Category: Public Info

COVID-19 safety rules apply; event is open to all Union County residents.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the next mobile paper shredding event of 2021 will be held in Scotch Plains on Saturday, June 26 for free, secure shredding of personal and confidential documents.

“Union County’s mobile document shredding service helps residents fight identity theft by providing a convenient way to shred confidential documents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella “It also promotes our County recycling efforts and ties in with other green initiatives in Union County.”

At Union County’s paper shredding events, documents are put into 96-gallon containers provided by the shredding company, lifted into the truck and shredded on site. The shredded documents are then taken to a licensed recycling facility.

Participants are reminded that Union County’s recycling events cannot accept pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper. Non-accepted paper should be discarded at home, with regular household waste.

The June 26 shredding event will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. rain or shine. The event will close prior to 1:00 p.m. if the trucks reach capacity.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

All Union County residents are eligible to use the free paper-shredding service. In an effort to accommodate everyone, there is a limit of four, 10-pound bags or boxes per vehicle. Preferably, documents should be brought in paper bags.

Documents should be removed from any bindings. Plastic or metal clips and other non-paper items should also be removed.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents should recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program.

For more information on recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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Drive in Movie event at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to a special drive-up screening of “How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World” celebrating PRIDE Month at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, June 25. The parking lot will open at 7:00 p.m. with a DJ and a free “PRIDE in a Box” collection of giveaways for each registration. The movie will begin at dusk. The rain date for this event is Saturday, June 26.

Admission is free but attendees must register to reserve a spot by visiting ucnj.org/reserve. Only one registration is required per vehicle.

“The Union County Drive-up movie series provides families with a great way to enjoy a night out with safety in mind,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is proud to include this family friendly event as part of our month long celebrations of PRIDE.”

“LGBTQ representation in children’s media should be unabashedly positive. Incorporating diversity into children’s media is essential not just for representation, but for instilling empathy and normalizing acceptance,” said County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “While more representation and exposure is needed, we celebrate progress. With Dreamworks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” series we celebrate the LGBTQ character Blacksmith Gobber.”

The following rules and guidelines apply to residents wishing to attend:

• The event will run in compliance with NJ Executive Order https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-142.pdf.
• The event is open to Union County residents ONLY.
• The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required.
• To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted.
• Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Alcohol is not permitted.
• Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.
• Port-o-johns will be available. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns)

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

The Commissioner Board established the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to provide a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and to serve as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. For more information on Union County Pride Month events and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit online at ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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

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

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Union County, NJ – Union County celebrated National Trails Day earlier this month with the help of 20 hard-working volunteers who repaired a severely eroded section of trail in the Watchung Reservation. The volunteers were joined by Adopt-a-Trail Stewards to spread fresh soil on the trail and created a rolling grade dip to reduce future erosion.

“We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers who help maintain and restore our trails. Thanks to their hard work, our trails stay in shape for all Union County residents to enjoy,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park, boasts over 26 miles of bridle trails and approximately 13 miles of marked hiking trails. With over 2,000-acres of land, volunteers play an integral role in maintaining and repairing the trails in the Watchung Reservation.

This summer, the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will host two additional Trail Work Days in the Watchung Reservation, on July 10 and August 7. Each event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers can sign up in advance online at jerseycares.org, or by contacting the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

Volunteers can help maintain Union County trails year-round by participating in the Adopt-a-Trail program. Adopt-a-Trail projects include removing litter and debris, pruning vegetation, re-blazing as needed, and monitoring trails to report fallen trees and erosion. The program welcomes individuals as well as students, community organizations, businesses, and other groups.

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Trail program, or to volunteer, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

For quick links to all Union County programs and activities related to recycling and the environment, as well as additional volunteer opportunities, visit ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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The statewide “bag ban” will take effect on May 4, 2022. Help keep Union County parks clean by bringing reusable bags on your visit to recreation and nature conservation areas.

Union County, NJ – As the summer cookout season approaches, the Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents and visitors to help prevent windblown bags and other litter in County parks. Instead of plastic bags, use sturdy totes, backpacks, or baskets to carry supplies for family celebrations and other outdoor gatherings.

Union County’s 36 public parks provide a refuge for birds, fish, turtles, and other wildlife that can be hurt or killed when entangled in plastic bags that become lost or blown away by the wind. They can also be harmed by mistakenly ingesting plastic and other litter.

