Category: Public Info

Distributions are a joint effort with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey

      

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold two drive-up food distributions for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, August 13^th and Thursday, August 27^th. Both events will begin at 9 a.m. at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Avenue and Morris Avenue.  The food distributions will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distributions are 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%.

“Food insecurity remains a major concern in these uncertain times,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “To that end, the Freeholder Board and the County continue to coordinate events such as these drive-up food distributions to assist our residents in any way we can.”

“As we all know, COVID-19 has affected all residents across Union County and this world. People are struggling with health issues, employment issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “These free food distributions are another example of the work being done by the Freeholder Board in support of all residents in need during this pandemic. We thank the partners and volunteers involved in coordinating these efforts.”

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.

“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.”

Both events 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 Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.

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.

 

Movie will screen August 14 and 15; moviegoers must follow mask and social distance guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board reminds residents that they can reserve a spot for a free drive-up screening of Onward beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7. The online reservation form is available at https://tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie.

Due to space limitations, registration for Onward will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Two screenings of Onward are scheduled, on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Both screenings start at dusk. Both are open to Union County residents only, and require online registration. One registration is required per car (not per person).

Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Port-a-johns and wash stations will be available.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns (masks required for port-o-johns). No chairs, stools or other seating outside of the vehicle is permitted.

The Drive-up movies are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Information about activities permitted in County parks during the COVID-19 outbreaks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/Trailside for links to free online nature activities for all ages including the new “Virtual Summer Camp” series with different themes each week.

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.

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias, thousands of Union County residents were affected by power outages, with some residents still waiting for power to be restored. The Freeholder Board is urging residents still experiencing an outage to exercise extreme caution when using generators, candles and other alternative power sources.

Carbon monoxide exposure from generators used during power outages after storms is a serious health risk that can lead to hospitalization.

“Generators can cause carbon monoxide poisoning when used improperly, resulting in serious illness or death,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “No matter what fuel your generator uses, be sure to follow safety and usage instructions.”

Carbon monoxide is a gas that gives no warning. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be confused with symptoms of common colds or the flu.

“If you suspect CO poisoning, handle it as a medical emergency,” said Mirabella. “Call 911 immediately and let the responders know about any generators or alternative fuel sources in or near your home.”

County residents and businesses using generators are urged to review the manufacturer’s warnings and safety instruction during power outages. These include:

 

• Never place generators indoors. That includes basements, garages and sheds as well as homes and other buildings.

 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for positioning your generator outdoors. Generally that means at least 20 feet away from your building and any adjacent building.

 

Additional safety tips from the US Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov/co

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.

Program resumes on Saturday, August 15.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s free scrap metal recycling program will not be held on Thursday, August 6, due to downed wires and other debris from Tropical Storm Isaias in Cranford and Rahway.

The program will resume on its regularly scheduled date of Saturday, August 15.

Free scrap metal recycling is available to Union County residents at two drop-off locations:

• Cranford – Emergency Services Building at 151 Kenilworth Boulevard.
• Rahway – Rahway River Park, at the park maintenance yard.

Both locations are open for drop-offs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, until November 21.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-9, participants must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and stay in their vehicles at all times. Materials should be placed in the vehicle’s trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, who will remove it from the vehicle.

A complete list of accepted metals, and information on all Union County recycling programs, is available online at ucnj.org/recycling or call the Recycling Hotline, 908-654-9889.

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, 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.

Visit the Isaias updates page on the Union County website, https://wp.me/p4sLwl-mam, for additional updates on County services and cancellations during the storm.

Union County, NJ – Union County is expected to receive torrential rain, strong winds, and storm surge from Tropical Storm Isaias.

A tropical storm warning and flash flood watch has been issued for the Union County area with 3 to 6 inches of rain, 60-70% chance of 40-50 mph sustained winds with gusts of up to 70 mph, and minor to moderate storm surge concerns.

The storm is expected to reach its peak Tuesday afternoon into the evening during rush hour commute.

The Union County area is also under a tornado watch until 4:00 pm

Take extra precaution, especially if you live in flood prone areas. For additional updates and information on Union County services, and contacts for local utilities and power outage reporting, visit the Isaias updates page on the Union County website, https://wp.me/p4sLwl-mam. 

