The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to Ride for Freedom XXVI, hosted by Rolling Thunder Inc.®, New Jersey Chapter 2 on September 18th.
“Each year, we gather to watch this amazing event, that brings awareness to the sacrifices that were made by so many,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “It is truly impressive to see how many bikers and spectators come out to support this ride. I hope everyone to see everyone join us in cheering them on.”
Departing from Warinanco Park on to St. George’s Avenue in Roselle, kickstands will go up and the motorcycle rides will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp.
Registration is $10 per motorcycle and all benefits will go to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation & Vietnam Era Museum.
Residents and visitors are highly encouraged to come out and watch.
Available for Union County residents starting September 24th
The Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year. Free flu shots will be dispensed at clinics run by the Office of Health Management at locations throughout Union County beginning on Saturday, September 24th. Persons with health insurance are advised to visit their local pharmacy or doctor’s office to receive their flu shot.
“Please protect yourself and your family, and help prevent unnecessary trips to a doctor or hospital emergency room by getting a free flu shot,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Protection against seasonal flu is more important than ever before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts are concerned that medical resources could be overwhelmed if a seasonal flu outbreak combines with the COVID-19 crisis.”
The free flu shot clinics are open to all Union County residents ages 9 and up. Children ages 4 through 8 can also use Union County’s free flu shot clinics if they have previously received 2 flu shots, in accordance with guidance from the CDC. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and residents can schedule an appointment online by visiting www.ucnj.org/flu or calling 908-613-7829. Walk-ups will be seen on a time-allowing basis.
This year, the free flu shot clinics will also be offering all formulations of the COVID-19 vaccine. As per the CDC, it is safe to receive both shots on the same day, if needed.
The following clinic dates have been scheduled:
Saturday, September 24 at Plainfield High School
Plainfield
9am-12pm
Thursday, September 29 at Warinanco Sports Center
Roselle
3-7pm
Monday, October 3 at Shady Rest Golf Course
Scotch Plains
3-6pm
Saturday, October 15 at Linden Health Fair
Linden
10am-1pm
Monday, October 17 at Roselle Borough Hall
Roselle
Council Chambers
4-7pm
Any Union County resident may visit any of these clinics, regardless of their town of residence. To prepare for a visit to Union County’s flu shot clinics, residents are advised to review the fact sheet issued by the CDC in English, Spanish, and other languages at https://www.immunize.org/vis/ (select “Influenza, inactivated” from the vaccine index).
Masks are required when visiting one of Union County’s clinics. Persons who have a fever, coughing, sneezing, or other signs of illness will not be admitted to a clinic site.
For additional updates, visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu.
Children and adults in need of a variety of standard immunizations can visit Union County’s Immunization Center at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth. Please note that there is no income eligibility requirement for the COVID-19 or seasonal flu vaccines. Other immunizations are available on an income-eligible basis. For more information, call the Immunization Center at (908) 965-3627 or (908)965-3868.
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.
A Special Health Event Available to Residents Ages 60+ in Union Township
The Union County Department of Human Services and the Division on Aging invite residents ages 60 and older to “Brunch and Boost 2022”. This special event geared towards Union County’s senior residents will take place on Friday, September 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Union Township Senior Center, located at 652 Rahway Avenue in Union Township.
“Union County wants to provide access to healthy habits and proactive health care,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Brunch and Boost 2022 provides an excellent opportunity for our senior community to socialize and connect with local community partners. We encourage all eligible residents to come out and benefit from the vaccinations, health screenings and other offerings at this event.”
This event is free to attend and no registration is necessary. Attendees will have access to the following, free of charge:
The latest COVID-19 vaccines & boosters (ID Required)
Blood pressure screenings
Access to community programs and vendors providing information and connections to home care and legal services, home maintenance programs, etc.
An indoor brunch buffet
Special giveaways and raffles
For more information about “Brunch and Boost 2022”, contact the toll free number, 888-280-8226.
The Union County Division on Aging is tasked with connecting State, County and local government communities and residents through advocacy and innovation. It is the recognized lead agency for ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Connection), the statewide system that coordinates access to services, care management and support services for older adults and the disabled. The office is part of Union County’s Department of Human Services and is responsible for leading the charge in providing information, referral and assistance to older adults, their caregivers, provider agencies and the general public who are in need of services and support. For more information, visit: or visit: ucnj.org/dhs/aging/.
