Category: Public Info

Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, September 26^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

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

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

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

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

“We continue to work to ensure that our residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle. This event will take place, rain or shine.

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

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

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

To learn more about the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

 For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Both paper applications and online registrations are being accepted

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

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

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

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

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

You can register to vote if:

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

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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

(Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County will receive a total of 22 secure ballot drop-off boxes.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado announced the locations of two additional ballot drop-off boxes for the November 3 General Election, bringing the number of drop-off boxes in Union County to nine. Over the coming weeks an additional 13 locations will be announced, for a total of 22.

[Update: As of Wednesday, September 23, the total number of installed locations is now 17, with five more locations to be announced.]

The locations of the installed drop-off boxes are:

• Berkeley Heights – Snyder Avenue Park, 240 Snyder Avenue
• Clark – Clark Recreation Center, 430 Westfield Avenue
• Cranford – Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue
• Elizabeth – Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza
• Fanwood — Fanwood Memorial Library, 5 Forest Road
• Garwood – Garwood Public Library, 411 3rd Avenue
• Hillside, Hillside Senior Center, 265 Hollywood Avenue
• Kenilworth — Kenilworth Recreation Center, 575 Boulevard
• Mountainside — Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road
• Rahway – Rahway Recreation Center, 275 East Milton Avenue
• Roselle Park – Union County EMS Building, 535 Laurel Avenue
• Plainfield – Plainfield Municipal Building Parking Lot, 515 Watchung Avenue
• Scotch Plains, Union County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue
• Springfield — Chisolm Recreation Center, 100 South Springfield Avenue
• Summit — Chestnut Street Parking Lot, adjacent to Fire Department, 406 Broad Street
• Union – Union Township Municipal Building Rear Entrance, 1976 Morris Avenue
• Westfield – Colleen Fraser Building in Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East

“When all 22 ballot drop-off boxes are in place, Union County will far exceed Governor Phil Murphy’s mandate of at least 10 drop-off boxes per county,” said Ms. DiRado. “The extra locations will help ensure that every Union County voter has convenient access to a secure, reliable, method for casting their ballot in time to be counted.”

Under Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 prevention orders, the November 3 General Election will be conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots. All registered voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail, and are strongly urged to cast it as soon as they receive it.

Voters can choose any of the following methods to cast their Vote-by-Mail prior to, or on, Election Day, November 3:

1. Deposit your ballot in a secure Board of Elections drop-off box. Any Union County voter can use any drop-off box in any municipality, regardless of their residence. All drop-off boxes are available on a 24/7 basis from now until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

A list of drop-off locations is posted on the Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe/ballot-drop-box-locations. The list will be updated as more drop-off boxes are added.

Each drop-off box has been placed in a secure location that is under constant surveillance. The drop-off boxes are accessible only by Board of Elections staff and are emptied daily by a bipartisan team.

2. Return your ballot to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service (postage is prepaid). Voters choosing this method are especially advised to mail their ballot as soon as they receive it, in order to avoid any unforeseen delivery delays.
3. Deliver your ballot by hand. Voters may bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to the Board of Elections office at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, or bring it to the Union County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, or the annex office at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. On Election Day, all three offices will be open for extended hours until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. Voters choosing hand delivery are required to sign a register and provide a New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey identification.
4. Designate a ballot bearer to deliver your ballot by hand. By law, a ballot bearer may deliver up to three ballots for other voters to the Board of Elections or County Clerk’s offices. A ballot bearer may also bring up to three ballots for other voters to a Board of Elections drop-off box. Each Vote-by-Mail ballot includes instructions for designating a ballot bearer.

In addition, when the polls are open on Election Day voters may bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place. A list of polling places is available at ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote. Please note that voters who come to a polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to cast their vote.

ADA-accessible voting machines will be available at polling places only for voters with disabilities who certify that they cannot use a paper ballot.