Event Cancellations and Service Updates (updated 10:00 a.m., August 4, 2020):

• The Secret Life of Pets 2 scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 in Rahway River Park is cancelled
• The scheduled walk-up County of Union Covid-test site in Elizabeth at the Logan Rec Center for Tuesday, August 4th is postponed to Saturday, August 15th (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) due to expected inclement weather. If you made a previous appointment, you will receive an email honoring your appointment within the new established time frame.
• All Judiciary offices (County Courts) will be closed on Tuesday, August 4th 2020. While the physical court offices will be closed, virtual operations should continue to the extent possible.
• Paratransit ends at 3 p.m. and Human Services is enacting Code Blue to assist homeless into shelters.

Utility contact formation:

Electric —

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734
Outages: Report Map

Jersey Central Power & Light (First Energy)

Gas —

Elizabethtown Gas

1-800-242-5830    Website

 

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734  Website

Report gas leak 1-800-436-7734

Water —

New Jersey American Water

1-800-272-1325    Website

United Water – Rahway

1-877-303-2435    Website

Emergencies 1-877-303-2435

TV/Internet / Phone

Cablevision
1-866-575-8000   Website

Comcast  – Xfinity
1-800-266-2278   Website

Xfinity: 1-800-XFINITY (934-6489) Website

 

Verizon FiOS

1-888-438-3467   Website

Verizon
1-800-827-4966   Website

Time Warner

201-886-0900  Website

 

Dish Netowork

1 (800) 333-3474 Website

 

For 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, 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.

Electric

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734
Outages: Report Map

JCP&L (First Energy)
Report An Outage: 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
Report Outage Online

Gas

Elizabethtown Gas
1-800-242-5830 Website

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734 Website
Report gas leak 1-800-436-7734

Water

Cable / Phone

Cablevision
1-866-575-8000 Website

Comcast
1-800-266-2278 Website

DISH Network
1-800-333-3474

Verizon FiOS
1-888-438-3467 Website

Verizon
1-800-827-4966 Website

Time Warner
201-886-0900 Website

 

The Elizabeth and Westfield offices will also provide in-person passport services by appointment only; masks and social distance apply. 

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that the County Clerk’s annex office in the Colleen Fraser Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield is resuming its regular schedule of extra hours for in-person services by appointment only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, starting in August.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, all visitors must wear masks and follow social distance guidelines.

“I am excited to be able to reopen our office to extended hours for our residents. By introducing safe protocols and limiting the number of customers at any one time we will be able to insure your continued health and safety while serving your needs,” said Ms. Joanne Rajoppi.

Beginning on Tuesday, August 4, the Westfield office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Beginning on Saturday, August 8, the office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday.

The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The County Clerk’s main office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth is open every weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In addition, the County Clerk is resuming in-person passport services in August, by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted.

To book an appointment for U.S. passport services at the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, call 908-527-4966.

To book an appointment for U.S. passport services at the annex office in Westfield, call 908-654-9859.

Residents who need to travel at short notice on a life-or-death emergency must contact the  U.S. State Department regional passport office in New York City for assistance within a three-day window, at 877-487-2778 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or  202-647-4000 (after 5:00 p.m.).

Ms. Rajoppi also advises passport holders who are expecting to travel in the near future to check their destination country for quarantine instructions and other restrictions.

For more details about all County Clerk 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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Connect with Union County on social media.

 

 

 

Students looking to enhance their artistic abilities are encouraged to take advantage of a series of free virtual art lessons with Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Club of Union County.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H to provide learning opportunities and activities to Union County students,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These virtual lessons offer new learning opportunities to youth in our community with a wide variety of techniques and styles.”

The four day series will be instructed by Miss Martha Garcia, a professional art teacher working in Jersey City Schools and a former Union County 4-H member and club leader.

