Category: Public Info

Saliva tests to be offered in Berkeley Heights and Plainfield

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs all residents of upcoming dates for Union County’s COVID-19 mobile 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 March. 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 Union County 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. No appointment is required, though residents may not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to testing. Results will be available within 72 hours. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

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

• Berkeley Heights – March 17, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Grove at Connell Corporate Park, 100-200 Connell Drive
• Plainfield – March 18, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Plainfield Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 724 Park Avenue

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

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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Union County, NJ — Work is under way on a new 10-year Master Plan for the public parks and cultural programs of Union County, and the Board of Commissioners is seeking participation from members of the public. The Union County parks system is managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which includes the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

“Now more than ever, our public parks provide an oasis for thousands of residents and visitors every year while helping to support biodiversity and a healthy environment,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We want to preserve and improve this legacy for the next generation. Everyone with an interest in recreation, nature preservation and cultural enrichment can help.”

The Master Plan provides a platform for balancing future needs in recreation, cultural activities and environmental preservation, and for organizing improvements, restoration projects, and programs throughout the entire park system. It is updated every 10 years.

Work is currently under way on Master Plan 2020, which examines the period through 2030.

Members of the public who wish to submit ideas and comments on any aspect of Union County parks and programs of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs can contact Master Plan 2020 by email at UCParks2020@ucnj.org.

To submit by U.S. Postal Service, write to:

UC Parks Master Plan

Union County Department of Parks & Recreation

10 Elizabethtown Plaza

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to April 2, 2021.

To view Master Plan 2010 online, and for more details on all programs and activities in County parks and the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is responsible for policies impacting 36 County parks surrounded by a dynamic, densely populated community with a vibrant interest in cultural programs. The original five parks in the system were established in the 1920’s as a response to the growing public demand for nature conservation and public recreation. The park system has more than tripled in size since then, to encompass 6,200 acres.

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 is pleased to announce that the County has received its first shipment of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from the New Jersey Department of Health. The available doses are being distributed to seniors at five locations through the newly launched Union County Mobile Vaccine Unit, and additional sites will be added as soon as more doses become available.

The Union County Mobile Vaccine Unit launched today at a senior residence in Linden. Residences in Hillside, Plainfield, Roselle, and Union Township are also included in the program, accounting for the full shipment received from the state Department of Health. Additional sites will be added to the mobile program once more vaccine is available.

“The new mobile unit enables us to bring vaccines to seniors who would have difficulty traveling to the Kean University site, and the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine enables us to reach more seniors as quickly and efficiently as possible. The new mobile service also helps limit the risk of exposure for people who are most vulnerable to the potentially deadly effects of the virus,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We believe that all Union County residents should have access to this life-saving vaccine,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “Our Public Safety team has made it a top priority to not only vaccinate all those who want the shot, but in while making sure we target our most vulnerable populations of residents. As more resources become available, we will focus on these communities throughout our County utilizing various initiatives and programs, including our new mobile unit.”

The new mobile unit complements the Union County Vaccine Center at Kean University and the county’s satellite site in Plainfield, through which the Commissioner Board has already administered almost 30,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine to eligible residents.

The Board has also assigned County staff to assist with the federally managed FEMA vaccination site in Elizabeth, which has administered 3,000 doses to date.

Union County residents are reminded that the vaccine supply shortage still persists. Those who already have an appointment for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine are advised to keep their appointment in order to ensure they receive a vaccine as quickly as possible.

All three vaccines are highly effective and are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Residents who would like to make an appointment at the Union County Vaccine Center at Kean University can book an appointment online at ucnjvaccine.org.

Residents are advised to check for updates frequently. Appointments are scheduled only when supplies are available, and they book up quickly.

Seniors and persons who have difficulty accessing the Internet can contact the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 to check for updates.

In addition to vaccination programs run by Union County, pharmacies and other locations are beginning offer vaccines. For a list of available sites visit the New Jersey vaccine information hub at covid19.nj.gov/pages/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.

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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.

Today in Elizabeth on the steps of City Hall, Federal, State and County officials announced over $221 million in direct assistance to Union County and its 21 municipalities through the American Rescue Plan.

Union County government is poised to receive $129.23 million in direct assistance. This is in addition to over $92 million earmarked to go directly to municipalities within the county.

County Commissioners Angela Garretson, Sergio Granados, Lourdes Leon, Bette Jane Kowalski and Andrea Staten joined Mayor J. Christian Bollwage of Elizabeth, Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, Governor Phil Murphy and Mayor Michele Delisfort of Union Township for the announcement.

By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners

March is Women’s History Month, and the Union County Board of Commissioners is proud to celebrate the lives of remarkable women in history and the history makers of today, too.

On March 31, we will be honoring women who were instrumental in the fight for women’s suffrage, who prevailed with the passage of the 19^th Amendment in 1919. Everyone is invited to enjoy a free virtual performance of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage, which recounts the struggle for the right to vote from the perspective of Plainfield resident Lillian Feickert, who was president of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association from 1912 to 1920.

For information about joining Reclaiming Our Voice on Zoom, visit the Union County Office on Women at ucnj.org/women.

