Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to become Union County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and receive free CPR training on Saturday, February 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“The Medical Reserve Corps is composed of Union County residents who have made the commitment to step up as additional assistance in the event of an emergency,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Whether it’s a destructive storm, a public health threat or a purposeful attack, Union County is better prepared to respond to emergencies, thanks to citizen involvement through the Medical Reserve Corps.”

Participants will earn 3.5 Public Health Continuing Education credits with the completion of this training.

Eligible applicants should be adults age 18 and older, active or retired healthcare professionals in good standing, non-medically trained community members with a commitment to their community, public health professionals, or students of a health profession. In addition, residents willing to be trained to fill key support positions are also welcome to apply.

The Medical Reserve Corps consists of more than 200 medical and non-medical professionals. It was developed in order to help the County prepare for emergencies on a regional basis.

Through the Medical Reserve Corps, disaster planners can swiftly identify community members who have a professional background that enables them to provide assistance during an emergency. The additional volunteers enable trained responders to focus their efforts on priority situations that require specialized skills.

The Reserve Corps also helps to ensure that more citizens throughout Union County are prepared to provide assistance in an emergency. In case an extreme event makes travel difficult, Reserve Corps members can help out locally until career responders arrive.

Many Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have a background in health care fields, but medical training is not needed in order to join. Communications, transportation, emergency shelter management and other related skills play a critical role in effective emergency response.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers participate in training and planning sessions, and they also conduct public outreach efforts on a regular basis.

All participants must be registered with Union County Medical Reserve Corps. Being that space is limited for this event, interested residents should call 908-518-5631 to register.

For more information on the Union County Medical Reserve Corps, contact the Union County MRC Unit Coordinator, Lovely Randle, at 908-518-5631 or email uchealth@ucnj.org.

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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 Sheriff’s office will be hosting a free, Children’s Coloring/Activity Book competition for the Spring of 2020. High School students will be eligible to create a child’s coloring/activity book that centers around one the following topics: Bullying and/or Cyberbullying, Internet Safety, Police Officers are Your Friends, Traffic Safety, Personal Safety, Drug Safety or Weapon Safety.

“This program provides a tremendous opportunity for high school students to use their creativity and impart valuable information to younger students,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli.

The competition is open to High School students only. High Schools will be eligible to submit as many applications to the competition as they wish. The book content must be appropriate for students aged Kindergarten through 5th grade. One winner will be chosen from each submitted topic. The winning books will be published and distributed throughout Union County community events starting this summer.

Registration forms to enter the competition must be submitted by February 14, 2020 with all entries in the competition to be submitted by May 8, 2020.  The registration form can be filled out online at https://ucnj.org/sheriff/childrens-coloring-and-activity-book-competition/. Entries must be submitted via email in a PDF format to thalpin@ucnj.org, as well as mailed in a printed copy to:

Union County Sheriff’s Office c/o Tara Halpin
10 Elizabethtown Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07207

Interested students and residents can learn more about the contest, rules for book entries, and details on the prospective topics at https://ucnj.org/sheriff/childrens-coloring-and-activity-book-competition/, or by contacting Sergeant Tara Halpin at 908-527-4032 or thalpin@ucnj.org.

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 8, in order to participate in their new party’s Primary Election on June 2.

“Party-affiliated 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 this year, please be aware that you will need to make that change by April 8 in order for it to take effect in time for the June 2 Primary Election.”

Ms. DiRado also reminded voters that they can call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4123 to confirm that their party of choice has been properly recorded.

“Visitors to Motor Vehicle Commission offices have the opportunity to review their voter information during the visit, and a simple phone call will ensure that any changes have been accurately recorded,” she said.

The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. They may declare their party at the polls on June 2.

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 or call 908-527-4123.

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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 – In recognition of Black History Month the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to invite the public to a series of five free events highlighting key historical and cultural themes throughout Black history.

“The experiences and accomplishments of African Americans have defined the course of history in America for hundreds of years,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to contribute to Black History Month through public events that enrich our knowledge and deepen our appreciation of their contributions.”

The celebration will kick off with a Black History Month flag raising ceremony in front of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1^st.

On Monday, February 3^rd, a production of A Langston Hughes Song Revival will take place at Hamilton Stage, located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., featuring the poetry of Langston Hughes set to music by African American composers Margaret Bonds and Florence Price. To register visit ucnj.org/black-history-month, or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 for more information about the program.

On Saturday, February 8^th, there will be a performance of Raisin: A Musical at the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The show is a musical adaptation of the Lorraine Hansberry play A Raisin in the Sun. Prior to the performance, the Freeholder Board will present the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. Call the UCPAC box office for ticket information at 732-499-8226.

On Monday, February 10^th, at noon the Freeholder Board will recognize the 400^th anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade and its reverberations in life today with a free educational “Lunch and Learn” event, in the Freeholder meeting room on the 6^th floor in the Union County administration building in Elizabeth. 

Lastly, on Thursday, February 13^th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., residents and visitors are invited to Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside to “meet” Rosa Parks in a first-person interpreter presentation by Alexandra Ford of the American Historical Theatre.

Attendees must be age 18 or older or high school students. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended through the Trailside Talks link on the Union County activities online registration website, https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

For more information about Black History Month programs please contact Nathalie Hernandez of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at nahernandez@ucnj.org.

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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.

The Union County Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the 2020 Presidential Elections.   

“Serving as a Union County Poll Worker is a great way to get involved in this exciting Presidential year while exercising your civic responsibility by serving your community on Election Day,” said Nicole DiRado, Administrator of the Union County Board of Elections.

