Category: Public Info

Remote procedure held in consideration of COVID-19 precautions.

Union County, NJ – Due to ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the  ballot position drawing for the June 8 2021 Primary Election will be live-streamed on Facebook.  The drawing will be held on Friday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. as designated by law. A link will be posted prior to the drawing.

“My office will continue to make use of the technology at hand to ensure that the mandated steps occur according to schedule, while taking every available precaution to protect staff and the public during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Although in-person voting will be available on June 8, Ms. Rajoppi advises voters who are concerned about the COVID-19 virus to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, especially those who are considered at higher risk due to their age or health status.

For more information on voting in Union County elections, including applying for a vote by mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.

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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Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at drive-up event in Scotch Plains, and walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners will hold three emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in April to aid those affected by COVID-19.

• Tuesday, April 13, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Elizabeth – Walk-up only
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains – Drive-up only
• Tuesday, April 27, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield – Walk-up only

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

The food distributions are being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to our residents in the coming months.”

“During this time, residents continue to mitigate effects of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this ongoing effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Scotch Plains.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Elizabeth and Plainfield must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

All drive-up recipients at Union County Vocational Technical School 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.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

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

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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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.

Splintered Sunlight to perform at UC Vo-Tech in Scotch Plains; COVID-19 safety rules apply

UNION COUNTY –The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Splintered Sunlight, a Grateful Dead tribute band, will headline a free, live drive-in concert Saturday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. The concert will take place at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Opening for Splintered Sunlight will be The Sweater Pills.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9, on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited to 240 cars and reservations book quickly.

“For the past 25 years Splintered Sunlight has been sharing their unique take on the music of the Grateful Dead,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a real pleasure to continue offering outdoor entertainment to the community while taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19, and we are looking forward to enjoying the music of Splintered Sunlight and The Sweater Pills”

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. Alcohol is prohibited. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

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 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 – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to join an interactive online discussion of grief and loss as experienced by women, titled Grief and Loss. The program will be held on Zoom on Thursday, April 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grief and Loss is presented by the Board of Commissioners through the Union County Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services, and the Office on Women in the Department of Economic Development.

“This program provides women in Union County with a forum to share their insights, and learn about resources for coping with grief and loss during these unprecedented times,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Grief and Loss will be hosted by Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and feature Monica Indart, Psy.D, Consultant, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Associate Clinical/Teaching Professor, Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology.

The focus will be on defining grief and loss, and providing information about the psychological and emotional impact that loss has on women during this time.

Additionally, the event will provide participants with an opportunity to engage with each other, the presenter and local health and human service providers.

Links to resources and services to help will be provided. Attendees should be prepared to ask questions.

To pre-register and receive the Zoom link, visit https://bit.ly/2PyQasE.

For more information on Grief and Loss contact, Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at jerdos@ucnj.org.

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.

Mobile Vaccine Operation At Warinanco Park in Roselle Will Run From 1-8 p.m.

The Union County Board of Commissioners today announced the County will hold a mobile clinic to vaccinate educators and school personnel on Tuesday, April 6^th from 1-8 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

Any educator or school personnel wishing to receive a vaccination must pre-register now   at www.ucnjvaccine.org Teachers, all staff and school administration officials who work in Union County are eligible. All must bring employment identification. Please note that walkups will not be accepted. The County will be offering the Johnson and Johnson (Jansen) one-shot vaccination at this mobile clinic.

“With this announcement, we mark the beginning of a significant step toward our overall goal of herd immunity,” said Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. “Educators and school personnel deserve the protection they need to conduct their essential work, and the vaccination will protect them and all those they come in to contact with during the performance of their duties.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the County’s Public Safety Committee added:  “The health and safety of our educators as well as support staff should be one of our top priorities. When Governor Murphy expanded eligibility in allowing teachers to get vaccinated, I knew we had to move quick to get this done. Our educators throughout Union County are among the best the State of New Jersey has to offer, so bringing them back in person to continue to help shape the mind of our students is vital.”  

To date, more than 229,000 vaccinations in all have been administered to Union County residents. More than 149,000 residents have one vaccination does, and 85,707 are fully vaccinated.

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.

Participants must observe rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, April 10, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

“The Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants remain in their vehicles while personnel at the site unload their waste items.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Participants must be Union County residents and must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• Arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
• Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
• Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
• Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
• Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.

Car tires are included in these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on April 10, and information about all Union County recycling programs, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

The Household Hazardous Waste events provide Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, 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.

Union County, NJ – In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month this April, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a series of inclusive programs hosted by the Union County Department of Human Services’ Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Union County has been providing virtual programs for all residents to enjoy, and it is especially important for persons with special needs to stay connected,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are happy to expand our inclusive programming for special needs families in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.”

To honor Autism Acceptance Month, the Union County Courthouse and Administration Building lobby will be lit up in blue from April 1 through April 30. Banners will also be hung in the County Administration Building’s lobby, and the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs (OPDSN) will be distributing Autism Acceptance ribbons.

In addition, a variety of virtual activities are planned throughout April. These programs are free, but advance registration is required. To register online, visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The schedule includes a virtual dance party celebration on April 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for a fun night of social distanced dancing with friends.