“Everyone can make a difference by switching to reusable bags when visiting County parks,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Getting into the reusable habit this summer can also help prepare everyone for next year’s statewide bag ban.”

As of May 4, 2022, New Jersey state law will ban plastic shopping bags at grocery stores and retail outlets. Paper bags will be also banned at large grocery stores of more than 2,500 square feet.

In addition, the new law will cover “clamshell” type food containers and other products that are only used once and thrown away, including plates, cups, food trays and utensils. Plastic straws at restaurants will be available only on request.

More details about the New Jersey bag ban are available from the New Jersey Clean Community Council at bagupnj.com.

Visitors to Union County parks are also reminded that lost fishing line can be hazardous to wildlife. Convenient “Reel in and Recycle” disposal bins are available at popular fishing spots in Union County parks for the safe disposal of broken or unwanted line.

For more information about Union County parks, including details about picnic area reservations and fishing spots, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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

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.

(Please scroll down for a complete list of Tree Trails in Union County parks)

Distinctive trees in Union County’s Rahway River Park now have an opportunity to introduce themselves to visitors, thanks to the volunteer Master Tree Stewards of Union County.

Earlier this week, the Master Tree Stewards created a “tree trail” in the park by adding new green and white name tags to dozens of trees along a walking path. These tags are equipped with QR codes that teach visitors important details about each tree.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I would like to thank our Master Tree Stewards volunteers. Each tree trail provides an enriching and educational experience for visitors and encourages conservation efforts in Union County parks,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Trees received tags based on their size, age, species, historical significance, or other distinctive factors. The Master Tree Stewards have previously created tree trails in several Union County parks, including:

• Oak Ridge Park in Clark (trails starts near the east end of the parking lot)
• Briant Park in Summit
• Cedar Brook in Plainfield
• Echo Lake Park in Mountainside
• Echo Lake Extension (trail starts behind the Mountainside municipal building)
• Lenape Park (trail is located to the east along the Kenilworth dike)
• Meisel Park in Springfield
• Nomahegan Park in Cranford
• Phil Rizzuto Park in Elizabeth
• Rahway River Park in Rahway
• Sensory Friendly Trail in Mountainside
• Warinanco Park in Elizabeth

Some of the trees that have been given tags in Rahway River Park are also a part of the Rahway Memorial Grove. In 2018, the Union County Office of Veteran Services restored the World War II memorial by replacing missing trees, moving the stone memorial for better visibility, and adding a new paved area to make the memorial more accessible.

The Master Tree Stewards is a volunteer group that is trained in tree conservation. Volunteers primarily teach Union County youth about the importance of trees in our community and participate in other educational programs related to trees.

For more information about the joining the Master Tree Stewards program, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Master Tree Stewards program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. Supported in part by the Board of Commissioners with offices in Westfield, the Union County Extension is part of a nationwide public outreach initiative coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about all Extension programs in Union County, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

More information about all Union County parks, including paths, trails and greenways that illuminate features of local history and geology, is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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

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 County Commissioners would like to invite all County residents and visitors to our next drive-in concert featuring Bobby Miller, as the King of Pop. Neo-soul group, Flavuh band will be opening the event.

The drive-in concert is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available to the public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

“We are very proud to welcome Bobby Miller as he showcases his King of Pop Live experience,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As one of the most beloved entertainers, we are thrilled to witness this Michael Jackson tribute and watch the young and the wise come together to enjoy it”

Inspired by the King of Pop himself, Bobby Miller has been impersonating him worldwide for decades. From the hair down to the glove, Bobby Miller pays homage to Michael Jackson with one goal: “share in the magic, the music and the energy that Michael gave us all”.

Bobby Miller and his team of musicians and dancers boast over 100 years of combined experience and have toured the US and abroad, showcasing their electric and crowd pleasing performances of Michael Jackson’s best hits.

The neo-soul and R&B cover band based out of the NY Metro area, Flavuh Band, will open this event with their captivating, unique and soulful live performance.

The free drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

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

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the reopening of The Model Railroad Club, Inc. on Saturday, June 12. The exhibit will be open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center, located at 295 Jefferson Avenue in Union Township.

“The Board of County Commissioners is excited to bring this family tradition back,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We invite residents of all ages who are looking for a fun and educational experience to visit the Model Railroad Club.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of an enormous HO scale train layout, along with other displays.

