Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the annual Union County LGBTQ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony event on Tuesday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free and all residents are invited to attend.

“Raising the rainbow flag at the County Courthouse is a significant symbol of inclusion and support for the equal rights of LGBTQ people in Union County,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey and continue to work to normalize acceptance.”

“The unity found through Pride events is essential to increasing awareness and advancing civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Commissioner Board’s LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee.

The flag-raising ceremony program will include a Pride Month Proclamation and guest speakers including Union County youth.

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

The Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves 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 about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

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 County Commissioners is proud to celebrate PRIDE month with a drive-in concert featuring the 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube. Union County’s own Amy Colon will open the event with a comedic performance.

The drive-in PRIDE event is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 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. Reservations will be available to the public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

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

“Music has the power to connect, include and inspire. We are very proud to welcome Rubix Kube to celebrate Pride Month with the Union County community, and reaffirm our support for equal rights and equal dignity every day of the year,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella

“Rubix Kube is a band full of life and 80s music – a decade of songs that were either inspired by our community or spoke to us at a time when we really needed it,” said Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Come for the entertainment, leave with acceptance.”

Based out of NYC, Rubix Kube is the ultimate 80s tribute band known for captivating audiences. The tribute concert will feature some of the most celebrated anthems of the LGBTQ community.

Hailing from Elizabeth, NJ, comedian and LGBTQ activist Amy Colon will open the drive-in PRIDE event with social commentary and an invitation to normalize acceptance.

Each registered car will receive a “PRIDE in a Box” full of items for attendees to show their support for equality and acceptance.

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 – Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella joined Commissioner Christopher Hudak and other local officials and members of the public to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located in Union County’s Rahway River Park in Rahway. The ribbon cutting took place on Friday, May 21 and the pool will be open to the public on Memorial Day Weekend.

“We are all looking forward to our favorite summertime activities, and completing the renovation of the Walter E. Ulrich Pool complex is a great way to kick off the season,” said Chairman Alexander. “The new Ulrich Pool will provide Union County residents and visitors with many new opportunities to make new memories of summer in our community.”

“Union County’s park system is a legacy from past generations who cared about public access to health outdoor activities as well as nature conservation, and we are all very proud to carry on this mission into the future,” said Commissioner Hudak, who is a member of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Board.

At just over $3 million, the work included tiling and plastering of the entire pool, the installation of new starting blocks and competition lane lines, a new concrete deck, and state-of-the-art pump and filtration systems.

In addition, the beach wading area was improved with a zero entry feature, three new spray features, and in-pool seating for parents. The pool complex also received a new playground with rubber flooring.

“The Ulrich Pool renovations mark another important milestone in our continued efforts to improve and expand opportunities for healthy outdoor activities in our growing community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is a member of the Board’s Parks and Programming Committee. “The new complex will provide many years of enjoyment for all.”

Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Saturday-Sunday hours also apply to holidays that fall on a weekday, including Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

On all other weekdays, Monday through Friday, the pool is open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Please note that no further admissions are allowed 75 minutes prior to closing, and the pool will operate in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Complete details for the 2021 season, including admission fees, rules and regulations, and special free hours for seniors and people with disabilities, will be available soon at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/pools.

More information on all programs and activities in Union County parks, including boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hiking, nature activities and more is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation, or call 908-527-4900.

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

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

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Union County, NJ – In a continued effort to provide every resident with access to a vaccine and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union County Board of Commissioners provided free Johnson & Johnson vaccines on site to residents who participated in the county’s emergency food distribution on May 18, in Warinanco Park.

PSE&G also provided a team at the event to help eligible participants sign up for utility assistance programs.

Additionally, personnel from WellCare were on site to provide participants with Medicare insurance information and preventative health care information, and the Community FoodBank of NJ helped resister participants for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We continue to encourage all Union County residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and I would like to thank the residents who got their shot during the food distribution event for supporting that effort. Every vaccination is another step forward for the whole Union County community,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Our emergency food distribution events have been a lifeline for thousands of Union County residents during the pandemic, and with PSE&G, WellCare, and the FoodBank on site we are able to reach more citizens with other forms of assistance, as well. Our community partners are more important than ever before during this time of crisis,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response.

