Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County students can explore science topics at home with the help of free kits assembled by Union County 4-H, a youth development program that engages K-12 students in hands-on learning and civic service while practicing teamwork,  organization, public speaking and other important life skills.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County under the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and is supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I want to thank the staff of the Extension for assembling the kits and continuing to provide enriching new experiences to Union County students during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very proud to support 4-H and all of the Extension programs.”

Each kit provides students with simple materials for building lava lamps and balloon rockets, baking bread and making meals, and more.

The Extension staff has also created how-to videos and handouts to go with the kits. To view a sample video, visit the Elizabeth Public Library on Facebook.

To request a kit, contact the Elizabeth Library Children’s Department at CFlores@elizpl.org, or contact the Rahway Library Children’s Department at childrens@rahwaylibrary.org.

The Extension has developed several new virtual programs to continue its public education mission during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the 4-H from Home interactive webinar series. The Extension is also hosting a food security current webinar series for teens presented by the World Food Prize New Jersey Youth Institute. Both series run through December.

Union County 4-H belongs to the national 4-H youth program, the largest youth development program in the United States. Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community. A recent Tufts University study found that as a group, girls who join 4-H clubs are especially likely to demonstrate positive behaviors.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. For more information on how to join Union County 4-H, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

For information about all Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County programs for youth and adults ucnj.or\g/rce.

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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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Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency Thanksgiving walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 21^st, beginning at 1 p.m. at Union County Division of Social Services, located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

The event is open to all Union County residents. The first 500 people will receive a special holiday food box. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

“These ongoing food distributions have provided a lifeline to those who are struggling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, we are working hard to assist to as many residents as possible in Union County.”

“This walk-up distribution will help residents affected by the pandemic who may not have access to a vehicle. We strive to provide all residents with the necessary resources and especially now that the weather is getting colder and the holidays are approaching,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

“Food insecurity in New Jersey is projected to increase by 56% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so more residents than ever before may not have access to holiday meals this Thanksgiving,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “In response, CFBNJ expects to provide 10,000 more turkeys and roasters statewide than last year, which we will distribute with the help of our committed partners. I thank the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their ongoing partnership and their tireless efforts to ensure nutritious meals for those in need this holiday season and throughout the pandemic.”

This event is walk-up only and residents wishing to pick up food should bring one proof of New Jersey residency.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Masks are required.

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 the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health. 

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Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 21^st, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the eastern parking lot at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Participants should follow signs posted on Morris Avenue to enter the campus.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored by Union County and Univision and is an ongoing coordinated partnership between the County and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

“Union County recognizes the ongoing need for these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our residents continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and food insecurity remains a concern. We are proud to provide this valuable service to those in need.”

“We thank our partner, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey as well as Univision and the volunteers involved in coordinating this effort,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We will continue our work to ensure that residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“Food insecurity in New Jersey is projected to increase by 56% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so more residents than ever before may not have access to holiday meals this Thanksgiving,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “In response, CFBNJ expects to provide 10,000 more turkeys and roasters statewide than last year, which we will distribute with the help of our committed partners. I thank the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their ongoing partnership and their tireless efforts to ensure nutritious meals for those in need this holiday season and throughout the pandemic.”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

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 the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board invites all Union County seniors and their caregivers, friends, and neighbors to join “Online with Aging,” a live, online presentation about programs and services for seniors. Online with Aging will be held in English and Spanish on Zoom on Friday, December 11, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A link to join is posted on the Union County Division on Aging web page at ucnj/org/aging.

Participants are reminded to download Zoom before joining.

“The Freeholder Board has been reaching out to engage and assist seniors throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and the interactive Zoom format provides another pathway for seniors and their caregivers to connect with professionals for accurate, reliable information and guidance,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage everyone with an interest in senior issues to join the Online with Aging conversation.”

Online with Aging participants who have questions about senior services will be able to speak directly with specialists in the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection during the Zoom event.

Topics of discussion will include many senior services available in Union County, including the Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving program, Respite Care program, and Medicaid Managed Long Term Services & Supports as well as adult day services, home delivered meals, and information about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Union County.

Online with Aging will also cover Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled PAAD/Lifeline, Senior Gold, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program, among others.

The Division on Aging/ADRC is part of the Union County Department of Human Services, and is the federally recognized Area Agency on Aging for Union County. The nationwide Area Agency on Aging “on-the-ground” model was established uner the 1973 Older Americans Act, with the goal of helping seniores live independently, and with dignity, in their communities.

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

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Division’s Aging Services Kiosk and other in-person outreach events have been canceled until further notice.

For more information vist online at ucnj.org/aging or call contact the Division on Aging at 908-527-4870. Para español, llama 908-527-4863.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections reminds Union County voters who received a ballot cure letter that the deadline to cure their ballot is tomorrow, November 18, 2020 at noon.

The letters were sent to voters who took their Vote-by-Mail ballot to a polling place on Election Day but did not sign the log book, as required by state law.

Letters were also sent to voters whose signature on their Vote-by-Mail certificate envelope did not match their signature on file.

