residents continue to deal with unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” 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.”

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

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

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 and other protocols.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including 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 Commissioners is pleased to invite persons with special needs and disabilities up to age 16 to attend the Wheeler Spray Park Program for Children with Special Needs. This program will take place every Wednesday evening in the month of August from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Wheeler Spray Park Program for Children with Special Needs has been organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“The Special Needs Night series in July was a huge success and safe opportunity for children with special needs,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “To continue to provide a safe space for families with special needs, we have extended the program through August and added Saturdays to the schedule in support of our goal of providing inclusive, welcoming environments for all County residents.”

The program continues in August beginning on Wednesday, August 4 at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden. Every child must be accompanied by an adult.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

“The Union County Commissioners were excited to see so many families with special needs come out to enjoy this wonderful event every Wednesday in July,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We want to continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and are proud to add more opportunities for entire families to bond together in an inclusive manner.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

The August Schedule for the Wheeler Park Program for Children with Special Needs:

August 4 at 6:30 p.m.

August 7 at 10:00 a.m.

August 11 at 6:30 p.m.

August 14 at 10:00 a.m.

August 18 at 6:30 p.m.

August 21 at 10:00 a.m.

August 25 at 6:30 p.m.

August 28 at 10:00 a.m.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4781.

For information on all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs.

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.

Enjoy a free, outdoor concert – registration is not required

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The concert will take place on Saturday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m.

Attendees will have the pleasure of enjoying two opening acts, Ray Andersen and the First Verse and The Rusty Monks.

“Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes has been a fan-favorite act in Union County for many years,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As one of New Jersey’s most iconic rock acts, we are looking forward to a fantastic show.”

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes are among the creators of the legendary Jersey Shore Sound. The talented band  has recorded more than 30 albums and toured all over the world during the past five decades while playing a classic blend of searing rock, soul, and blues accompanied by a solid guitar sound and a blistering horn section.

Ray Andersen and The First Verse will open the stage with their rock sounds and the Rusty Monks will be opening with their groove oriented mixture of funk, rock, Latin and jazz started by Housecatnick in the early 2000’s.

Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs.

Food trucks and restrooms will be on site.

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 – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that it is easy and convenient to make an appointment for free COVID-19 testing and vaccination in Union County.

“Free tests are available for any resident who is concerned about their exposure to COVID-19, and we continue to encourage everyone age 12 and up to get their free COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you need help booking an appointment online, staff at the Union County COVID-19 Call Center can assist you.”

Union County’s free COVID-19 Test Center is available free of charge to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. A doctor’s note is not required. The Test Center is located in Downs Hall at the Kean University campus, at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

To make an appointment online at the Test Center, visit the Union County COVID-19 portal at ucnj.org/covid19. The online system is available on a 24/7 basis.

The Test Center is not a drive-through service; no car is needed. After booking an appointment, residents can walk, bike, take mass transit, or drive to the Kean University campus. Free parking is available on campus for those arriving by car. Follow the signs to walk from the parking lot to Downs Hall.

Union County also runs free COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Downs Hall, at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, and at Plainfield High School in Plainfield. In addition, the County’s mobile vaccination team visits local neighborhoods on a rotating basis. To book an appointment online for any of these sites, and to see a list of neighborhood locations, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

Any resident who needs help making an appointment for a COVID-19 test or vaccination can contact staff at the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance, at 908-613-7829 during regular business hours.

Residents who are home bound or have difficulty leaving their home can call the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resources at 1-888-280-8226 during regular business hours to inquire about their eligibility for a home visit from the Union County vaccination team.

To retrieve vaccine information in case of a lost or damaged vaccine card, download the free “Docket” app recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health. More information is available at ucnj.org/covid19/lost-your-covid-19-vaccination-card.

Residents can also request a copy of their vaccination records from the Department of Health Immunization Information System at njdeptofhealth.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal.

The vaccines currently approved for use in the U.S. are Pfizer (ages 12 and older), Moderna (ages 18 and older), and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18 and older). Children and teens ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult to receive the Pfizer vaccine at Union County’s vaccination sites.

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.