Month: November 2021

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.

#  #

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.

#  #

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 will hold its 69^th and 70^th food distribution events for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food boxes will include holiday supplies; free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations available on site.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners will host two emergency food distribution events for Union County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic this weekend, on Saturday November 20 and Sunday November 21.

The emergency food distribution will include holiday meal supplies with all the trimmings.

The two upcoming food distribution events mark a milestone in Union County’s efforts to provide residents in need with emergency food supplies during the COVID-19 outbreak. They are the 69^th and 70^th emergency food distribution events in a series that began during the earliest months of the outbreak, in May 2020.

Union County’s emergency food program has provided more than 10 million meals to residents in need during the pandemic, totaling almost 12 million pounds of food.

“The need is great, and this enormous undertaking would not be possible without our community volunteers and partners,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These emergency supplies are needed now more than ever as we feel the impact of inflation, and we are very grateful to each volunteer who donated their time and effort to help ensure that everyone in our community can put nutritious food on their table.”

“We continue to make progress in our efforts to protect Union County residents from the COVID-19 virus with free vaccination and testing, but many families continue to experience the financial impact of the pandemic. The emergency food supplies help relieve stress on the budget and contribute to family well-being, and that is especially important during the holiday season,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

Union County’s food distribution events are run on a first come, first served basis. No pre-registration is required but participants must bring proof of Union County residency. A driver’s license, utility bill, or ID card are accepted.

Residents participating in drive-up events are asked to clear a space in their trunk or cargo area large enough to accommodate two boxes of food per household. All drive-ups must remain in their cars with windows rolled up. Food boxes will be placed in the vehicle by volunteers.

Those participating in walk-up events are advised to bring a cart or wagon to carry their food. Masks are required while on site.

The two upcoming food distribution events are:

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Where: Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union Township

When: Begins 8:00 a.m. – Kean University in Union

First 1000+ arrivals will receive a special holiday food box and produce box.

Please note, this is a drive-up event only. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Where: Gerald B. Green Plaza Rotunda Complex, 200 West Second Street, Plainfield

When: begins 11:00 a.m.

First 500+ arrivals will receive a special holiday food box and produce box.

Please note, this is a walk-up event only; participants are advised to allow time to walk to the site.

Participants who need a COVID-19 vaccination can use the free mobile clinic available at both of the events. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins may also be accommodated if time allows. To make an appointment contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829 or register online at ucnj.2120check.com/home.

At the two food distribution sites, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be provided to those 18 years or older. The Pfizer vaccine will be provided to ages 12-17. The Moderna vaccine will also be available, for booster shots only.

Free COVID-19 saliva tests are also available at both sites. No appointment is needed for a saliva test.

Residents in need of additional food assistance can find nearby resources by visiting the Community Foodbank of New Jersey online at cfbnj.org/findfood. To find food resources via phone, text “findfood” for English or “comida” for Spanish to 908-224-7776.

For additional resources and guidance from the Union County Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

This weekend’s COVID-19 emergency food distribution events are coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce. For information on these two companies visit myvillagesupermarket.com and gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

#  #

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 applying for federal disaster assistance related to Tropical Storm Ida are advised that the Cranford Disaster Recovery Center located at the Cranford Community Center at 220 Walnut Avenue will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday on Thursday November 11. The facility will reopen for regular hours on Friday, November 12, and then close permanently at 5:00 p.m.

Union County residents can who need assistance in person can continue to use the Disaster Recovery Center in Elizabeth located at the Dempsey Senior Center, 618 Salem Avenue.

To register for disaster assistance online or by phone, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

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.

#  #

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 County Commissioners is pleased to announce the latest in their series of free drive-up movies. “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.

#  #

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 from Monday, November 15 to Friday, November 19.

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

The program is available to eligible residents of Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union Township or Westfield.

The application period for D-SNAP assistance in Union County will run from Monday, November 15 to Friday, November 19. Union County’s Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services has organized two intake offices that will be open to applicants during this period, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

The offices are located in the Union County Emergency Management building at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park, and the Division of Social Services at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

“The assistance through D-SNAP will provide some much needed relief, and our staff will work to ensure that eligible residents receive their benefits as quickly as possible,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella.

“Picking up the pieces after a disaster of the magnitude is a community effort that enlists every available resource. I would like to thank the New Jersey Department of Human Services for their diligence in getting approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to apply D-SNAP benefits, and staff of the Union County Department of Human Services staff who worked alongside them to make this happen for our residents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Board’s liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

To qualify for D-SNAP assistance, Union County residents in the impacted municipalities will need to show proof of identity, and proof of residency as of September 1, 2021 in the affected areas. Applicants must also show that they paid for disaster related expenses during the month of September.

