County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida that the deadline for applying for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency is Monday, December 6.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

The temporary FEMA in-person assistance offices in Union County have closed, but residents can still apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or use the FEMA app.

Residents needing additional help can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

For information and updates on Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners continues to encourage all Union County residents to protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus, by visiting a free Union County vaccination clinic soon. The clinics will be operating in in Elizabeth, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Summit, and Union Township this coming week.

Any Union County resident can use any of these clinics, regardless of their home town.

“Our free mobile vaccine clinics and permanent sites provide many opportunities to get vaccinated before gathering with family and loved ones for the December holiday season,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We also continue to provide free COVID-19 tests for all residents.”

“The New Jersey Department of Health aims to fully vaccinate 85 percent of the population by year’s end, and we have been increasing our outreach to help meet that goal,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee.

The Union County COVID-19 vaccination program covers free vaccines and booster shots, including the pediatric Pfizer vaccine for ages 5-11.

To make an appointment at any of Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit ucnj.org/covid19/vax.

For ages 12 and older, appointments for the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines are available at the Union County clinic located in Downs Hall at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township, every Wednesday and Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., except for federal holidays.

Residents needing Moderna booster shots can also use the Union County clinic at Kean.

For ages five and older, appointments for the Pfizer vaccine are available at the Union County vaccination clinic located at the Warinanco Sports Center, at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle. This clinic is open every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. except for federal holidays.

Free COVID-19 vaccinations and free COVID-19 tests are also available through Union County’s mobile pop-up clinics.
Sunday, November 28th – Rahway Noon to 2pm: Agape Family Worship Center, 501 East Hazelwood Avenue (Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and Moderna booster shots)

Monday, November 29 — Summit 3pm to 6pm: Kent Place School, 42 Norwood Avenue (Pfizer for 12+ and Pfizer pediatric dose for ages 5-11)

Tuesday, November 30 — Union 3pm to 6pm: Union High School, 2350 North 3rd Street (Pfizer for 12+ and Pfizer pediatric dose for ages 5-11)

Tuesday, November 30 — Elizabeth 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm: Elizabeth School #50, 1000 S. Elmora Avenue (Pfizer for 12+ and Pfizer pediatric dose for ages 5-11)

Wednesday, December 1 —Roselle 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Abraham Clark High School, 122 East 6th Avenue (Pfizer for 12+ and Pfizer pediatric dose for ages 5-11)

Saturday, December 4 — Union 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue (Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and Moderna booster shots). COVID-19 emergency food supplies will also be distributed at this event.

Sunday, December 5 — Summit 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. : Summit High School, 125 Kent Place Boulevard (Pfizer for 12+ and Pfizer pediatric dose for ages 5-11)

Saturday, December 18th –  Union 8am to 10am: Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue. (Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and Moderna booster shots). Note: COVID-19 emergency food supplies will also be distributed at this event.

Sunday, December 19th –  Plainfield 11am to 1pm: Gerald B. Green Plaza, 200 West Second Street (Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and Moderna booster shots). Note: COVID-19 emergency food supplies will also be distributed at this event.

Union County residents seeking free COVID-19 tests can also use the Union County clinics at Kean University in Union Township and Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield. For more information on these test sites visit ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-testing-options.

Vaccines and booster shots are also available on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that this clinic is available to income-eligible households.

Union County residents who are home-bound can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator or leave a voice message, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io.

For additional assistance with COVID-19 vaccines and tests, contact the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7VAX (7829), weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

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By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners

November 2021

Every November since 1996, Veterans and Military Families Month has been recognized as a time to honor those who have dedicated their lives in the service of our country, including their family members, care givers and survivors.

This year, I would like to draw attention to those serving in the National Guard, who have worked unstintingly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In those first, anxious days of the outbreak, they made it possible for Union County to take action and mobilize swiftly, and they have played key roles in our efforts ever since.

