Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – In recognition of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again providing free trees to schools for Arbor Day.

“The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County. We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski.

Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.

This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. Each tree comes with a protective cage. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.

The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. To reserve a tree for your school, please see the mailing that was sent to your school’s principal or you may contact Madeline Brigantino, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at mbrigantino@ucnj.org or 908-789-3653. The deadline for free tree requests has been extended to April 10, 2021.

Schools may also contact James Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854 ext. 3 or jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org for more information.

For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held virtually in early April.

Arbor Day has been a national observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, April 30.

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 County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program begins in April. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, April 1 and Saturday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford: Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

The drop-off sites are available on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

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.

Acceptable items for recycling include aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services’ Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse and Department of Economic Developments’ Office on Women, invites residents to join an interactive online discussion of self-care and resiliency, through a women’s perspective.

“This program will provide women in Union County with a safe learning place to explore methods for coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to connect with useful resources and services available to them,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The program, titled “Self-Care & Resiliency: Through a Woman’s Perspective,” is being held on Zoom on Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

It will be hosted by Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski and presented by Wendy Chin, MSW, DRCC, Emergency Response Coordinator, Disaster and Terrorism Branch, NJDHS Mental Health & Addiction Services.

The focus will be on providing an understanding of the psychological impact of challenges faced during this time. The program includes offering useful coping and self-care skills to practice.

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 http://bit.ly/selfcarewhm.

For more information on Self-Care & Resiliency: Through a Woman’s Perspective 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.

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Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 14, in order to participate in their new party’s Gubernatorial Primary Election on June 8.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 8, 2021 Primary for Governor, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 14.”

Ms. DiRado reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm their party affiliation, as voters who conduct business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transition, and may not have even noticed it.

Party Affiliation changes are easy.  Voters can:

1. Update their party online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register;
2. Request that a Party Declaration Form be mailed to them by calling 908-527-4123, or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org;
3. Request a form through the Union County Votes App; or
4. Download a form at https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

To download a form in Spanish, use https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Calling the Election Board is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s nominee for Governor.

The April 14 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 8.

Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation when they receive their ballots. They receive a ballot for each party, and they return only the ballot for which they declare.

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

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

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

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents will be offered a series of free online courses on food preservation at home in April, May and June, courtesy of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Extension is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has raised interest and awareness of home cooking and gardening among Union County residents,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to support the Extension in its efforts to educate the public on food safety and food preservation, helping residents to make the most of food they grow and prepare at home.”

The series, called “RU Ready to Preserve Food at Home?,” consists of specialized sessions conducted by experts with the Department of New Jersey Family and Community Health Sciences at Rutgers University. It will run on Thursdays from April 15 to June 10. Each week will see experts discuss a different subject area. Courses include step-by-step instructions, what is the right equipment to use, and best practices.

Pre-registration on Zoom is required for each session. The courses are as follows:

April 15 – Freezing: Learn to freeze fresh vegetables and fruits and get tips for freezing other foods for later enjoyment.

April 22 – Canning in Boiling Water Canner: This method is for fruits, tomatoes, jams/jellies and pickled products. Learn how to safely can food in glass jars.

April 29 – Pressure Canning: This method is for vegetables (such as beets, carrots, corn, green beans); poultry, seafood and meat or foods that contain these ingredients.

May 6 – Jam, Jellies and Spreads: Capture the flavor of summer in sweet or savory spreads processed in a boiling water canner. Speakers will also discuss freezer jams.

May 13 – Pickles: Learn to pickle a variety of vegetables and fruit and then can in a boiling water canner. Speakers will also discuss making refrigerator pickles.

May 20 – Tomatoes and Salsa: Be ready to can, freeze or dry NJ tomatoes! Learn each of these methods, plus how to make and can salsa.

June 3 – Preserving Herbs: Capture the flavor of summer herbs by freezing, drying or making vinegars. Also included are pesto and flavored butter.

June 10 – Dehydrating: Many foods dehydrate well including vegetables, fruits, herbs and meat jerky. Learn techniques for safe and high-quality results.

Visit njaes.rutgers.edu/fchs to learn more about New Jersey Family and Community Health Sciences and their upcoming events.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County has offices at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. For more information on all Extension programs, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards, and 4-H youth development please call the Extension at 908-654-9854 or visit ucnj.org/rce.

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

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Union County Board of Commissioners and United Way of Greater Union County collaborate to create pop-up clinics with vaccine for 400 vulnerable residents.

