Category: Public Info

New measure enables use of Union County roads by retail food and beverage services.

Union County, NJ – In an effort to help local businesses recover from the COVID-19 crisis, the Freeholder Board has adopted a new policy that expands opportunities for outdoor dining. The new measure enables municipalities to request a County road closure, or a change in traffic flow, for the purpose of outdoor dining. It was approved at the Freeholder Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, June 18.

Each request will be assessed on the basis of detailed plans submitted by the municipality. Traffic safety and COVID-19 prevention are among the factors included in the assessment.

“Union County assesses and authorizes temporary road closures to provide space for parades and other community events in normal times,” explained Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “In this time of crisis, we hope that some parts of our County road network can provide space to help local businesses get back on their feet, and help restore our communities to life as well.”

As of June 15, food or beverage establishments in New Jersey are permitted to provide in-person service outdoors, provided they observe social distance and other COVID-19 prevention guidelines. The permission includes restaurants, cafeterias, dining establishments, food courts, bars, and all other holders of a liquor license with retail consumption.

“Union County residents have worked hard to drive the infection rate down, and we are confident that everyone will continue to exercise precautions as we expand our efforts to assist the business community during this crisis,” said Freeholder Chris Hudak, is a member of the Fiscal Committee and was instrumental in creating the new street closure initiative. 

The Freeholder Board’s new policy will enable municipalities to submit formal requests for temporarily closing County roads, partially or fully, for the purpose of outdoor dining at adjacent food or beverage establishments.

The policy is effective as of June 15 and will extend until November 30, 2020.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, 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.

Union County parks follow statewide guidelines for preventing COVID-19; social distance is required and masks are strongly recommended.

Union County, NJ – Beginning on June 22, Union County will lift certain restrictions on the use of County parks during the COVID-19 outbreak. The updated rules of use are in accordance with statewide guidelines issued by the New Jersey Department of Health.

“Masks and social distance are the only effective tools we have for stopping the spread of COVID-19, so we strongly urge visitors to continue to observe precautions against infection while enjoying outdoor activities in County parks,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands frequently, and keeping hands away from face are among the basic precautions for preventing COVID-19 and other infections. Persons who feel sick should stay away from others.

The following rules apply to activities in Union County parks during the COVID-19 outbreak.

1. Trail biking: Trail biking is prohibited in all Union County parks. Trail biking was prohibited before the COVID-19 outbreak, and it continues to be prohibited. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths in Union County parks.
2. Closed: Shared recreation equipment, including playgrounds, workout stations, and fitness equipment. The Warinanco Sports Center and the Trailside Nature and Science Center also remain closed. The Walter E. Ulrich swimming pool is under construction and remains closed. Watchung Stable remains closed to the general public and is currently assessing plans for the summer. Basketball courts are available only for non-contact drills as of June 22, consistent with rules for similar sports.
3. Reopened with adjustments:Golf courses, archery range, tennis courts, dog parks.
4. Coming soon — picnic areas: Reservations begin July 1. As of July 1 the maximum number of people allowed per reservation will be 250 if the COVID-19 outbreak in New Jersey continues to trend down. The limit will rise to 500 on July 3.
5. Coming soon — limited use of athletic fields: As of June 22, use of County athletic fields for team sporting events, including inter-team games, scrimmages, and tournaments, is permitted only for low risk, non-contact sports.

Low risk sports include archery, golf, and other events based exclusively on individual effort such as individual cycling swimming, rowing, diving, equestrian jumping or dressage, sailing, weightlifting, tennis, dance, pole vault, high jump, long jump, marathon, triathlon, cross country, track and field, disc golf, and badminton.

For medium and high risk contact sports, fields will open on June 22 but use will be limited to no-contact drills, practices, and simulations of game situations. No games, scrimmages or tournaments will be permitted for contact sports.

Medium risk contact sports include Lacrosse, hockey, multi-person rowing, multi-person kayaking, multi-person canoeing, water polo, swimming relays, fencing, cycling in a group, running in a close group, group sailing, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, short track.

High risk contact sports include rugby, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, pair figure skating, football, group dance, group cheer.

Note: additional permissions for sports are anticipated in the coming weeks. Please be patient and help protect the Union County community as we re-open our parks under the guidance of public health professionals.