Thanks to the assistance of the National Guard, Union County opened the first county based drive-through mass testing site in New Jersey on March 23, 2020, just days after Governor Murphy declared a public health emergency and lockdown. Located at the Kean University campus in Union Township, the Union County COVID-19 Test Center quickly provided thousands of Union County residents and first responders with vital information about their exposure to the deadly virus.

Members of the National Guard continued to work alongside our staff as we expanded our programs to include additional clinics, including COVID-19 vaccination sites. So far, we have provided more than 172,000 free tests to Union County residents and first responders, and more than 122,000 vaccines including third shots and booster doses.

I would also like to call attention to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on many households, here in Union County and beyond, including veterans and active duty military and their families.

Food insecurity continues to affect many families during the pandemic, and military families are all too often among those struggling with this issue.

In his Veterans and Military Families Month 2021 proclamation, President Biden noted that food insecurity among the military impacts the whole community. “If service members are worried that their spouse is struggling to keep food on the table or that their child is having a hard time at school, it is harder to focus on their mission,” he wrote.  “That is why supporting military families is a national security imperative.”

Everyone can help make a difference by reaching out and providing assistance to local veterans organizations, community food banks, and other organizations that provide aid to those in need.

Union County’s COVID-19 response efforts have included a massive emergency food distribution program for individuals and families experiencing financial distress due to the pandemic. The series began in May 2020, and we just held our 69^th and 70^th events last weekend. So far we have distributed almost 12 million pounds of fresh produce, nonperishable foods and other items, totaling more than 10 million meals.

The emergency food events are made possible by volunteers, who have turned out by the hundreds to load as many as 4,000 heavy boxes of produce and shelf items into cars during a single event.

Union County also supports programs that raise the profile of veterans in our community, including recreational programs, designated parking spots at County facilities, networking mixers and other events that connect veterans with new opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

Our Office of Veteran Services stands ready to assist with compensation claims and survivor benefits, as well as guidance on resources and assistance available to veterans and military families

As we approach the holiday season, let’s all remember to appreciate the military veterans and military families in our community and throughout our nation, and extend a helping hand to all those in need.

To contact the Union County Office of Veteran Services, call the Office Coordinator, Janna Williams, at 908-527-4918, email jwilliams@ucnj.org, or call Veterans Service Officer Kenneth Glick at 908-527-4719. More information is available at ucnj.org/uc-hero.

For more details about the National Guard deployment at the Union County COVID-19 Test Center, visit https://www.108thwing.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2191312/national-guardsman-promoted-at-covid-19-testing-site/.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

COVID-19 safety protocols apply at this event.

Union County, NJ – Model train lovers in Union County can once again enjoy a beloved seasonal tradition, as the Model Railroad Club opens its doors for the new Holiday Train Show and Open House series beginning on Friday, November 26.

Featuring an elaborate, multi-track HO layout and much more, the shows will take place at the club’s headquarters and workshop, the A. Paul Mallory Model Railroad Center, located at 295 Jefferson Avenue in Union Township behind the Home Depot off Route 22 East.

For the first time, food trucks will be on site during the holiday shows, offering a variety of meals and snacks for purchase.

“Sharing the holiday season with the Model Railroad Club has been a favorite family activity in Union County and beyond. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the new train shows and learn more about the art and craft of running model railroads,” said Union County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 2021 Train Show and Open House series begins Friday, November 26 and continues for the weekends of November 27-28, December 4-5, and December 11-12. Hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at themodelrailroadclub.org, or in person at the  Railroad Center. The Railroad Center will be open on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for in-person ticket sales.

Advance tickets are $9 for adults (ages 13-59), $7 for senior citizens (aged 60 and older), and $4 for children ages 3 to 12.

Tickets purchased in person are $10 per adult (ages 13-59), $8 per senior citizen (aged 60 and older) and $5 for children ages 3-12.

Tickets are free for children 2 and under.