Elizabeth, NJ, March 20, 2021 – The Union County Board of Commissioners has partnered the County’s Department of Human Services with United Way of Greater Union County in a COVID-19 vaccination outreach plan for the homeless. The County and UWGUC will coordinate the administration of vaccines to 400 homeless individuals at eight pop-up clinics in local communities this coming week.

Transportation to the sites will be available if needed, and after-care kits will be distributed to everyone vaccinated.

Vaccines are an important tool to protect people experiencing homelessness from COVID-19, but public health and homeless assistance systems face substantial barriers to reaching this group. Most of the homeless population is not generally well connected to the health care system and face substantial challenges accessing the vaccine.

“The Board of Commissioners is determined to ensure vaccine access for every Union County resident who wants to be protected against this lethal virus,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank UWGUC and all of our partners for helping to ensure that life-saving vaccines can reach the most vulnerable and at-risk members of the Union County family as quickly as possible.”

“With little to no access to the internet or Wi-Fi services, and facing many other daily challenges, it is nearly impossible for the homeless to apply for a vaccine appointment.  This is our opportunity to go to them to make sure they have an opportunity to receive the vaccine,” states James Horne, CEO, United Way of Greater Union County.”

“Now more than ever it is important to commit to all of our residents during this unprecedented public health crisis. Every single resident including those who are homeless or undocumented should have the opportunity to be vaccinated as well,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “Advocating for our at-risk community is a priority of mine and of the Commissioner Board, and we will continue to take the initiative and rise up to the challenge of overcoming this pandemic.”

“Thanks to the strong network of partner agencies in Union County, we are able to muster an all-hands-on-deck effort to connect with unsheltered residents in our community,” said Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

The Department of Human Services worked with UWGUC to obtain the grant for the pop-up vaccine clinic program, which will fund professional vaccination staff through the Visiting Nurse Association. The Union County Department of Human Services is coordinating outreach with shelters and other partners, in order to ensure that their clients and other at-risk residents are aware of the vaccination opportunity.

Staff from the Department of Human Services will also assist at the clinics.

In addition to the Commissioner Board, the Department of Human Services, UWGUC and the Visiting Nurse Association, other partners in the program include Angels for Action, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, St. Joseph’s Social Services, Family Promise, The Gateway Family YMCA, Homefirst, Muslim Community Soup Kitchen, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Plainfield Action Services, Salvation Army, YWCA of Eastern Union County, and Cristo Para La Naciones.

About the Union County Board of Commissioners’ COVID-19 Response

The homeless vaccination initiative builds on the Commissioner Board’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which includes conducting pop-up vaccination drives for seniors in their communities. Union County opened the first free County-based test center in New Jersey, at the Kean University campus in Union Township, on March 23, 2020. The Commissioner Board has also overseen the introduction of new tests as available, and the establishment of a new on-campus test lab at Kean, along with the launch of a mobile test unit to reach vulnerable populations and local communities on a walk-in basis. The Union County Vaccine Center opened at the Kean campus on January 7 and has administered tens of thousands of doses to Union County residents since then.

About United Way of Greater Union County

33 W Grand St., Elizabeth NJ 07202 – (908) 353-7171 – www.uwguc.org

United Way of Greater Union County fights for the health, education, financial stability and family strengthening of every person in Union County, NJ.  We provide critical resources to children and families supporting 39 nonprofit organizations and funding 5 programs. For nearly a century, United Way of Greater Union County has proven to be a pre-eminent community-based leader, partner and investment choice in these communities.

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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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all programs will be conducted outdoors in small groups, with masks and social distance.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents to enjoy nature programs hosted by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a fun season of outdoor spring activities.

“Now that spring has officially arrived, Trailside’s programs provide visitors of all ages the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors while exploring our natural heritage in the scenic Watchung Reservation,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in the left-hand column).

Masks are required to be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Adults with children ages four to six are invited to participate in Tyke Hikes, a new series offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants will look for animal homes and hideouts, learn to identify birds by color and sound, take part in a scavenger hunt and search for all the colors of the rainbow on a nature walk. The fee is $10 per class for Union County residents and $12 per class for non-county residents.

Two moonlight walks will be offered this spring for adults with children ages six and older. A Pink Moon Hike will take place on April 27 and a Flower Moon Hike will take place on May 26, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore the Watchung Reservation by the light of the full moon. Learn about the wildlife that comes out after dark.  The fee per person per program is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.

Due to popular demand, additional senior walks have been added. This spring, senior walks take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and continue through May 27. This series is free and open to participants ages 55 and older.  Each walk is led by a Trailside naturalist and highlights a different topic. Participants will discover how to make their home more wildlife friendly, learn to identify common tree species, search for migrating birds at the Deserted Village and find out how to recognize common wild edible plants.