To celebrate and recognize women who are making history today, everyone is also invited to submit their nominations for the 2021 Tribute to SHeroes Award. The award honors women who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, pride and commitment to their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether they are neighbors, friends, coworkers, caretakers, sisters, mothers, educators, doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, untold numbers of women in Union County strove to hold our community together in the midst of an unprecedented public health and economic crisis. We want to highlight and memorialize their efforts as an inspiration to the young women of today, and for future generations.

Nominations are being accepted all throughout Women’s History Month, until March 31. To submit a nomination, visit ucnj.org/ women, or call 908-527-4216 for more information.

As part of our commitment to supporting diversity, equality, and inclusion for all women, this month we are also launching the second year of our new “OUT in Union County: Queer Empowerment Hour” series. Queer Empowerment Hour is a monthly online story and discussion series exploring LGBTQ+ topics with advocates, allies, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

For more information about participating in the conversation, visit our Office of LGBTQ Affairs at ucnj.org/lgbtq or call 908-527-4742.

Finally, I would also like remind everyone that 2021 marks the first year of a historic change in title for County elected officials throughout the state of New Jersey.

Until January 1 of this year, County Commissioners were titled “Chosen Freeholders.” Freeholder is a holdover from the earliest years in American history, when only property owners – primarily, white males – were entitled to hold elected office. Though interesting as a historical artifact, the Freeholder title does not reflect the fight for equal rights in our history, for which so many have sacrificed so much. Nor does it reflect the diversity of today’s society, especially so in Union County, which is one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners exemplifies the need for change. Women currently hold a majority of six seats on our nine-member board, including Vice Chair Rebecca Williams and Commissioners Angela Garretson, Bette Jane Kowalski, Lourdes M. Leon, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Andrea Staten.

Please join us this March in celebrating the extraordinary women of Union County, both past and present.

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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 events in Scotch Plains, Union, walk-up event in Plainfield

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

• Saturday, March 13, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – Kean University in Union – Drive-up only
• Saturday, March 20, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School in Scotch Plains – Drive-up only
• Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield – Walk-up only
• Saturday, April 3, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – Kean University in Union – Drive-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 Kean University and Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in either location.

Residents picking up food at the walk-up event in 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 Kean or 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.

Union County’s American Job Center employment service will begin posting job opportunities and pre-screening applicants.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the American Job Center employment service will be working with employers to post their available jobs on a weekly basis and pre-qualify applicants for their openings. The notices will be posted on Union County’s “Union County Works” online employment portal and social media accounts.

The American Job Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services, with offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.

“This new weekly resource created by the American Job Center helps our residents find employment with reputable companies, and assists employers looking for qualified applicants,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“This new service is designed stimulate job growth in Union County during the COVID-19 outbreak, and into the future. It provides an efficient, reliable pathway for qualified job seekers to learn about new opportunities that match their skills, and our pre-screening step helps the local business community accelerate the hiring process,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Board of Commissioners Liaison to the Union County Workforce Development Board.

Union County residents who are interested in applying for jobs posted through the American Job Center must first register with the American Job Center online portal, Union County Works, at ucajc.org.

The registration process is designed to match qualified applicants with job openings. Job seekers who register on Union County Works will be asked to provide identification documents as part of the certification process, and will have a virtual meeting with American Job Center intake staff as a step toward qualifying for an interview with the employer.

The Union County Works portal was created last June, to enable the Department of Human Services to continue assisting job seekers and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

As New Jersey’s first “virtual one-stop” employment center, Union County Works includes information tailored to veterans and youth, and offers all residents information about job openings, job training and education opportunities, as well as help creating resumes, and more.

For more details visit ucajc.org or call 908-527-4812.

For more information on weekly job postings, contact Elton Armady, American Job Center Director, at earmady@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.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Story of Union County Suffragette Lillian Feickert to be told as part of Union County’s celebration of Women’s History Month

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners through The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is pleased to celebrate Women’s History Month with a free virtual performance of Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m.

Carol Simon Levine will be portraying Lillian Feickert, president of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Association from 1912-1920, who lived in Plainfield.  She will tell the story of the role of New Jersey women in the long struggle for women’s suffrage.

“The right to vote was a hard fought battle, and we must never forget the risks and hardships faced by the women who prevailed,” said Union County Board of Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are pleased to honor the work and legacy of Ms. Feickert, of one of our own local suffragettes with this virtual performance.”

During the performance, attendees will hear Simon Levin share the stories of leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Alice Paul and Union County’s own Florence Spearing Randolph, from Summit, among others.

Admission to “Reclaiming Our Voice: New Jersey’s Role in Woman Suffrage” is free of charge, but advance registration is required. To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Chppp04R4aVgit54WHz7g.

Carol Simon Levin is a retired librarian, author, storyteller and program presenter based in Bedminster.  In 2016, she wrote a book, “Remembering The Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates,” about amazing American women, which was illustrated by 36 artists.  It is an interactive book about lost stories of fascinating and forgotten women in American history. In addition to a coloring page, each entry includes a short biography, a fascinating fact and a quote by the woman.  It includes recommendations for further reading for kids, teens, and adults, and suggestions for activities, activism and places to visit.

This program is 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.