Category: Public Info

Free COVID-19 shots to be provided in local neighborhoods

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the months of July and August in addition to permanent sites in Elizabeth, Union Township, and Plainfield.

“We have come a long way, but we are still in a race against dangerous new COVID-19 variants that can impact people who are unvaccinated,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage all residents to inform family and friends to take advantage of these new opportunities to get vaccinated.”

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.

In partnership with United Way, 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.

Unless otherwise noted, the July and August pop-up clinics are currently offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose. Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• July 9 in Roselle: Roselle Municipal Building – 210 Chestnut Street, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – (Moderna)
• July 11 in Linden: 1st Church of God Pentecostal – 914 East Saint George Avenue, 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)
• July 14 in Plainfield: Cedar Brook Park, Park Drive, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)
• July 25 in Roselle Park: Casano Community Center – 314 Chestnut Street, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)
• August 5 in Elizabeth: Ministerio Presencia del Rey, 1148 East Jersey Street – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson)

Appointments can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax, or by contacting the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

In addition, COVID-19 vaccines will 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 (Johnson & Johnson). For appointments, create an account at at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX).

Union County has also been conducting person-to-person outreach through the Union County Vaccine Call Center, and is working with United Way and other community stakeholders to collaborate with civic and religious groups that can assist the effort to reach unvaccinated people in underserved communities.

In July, the outreach effort will expand to include door-to-door visits, with the aim of alerting local residents to upcoming pop-up clinics in their neighborhood, encouraging them to register for an appointment, and connecting them with a health care professional if needed.

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.

##

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.

Updated planning document makes Union County eligible for certain types of state and federal funding.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites members of the public to review and comment on Union County’s Federal Emergency Management Agency Approved Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan. The plan is being updated by the County’s Division of Emergency Services. A draft of the updated plan will be available for public view on the project website, unionhmp.com, until Friday, August 6, 2021

“The Hazards Mitigation Plan helps ensure that state and federal assistance is allocated on a coordinated, strategic basis, to address issues of concern for Union County and the region,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our Emergency Services staff worked hard all year to keep the update on track when COVID-19 restrictions were in force, and we encourage members of the public to add their insights and help complete the process.”

A five-year update to the Hazards Mitigation Plan is required by state and federal agencies in order for communities in Union County to be eligible for certain types of state and federal mitigation and disaster assistance funding. The previous plan was developed in 2016.

Hazard mitigation refers to actions that can help reduce or eliminate long-term risks caused by hazards or disaster, such as flooding.

Updating the Hazards Mitigation Plan involves identifying local risks and vulnerabilities associated with disasters, and developing long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events.

Engaging as many voices from the community as possible is important to the success of the Hazardous Mitigation Plan update. Members of the public can use the “Plans and Documents” link at the project website, unionhmp.com, to view the draft until August 6. To submit a comment, use the online form at the “Contact the Team” link.

The project website also provides links to background information and resources on hazard mitigation. Please note that the 2016 plan is a continuation of the 2015 process.

The Division of Emergency Services is an office of the Union County Department of Public Safety. For more information about all Emergency Services programs and activities visit ucnj.org/public-safety.

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.

##

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 informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in July to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

• 10:00 a.m. – Our Lady of Fatima Church in Elizabeth
• Walk-up
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce

Saturday, July 17, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-Thru
• Coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

• 12:00 p.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up

Saturday, July 31, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-Thru

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.

“Food distributions continue to be a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource to our residents,” 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.”

It is recommended that residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield wear masks or maintain social distance. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

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 in Union.

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.

##

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.

Petitions must be returned before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26.

Union County, NJ – Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds Union County residents seeking School Board positions in their municipality that the deadline for filing their nominating petitions is Monday, July 26, before 4:00 p.m. in the Main Office of the County Clerk, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, Room 113.

“Service on a school board provides the public with an opportunity to contribute to the community,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a former board member, I encourage involvement in this important civic duty.  Interested applicants should make note of the deadline.”

Ms. Rajoppi also advised applicants to be aware that a state law effective July 1, 2018 permits School Board Candidates to circulate petitions jointly. They may be bracketed together on the ballot if they wish with one or two other candidates with the same slogan.

