Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all military veterans and active duty personnel, their families, and veterans’ service providers to attend a free Networking Mixer on Tuesday, September 29^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Galloping Hill Golf Course, located at 3 Golf Drive in Kenilworth.

The event will be held on the first floor patio of the Golf Course to allow for social distancing. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Masks are required and space is limited to the first 50 registrants.                              

“We are grateful for the service of military personnel and their families who live in Union County, and we continue to develop more programs, events and resources to help increase opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The networking mixer is coordinated through the Union County Office of Veteran Services UC-HERO program; complimentary food is included.

The networking mixer is free to attend but preregistration is required by September 26^th.

The Office of Veteran Services is actively seeking nominations to honor three Union County women veterans at this event for their outstanding military service, community work and volunteer activities with the “SHERO” award.   

To receive a nomination form or to register for this event, email Janna Williams at jwilliams@ucnj.org or Kenneth Glick at Kenneth.Glick@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4918 or 908-527-4719. Nominations will be accepted no later than Sept. 25, 2020.

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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The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit visits local communities to provide free walk-up tests; no car required.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Mobile Test Unit is continuing to visit local communities to provide free COVID-19 tests for residents this fall. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“We encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service. The test provides vital information that protects our community and saves lives,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Testing has been a cornerstone of our ability to prevent the virus from spreading,” added Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any resident can use any of the walk-up sites, regardless of their place of residence. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for September and October (note: the Mobile Test Unit will use the new saliva test at these locations):

Rahway, September 24, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. American Legion, 581 Maple Avenue.

Scotch Plains, September 29, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Southside Firehouse, 1920 Raritan Road.

Scotch Plains, October 6, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Southside Firehouse, 1920 Raritan Road.

Roselle, October 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location to be determined.

For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/covid19/testing/walk-up-locations, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit is available on request to visit local communities to provide tests for the general public. The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

The Union County Drive-Through Test Center also continues to provide free tests for all Union County residents, and for first responders and front line medical workers regardless of their residence.

As of Monday, September 28, the Drive-Through Test Center will be open on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Together, the Drive-Through Test Center and the Mobile Test Unit have conducted well over 42,000 COVID-19 tests since March.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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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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 drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, September 26^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

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

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.

“The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The distributions have been a lifeline to many of our residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We continue to work to ensure that our residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” 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.”

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.

“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”

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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that Vote-by-Mail ballots are being mailed to registered voters on a town-by-town basis. The mailings began on September 15 and will be completed on or before October 5.

“My office is sending the ballots out in waves over a three-week period, to help ensure that the U.S. Postal Service can handle the increased volume in an orderly manner and deliver it on time,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Although the General Election is weeks away, I strongly encourage voters to fill out and return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as they receive it, to account for any unforeseen delays.”

Voters can view the updated schedule of mailings on the County Clerk’s elections website, at UnionCountyVotes.com. The schedule is also available on the County Clerk’s free mobile app, UC Votes.

Vote-by-Mail ballots were sent to registered voters in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Fanwood, Garwood, and Hillside on September 15.

Ballots were also sent to voters in Elizabeth on September 17, and are being sent to Mountainside and New Providence on September 18 and 19.

Mailing dates will be announced in the coming days for voters in Kenilworth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union, Westfield and Winfield.

Voters can choose several ways to return their Vote-by-Mail ballot as early as possible before Election Day: by Postal Service (postage is pre-paid), secure drop-off box, or hand delivery to the County Clerk’s offices or Board of Elections office.

The drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis until 8:00 p.m. on November 3, when the polls close.

The County Clerk and Board of Elections offices will be open for voters to hand deliver their vote by mail ballots until 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Voters who hand deliver their ballots to these offices must sign a registry and present a valid New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.

In addition, voters can hand deliver their Vote-by-Mail Ballot to their designated polling place when the polls open on November 3. Voters who come to their polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to use. ADA-accessible voting machines are available only for voters with disabilities who certify they cannot use a paper ballot.

For more details, including the location of offices, drop-off boxes, and polling places, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

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 more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on 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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Both paper applications and online registrations are being accepted

 Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections reminds residents that October 13 is the deadline for voter registration for the 2020 General Election. Election Day will be on Tuesday, November 3.

“There are multiple options for residents to register to vote in time for the upcoming election,” said Union County Board of Elections Administrator, Nicole DiRado. “Those eligible to vote can apply online or in person.”

The Union County Board of Elections office is open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm to accept Voter Registration Forms. On the October 13 voter registration deadline, the Board of Elections Office will remain open until 9pm to receive forms.  Municipal Clerk offices that are currently open can also provide and accept voter registration forms.

To download a voter registration form, visit the Union County Board of Elections website at https://ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information/. Be sure to print and sign the form before returning.

To register online, eligible residents should visit: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and follow Online Voter Registration instructions. Your County Commissioner of Registration will notify you if your application is accepted. If it is not accepted, you will be notified on how to complete and/or correct the application.

You can register to vote if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county for 30 days before the election
• You are NOT currently serving a sentence because of a felony conviction
• As of March 17, 2020, persons currently on parole or probation are entitled to vote.

To receive a voter registration form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123.

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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Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Rebecca Williams, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Public Safety Director Andrew Moran joined Assemblywoman Linda Carter, local officials and County of Union volunteers at an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Freeholder Andrea Staten joined Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Office of Community Engagement and Diversity Coordinator Nathalie Hernandez, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Kenilworth Councilman Louis DeMondo and local officials at Union County’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Warinanco Park in Roselle. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honorees include Make the Road NJ, Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Annarelly “Annie” McNair, Union County Public Health Officer. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski joined Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Office of Veteran Services Coordinator Janna Williams, Brigadier General Edward Chrystal, Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney and members of local veterans groups at the Union County Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Remembrance Day ceremony on the steps of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

The annual event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor and remember prisoners of war and those missing in action. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed each year on the third Friday of September.

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

The Union County Mobile Test Unit will continue visiting local communities to provide free walk-up tests.

Union County, NJ – Effective Monday, September 21, the free Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. The Drive-Through Test Center is available by appointment to all Union County residents, and to first responders and front line medical workers regardless of their residence.

Union County residents can also obtain free COVID-19 tests on a walk-up basis in local communities, through the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit.

It is not necessary to experience a fever, coughing, or other COVID-19 symptoms in order to use the Drive-Through Test Center or the Mobile Test Unit. Anyone who is concerned about their exposure can receive a free test, without needing a doctor’s referral.

“We continue to urge Union County residents, as well as front line emergency and medical workers, to make an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University. Our community walk-up sites also provide residents with the opportunity to get a free test at a location near them, with no car needed,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you have any concerns about your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, a test will help you to make informed decisions that help keep the Union County family safe.”

To book an appointment at the Drive-Through Test Center online, visit ucnj.org. Please note that a car is required to use this service. If additional assistance is needed, call 908-214-7107.

To see the Mobile Test Unit walk-up schedule, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up. An appointment is required unless otherwise noted.

Union County residents can use any Mobile Test Unit walk-up site, regardless of the municipality in which they live.

Upcoming dates and locations for the mobile test unit are:

• Rahway: American Legion, 581 Maple Avenue, Thursday, September 24^.
• Roselle: Anthony Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Thursday, September 17.
• Roselle: Roselle Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut Street, Thursday, September 17.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and other community groups can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881 to request a visit from the Mobile Test Unit in their community.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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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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.