Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents and visitors are the beneficiaries of a cleanup project at two Union County parks, thanks to a partnership between the County of Union’s “Adopt-a-Park” program and Clean Earth, an environmental services company. Employees from Clean Earth took part in park cleanups in December 2020 at Michael S. Bezega Park and Rahway River Park, both located in Rahway. The work included spreading new gravel on a trail at Bezega Park.

“The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support the volunteer efforts of residents and businesses through our Adopt-a-Park program,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our volunteers play an important role in protecting and preserving County parks, and we truly appreciate their work.”

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.

Groups that have recently participated include the Mountainside Girl Scouts, the Kean University Center for Leadership and Service student group, the Garwood Green Team, and corporate volunteers from Amazon and Phillips66.

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 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 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Saliva tests to be offered in Linden and Plainfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 11, 2021

Contact: Sebastian D’Elia, 908-527-4419

Katherine Soares, 908-527-4019

https://wp.me/p4sLwl-mQT

County Announces Additional Dates for Free COVID-19 Mobile Unit Testing for January

Saliva tests to be offered in Linden and Plainfield

UNION COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners informs all residents of upcoming dates and schedule changes for Union County’s COVID-19 testing program. The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled additional visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 saliva tests for residents during the month of January. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander 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 County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for January (note: the Mobile Test Unit will administer the saliva test at all locations):

• Linden – January 12, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wheeler Park, 234 Stimpson Avenue
• Plainfield – January 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Milt Campbell Field, East 3^rd Street

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

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.

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.

Carolyn Smith, Nurse Practitioner at Kean University and resident of Union, first to get Moderna vaccine at County site

The County of Union today vaccinated its first resident today, Carolyn Smith of Union, a nurse practitioner at Kean University, to mark the start of Phase 1A vaccinations, the Board of County Commissioners announced.

The vaccination occurred at the County’s facility at Kean University at approximately 3 p.m.— the start of the first day of operations. Smith, who has more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and is a registered nurse in the states of New Jersey and New York, said:

“I did it because I believe it is important to prevent the spread of the pandemic, to save lives, and protect my family, myself, my patients, and the community. After reviewing information and the science about the pandemic, I believe this is the best thing to do. We must work to stop COVID-19 and vaccination is one of the ways.”

Ms. Smith received her shot from Julie Wischusen of Cranford, a registered nurse who has been a frontline volunteer at Union County’s Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University ever since it opened in March, at the outset of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Her husband, New York Jets announcer Bob Wischusen created the “Let’s Feed Our Heroes” fundraising drive to purchase food for local hospital workers.

Union County Board of County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “The Board of Commissioners commends Ms. Smith for setting the example and taking the first vaccination. We are pleased to open the vaccination clinic and begin offering life-saving vaccines to those who qualify during the current phase. As more supplies become available, we will announce locations and procedures in accordance with state guidance and we urge all residents to get vaccinated. We have all been depending on each other to stay safe during this pandemic, and each one of us has the power to make a difference in our community.”

County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the County’s Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee, said: “Today, Union County has taken a major step forward in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic with the kickoff of our vaccination program. Our program began with over 300 vaccinations being provided today alone to those in the 1A category including Ms. Smith, a nurse practitioner at Kean. Our Union County Board of Commissioners will continue to expand the vaccination program to residents as we work with the State of NJ who will guide us through each vaccination phase category.”

The County of Union has begun Phase 1A vaccinations at Kean University. Health care personnel and others, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Health, who are eligible to receive the vaccine, must make an appointment through the County’s website.  For more information about who qualifies under phase 1A or to make an appointment visit ucnj.org/vaccination.​  The County is offering the Moderna vaccine.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in environmental activities and STEM topics can find a wide variety of online programs for all ages to explore this winter, including original videos produced by Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, a series of online classes leading to certification as an Environmental Steward, and the Mars Base Camp program for students age 8-14.

Residents and visitors can also explore specially marked trails in and around Union County parks to learn about local history, geology, distinctive trees and other points of interest. For information about COVID-19 guidelines in County parks visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

“While the Trailside Nature and Science Center remains closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, there are still many ways for residents and vistors to increase their store of knowledge on STEM topics and learn about our natural heritage here in Union County, and beyond,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents of all ages who are interested in science and nature can visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online for curated online and at-home activities and original videos featuring local wildlife, at ucnj.org/trailside.

To take a virtual tour of Trailside, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/trailside.

Students ages 8-14 can participate in the online 4-H Mars Base Camp STEM Challenge, hosted locally by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. More information is available at 4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Extension will also offer its Environmental Steward training course for residents who are interested in developing an environmental program for their community. No background in science is needed.