The 2018 law also permits a short non-political slogan not to exceed three words.  Candidates are also required to file a specific affirmation that they have not been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from office with their petition.

For more details about school board petitions, including a downloadable petition, visit the County Clerk’s elections website online at unioncountyvotes.com/candidate-petition. A petition can also be obtained in person at the Main Office in Elizabeth.

Main Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office may be reached by phone during office hours at 908-527-4996 with any inquiries regarding elections in Union County.

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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County recognizes the contributions of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Union County, NJ – There is still time to submit nominations for the Union County Small Business Community Champion recognition program. Businesses that are nominated for the program will receive a certificate of achievement and will be featured on the Union County Means Business website, ucnj.org/union-county-means-business. The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31.

Any member of the Union County community can nominate an eligible small business in their community to be recognized as a Union County Small Business Community Champion, by filling out the online form at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business.

“Small businesses have faced extraordinary challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but many have managed to survive, to continue serving the Union County community, and even to thrive,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These resilient small businesses deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.”

To be eligible, nominees must have a small business located within Union County that is currently open for business. In addition, they must demonstrate resilience during the pandemic, either by adapting and evolving their business model or giving back to the community, or both.

Supporting documentation must include:

• A photograph of the nominated business for publication.
• A paragraph describing the nominee’s resiliency story, including changes to their business model and/or community service activities

The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31, and the recognized businesses will be posted at ucnj.org/union-county-means-business in August.

For additional information, contact Deana Mesaros, Coordinator, Office of Business Development in the Union County Department of Economic Development, at 908-659-7412 or dmesaros@ucnj.org, or visit online at ucnj.org/office-of-business-development.

To see all programs and activities of the Union County Department of Economic Development, visit ucnj.org/department-of-economic-development.

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.

##

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 to Hold 2nd Massive Hire-on-the-Spot Job Fair, July 7

The job fair is hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Elizabeth Branch NAACP, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

Union County, NJ – Job seekers in Union County have another opportunity to explore job opportunities with more than 50 businesses all in one afternoon, at the upcoming  Job Fair on Wednesday, July 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., taking place at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center in Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

Interviews may be offered on the spot and proper attire is strongly recommended.

Businesses participating in the Job Fair include a variety of retail, food service and other high demand sectors.

The Job Fair is hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in collaboration with the Elizabeth Branch of the NAACP, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens.

“A new job can be a life-changing experience, and we encourage everyone who needs a job to attend the 2021 Job Fair. There are opportunities throughout Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Many individuals and families have been severely impacted by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, and businesses in our community also need to rebuild. The 2021 Job Fair aims to help accelerate recovery by providing support to job seekers and employers, too. I am looking forward to collaborating with our community partner NAACP and President of the organization Shawn McClain in this grassroots employment effort,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Workforce Advisory Board.

“This initiative was spearheaded by Elizabeth NAACP Branch first Vice President Arnaz Johnson, who is also Chair of Labor and Industry Committee. This job fair will assist in the improvement of the economic status of minority groups by encouraging them to re-enter into the work force. It also provides great opportunities for our youth to earn money and become economically self-sufficient by means of employment. Since being elected on January 12, 2021 as President of Elizabeth Branch I am excited to be a part of this movement. ‘Team Work makes Dream Work:’ that’s what we say during our planning meetings. By working together we can better service our community,” said Elizabeth Branch NAACP President Shawn McClain.

Pre-registration is required online through the Union County Department of Human Services, at ucnj.org/dhs/2021-job-fair.

The Warinanco Sports Center (formerly the Warinanco Ice Skating Rink) is located at One Park Drive, a one-way road that loops around the park. Those arriving by car can enter Park Drive from St. Georges Avenue at the border of Roselle and Linden, or use additional access points in Roselle. For a map visit ucnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Warinanco.pdf.

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 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.

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 – Have a safe and enjoyable 4^th of July weekend! Please be advised that the free Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University will be closed on Monday, July 5.

The Test Center will be open for regularly scheduled hours on Thursday, July 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Please note that the Test Center operates on a walk-up basis with free parking available on site for those arriving by car. Visitors will use a self-administered swab test supervised by a health professional.