The Model Railroad Club open houses will run in compliance with current CDC guidelines as well as existing executive orders from Governor Murphy for COVID-19. For this reason, visitors are asked to wear a mask when and practice social distancing when visiting the exhibit.

The Railroad Center is run by The Model Railroad Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching the history of railroads and industries in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania while sharing the art, craft and science of model railroading.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. was founded in 1949 by author and Master Model Railroader Paul Mallery. Today it is one of the largest model railroad clubs in North America and features HO scale and N scale layouts, as well as other model railroad and industrial exhibits.

For complete details about public events, admission prices, advance ticket sales, directions, and other information about the Railroad Center visit The Model Railroad Club online at themodelrailroadclub.org.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is a registered charity in the State of New Jersey.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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Union County, NJ – This summer, the Union County 4-H program is offering students the opportunity to grow their very own “Pizza Garden” and improve their gardening abilities, too.

“By combining hands-on learning with remote instruction, this gardening project provides Union County students with an enriching experience all summer long, said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very proud to support the 4-H program here in our community.”

The Union County 4-H program is part of a national initiative aimed at providing youth with opportunities to learn, lead, and share their knowledge. Union County 4-H is run through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, with support from the Commissioner Board.

Each participant in the Pizza Garden project will receive a starter kit consisting of a container stocked with oregano and basil seedlings to plant at home, along with a marigold seedling for decoration.

The program also includes a series of free, optional biweekly virtual meetings. Participants will learn how to care for their seedlings, hone their hone their gardening skills, improve their presentation skills, and complete community service.

The series of meetings will begin on June 18 and conclude in August with a harvest contest among the participants.

• Students in grades k-3 will meet for one hour on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Students in grades 4 and up will meet for one hour on the first Monday and third Friday of each month, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A limited number of pizza garden starter kits are available free of charge. To request a pizza garden, contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County students who are interested in joining 4-H can choose from a wide variety of clubs, from archery, Lego robotics, and anime to cooking, coding, and gardening. Students can also explore a topic of their own choosing.

During the school year, 4-H clubs meet approximately once each month from October to June. In-person clubs were suspended for the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19 safety rules, and new online activities are available. To find out more, visit the 4-H at Home program, nj4h.rutgers.edu/4h-from-home.

The Union County 4-H offices are located at the Cooperative Extension of Union County, in the Colleen Frasier Building 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 more information about all Extension programs in Union County, including the popular Master Gardeners and Master Tree Stewards volunteer programs, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

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.

First 100% recyclable baseball turf in the state of New Jersey now open at Snyder Avenue Park

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners held a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday for the new turf baseball field at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights.

The ceremony was attended by County and local officials as well as residents and the baseball teams from Governor Livingston High School and Bayonne High School. Immediately following the ceremony, Governor Livingston played Bayonne in a scheduled regular season match.

“The Board of Commissioners is proud of all the work done here at the Snyder Avenue Park Baseball field. This the first baseball field of its kind in the State of New Jersey and in the tri-state area,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to provide high quality, state of the art facilities such as this one to our athletes across Union County.”

The new turf baseball field is comprised of sustainable turf that can be 100% recycled. Components of the organic turf system, which include walnut shells and coconut, are of the same type currently being used in 4 major league baseball stadiums. The turf system has specific turf for each performance area of the field.

Performance levels for the new turf field have been tested and provide levels very close to natural grass, similar to the best synthetic turf fields that are currently available. The shock pad and infill can be reused in the next field.

The design, materials and installation of the turf field cost approximately $2.8 million. The design was engineered by Neglia Engineering Associates of Mountainside. The LandTek Group coordinated the construction and Shaw Sports Turf supplied the turf material. Installation was done by Athletic Fields of America.

For information about the baseball field at Snyder Avenue Park and other offerings within the Union County Parks system, residents can visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/ or call 908-527-4900.

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 is pleased to announce that a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Rumours, will headline the next drive-in concert in the County’s free music series.

The drive-in concert event is scheduled for Saturday, June 12 at 6:00 pm at the Union County Vo-Tech campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Registration opens up at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 4, online at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

“Rumours is known for their exciting stage show, finely crafted sound and attention to detail. We are very happy to welcome them to Union County,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Rumours is known worldwide for their live reenactments of the legendary Fleetwood Mac band. Coined as the “best Fleetwood Mac cover band,” Rumours has sold out some of the top venues in the United States.

The free drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

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

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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.