5. Currently Allowed: Individual activities such as walking, jogging, biking and fishing are allowed. Bicycles are allowed on paved pathways only. No bicycles are allowed on unpaved paths and trails in Union County parks.
6. Use of walking paths:Follow arrows to move counter-clockwise only. Slow users keep right; fast users pass on left. Give way to others to maintain six-foot distance when passing.
7. Masks: Strongly recommended.

Parking and hours of use: Union County Parks are open dawn to dusk only; no off-hours use permitted. Drivers must observe parking rules.

Report abuse of social distance guidelines to Union County Police:

908-654-9800.

For maps, directions, and more information about activities in Union County parks, visit online at ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, 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.

Union County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson, Assemblywoman Linda Carter and members of the Plainfield City Council joined volunteers from the United Way and County of Union employees in the distribution of 300 bags of food and fresh produce in Plainfield to families in need. The food was provided by Community FoodBank of New Jersey. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce the 2020 PRIDE IN PLACE virtual series of events to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month beginning Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26.
 
Online registration is required for each event at ucnj.org/lgbtq.
 
“The Freeholder Board is proud to host events that celebrate all identities in one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Here in Union County we stand firm in our resolve to support the LGBTQ community through advocacy, awareness and action.”

The week kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22 with Drag Queen Story Hour hosted by Harmonica Sunbeam. The hour will be packed with children’s stories, sing-along songs, and a rainbow craft. All participants are invited to dress up in your own fabulous costume.

PRIDE IN PLACE will also feature four special events each evening beginning on June 23:
 
Bring your best LGBTQ history and pop culture knowledge to the Zoom gathering on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM for LGBTQ Trivia Night (PG). Kick off the night with a strong mix of LGBTQ themed and pop culture factoids. Picture rounds, music rounds, plenty of random facts and interesting tidbits – show off what you know or just be the one to whip out the perfect winning answer.
 
On Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 PM, zoom in for an inclusive Beauty Queen Makeup Demo with Bella Rococo at Emilia’s, sponsored by WellCare Health Plans. Makeup artists will explore products, shades and techniques with step-by-step guidance from lips to lashes for different skin tones and textures.
 
On Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, Union County’s first openly gay Freeholder Rebecca Williams will moderate the Violence and Justice in the LGBTQ Community panel discussion with guest panelists that offer a perspective from law enforcement, to New Jersey civil rights and the work of LGBTQ equality from an advocacy organization’s perspective. Participants will have an opportunity engage in the conversation and ask questions of the panelists during the live stream.
 
The final evening event will take place on Friday, June 26 at 6:00 PM with a Pasta Party (cooking demo) featuring pasta drag queen Cissy Walker. Learn how to make delicious, fresh pasta and enjoy a drag show from the ultimate Pasta Queen no matter where you are! Cook along with Cissy at home, or simply tune in for a festive night of entertainment.
 
“This series of Pride in Place virtual events is especially important to the LGBTQ community, where many people may be vulnerable to feelings of isolation during this period of separation and social distance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “Pride events continue to bring awareness to LGBTQ inequalities and issues that impact quality of life. On the 50th anniversary of the first Pride Parade, this Freeholder Board is proud to host events that make Pride accessible to everyone in their homes while we observe COVID public health guidelines.”
 
PRIDE IN PLACE will also include lunchtime activities. During the week of June 22 through June 26, from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM, the Freeholder Board will host the PRIDE Lunch and Learn series, consisting of conversations with nonprofit organizations and community groups serving the LGBTQ community.

The PRIDE Lunch and Learn series is a town hall-style event that includes an overview of the mission and work of the presenting organization, and an opportunity for viewers to ask questions.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, June 22: New Jersey Inclusive Curriculum discussion with Garden State Equality

Wednesday, June 24: Know Your Rights discussion with the NJ State Division of Civil Rights

Friday, June 26: Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Safe Spaces (for students and colleagues) discussion with New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition

Additional details will be posted to ucnj.org/lgbtq.
 
All throughout PRIDE IN PLACE, community members are invited to participate in Pride at Home by visiting ucnj.org/lgbtq for a list of activities to do any time at home, including a chalk the walk with pride throughout your community, color the different LGBTQ flags or design your own, or complete any of the activity pages available online.