Union County residents who have not registered to vote are reminded that the deadline for voter registration is Tuesday, October 13. For more information on voter registration visit ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information.

Board of Elections staff is available to answer questions about voter registration, and the office will provide extended hours on October 13 until 9:00 p.m. While visiting the office, voters must wear masks and observe social distance.

To view instructions for using a Vote-by-Mail ballot correctly, visit the Election Board online at ucnj.org/boe/make-sure-your-vote-by-mail-ballot-is-counted-2

For information on all Board of Elections services visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123. All email and phone messages will be returned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming dates and locations for the mobile test unit are:

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

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

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

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

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce two new grant programs funded through the CARES Act: the Safe Learning Settings grant program and the Non-Profit Organization grant program.

Both programs were approved at the September 3^rd regular Freeholder meeting. Each program has been allocated $4 million in CARES Act funding.

“During these times there is an immediate need in our community for financial assistance,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we are able to provide these funds through the CARES Act to provide relief for non-profits, and families in need of child care.”

As part of Union County’s response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency, the Union County CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant will support child care costs for working Union County families. This program will offset child care costs to help parents continue to work. 

To be eligible for the Safe Learning Setting grant applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Reside in Union County;

• • household must be comprised of at least one adult and one school age child – 5-13 years old at the time of application;
  • school age child(ren) must be enrolled in a public school district within Union County;
• Adults in the household must be working or attending school and child(ren) must be enrolled in the USDA Free or Reduced Meal Program;
• Families must be ineligible for state/local subsidy program or other duplication of services.

There are approximately 593 slots available and applications will be rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The County is working with licensed childcare centers throughout the area.

Families interested in applying for the Safe Learning Settings Grant should visit https://ucnj.org/safe-learning-settings-grant-family-application. The program will also have the added effect of preserving and extending operations of high quality child care programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the children and families in Union County. 

“The integral role that our non-profit providers, schools, child care facilities, and educational programming play in assisting the Union County community year round is evident and now more than ever we need to work alongside these institutions in the best interest of our residents as we battle Covid-19 together,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the Fiscal Committee and the liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council.

Freeholder Granados added, “The Safe Learning Grant will assist families tremendously with students whose school districts have adapted to the new norm with virtual/hybrid learning and the Non-Profit Grant will help our non-profits continue to provide social and support services that are beneficial to many of our fellow community members.”

The Union County CARES Act Non-Profit Grant will be used to support the on-going work of approximately 200 local non-profit organizations that provide critical services that support the County’s prevention, preparation, and ongoing response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide them with the financial support they need to continue to reopen, or remain open safely, to provide county residents with much needed supports and services during the pandemic. 

To qualify for the Non-Profit grant each applicant must:

• have an office physically located and operated in the County of Union;
• have evidence that the organization serves County of Union residents;
• have evidence of local needs specific to COVID-19 impacts;
• be operating and registered with the State of New Jersey as a 501(C)(3); and
• disclose if the Non-Profit has received any other CARES funds, how much was allocated, and what the funds were expended on.

To access the Non-Profit Grant application and grant Information Sheet visit https://ucnj.org/non-profit-grant-application.

For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Non-Profit Grant, contact the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at (888) 845-3434 / (908) 558-2288 or email uccaresnonprofit@ucnj.org.

For additional information and questions about the CARES Act Safe Learning Settings Grant, contact the Union County Department of Finance at UCCARESSLSG@ucnj.org or by calling (908) 558- 2367.

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

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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Distribution is a joint effort with Village Super Market. Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, September 19^th, beginning at 10 a.m. at Cedar Brook Park, located in Plainfield. Residents should use the Park Avenue entrance. 

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

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union and Village Super Market.

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

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

“Despite the progress being made, food insecurity remains a major concern among many families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This distribution was planned for Plainfield in order to provide some assistance to residents in the western part of Union County that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We continue to work to provide our residents with the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Village Super Market and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.

Upon arrival, each driver will have to provide proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

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

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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