Residents who need emergency food assistance can come to the next Union County emergency food distribution event, on Saturday, May 22, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The event is drive-up only, and a free vaccination clinic will be on site for those who would like to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine.

Residents who need help with utility bills and who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program have until June 30 to sign up for this year’s program. LIHEAP can also provide assistance to eligible renters who pay for utilities through their rent.

To find out more about LIHEAP and other utility assistance programs offered through PSE&G, visit PSE&G.com/help.

Information about WellCare is available at wellcare.com/new-jersey.

For more information about the Community FoodBank of NJ, visit cfbnj.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.

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COVID-19 vaccine clinic is open to all Union County residents ages 12 and up.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners encourages all Union County residents ages 12 and up to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. In order to improve access for people who work during the week, the County will hold a free countywide vaccine clinic by appointment on Saturday, May 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Plainfield High School, located at 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield.

Any Union County resident ages 12 and up can use the Plainfield High School Clinic. To make an appointment, visit ucnj.org/vax or call 908-613-7VAX.

“Pandemic restrictions are on the way out, but the risk of infection remains for those who are not vaccinated,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With programs like the Saturday clinic, we aim to ensure that everyone ages 12 and up in our community has quick, convenient access to the vaccine.”

In addition to the Pfizer vaccine clinic at Plainfield High School, Union County also hosts free vaccine clinics at the following locations:

• Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township (currently dispensing the Moderna vaccine for ages 18 and up).
• Dunn Center, 600 Park Avenue in Elizabeth (currently dispensing the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up).

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at all three Union County clinics online at ucnj.org/vax or by calling 908-613-7VAX.

Union County has also expanded its vaccine outreach to include sending mobile clinics to local senior residences, homeless shelters, and other populations that have limited or no access to a vaccination center. The J & J one-shot vaccine is dispensed at most of these events.

In a further effort to reach more residents, the Commissioner Board has also begun to offer the J&J vaccine to residents who participate in Union County’s pandemic emergency food distribution events.

The next food distribution event will take place on a drive-through basis on Saturday, May 22 at beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the Union County Vocational Technical School campus at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Any Union County resident in need of nutritious shelf items and fresh produce can come to the event, and receive the J & J vaccine if desired. Proof of County residency is required.

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 – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Union County Board of Commissioners invites all Union County residents to attend an informative webinar titled  “Covid-19 Blues – What does normal feel like?” on Wednesday, May 26, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a time of great stress, and this presentation will provide helpful guidance and resources as we prepare for a new normal,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

This event will be presented by the New Jersey Mental Health Players in partnership with the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and the Mental Health Association of New Jersey.

The focus will be on fear, anxiety, isolation, stress and the many other emotions that residents have experienced during these unprecedented times. There will also be an educational discussion on the “new normal” and healthy ways to assist with getting there.

This event is free; however, pre-registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. Please register at bit.ly/ucnjcovidblues.

More information on all Department of Human Services programs is available online at ucnj.org/human-services.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission organized a team to tackle debris in the Berkeley Heights section of Union County’s Passaic River Park.

Union County, NJ – A section of Union County’s Passaic River Park received a sprucing-up from an all-ages team of volunteers organized by the Berkley Heights Environmental Commission last weekend, as part of Union County Adopt-a-Park program. The volunteers removed trash, scrap metal, tires, and other debris from a trail that runs through a section of the park between Station Street and Summit Avenue in Berkeley Heights.

The team included local residents and officials including Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney, members of the Berkeley Heights Township Council, and Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The Berkeley Heights volunteers made a significant contribution to the County’s Adopt-a-Park program last weekend. They went above and beyond to clear a trail for everyone to enjoy, and to help build support for preserving natural habitats in our community,” said Chairman Mirabella.

Passaic River Park is a Union County greenway park that follows the Passaic River and runs through Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit. Union County’s Adopt-a-Park program has also worked with the Environmental Commissions in both Berkeley Heights and Summit to improve and maintain trails in the park. In April, the Summit Environmental Commission organized local volunteers to clean up trails in the Summit section of the park.

