Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications from municipal libraries for 2020 Union County Library Grant awards. Letters were mailed out to all 20 municipal libraries last week, and applications must be submitted to the office of Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund by September 18, 2020.

“Union County libraries are a major resource and learning tool in our communities that must be supported throughout COVID-19 and beyond,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we can provide additional resources to libraries throughout the County through CARES Act funding.”

The 2020 Library Grant funds were voted on and approved during the August 13 Freeholder Board meeting.

This year’s grants are funded by the CARES Act through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

A total of $500,000 will be made available for approved submissions to be used by libraries for programming and purchases directly related to needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This funding will allow libraries to adapt during these uncertain circumstances while continuing to cultivate the minds of residents of all ages,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board.

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks.

In 2004 the mission of the Trust Fund was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, as well as annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants to plant trees on municipal properties.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278. 

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.

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Union Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and volunteers from the County of Union at a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. The food distribution was sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Black Lives Matter banners will also be placed throughout Union County

The Union County Freeholder Board will sponsor the placements of Black Lives Matter murals that will be painted on Chestnut Street in Roselle and Liberty Avenue in Hillside.

The eight-foot letters will be in yellow, and the murals will be painted on the street in front of Borough Hall in the 200 block of Chestnut Street in Roselle, and on Liberty Avenue at/around Shelton Terrace in Hillside. Both street murals should be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

“This Freeholder Board expresses its unequivocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Affirming that Black Lives Matter is expressing our support for inclusivity, working for a more just and equitable political and economic system for Blacks, and fighting for justice against racist practices to which Black people have been subjected to throughout their lives.”

Freeholder Andrea Staten, a resident of Roselle said: “Black Lives Matter is meant to represent a commitment to social justice in our community and a call for all people of color to be valued, treated humanely and fairly. It’s our demand for equal treatment under the laws of the land. It’s our demand to be allowed to work, recreate, and sleep without fear for losing our lives, being mistreated, or fearing for the lives of our children and family members. This movement must continue forward until all understand this and we create an environment where Blacks have an equal opportunity to thrive in.”

Freeholder Angela Garretson, a resident of Hillside, said: “The mural will be painted near the railroad tracks in my hometown, that in the past created dividing racial lines that no longer persist today.  These murals throughout the county are true reflections of our collective mission to unify, strategize and advance with ourselves against racism and discriminatory practices, in all aspects of society.”

Freeholder Staten, Freeholder Garretson, and Freeholder Rebecca Williams championed the initiative. Banners will be placed throughout the county and the Union County Advisory Board on the Status of Minorities will also continue to dedicate its work to social justice efforts, including Black Lives Matter in the county

Black Lives Matter originally began as a movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-Americans. Since the George Floyd incident in Minnesota, the movement has grown exponentially still embracing its original goals, but also broadening its mission.

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center marked a milestone this past week, completing 100 days of testing, and has administered a total of 40,226 COVID-19 tests  to residents, essential employees and first responders.

 “Union County is proud to have been the first County-run drive-thru testing site in the State of New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The dedication of the volunteers and medical personnel over the past few months has resulted in thousands of our residents and first responders gaining access to critically needed testing. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that testing is available to all in need. ”

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center currently administers an average of between 650-700 tests per day. Currently the positivity rate for those tested at the testing center is at 3%.

Dozens of volunteers have been working at the testing center since the opening in mid-March. Under the umbrella of Union County’s Department of Public Safety, a number of County employees from various departments have been reassigned to work at the test center since the spring in multiple capacities. Medical personnel at the site also includes volunteers from Atlantic Health, Trinitas and Robert Wood Johnson, as well as nursing students and other medical professionals.

“We are proud of all the volunteers who have selflessly come day after day to continue the testing and contact tracing efforts,” said Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran. “The goal is to get a clear and current picture of the spread of COVID-19 in Union County and adequate testing is the first step toward ensuring the safety of our residents during this pandemic.”

Those interested in volunteering at the Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center can contact the Union County Department of Health by calling 908-518-5620 for more information.

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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that $1 million in Kids Recreation matching grants and $100,000 in Greening Union County matching grants are available to municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Letters were mailed out to all 21 municipalities this past week, and applications must be submitted by September 16, 2020.

The Kids Recreation grants can be used to acquire, develop and/or refurbish parks and recreational facilities.  The Greening Union County grant provides funding for municipalities to purchase plant and maintain trees within their towns.  

“The Trust Fund was established almost 20 years ago with the overwhelming support of Union County voters, and it continues to fulfill its mission today,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Now more than ever before, our public open spaces and recreation resources are of vital importance to the health and well-being of our residents.”