The registration deadline is January 22 and classes begin on January 26. All classes are online and field trips may be added as conditions permit. For details visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu, or contact Rutgers Region 2 coordinator Michele Bakacs at mbakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Gardeners who are planning ahead for the next planting season can find information on composting, eco-friendly garden and yard care, and related topics from the Environmental Stewards “Earth Day Every Day” program at  envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.

Union County’s drop-off recycling events and programs are on winter hiatus and will resume as spring approaches. The 2021 recycling schedule for secure paper shredding, scrap metal recycling and household hazardous waste will be posted on the County website at ucnj.org/recycling by the end of January.

To stay up-to-date with all county and local recycling opportunities and regulations, download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Indoor activities have been suspended during the COVID-19 outbreak but Trailside will host a series of guided nature walks beginning in February. Visit Trailside online at ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for more information.

For quick links to all Union County programs and activities related to recycling and the environment, 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 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Partnership between County of Union and Kean transforms testing in New Jersey

A new federally certified campus lab that will process COVID-19 test results opened at Kean University today, building upon an unprecedented partnership with the County of Union in diagnostic testing and critical public health research during the pandemic. The lab will deliver test results in 24 to 48 hours.

With the new facility, Kean becomes one of the first universities without a medical or veterinary school to host a federally certified lab to process COVID-19 tests and marks a critical milestone in its work toward achieving formal designation as a research institution.

“Access to testing remains a critical part of our overall effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “I am grateful to Union County officials and Kean University President Repollet for their collaboration and innovative partnership to expand the state’s testing capabilities to benefit all New Jerseyans. Together, we will continue the fight against COVID-19.”

The new lab at Kean will process COVID-19 tests and deliver test results in 24 to 48 hours.

The new lab is located in the Kean STEM Building at 1075 Morris Avenue on Kean’s main campus in Union Township. It was funded through the federal CARES Act for COVID-19 relief, under a combination of grants administered by Union County and the University. The Union County Division of Health also worked with Kean to equip the lab and apply for federal certification and licensing by the State of New Jersey, which expedited their review in the interest of public health.

To date, Union County has administered more than 100,000 COVID-19 tests at its drive-through site on Kean’s campus and via its mobile testing program, including 10,000 tests for residential students and athletes on Kean’s campus.

“Kean University has proven to be a dynamic, steadfast partner in our efforts to protect the Union County community during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Alexander Mirabella, chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. “With the unwavering support of President Repollet and his team, we established the first free countywide drive-through test center in New Jersey, and we have continued to bring new COVID testing technology to the community during the outbreak. The new on-campus lab will enable our partnership to improve testing services even further, while providing students and educators with invaluable hands-on experience in COVID response and related fields.”

“Kean is on a path to become the next great research University in the state of New Jersey,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “This lab combines our research expertise from our world-class faculty with our commitment to public service. We are grateful for the chance to serve our fellow New Jerseyans during this pandemic and beyond. Keeping our community safe is truly a team effort. Kean cougars are always striving to climb higher academically, professionally, and in support of the larger community. This lab is part of much more to come.”

The new lab will enable the County to eliminate the need to ship specimens to other locations for processing. It is expected to deliver results in 24 to 48 hours for up to 30,000 tests per week from the drive-through center and other locations. Union County residents, first responders from around the state and members of the Kean community will all benefit from faster turnaround times for the free testing program.

The new lab is part of the University’s new Center for Clinical Laboratory Science and Pandemic Research, one of the first interdisciplinary academic centers in the nation to focus on education, clinical diagnostics and research of pandemics.

The Center also coordinates and facilitates pandemic research initiatives in science, social science and other disciplines across the University. In addition, the Center is the hub for launching new related academic programs.

“Kean is at the forefront of pandemic research on drug therapies and medicinal chemistry, social and emotional responses to mask wearing and more,” said Jeffrey H. Toney, Ph.D., Kean’s provost and vice president for research and faculty. “The Center brings that work together and allows the entire University community to benefit from our shared research on behalf of public health.”

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and Kean University mobilized scores of volunteers and professional staff to open Union County’s Drive-Through Center on March 23, 2020, when the first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns struck the nation. In addition, the County Commissioners Board created the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit to conduct walk-up tests in local communities, including visits to senior residences and other vulnerable populations.

The new lab has been certified for COVID-19 testing by the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is licensed by the Division of Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in the New Jersey Department of Health. The lab is also in the process of applying for federal certification for influenza Types A and B, which is administered in the three-panel test provided by the Drive-Through Center.

Robert Pyatt with Keith Bostian, Ph.D., dean of the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics at Kean

Keith Bostian, Ph.D., dean of the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics at Kean, said launching the lab was a complex undertaking with the County that involved bringing in new equipment and hiring and training staff, including Kean alumni, to process results around the clock.