To book an appointment at the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/covid19 online or call 908-214-7107.  Walk-ins without an appointment will be served as time allows, and must arrive ½-hour before the site closes.

To get a free, single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this weekend, come to Union County’s pop-up vaccine clinic at the Independence Day festivities on Saturday evening, July 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Shady Rest Country Club, at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. Any Union County resident can use the pop-up clinic free of charge.

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.

##

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 operation is expected to save Union County more than $103 million over five years while ensuring continued care of incarcerated persons.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the completion of an agreement with Essex County, under which incarcerated persons from Union County will be housed at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark. The transition of operations was completed at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021. Union County expects to save more than $103 million over five years as a result of the transition.

The Union County Correctional Facility in Elizabeth will continue to operate as an intake hub and temporary detention facility. Shuttle buses are available to transport those wishing to visit persons incarcerated at the Essex County facility.

“The agreement with Essex County will result in a significant savings to Union County, and it reflects trends in criminal justice that support fairness and social stability,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank all those involved for ensuring that the transition progressed smoothly and on schedule.”

“Because the number of persons incarcerated at the Union County jail has decreased dramatically in recent years, the new operation will result in a substantially more efficient use of public funds,” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “We have also worked diligently to minimize disruption to staff as they transition to new employment.”

Due to social trends and public policies that have reduced the number of incarcerated persons in Union County and New Jersey, the number of individuals housed at the Union County jail fell nearly 67 percent over the past ten years, from a population of more than 1,000 down to 345 at the beginning of 2021. In combination with other factors, the result has been a sharp increase in the cost-per-inmate of housing prisoners at the facility.

Prior to the transition, a total of 243 persons were employed at the jail including Corrections Officers and civilian personnel. Approximately 53 Corrections Officers and civilians remain employed at the Union County Jail for its hub operations, which will operate 365 days a year.

The five-year memorandum of agreement the County of Union has approved with Essex County to provide jail services has an option for renewal. In addition, the Union County Department of Corrections will become a division of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The agreement with Essex County is part of the Commissioner Board’s ongoing efforts to respond to significant changes in the criminal justice system, resulting in a more effective use of public funds.

In 2019, Union County also closed its Juvenile Detention Center, saving $24.6 million a year, sending its detainees to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark.

##

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 children age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, to attend the new “Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park” series, every Wednesday evening in the month of July from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Special Needs Night at Wheeler Park series 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 provides an opportunity for children and their care givers to connect and have fun,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It provides a safe space for families with special needs, and it supports our goal of providing inclusive, welcoming environments for all County residents.”

The series kicks off on Wednesday, July 7 at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. To register, visit secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

“The Union County Commissioners are excited to bring this wonderful event back and create a series for families with special needs,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and we are proud to support the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in presenting recreational programs that are accessible to all residents.”

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 next three events in the Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park series are:

July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

July 21 at 6:30 p.m.

July 28 at 6:30 p.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.

##

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 best way to protect against the COVID-19 virus is to get vaccinated, and Union County’s series of free pop-up vaccination clinics makes it easy and convenient. The next two clinics will be held just before Independence Day, at local fireworks celebrations in Roselle Park on July 1, and in Scotch Plains on July 3.

Any Union County resident can use either of these pop-up clinics.

“The COVID-19 virus is still active, and it can still cause serious illness or death among people who are not vaccinated,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage everyone to take this simple step to protect themselves, and help stamp out this pandemic once and for all.”

Union County health professionals will staff the two pop-up clinic tents and administer doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Only one dose is required; no return visit is needed.

• The Roselle Park clinic will be available on Thursday, July 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 214 West Colfax Avenue.
• The Scotch Plains clinic will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the historic Shady Rest Golf Club, 182 Jerusalem Road.

Any Union County resident age 18 and older can make an appointment to use either of the pop-up clinics by booking online at ucnj.org/vax, or by calling the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829.

Union County also operates three permanent vaccination clinics in at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, at Kean University in Union Township, and at Plainfield High School in Plainfield. Appointments can be booked at all three clinics online at ucnj.org/vax, or by calling 908-613-7829.

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.

##

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.