“If you received a cure letter, please take this opportunity to include your vote in the final results of the 2020 General Election,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado

Cure letters can be returned in person to the Board of Elections offices at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, faxed to 908-527-4127, or emailed to ballotcure@ucnj.org

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

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Mobile Test Unit will conduct free saliva tests for the public and for the UC-TEST program in six municipalities

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board has announced upcoming events for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of November. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at events across the county from November 17 through November 24.

The schedule includes events open to all Union County residents, and events that are part of the UC-TEST Program for teachers, staff and school administration officials who work in Union County.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to continue to offer free COVID tests county-wide, as we continue to work to keep our communities safe,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to get tested if they have any concerns about exposure to COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms.”

The walk up events are open to all Union County residents and no appointment is necessary. Those wishing to be tested should bring a smart phone or tablet and refrain from food, drink or chewing gum 30 minutes before testing. 

The Mobile Test Unit will hold free COVID-19 testing for the general public on:

Tuesday, 11/17 – Cranford

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Orange Avenue Pool, 1025 Orange Avenue, Cranford

Thursday, 11/19 – Linden

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Wheeler Park, Water Park Parking Lot, 234 Stimpson Avenue, Linden

Saturday, 11/21 – Roselle

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Heard AME Church, 310 East 8^th Avenue, Roselle

Tuesday, 11/24 – Union  

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Jefferson School, 155 Hilton Avenue, Union

The UC-TEST program will administer free COVID-19 tests to teachers, staff and administration working within Union County only on the following dates:

Tuesday, 11/17 – Scotch Plains

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.  Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education, 512 Cedar Street, Scotch Plains

Tuesday, 11/24 – Rahway  

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.  7^th/8^th Grade Academy, 1139 Kline Avenue, Rahway

These events are sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and done in cooperation with the City of Elizabeth and Union County College.

Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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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We continued our mask distribution to help protect our residents against covid-19. Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Sergio Granados joined County employees in distributing surgical masks to Berkeley Heights, Clark, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Linden, Rahway, Scotch Plains, New Providence and Winfield.
If you or someone you know needs a mask, contact your local city/town hall then coordinate how you can pick masks up.

Residents will be eligible to receive up to 6 months of rental assistance

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce a rent relief program for eligible residents adversely impacted by COVID-19. Residents can apply through one of three partner non-profit agencies for needed assistance beginning November 16. The Board approved funding for the program through the federal CARES Act on November 12.

A total of $1,350,000 will be available through federal funds for residents who have fallen behind in payments as a result of job loss or income reduction. The program will provide a minimum of three months of assistance. An additional three months of assistance will be provided to eligible County renters in need of further assistance.

“Many residents have been furloughed or laid off because of the COVID-19 outbreak, and are facing tough choices between food, housing, and other necessities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder board is committed to doing all that we can to assist those in need, and the new rental assistance program is an important part of those efforts.”

Starting Monday November 16, 2020, interested residents can submit their application on one of the following non-profit websites:

• Family Promise Union County (org)
• Urban League of Union County (org)
• United Way of Greater Union County (org).

Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:

• Renters living in Union County;
• Household Income is at or below 80% of Median Family Income (MFI);
• Household income loss must be due to Covid-19;
• Applicants must be able to provide documentation of income received as a result of any governmental response program due to Covid-19 (such as unemployment compensation) as well as a current lease agreement.

Residents requiring information or assistance with the application process can call any of the three non-profit partners involved and schedule an appointment. Staff will inform applicants of the required documentation to bring to the appointment. Once staff has a complete application with all required documentation, the application will be reviewed for eligibility. Applicants will be provided with documented proof of their filed rental assistance application for their landlord. Once the application is approved, funds will be disbursed by mailed check directly to the landlord.

If you have any other questions please reach out to Brandon Givens, Director of Community Services at 908-527-4462 or via email bgivens@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that additional sessions of the Back to Nature series at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside have been added, due to popular demand.

The programs are open to families with children ages four and older and feature a different nature or science theme each week. The series is offered on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and continues through December 19.

Pre-registration is required online at ucnj.org/trailside. Please be advised that programs fill up quickly and are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Trailside’s Back to Nature series is a wonderful way for families to spend time together outdoors and explore our natural heritage in the Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Back to Nature encourages nature discovery through hikes and outdoor activities. Participants can play a game of Nature Bingo, find out how different animals prepare for winter, discover where owls live and what they eat, and search for animal tracks on a winter walk.

The fee per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents. Programs are held rain or shine. Credits will be issued in the event of severe weather.

Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.

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

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the general public until further notice. For more information and updates on permitted activities in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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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Masks are required and social distance rules will be observed at all times

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board invites senior residents to participate in a series of free guided walks at the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Additional sessions have been added due to popular demand. The series takes place on Wednesdays and Thursdays through December 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The series is held outdoors and is open to participants age 55 and older. Masks and social distance must be observed at all times. The walks will be held in small groups in order to facilitate social distancing.

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

“These guided walks offer an opportunity for senior residents to enjoy an outdoor activity while exploring nature and wildlife themes in the setting of the scenic Watchung Reservation,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic, including a Lake Surprise Headwaters Hike, Lenape Native American History, Backyard Wildlife Habitats and an Early Winter Walk.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

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

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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.