For more information on ticket sales including discounts for groups of 10 or more, please call The Model Railroad Club at 908-964-9724.

Visitors are asked to follow all posted COVID-19 safety protocols while attending the Train Show and Open House.

The Railroad Center is wheelchair-accessible and parking is free. It is located in a multi-purpose area of Lenape Park in Union Township, under an arrangement with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Visitors entering the Home Depot parking lot from Route 22 can follow the signs to the access road.

For more information about The Model Railroad Club, visit themodelrailroadclub.org.

More information about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation is available at ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Residents can register for free movie screening starting Monday, November 29^th

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that registration for the latest in their series of free drive-up movies begins Monday, November 29.

“Home Alone”, will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 3, at the Union County Vocational-Technical School campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, December 4.

Tickets will become available on Monday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m. and can be reserved by visiting https://ucnj.org/reserve. Pre-registration is required for this event and it is open to Union County residents only.

“The County Commissioners are pleased to provide an opportunity for Union County families to come together for a fun evening,” said County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to come out and enjoy this holiday classic.”

All drive-up movies are open to Union County residents only and require pre-registration. One registration is required per car. The parking lot will open at 5:30 P.M. the day of the show. Due to space limitations, reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Attendees must bring their own snacks and drinks. There will not be any food or drink available for purchase.

To observe social distancing during drive-up movies, no walk-ups, bikes or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing. Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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’s free vaccination clinics will be operating in Roselle, Union Township, Scotch Plains, Plainfield, New Providence, and Rahway in November and December.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all Union County residents to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before the holiday season goes into full swing. The Union County COVID-19 vaccination program covers free vaccines and booster shots, including the pediatric vaccine for ages 5-11.

“Our free mobile vaccine clinics and permanent sites provide many opportunities to get vaccinated before gathering with family and loved ones for the holidays,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We also continue to provide free COVID-19 tests for all residents.”

“The New Jersey Department of Health aims to fully vaccinate 85 percent of the population by year’s end, and we have been increasing our outreach to help meet that goal,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee. “As a reminder, we are now offering the pediatric vaccine for ages five through eleven in addition to vaccinations and boosters for ages twelve and up.”

To make an appointment at any of Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit ucnj.org/covid19/vax. Any Union County resident may use any of these clinics, regardless of their home town.

For ages five and older, appointments for the Pfizer vaccine are available at the Union County vaccination clinic located at the Warinanco Sports Center at 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, in Roselle. The clinic is open every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. except for federal holidays.

For ages 12 and older, appointments for the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines are available at the Union County clinic located in Downs Hall at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Residents needing Moderna booster shots can also use this clinic. It is open every Wednesday and Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., except for federal holidays.

Free COVID-19 vaccinations and free COVID-19 tests are also available through Union County’s mobile pop-up clinics.

Except where noted, the following clinics currently offer the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and Moderna booster shots:

Saturday, November 20th –  Union Township 8am to 10am

Union County Food Distribution Event at Kean University

1000 Morris Avenue

Sunday, November 21st –  Plainfield 11am to 1pm

Union County Food Distribution Event at the Gerry B. Green Building

200 West Second Street

Monday, November 22nd –  Scotch Plains 3pm to 6pm

Municipal Building

430 Park Avenue

Note the extended time to 6pm. Flu shot offered as well – details

Tuesday, November 23rd – New Providence 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Pfizer only, for those aged 5 and up

Salt Brook School

40 Maple Street

Thursday, November 25th – No operations due to Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 28th – Rahway Noon to 2pm

Agape Family Worship Center

501 East Hazelwood Avenue

Saturday, December 4th –  Union 8am to 10am

Union County Food Distribution Event at Kean University

1000 Morris Avenue

Saturday, December 18th –  Union 8am to 10am

Union County Food Distribution Event at Kean University

1000 Morris Avenue

Sunday, December 19th –  Plainfield 11am to 1pm

Union County Food Distribution Event at the Gerry B. Green Building

200 West Second Street

Union County also provides free COVID-19 tests at the Kean University campus in Union Township and at Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield. For more information visit ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-testing-options.