The week of June 22-26 also features Union County’s “One County with Pride” celebration. Throughout the events and activities of the week, participants are invited to submit photos and videos (30 seconds or less) of the ways in which they are celebrating Pride to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs (dnewbury@ucnj.org).

Submissions that are emailed by Sunday, June 28 will be considered for a video compilation posted to Union County social media and website, and distributed to local media outlets.
 
Union County’s PRIDE IN PLACE virtual series of events is organized by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs under the Department of Economic Development. The Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.
 
The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
 
For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.
 
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidelines on the Union County COVID-19 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/cd/topics/covid2019.

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



Union County, NJ — Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises voters that Vote-by-Mail ballots may be dropped off in person at the Board of Elections office at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth. In addition to regular weekday hours, the office will be open for ballot return on Saturday June 20, Saturday June 27, and Saturday July 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.

While visiting the Board of Elections office, voters must wear masks and observe social distance.

“We are offering the additional Saturday hours to help ensure that every voter who wishes to hand-deliver their ballot has the opportunity to do so,” said Ms. DiRado.

Voters choosing to drop off their ballot in person are reminded that they must sign a register, and produce a New Jersey Driver’s License or New Jersey Issued Identification. 

In addition, voters may bear their own ballot and ballots of three other voters.  It is important that bearers sign the bearer portion of the outside envelope in the presence of the voter.

Voters may also send their ballots to the Board of Elections by U.S. mail. Each ballot comes with prepaid postage.  Ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received by the Board of Elections by July 14, seven days after election day. 

The July 7 Primary Election is being conducted primarily through by Vote-by-Mail, by order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  All voters wishing to go to a polling location on Election Day will be required to complete a paper provisional ballot.  The only exception is for voters who cannot vote on a paper ballot will be afforded the opportunity to vote on a machine, after they have certified that they cannot vote on a paper ballot.

For instructions on completing a Vote-by-Mail ballot correctly, please review the flyer prepared by the Election Board which can be found 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 leave a phone message at 908-527-4121. 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 on the Union County 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, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents that the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield will be open for additional hours in advance of the July 7 Primary, for voters in need of guidance with Vote-by-Mail ballots and other aspects of the election.

In addition to regular weekday hours, both offices will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday June 20 and Saturday June 27.

Both offices will also remain open until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday July 2, Monday July 6, and Tuesday July 7 (Election Day).

“My staff has been available to assist voters by phone and email throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and we continue to offer remote assistance while gradually adding in-person services in accordance with statewide guidelines,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all visitors to the County Clerk’s office must wear masks and maintain a distance of at least six feet apart from others.

The County Clerk’s main office is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in midtown Elizabeth. The annex office is located in Colleen Fraser Building, in the County Services complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminds voters that Vote-by-Mail ballots are being sent out in waves to registered Democrats and Republicans. Most voters have already received their ballots, while others will receive theirs this week.

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.

Updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, are available at 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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the Department of Parks and Recreation has received two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties, for children’s programming.

The programs that earned accolades are titled, “Every Kid in a Park/Every Kid Engaged…Grandma & Grandpa Too” in the category of Parks and Recreation, and “Engaging Children in Our History” in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation.

“Union County has a strong history of supporting environmental education, and we are very proud that these two programs have achieved national recognition,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are looking forward to the day when we can resume our educational programs for all ages. In the meantime, we continue to urge residents to take every precaution against COVID-19 while in County parks.”

Union County parks are re-opening gradually in accordance with statewide guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands frequently, and keeping hands away from face are among the basic precautions for preventing COVID-19 and other infections. Persons who feel sick should stay away from others.

The County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center remains closed but is offering activities, news and resources for all ages online at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

“The National Association of Counties is pleased to grant Union County a 2020 Achievement Award for its program titled “Engaging Children in Our History” in the category of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation and “Every Kid In A Park/Every Kid Engaged…Grandma & Grandpa Too” in the category of Parks and Recreation,” said NACo spokeswoman still Lindsey Maggard. “Congratulations to everyone involved in developing this innovative program. Your hard work will yield positive results for Union County residents.” 