Residents should save the date for Saturday, April 24, when Trailside will offer a variety of outdoor activities in honor of Earth Day.  Participants can take part in guided nature walks and live animal talks. Preregistration is required. There will also be a recycled art wildlife walk along the sensory friendly trail.  Check the trailside website for updates on this event.

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

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

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, including the Falcon Cam and other online resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds all candidates running in the 2021 primary election that petitions are due before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5. Candidates for County positions must file their petitions with the office of the County Clerk, located at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street, Room 113.

Candidates for municipal positions must file with the borough, township, or city in which they are running.

“It is important to be aware of the petition deadline,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Under the law, my office will not accept petitions after 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5.”

Both traditional paper petitions and electronic petitions are permitted. All paper petitions must be notarized. Electronic petitions do not need notarization.

Electronic petitions and directions are available online at unioncountyvotes.com.

Candidates who need paper petitions must obtain them from the County Clerk’s office if running for a County position. Candidates running for municipal positions must obtain their paper petitions from their borough, township, or city clerk.

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 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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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites all Union County seniors and their caregivers, friends, and neighbors to join the next session of “Online with Aging,” a free online presentation about programs and services for seniors in Union County. Online with Aging will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, March 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A link to join is posted on the Union County Division on Aging web page at ucnj.org/aging.

Participants are reminded to download Zoom before joining.

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

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

The topics of discussion will be focused on our two community-based programs, the Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving program (JACC) and the Statewide Respite Care program. This event allows seniors and their loved ones to speak directly with the coordinators regarding their program, eligibility requirements, services provided and more.

“Online with Aging” launched in 2020 as a means of connecting the senior community with remote learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, topics have included adult day services, home delivered meals, low income energy assistance, and more.

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

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

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

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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.

All Union County Residents Invited to Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 Vaccines, March 29

Board of Commissioners hosts “Conversation with Communities of Color on COVID-19 Vaccines” event to break myths, misinformation, and other barriers.

Union County, NJ – With misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines continuing to run rampant, the Union County Board of Commissioners will host a virtual, interactive Town Hall on Zoom beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29. The Town Hall is aimed at helping the Union County community confront the rumors head-on and increase the vaccination rate in communities of color.

Pre-registration is required for the Zoom link at bit.ly/vaccinetownhallucnj.

Vaccination rates in the U.S. vary widely by race, with communities of color far below the rate for whites. In a recent county-by-county analysis of New Jersey, the percentage of Black residents receiving the vaccine was at least 41% lower than for whites, and the difference was at least 45% for Hispanic/Latinx recipients compared to whites.*

“We are determined not to let the weight of the past overpower equal access to safe, effective vaccines for every Union County resident,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “By bringing this conversation to the community, we hope to break down the myths and empower everyone to arm themselves with facts in the fight against COVID-19.”

“Spreading lies is especially harmful to diverse communities like Union County, and that is why the Board of Commissioners is taking action,” said Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “It is important to know where these rumors come from and why they impact communities of color, in order to ensure that every Union County resident knows they have the power to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities against a lethal virus.”

“Fear-mongering and misinformation have carved a deadly path all throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is clearly a public safety issue that impacts all of us, and the Town Hall is another step in our campaign to push back and shine a light on the facts,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “We encourage all Union County residents to attend this forum, especially those in minority communities where statistics indicate the need for accurate, fact based information about COVID-19 vaccines.”

“The historical wrongs against communities of color on the public health front are real and should be considered as we continue to roll out efforts to achieve full vaccination and guard against the spread of COVID-19.   However, we should not allow any groups to sow seeds of trepidation and anxiety to influence our population to make choices that create a risk of harm to any of our communities.  Our goal is to shine a light on the past as we inform and empower Union County families to make fact-based decisions about health and safety,” said Commissioner Angela R. Garretson.

The Town Hall will begin with opening remarks by Commissioner Garretson, followed by a presentation on the historical background of vaccine skepticism by Vice Chair Williams and a panel discussion featuring Dr. Chris T. Pernell, MD of University Hospital, Dr. Omar M. Bey, MD of RWJ Barnabas Health, and Dr. Gerardo Capo, MD of Trinitas Medical Center.

The public will be invited to ask questions of the panelists as well as other elected officials, community leaders, and religious leaders. The event will conclude with closing remarks by Commissioner Granados, including information on how to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

*Source: NJ Advance Media.

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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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