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.

#  #

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.

Just in time for the holidays, the Model Railroad Club will once again open its doors to the public for special holiday shows.

COVID-19 safety protocols apply at this event.

Union County, NJ – A favorite Union County family tradition returns with tours, demonstrations and holiday fun when The Model Railroad Club opens to the public for a new Train Show and Open House series over three consecutive weekends, beginning on November 26 and ending on December 12.

The shows will take place at the Railroad Club’s fully equipped facility 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. Visitors arriving from Route 22 East can follow the signs through the Home Depot parking lot to the Railroad Center.

“Sharing the holiday season with the Model Railroad Club has been a favorite tradition for   families and children throughout Union County and beyond,” said Union County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is been a proud supporter of The Model Railroad Club and we are looking forward to another great year.”

The 2021 Train Show and Open House will showcase special train operations that traverse the Club’s sprawling, 11,000 square foot HO scale layout. Famous trains from the past, such as the Santa Fe Railroad’s Super Chief and the New York Central’s 20th Century Limited will be on exhibit.

Visitors can enjoy different views of the layout, get an up-close insider’s peek at the expansion of the Railroad Center, see how track is hand-laid, learn how mountains and scenery are created, and find out about the planning and engineering that goes into the club’s distinctive bi-level corkscrew loop.

Also on display are G-scale and N-scale layouts, and more. The Railroad Club’s train themed gift shop will also be open for holiday shoppers.

The 2021 Train Show and Open House series will begin on Friday, November 26. It will continue 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 A. Paul Mallory Model 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.

Please note that the Train Show and Open House replaces The Model Train Club’s annual “Sound and Light” show, which continues to be on hiatus due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Visitors are asked to follow all posted COVID-19 safety protocols while attending the Train Show and Open House.

The A. Paul Mallory Railroad Center is wheelchair-accessible and parking is free. It was built by members of the Model Railroad Club and 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.

The Model Railroad Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt public charity affiliated with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. All proceeds support the operations of The Model Railroad Club, Inc., one of the largest railroad clubs in New Jersey.

The Club has approximately 170 volunteer members who help to fulfill the mission of the club to educate the general public about the railroads and the industries they served in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas.

To learn more about The Model Railroad Club and its activities, please visit themodelrailroadclub.org.

More information about all activities of 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.

#  #

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 Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel this winter. Some countries will not allow entry for travelers with passports that are within several months of expiring. Travelers also need to account for the time it will take for the U.S. Department of State to process an application for passport renewal.

“The State Department has made significant progress on reducing the wait time for passport renewals, but it could still take a matter of weeks if not months,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “My office can provide assistance with the initial filing of an application, but unfortunately we have no control over the State Department’s timeline. Travelers should check their expiration dates now and plan their trip accordingly.” said Ms. Rajoppi. “

The State Department currently estimates that it will take 8-11 weeks to process a passport renewal. Applicants who are willing to pay a fee for expedited processing can expect a wait of 5-7 weeks.

Last summer, the State Department estimated wait times of up to 18 weeks.

For the latest updates on wait times, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit the State Department online at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.

To make an appointment for this service at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, or at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, use the online booking system at https://ucnjclerk.simplybook.me/v2/#book.

Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.

For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit us at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, 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.

#  #

Connect with Union County on social media.

Connect with Union County on social media.

 

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

Union County residents who live in Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Union Township or Westfield may be eligible for assistance, which will be in the form of a one-month Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

“Many of those impacted by Tropical Storm Ida have also been struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance through D-SNAP will provide some much needed relief, and our staff will work to ensure that eligible residents receive their benefits as quickly as possible,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella.

“Picking up the pieces after a disaster of the magnitude is a community effort that enlists every available resource. I would like to thank the New Jersey Department of Human Services for their diligence in getting approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to apply D-SNAP benefits, and staff of the Union County Department of Human Services staff who worked alongside them to make this happen for our residents,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Board’s liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

The benefit can only be used to purchase grocery food items. The application period opens Monday, November 15 and runs through Friday, November 19.

To qualify for D-SNAP assistance, Union County residents in the impacted municipalities will need to show proof of identity, and proof of residency as of September 1, 2021 in the affected areas.

Applicants must also show that they paid for disaster related expenses during the month of September.

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

The application period for D-SNAP assistance in Union County will run from Monday, November 15 to Friday, November 19.

Union County’s Department of Human Services, Division of Social Services has organized two intake offices that will be open to applicants during this period, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

The offices are located in the Union County Services building at 535 Laurel Avenue in Roselle Park, and the Division of Social Services at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

Applicants are reminded to bring their documentation with them. 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.

#  #

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.