“Kean is a burgeoning hub for scientific research so launching this lab was a natural next step for the University,” Bostian said. “Not only are we advancing public health, but we’re also providing opportunities for our students and alumni to participate in this groundbreaking work and grow as scientists.”

Frequent testing was at the core of the Kean’s Return to Campus initiatives during the Fall semester. The University conducted weekly testing of all residents and made testing available to other members of the community, including those who remained remote and those who came to campus for hybrid courses. Similar protocols are planned for the Spring 2021 semester.

This press release was originally issued by Kean University on January 5, 2021. To view the release on the Kean website with additional photos, visit kean.edu/news/new-certified-covid-19-testing-lab-opens-kean.

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The County of Union today announced it will begin to offer Phase 1A Covid-19 vaccinations beginning Thursday and in accordance with state guidelines.

Health care personnel, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Health, who are eligible to receive the vaccine, must make an appointment through the County’s registration system.  For more information about who qualifies under phase 1A or to make an appointment visit http://www.ucnj.org/vaccination.​  Registration will be open tomorrow on Tuesday, January 5^th at 9 a.m. The County will be offering the Moderna vaccine.

“In the coming weeks and months, as more supplies become available, we will announce locations and procedures in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health regulations and guidance,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hold the health and safety of those we vaccinate in the utmost regard, and we are ensuring that all protocols are in place as we proceed. As we conduct this lifesaving work over the coming months, we urge all residents to continue taking every possible action to save lives, too: wear a mask, observe social distance, get tested – and get vaccinated once you are eligible and once supplies arrive. We have all been depending on each other to stay safe during this pandemic, and each one of us has the power to make a difference in our community.”

County Commissioner Sergio Granados, chair of the Public Safety Committee added:  “Union County continues to work on ways to help our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic from leading the state in testing to now kicking off the Union County COVID-19 vaccination program that we are confident will become one of the most active in New Jersey in offering vaccinations.”

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams becomes Vice Chair; Commissioners Angela R. Garretson and Christopher Hudak begin new terms; Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon begins first full term; Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Sheriff Peter Corvelli begin new terms.

Commissioner Alexander Mirabella has been selected as Chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners for the second year in a row, announcing a series of initiatives for 2021 under the title, “Union County Rising.”

Chairman Mirabella announced the new initiatives at the 165^th annual reorganization meeting of County Government. The reorganization was held virtually for the first time in history, and the installations and swearings-in were held live on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The meeting also marked the first meeting of the newly-named County Board of Commissioners, replacing the title of Freeholder.

During the meeting, Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams became Vice Chair; Commissioners Angela R. Garretson and Christopher Hudak began new terms; Commissioner Lourdes M. Leon began her first full term and also became the first Latino woman elected to the Board; and Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Sheriff Peter Corvelli began new terms.

This is Mirabella’s sixth term as Chairman, having previously served in 2001, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2020.

During his speech, Mirabella called for a moment of silence in honor of those who died from COVID-19, then added:

“Union County was dealt a severe blow by the pandemic in every way­ socially, economically and physically,” he said. “Yet, we did what we always do when faced with tough times: We came together, we helped each other, we healed each other, and we must now move forward.”

The “Union County Rising” initiatives are:

*Vaccinations: The County of Union is finalizing plans to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to its residents, and is ready to begin vaccinations as soon as they arrive. Having administered COVID-19 tests throughout Union County, the infrastructure is in place to allow for a transition to a vaccination program immediately. Union County will be providing vaccinations according to the priorities established by the State of New Jersey.

*Dispatch expansion:  The Department of Public Safety has begun work on the expansion of the Union County Regional Dispatch Center. This is an important shared service handling emergency calls for the County, and many other agencies.

*The former Juvenile Detention Center in Linden: The County is planning to repurpose it as a Fire Academy, to train firefighters throughout the County.

*“Union County Means Business for all initiatives:”

1.) The Union County Economic Development Corporation has started taking applications for its VIP Virtual Incubator Program. This is limited to minority and under-served populations;

2.) The Entrepreneurship as a Second Chance (ESC) program is to be held in April/May. The focus will be on Union county registrants, and the UCEDC is accepting applications now. This will be training to assist individuals explore business ownership;

3.) The “Open for Business Initiative,” which is designed to help underserved small businesses stay open and save jobs through the UCEDC;

More information the above UCEDC programs is available online at ucedc.com.

4.) Project Fresh Start: The County’s Human Services Department will provide mobile shower and laundry service for people in need and the homeless, and it will roll out this year.