The Adopt-a-Park program is administered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. The program welcomes individuals as well as students, community organizations, businesses, and other groups to help beautify and improve Union County parklands.

Adopt-a-Park projects include litter and recyclables cleanup, planting of native plants, pruning existing vegetation, raking leaves, repairing and/or installing fencing, monitoring of bird nest boxes, maintenance and repair of hiking and/or bridle trails, and much more.

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Park 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, visit 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, 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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Pandemic restrictions have lifted; Vote-by-Mail users advised on how to request a ballot.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises Union County voters that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are being lifted. Many more polling places will be open for in-person voting for the 2021 Primary Election on Tuesday, June 8 compared to last year.

“Many voters prefer to cast their ballot by voting machine in person, and others prefer to vote by mail. With the lifting of pandemic restrictions, in-person voters can once again use the polling place specified on the sample ballot,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, the secure drop boxes that were installed last year are still available to voters who plan to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot.”

Last year, elections in New Jersey were held primarily on a Vote-by-Mail basis in order to help stop the spread of the virus. Most local polling places were closed except for a limited number in each municipality. Drop boxes were installed in each municipality to provide Vote-by-Mail users with an additional contact-free option for casting their ballot.

Voters who plan to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot are advised that the County Clerk has automatically mailed ballots to those on the permanent list of Vote-by-Mail users in Union County. The mailings began on April 23 and concluded on April 29. The ballots were enclosed in bright yellow envelopes in order to stand out from other mail.

Voters who were expecting to receive a ballot automatically can check the status of their ballot by calling the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

Those who are not on the automatic list can obtain a Vote-by-Mail ballot by submitting an application form.  Any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. The application process does not require voters to submit a reason.

Vote-by-Mail application forms in English and Spanish are downloadable from the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com. Forms can also be requested by email to ucvote@ucnj.org, or by calling the Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

There are three options for returning a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Voters should be aware that Election Day deadlines are in force for the 2021 Primary Election:

• Send it by U.S. Postal Service. All ballots must be postmarked on Election Day, June 8, at the latest.
• Deposit it in a secure drop box. There is at least one drop box in each of the 21 municipalities in Union County. For a list of locations visit com. All drop boxes are closed and locked when the polls close on Election Day, at 8:00 p.m.
• Bring it in person to the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth in the County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, or to the annex office in Westfield at the Colleen Frasier Building in the County Complex at 300 North Avenue East. Both offices will remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Union County residents who are eligible to vote but have not yet registered to vote until Tuesday, May 18, to register in time to participate in the Primary Election.

Voters who plan on voting in person on Election Day can check the location of their assigned polling place by looking at their sample ballot or by visiting the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information about voter registration and all other County Clerk 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.

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Residents will have opportunity to be vaccinated at upcoming events in Roselle and Scotch Plains

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners announces that COVID-19 vaccines will be offered at two upcoming emergency food distribution events for residents impacted by the pandemic.

Vaccines will be offered at the next two scheduled events:

• Tuesday, May 18^th at 10:00 a.m. – Warinanco Park in Roselle
• Saturday, May 22^nd at 8:00 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains

Union County residents ages 18 and older who arrive to pick up food will have the opportunity to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine on site.

“The food distribution events enable us to reach many Union County residents who would otherwise find it difficult to get to a vaccination site. We encourage everyone who has been economically impacted by the pandemic to come to these events, pick up nutritious food for you and your household, and get vaccinated,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response, added: “The Board of County Commissioners continues to make strides with our vaccination program and reaching our most underserved and hard to reach populations is paramount to the success of our vaccination strategy.  This represents another step in our continued efforts to pivot and adjust our approach so that every resident who wants a vaccine has access to a vaccine.”

Those wishing to receive the vaccine will fill out a brief survey. Administration of the vaccine will take place in a separate area of the distribution site.

The County will continue to offer the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at other sites available to all County residents. Those wishing to make an appointment to be vaccinated can do so by visiting ucnj.org/vax or by calling the Union County COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7VAX.

For 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.