Vaccines and booster shots are also available on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that this clinic is available to income-eligible households.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

For additional assistance in making an appointment for a booster shot or vaccination, contact the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7VAX (7829), weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Residents seeking to use Union County’s free COVID-19 testing program at Downs Hall on the Kean University campus are advised that no testing will be conducted on Thursday, November 25. Instead, testing will be available on Wednesday, November 24, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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 Women of Excellence award program celebrates women’s achievements in work, community life and volunteer activities.

Union County, NJ – Businesses, non-profits, educational institutions and government agencies throughout Union County are invited to honor outstanding women employees, colleagues, creators and volunteers by nominating them for a 2021 Union County Women of Excellence award.

Now in its 30th year, the Women of Excellence program highlights the significant contributions of women to life in Union County, while raising awareness about the continued need for progress on diversity and equality, and helping to inspire the next generation of achievers and change makers.

The program accepts nominations from all fields including arts and humanities, business and entrepreneurial, community service, education, government, law, public safety, medicine and health care, and advocacy for children, youth and women.

“The Women of Excellence awards serve as a reminder that the advancement of women in all walks of life — whether in business, civic and volunteer activities, professional life, or in government service — is essential for the growth and development of a thriving community, for meeting the challenges of the present, and for creating a legacy of achievement to inspire future generations,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Women’s leadership is woven into the fabric of modern society, and now is the time to celebrate and build on this progress. The Women of Excellence program demonstrates that the influence of accomplished women is felt throughout Union County and beyond,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

The Women of Excellence awards are sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Commission on the Status of Women, with the Union County Office on Women.

Nominations are open to all women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County.

Individuals, businesses, non-profits and government agencies are all invited to submit nominations in a variety of fields.

Nominations for the 2021 awards are open now and will close on Wednesday, December 1.

Nominations may be submitted online to the Union County Office on Women by using the form at ucnj.org/women, or by mail to the Office on Women, 3^rd Floor, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

Please note that nominations sent by mail must be received by December 1, 2021 for consideration.

Questions about the nomination process may be addressed to Jennifer Erdos, Union County Office on Women at 908-527-4216 or jerdos@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

 

Applications will be accepted for eligible residents until Friday, November 19.

Union County, NJ – There is still time for Union County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida to apply for food assistance through New Jersey’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP. The program is available to residents who are not currently enrolled in the SNAP program, and who meet income eligibility requirements.

Eligible residents must provide proof of residence in the affected areas of Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union Township or Westfield as of September 1, 2021, and  show that they paid for disaster related expenses during the month of September.

Union County’s Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services has organized two intake offices for applicants, which are open each day until Friday, November 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

• Union County Emergency Management building at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park
• Union County Division of Social Services at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth

Eligibility for D-SNAP assistance also depends on household income. To determine their eligibility, households must add their net income for the month of September to liquid resources, such as bank accounts. For example, if an individual’s net income for the month of September was $2,000 and they have $2,000 in a savings account, their combined income and resources for the month is $4,000.

The D-SNAP income table below shows disaster income and resource combined limits based on household size:

Household Size           Disaster Income Limit in Sept.           Allotment Amount

1                                  $2,625                                                 $234

2                                  $3,410                                                 $430

3                                  $3,919                                                 $616

4                                  $4,619                                                 $782

5                                  $5,090                                                 $929

6                                  $5,685                                                 $1,114

7                                  $6,120                                                 $1,232

8                                  $6,553                                                 $1,408

Each added member:   +$433                                                 +$176

For additional assistance, contact the Division of Social Services by phone at 908-965-2700.

D-SNAP provides food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service must approve states to operate D-SNAP in a disaster area.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.