Nationally, NACo awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the comprehensive services provided by counties. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

“Every Kid in a Park/Every Kid Engaged…Grandma & Grandpa Too” and “Engaging Children in Our History” are among several new programs introduce by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Every Kid in a Park/Every Kid Engaged…Grandma & Grandpa Too” includes the following components:

• Jr. Naturalist Program for elementary school children 
• Trailside Nature & Science Center Activity Book for youngsters
• Expanded National Trails Day programming to include families 
• Kids Explorations: Saturdays in the Reservation
• Back to Nature programs for families
• Nature Walks for Seniors
• Trotters Branch Nature Trail in an urban park
• Dedicated Trail Maintenance crew
• GPS-based Trail Monitoring & Repair System 
• Summer Trail Maintenance program for teens
• Signage raising awareness of Greenway system

The “Engaging Children in Our History” program was developed by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Parks Department. It includes:

• Postcards to write friends & family 
• Stereoscopes to view century old 3D photos 
• A Battle of the Short Hills Foosball table 
• Instagram Selfie Frames
• Posed Selfie Frames with Alexander Hamilton and Margaret Bourke-White
• Cycling Routes to visit historic sites
• Audio tour of the Deserted Village
• Audio tour of historic midtown Elizabeth(Elizabethtown)
• Historic site cards 
• For information about the Office of Cultural Affairs, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs.

For more information and updates about the use of Union County Parks during the COVID-19 outbreak, call the Parks Department at 908-527-4900 or visit online at ucnj.org/parks-activities.

Information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, is available at 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.

Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Angela Garretson and Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter joined the United Way of Greater Union County and members of County Government at Hillside High School in distributing food donated by Amazon.com through the United Way to various social service organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Try colorful native plants for low maintenance, eco-friendly gardening.

Union County, NJ – Gardeners who are interested in eco-friendly yard care are invited to a free Native Plant Swap and Shop event on Thursday evening, June 25, at the Scout Camping Area in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, in Mountainside. The event will be conducted under no-contact guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Gardening with native plants is an effective way to save time, reduce yard care costs, and contribute to the health of the local ecosystem. Native species thrive naturally their home environment, so gardeners can avoid potentially harmful herbicides, pesticides and other treatments,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Native plants support local populations of butterflies, birds, and other beneficial pollinators. They can also help reduce ponding and runoff.

The Native Plant Swap and Shop is a partner project of the statewide Watershed Ambassador program and Union County. The event is free but pre-registration is required by filling out the Survey Monkey form at surveymonkey.com/r/FQZM7G9

Gardeners who come to the Plant Swap and Shop can bring up to three non-native plants from their yard, and receive up to three free native plants in return.

Under the contactless procedure, attendees will bring their non-native plants by car to the site, and open their trunk or door. Staff at the site will remove those plants and replace them with colorful native varieties.

Attendees must bring the entire plant, roots and all. The plants should be tied or taped as needed to prevent any seeds from escaping.

No appointment is needed but the Survey Monkey form must be completed in order to participate. Attendees can arrive any time between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on June 25. Masks must be worn at all times.

Invasive plants accepted for trade include but are not limited to: Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, Chinese silvergrass, English Ivy, garlic mustard, oriental bittersweet, autumn olive, Japanese maple, vinca (periwinkle), porcelain berry, and burning bush.

Native plants available for swap include: wild bergamot, dense blazing star, swamp milkweed, and hummingbird-friendly foxglove beardtongue and cardinal flower. Attendees can indicate their first, second, and third choice of native plants on the Survey Monkey form when they register.

Attendees can also buy additional native plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm at the site. Pre-ordering is available and is strongly encouraged. To pre-order, visit the company’s website at toadshade.com and choose the “pick up” option for shipping.

The access road to the Scout Camping Area is adjacent to the parking lot at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. 

For additional eco-friendly gardening resources view Union County’s free, downloadable Plant This, Not That guide to replacing invasive species with colorful native plants. More free advice on gardening with native plants is also available through the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station of Rutgers University. 

The Watershed Ambassador program is supported in Union County by the Freeholder Board through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. For a list of free online Extension learn-from-home programs and activities visit ucnj.org/rce.

For more information about activities of the Watershed Ambassador in Union County, and more details about the Native Plant Swap and Shop event, email watershedma7@gmail.com.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, 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.

Union County Freeholders Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded and Sergio Granados, Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson and Community FoodBank of  New Jersey President & CEO Carlos Rodriguez joined volunteers from the United Way and County of Union employees in the distribution of 320 bags of food and fresh produce in Elizabeth to families in need. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)