The Open Space Trust fund has provided more than $16 million in matching grants to municipalities since its inception in 2000, to plant trees and build or improve playgrounds, pocket parks, recreational areas, playing fields, pools, picnic areas and more.

More than 300 acres of open space land have also been preserved from development and added to the Union County park system through the trust fund.

“Open Space funding furthers Union County’s mission to create healthy opportunities for children to learn and play,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board. “These projects enrich our lives and serve as our legacy to future generations.”

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks. 

In 2004 the mission of the Trust Fund was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, as well as annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants to plant trees on municipal properties.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278. 

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.

Union County, NJ – The Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs will once again award two types history grants under the FY 2021 Union County History Re-grant Program. The deadline for final applications is August 31.

Funding for the History Grant program is provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission. Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and History programming to be funded must take place in Union County.          

“The Union County History Re-Grant Program is an excellent opportunity for local historical groups to obtain funding that assists with operating expenses and other costs,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board is proud to provide this opportunity to work towards a successful grant application.”

Each of the two grant programs includes general standards for eligibility as well as specific requirements:

1. General Operating Support (GOS) grants provide assistance for the basic costs of operation such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. Funding is available to Union County based historical societies, house museums or historic sites only. The maximum GOS grant request is $5,000.
2. Special Project (SP) grants supports history organizations, museums, schools, libraries and similar organizations with collections or programming relating to Union County and New Jersey state history. The maximum grant request is $3,500.

New applicants are encouraged to submit a draft for review by August 14, 2020. Final application materials must be submitted to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs by August 31, 2020. For more details and to apply, please visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.\

For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.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.

Testing by appointment only with no car required; participants must wear masks and observe social distance.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is now visiting various community locations to provide free tests for Union County residents. Any resident can make an appointment for a test, whether or not they have symptoms. No doctor visit or car is needed; all tests are conducted on a walk-up basis with masks and social distance required.

The new community program builds on the Mobile Test Unit’s ongoing work of providing on-site tests for seniors in congregate housing, and for other at-risk populations in Union County.

“The Mobile Test Unit has enabled hundreds of our most vulnerable residents to receive a COVID-19 test in a familiar location where they feel safe, comfortable, and at home. The new community program expands on this effort by bringing Union County’s team of experienced health professionals to local neighborhoods,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The walk-up program is an important part of our efforts to ensure that all residents have the information and resources they need to protect themselves and the entire Union County family, as we work through this time of crisis together,” Mirabella added.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any Mobile Test Unit site, regardless of the municipality in which they live.

To pick a location, date and time, and to make an appointment online, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up.

The upcoming dates and locations for the Mobile Test Unit are:

Plainfield: Mount Olive Church, 216 Liberty Street, Sunday, August 9.

Union Township: Senior Center, Bonnel Court, Tuesday, August 11.

Union Township: Jefferson School, 155 Hilton Avenue, Tuesday August 11.

Winfield: Fire Station, 12 Gulfstream Avenue, Thursday, August 13.

Elizabeth: The Logan Center, 163 First Street. Please note that the initial date of August 4 was  postponed to Saturday, August 15 due to tropical storm Isaias. Residents who made an appointment for August 4 will receive an email confirming their appointment will be shifted to August 15.

Union County residents who need to make an appointment by phone can call 908-518-4307 for assistance.

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.

The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is staffed by health professionals with the Union County Division of Health, in the Department of Public Safety. The Mobile Test Unit has conducted more than 2,000 tests to date.

In addition, the free Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University has conducted more than 30,000 tests to date, for Union County residents as well as front line emergency and medical personnel in New Jersey.

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 the Mobile Test Unit, 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.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that applications to the 2021 Local Arts Grant program are now being accepted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. Last year, Local Arts grants were awarded to 33 organizations.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to support a program that does so much to enrich Union County’s cultural and artistic life,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We look forward to seeing the many creative programs and projects which will be supported by the Local Arts Grant program this year.”

Final application materials must be submitted to the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs by September 14, 2020. New applicants are encouraged to submit a draft for review by August 17, 2020. For more details and to apply, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.

Grants will be awarded to organizations that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in arts programming. Applications must reflect arts activities to take place during 2021 with qualifying expenses to be paid during that year. Applicant organizations must be based in Union County, and arts programming to be funded must take place in Union County.

Funding for the Local Arts Grant program is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner of the national Endowment for the Arts. For clarification, assistance, or questions about applying, please contact Martha Sturm, Local Arts Program Coordinator, at 908-558-2552 or by email at msturm@ucnj.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, 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.

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.