There will also be a virtual BubbleMania performance on April 18 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This unique performance combines comedy with intricate and imaginative bubble tricks.

OPDSN will also host a bookmark design contest. The contest will run from April 1 to April 30 and is open to all students in grades 6-12 living in Union County. The winning bookmarks for each age group will be used to promote Autism Acceptance Month in 2022.

Bookmarks should be 2” x 7” and may be created in any 2D art medium. Designs should focus on honoring Autism Acceptance Month. Students who wish to submit bookmarks may do so in person at the drop-off box within the Union County Administration Building lobby at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, or by visiting ucnj.org/autism-awareness-bookmark-design-contest.

OPDSN has hosted virtual activities for Union County residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including yoga, karate, arts and crafts, magic shows, wildlife education, and cooking classes. More information and registration for these programs can be found at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

OPDSN is a unit of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services, in the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information on all programs and services of the Office, visit online at ucnj.org/opdsn.

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 Commissioners invites residents of all ages to take a look at the County’s Falcon Cam, which provides a live stream of the action in and around the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse.

“Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species and Union County is very proud to assist in ensuring the survival of these remarkable birds in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This live feed helps builds an appreciation for preserving our natural heritage, and provides an enriching experience for County residents and observes from all over the world.”

The Falcon Cam has chronicled the activity of multiple pairs of adult peregrine falcons throughout the years. The pairs have been nesting on the roof of the historic tower of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth.

Falcons have been nesting on the courthouse every year since 2005. After the first falcon couple was unsuccessful at building their nest due to weather conditions, Union County staff stepped in to help. With an assist from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife zoologists, the County installed a repurposed igloo-style dog house and cameras inside and outside of the nest.

The cameras provide schools, researchers and birding enthusiasts with new learning opportunities and last year, the nest cam was equipped with audio.

The pair currently at the nest site is named Frida and Mango. Zoologists generally shy away from naming wildlife but in this case, since the pair are not banded and cannot be referred to by their band numbers, officials gave them names that would help observers tell them apart.  The female is named after the South American artist, Frida Kahlo because of the wide marking or “unibrow” between her eyes. The male, Mango, is named for his bright yellow-orange bill and feet.

This nesting season, Frida has laid four eggs and the pair has begun incubating consistently.  The eggs are due to hatch between April 26 and April 29.

To watch them tend to their eggs, and later care for their chicks or eyases, visit the Union County Falcon Cam at ucnj.org/falcon or ucnj.org/falcon-mobile-page.

Union County provides nature and environmental programs throughout the year, and is offering additional online resources for all ages online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County, visit the Green Connection at 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ— The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it.

“Year round and especially throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we work to help make Union County residents aware of services that are available to those who have been impacted by sexual violence. In a time of great personal crisis, it is important to know that you are not alone, and that your community supports you,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Victims of sexual violence often find themselves isolated, without support from family or friends and in need of medical and legal services. In order to ensure that all Union County residents have access to support, in 1984 the County Commissioner Board established the Union County Rape Crisis Center (UCRCC), which provides in-person services as well as a 24-hour hotline run by trained advocates.

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been organized since 2001 through the non-profit National Sexual Violence Resource Center, building on long term efforts to support victims that dates back to the 1970’s and earlier.

This year, the theme is “We Can Build Safe Spaces Online.” Throughout the month and across the country, there will be initiatives and efforts highlighting the way that technology has become a part of everyday life, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Union County, the County Commissioner Board will recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month with an official resolution reflecting the Board’s continued commitment to the Union County Rape Crisis Center’s work within the community to effect change and communicate support for survivors.

The County Commissioner Board also invites the community to participate in Denim Day on April 28. Participants can support Denim Day in Union County by snapping a photo of themselves and friends/co-workers wearing denim and send it to websupport@ucnj.org for a feature on the County website, County social media and the UCRCC blog.

UCRCC is a service of the Union County Department of Human Services, Division of Individual and Family Support Services. It provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and medical and legal accompaniment for survivors of sexual violence through a 24-hour hotline. UCRCC also offers, trauma-informed counseling to those affected by sexual violence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic UCRCC services have been modified. For assistance or for additional details, please call the UCRCC hotline at 908-233-7273, visit their webpage at or check out the UCRCC blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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.

Union County activist Lillian Feickert will be portrayed by acclaimed storyteller Carol Simon Levine.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents and visitors to celebrate Women’s History Month with Lillian Feickert, a Plainfield resident who served as the President of the Woman Suffrage Association during the pivotal years from 1912 to 1920, when women finally won the right to vote.

Feickert will be portrayed by storyteller Carol Simon Levine in a virtual presentation of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage on Zoom on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m.

In Feickert’s voice, Carol Simon Levine will recount tales of key figures in the long fight for the right to vote, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and Florence Spearing Randolph.

Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage is a free event. Pre-registration at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Chppp04R4aVgit54WHz7g is required to receive the Zoom link.

This program is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, and funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Office on of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/ or call 908-558-2550.

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.