The Primary Election is June 2, 2020 and the General Election is November 3, 2020.

Poll workers receive a stipend of $200.00 for the day.

Poll workers are stationed at each polling place in Union County on Election Day. They are trained to answer questions that voters may have about the voting process, and to ensure everyone who is eligible to vote is afforded the opportunity to do so.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. New poll workers are required to attend a single-session training course. Returning poll workers take a refresher course every two years.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.

Copies of the Poll Worker application form are available online for download at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/Poll-Worker-Application-2020.pdf. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4120.

For more information, follow the Poll Worker Resources link at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

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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.

Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski visited St. Michael Church in Cranford, to take part in the 39th Annual Commemorative Service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Union County, NJ – In recognition of January as National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages residents to familiarize themselves with information that can help prevent cervical cancer and detect the early signs of cervical cancer.

“Key facts about cervical cancer vaccination and screening are available online through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, including interactive features that help connect residents with reliable, science-based guidance on protecting themselves and their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Cervical cancer is considered to be the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening and follow up. A vaccine is also available to help prevent the main cause of cervical cancer, a viral infection called HPV.

An HPV infection can also cause other cancers in both women and men, in addition to cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that most often resolves itself without harm. The problem arises when the infection lingers in the body longer than usual.

The Centers for Disease Control is deploying social media to help the public learn about HPV and cervical cancer during National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

In support of the CDC effort, Union County is using its social media accounts to relay the following messages:

Friday, January 17: An interactive self-test quiz enabling members of the public to test their knowledge of cervical cancer (see the quiz at cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/quiz).

Tuesday, January 21: Information on the latest screening and vaccination guidelines (see the guidelines at cdc.gov/vitalsigns/cervical-cancer.

Thursday, January 23: An animated video that explains how vaccinations for boys and girls ages 11 and 12 prevent cervical cancer (watch the video at youtube.com/watch).

Monday, January 27: A brief message from a cervical cancer survivor explaining the preventive value of vaccination (watch the message: (www.youtube.com).

Friday, January 31: A chart illustrating the recommended schedule for all childhood vaccinations including HPV (see the chart: cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules).

For more information on HPV, cervical cancer, and other HPV-linked cancers impacting men as well as women, visit the Centers for Disease Control online at cdc.gov/std/hpv/facts-brochures.htm.

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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 — Union County residents and visitors have the opportunity to “meet” Rosa Parks in a first-person interpreter presentation by Alexandra Ford of the American Historical Theatre. The event is free and is made possible by funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. 

“The story of Rosa Parks is a reminder that individual actions can lead to extraordinary change,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to help keep her legacy alive through this special presentation.”

The program will take place on Thursday, February 13, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Ample free parking is located at the site.

Attendees must be adults age 18 or older or high school students. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended through the Trailside Talks link on the Union County activities online registration website, https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog (scroll down for the Trailside Talks link).

Rosa Parks became an icon of the civil rights movement 65 years ago in 1955, after she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated public bus in Montgomery, Alabama.

Parks was an active member of her local NAACP chapter, and her arrest helped spark a 381-day boycott of the Montgomery bus system. The boycott marked the first large scale demonstration against segregation in the U.S.

“The story of Rosa Parks is a reminder that individual actions can lead to extraordinary change,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to help keep her legacy alive through this special presentation.”

Rosa Parks will be portrayed by Alexandra Ford, an actor-historian with the American Historical Theatre company. Ford has an AAS degree in Literature, Arts, and Philosophy from Camden County College, and earned her BFA degree in Theatre Studies from Montclair State University.

To research the role, Ford traveled to Montgomery and read extensively on the life of Rosa Parks and the civil rights movement.

Attendees must be adults age 18 or older or high school students. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended through the Trailside Talks link on the Union County activities online registration website, https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog (scroll down for the Trailside Talks link).

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information on all activities for all ages including February Festivities at Trailside, call 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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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 – As the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages everyone who lives, visits, or works in Union County to bring reusable bags to the grocery store instead of using single-use plastic bags. The reusable bag effort kicks off Union County’s yearlong #MakeOneChangeUC public education initiative, and it supports the statewide “Choose to Reuse” anti-litter campaign.

“Union County is launching #MakeOneChangeUC with a focus on single-use plastic bags because they are a widespread, persistent source of litter in the environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Everyone can contribute to the solution by choosing reusable bags over single-use bags.”

Union County often provides reusable tote bags free of charge at public events, as do many other local agencies, organizations and businesses. They are also available at nominal cost in many grocery stores.

On average, a plastic bag is used for only 12 minutes but plastic can linger in the environment for up to 1,000 years or more.

Union County is the first county in New Jersey to partner with the new statewide “Choose to Reuse” environmental initiative, aimed at reducing the amount of single-use bags in the waste stream.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in the U.S. every year.

“Every time you ‘choose to reuse,’ you make a big difference,” said Mirabella.

The Choose to Reuse campaign is a project of the New Jersey Food Council and the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.

The Director of the Union County Bureau Recycling & Planning, JoAnn Gemenden, was instrumental in working on the “Choose to Reuse” campaign as head of the Education Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. For more information about Choose to Reuse and #MakeOneChangeUC, members of the public can contact her at jgemenden@ucnj.org.

More information on Union County recycling programs is available at ucnj.org/recycle. For quick links to all Union County environmental events and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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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.

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Association (NJTPA) paid tribute in this video to Freeholder Vice Chairman Angel Estrada, who has served with distinction in leadership roles with the NJTPA. Under his guidance, Union County advanced $3 million in safety improvements and nearly $38 million in local roadway and bridgeway projects.