5.) The reboot of the Union County Foreclosure Task Force, which was created to help those in need after the financial crash in          2009. In its new form, the Task Force will also include tenants at risk of eviction.

6.) The Office of LGBTQ Affairs will work with the National and NJ LGBT Chambers of Commerce to develop a virtual jobs fair with accepting businesses that value  LGBTQ diversity in the workplace and offer affirming working environments where all are welcome.

7.) In line with this, the County is working with UCEDC to develop an “Open for Business – Open for Everyone: Diversity and Inclusion Symposium” for business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. Upon completion of the LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion training program, businesses will be invited to sign the “Open for Business – Open for Everyone” pledge and receive a window decal or sticker  to  post  at  their establishment.

8.) The Office of LGBTQ Affairs will work with our Parks Department to develop plans for a unique LGBTQ+ inclusive and welcoming space for all to enjoy at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield.

*Parks Department announcements:

1.) Continuation of drive-up concerts and movies in the spring;

2.) Work should be completed by summer on the newly ­renovated Ulrich Pool in Rahway;

3.) A new turf field and baseball facility at Snyder Avenue will be completed in Berkeley Heights in the spring;

4.) The County will begin construction of a new outdoor riding ring for those with disabilities at the Watchung Stables. The ring should be completed by the end of the year;

5.) The County will complete the master plan for the Clark Reservoir in the next few months;

6.) The County plans to transform County property on Cushing Road into a working farm, as part of a unique educational opportunity for students at the Union County Vocational-Technical School District in Scotch Plains.

*The County anticipates a groundbreaking on one of Union County’s largest and most important economic development projects ever — the construction of two new County office buildings on West Grand Street in Elizabeth. The plan is to consolidate employees from the current Administration Building and several other leased facilities into these two new buildings. By financing through the Union County Improvement Authority and eliminating leases, the County will save $120 million over 30 years.

Mirabella concluded his speech with a call to action.

“I said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m proud of each County employee, who in their own way, enabled us to continue providing essential County services while managing new challenges brought on by the pandemic, including testing, tracking, tracing, emergency food distribution, and CARES Act grant programs,” Mirabella said.  “We are facing formidable challenges this year, but I know that together we will rise above all. Together, we can, we must, and we will get over the pandemic and move Union County forward.”

NEW PROVIDENCE – The County of Union today announced it has received a gracious donation from the Max Challenge gyms of New Providence and Springfield/Union in the amount of $6,030 to help county residents in need.

The donation, which came in the form of grocery store gift cards, will be distributed to those in need by the Union County Division of Social Services and was made possible by the generosity of the gyms’ members.

Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams and Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner joined gym owners Allison DiMarzio and Amy Walsh along with Sara Kirsch, gym manager and instructor at the New Providence location, in accepting the donation on the County’s behalf.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of our community during this difficult holiday season,” said Freeholder Williams. “We thank the Max Challenge gyms of New Providence and Springfield/Union for this donation. It’s beautiful that residents can come together and raise money for a good cause while meeting their goals in a safe and healthy way.”

The gift card collection was done as part of the gym’s 6th Annual “Fitmas Competition,” a friendly and competitive way to get members focused on their fitness and nutrition goals during the toughest time of the year to do just that.

“Members work hard posting pictures of their compliant meals, selfies after their workouts, and sharing how their fellow members inspire them, among other ways to earn points for their team,” said Kirsch.  “The most incredible way that members could participate was by donating grocery store gift cards for local families in need. THE MAX Challenge of Springfield/Union & New Providence are so grateful for the generosity of its members, reinforcing that THE MAX is more than a fitness & nutrition center. This place is a community, a support system, and a family!”

Any Union County resident experiencing hunger this holiday season is encouraged to visit ucnj.org/food to get information on upcoming food drives, or call the Division of Social Services at 908-965-2700 (Elizabeth) or 908-791-7000 (Plainfield).

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County Government will hold its annual reorganization on Sunday, January 3rd, which begins at 12 p.m. The installation ceremony and the reorganizational meeting will be held in person at the steps of the Union County Courthouse and will convene virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic so that the public may participate.  Both the installation ceremony and the reorganizational meeting will be broadcast live on the County’s Facebook page.

Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella, a resident of Fanwood, is expected to continue a second year in a row as Chairman, and Commissioner Rebecca Williams, a resident of Plainfield, is expected to be Vice Chair. Those scheduled to be sworn into new terms include: Commissioners Angela R. Garretson and Christopher Hudak. Lourdes M. Leon  will begin her first term as a Commissioner. County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and County Sheriff  Peter Corvelli will be sworn in to new terms.

Commissioners will also vote to fill numerous positions on county standing committees, advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2021 schedule and more.