All classes are from 11:30 to 12:30 and can be accessed via Zoom. The schedule for the series is as follows:

• Monday, August 3rd – Learn about a mandala and be able to create one yourself. Materials: various sized lids or circles templates such as a paper plate. Paper, pencil, and coloring supplies such as (color pencils, crayons, or markers)
• Tuesday, August 4th – The importance of Value in Art! Learn how to create a value scale and practice using a value in a Cubism inspired hand project. Materials: Paper, pencil, and/or color pencils 
• Wednesday, August 5th – Learn about zentangles and creating different patterns. Materials: Paper, pencil and/or marker. If you have a dual tip sharpie that would come in handy but not required.
• Thursday, August 6th – Learn about perspective and how to create a horizon line with a vanishing point. Materials: Paper, pencil, ruler or straight edge like a book, and coloring supplies such as (color pencils, crayons, or markers) 

Space is limited for this program and registration is required. Participants do not have to be 4-H members to participate.

To register or to inquire more information, contact Tamisha Hopkins, 4-H office manager at thopkins@ucnj.org.  Please specify the days you will be attending. Access passwords will be sent to registered participants.

Union County 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Freeholder Board, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

The national 4-H youth program is the largest youth development program in the U.S. As a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4-H encourages students to develop expertise in a subject of their own choosing, and share their knowledge to benefit their community.

Participation in 4-H is associated with better grades at school, and a stronger interest in taking science classes, attending college, and contributing to the community.

For more Extension online programs, including environmental topics, yard and garden care, and 4-H clubs for youth, visit the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County online at ucnj.org/rce.

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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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.

Moviegoers must follow mask and social distance guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders has updated the schedule for a series of free Walk-up and Drive-up movies in August, held in accordance with statewide regulations aimed at reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.

“Union County residents and visitors have been doing a great job of protecting each other during the COVID-19 outbreak, and moviegoers can keep up the good work by wearing masks, observing social distance rules, and following other guidelines for a safe night out,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

All movies are free and begin at dusk.  Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase. Port-a-johns and wash stations will be available.

For Walk-up movies, attendees will be required to sit in marked circles in order to maintain social distance between groups. Masks are strongly encouraged at all times, and are required when using port-o-johns and in areas where social distancing is not possible. No pre-registration is required.

The upcoming Walk-up movies are:

Secret Life of Pets 2: Tuesday, August 4 at Rahway Park near the Hickory Picnic area in Rahway.

The Lion King (2019 version): Tuesday, August 11 at the Loop area in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside.

Drive-up movies are open to Union County residents only, and will require online pre-registration. One registration will be required per car.

For Drive-up movies, no walk-ups or bikes are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart for social distancing. Attendees must stay in their vehicles unless using the port-o-johns; no chairs, stools or other seating outside of the car is permitted.

The upcoming Drive-up movie will be Onward. Please note that Onward will be shown in place of the originally scheduled Scoob.

Onward will be shown on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Space is limited and registration for Onward will be on a first come, first serve basis. The registration portal for both dates will open on Friday, August 7 at 9:00 a.m., at https://tinyurl.com/DriveUpMovie.

The Walk-up and Drive-up movies are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Information about activities permitted in County parks during the COVID-19 outbreaks is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/Trailside for links to free online nature activities for all ages including the new “Virtual Summer Camp” series with different themes each week.

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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Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will conduct the ballot position drawing for the November 3 General Election and School Board Election on Facebook Live on Monday, August 10, beginning at 3:00 p.m., as designated by New Jersey state law. The event is being held remotely in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Remote technology has been an important part of our work in ensuring that elections services and other essential operations continue during the COVID-19 outbreak, while reducing the risk of infection,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I encourage voters, candidates, and anyone interested in elections, to watch the livestream and observe the process in real time.”

The ballot position drawing for the July 7 Primary Election was also conducted through Facebook Live on April 9.

As an additional precaution against COVID-19 infection, the July 7 Primary election was conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots, in accordance with statewide emergency orders issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

The Governor has not issued similar instructions for the November 3 elections at this time.

“Even if there is not a statewide order, I continue to urge all voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot in every election,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail is easy and convenient. It enables voters to cast their ballot regardless of unforeseen circumstances that may arise on Election Day, and during the COVID-19 outbreak it enables voters to participate while reducing their risk of exposure.”

Under existing New Jersey state law, any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot.

 

 

Voters can also download an application for a Vote-by-Mail ballot from the County Clerks’ elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, or from the free Union County Votes app for mobile devices.

To request an application form by phone or email, contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

More information about all County Clerk programs and services is available 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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Connect with Union County on social media.