To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, residents can use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4847.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs on Saturday, September 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
The Fishing Derby is a free event welcome to all ages, but pre-registration is required. To register online visit Union County’s secure registration page at ucnj.org/opsn-reg or call 908-527-4781 for assistance.
“The Fishing Derby is a wonderful way to celebrate the last days of summer in our parks,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We invite residents young and older to come and enjoy the outdoors at this fun community event.”
Chairs and fishing poles will be provided free of charge. Participants are also welcome to bring their own chairs and fishing gear.
The Fishing Derby is an event of the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services. The Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club is co-sponsoring the event. They will organize contests and prizes will be awarded to participants.
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs partners with community centers, schools, colleges, YMCAs, businesses, support organizations and volunteer groups to present recreational events and programs at county facilities as well as locations in various municipalities.
To register for other recreational events or programs provided by the office, visit ucnj.org/opsn-reg.
More information about the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is available at ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online contact form or call the office at 908-527-4807 or 908-527-4781.
The Union County community is invited to honor the memory of the 60 residents who perished in the attacks on September 11, 2001, by visiting the Union County September 11th Memorial on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
The Memorial will be open from the morning hours until 9:00 p.m. on September 11. The Union County Sheriff’s Office will provide a uniformed Honor Guard standing watch at the memorial from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The public is invited to bring and light candles in memory of those lost in the attacks. The Union County Department of Parks and Recreation will also contribute candles to the memorial.
“We join together community in honor of our fellow Union County residents who perished in the attacks, and we remember the many acts of courage that occurred in the midst of a terrible national tragedy,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
The Union County September 11th Memorial incorporates elements of design that include all three sites where attacks took place on September 11, 2001. Two girders recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center are arranged within a five sided area representing the Pentagon, and an Eternal Flame represents those who died in Pennsylvania along with members of the Armed Services and emergency responders.
In addition to these elements, the names of the 60 deceased Union County residents are etched into the memorial.
Union County worked with residents of Cranford, Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit, Union and Westfield to plan and build the Memorial.
Dedicated on Sept. 13, 2003, the memorial was constructed through private donations including in-kind work by labor unions and materials at cost. For more details visit ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial.
The memorial is located on a hill at the border of Mountainside and Springfield in Union County’s Echo Lake Park (view map), near the Springfield Avenue entrance at the eastern end of the park.
In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners encourages residents to share messages of hope and raise awareness about resources for those in need of help.
National Suicide Prevention Month supports a global awareness-raising effort that impacts all communities. The International Association for Suicide Prevention states that “suicide ranks consistently among the top 20 causes of death globally across all age groups. One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide.”
“As a community, we can all take part in suicide prevention, by helping to remove the stigma around suicide, being there for a family member or friend through their darkest moments, and taking actions that show we care,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Day. At 8:00 p.m. local time, individuals from all over the world are invited to light a candle near a window as an act of remembrance demonstrating support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for the survivors of suicide.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention has endorsed the theme of “Creating Hope through Action,” an optimistic approach that emphasizes sharing knowledge and taking simple, ordinary actions to help make a difference.
One important way to help is to raise awareness about the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This free 24/7 hotline can be reached by dialing, texting or chatting 988. The Lifeline connects callers with trained counselors and a network of more than 200 local crisis centers.
Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
Lifeline is a federal program run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It has been in operation since 2005 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The program is now called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to emphasize a renewed focus on accessibility. The three-digit 988 code is much easier to remember and dial, but callers can also continue to use the existing 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255, to connect with Lifeline.
Please note that veterans can dial “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis Line can also be accessed by calling 1-800-273-8255 (then press 1), texting 1838255, or chatting at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that Union County residents age 12 years and older can now obtain the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shots authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at any vaccination clinic run by Union County.
The new bivalent boosters are made by Moderna and Pfizer. They both target the two main Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, in addition to targeting the original COVID-19 strain.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, this Commissioner Board has worked to ensure that Union County residents have access to new resources that save lives and prevent long term health impacts. We encourage every resident to obtain a new bivalent booster shot as soon as they are eligible,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
To be eligible for the new bivalent booster, residents must be 12 years of age or older, and must have completed their primary vaccination series, consisting of two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Those who have received the new Novavax vaccine are not yet eligible for any booster at this time.
Children ages 5 to 11 will continue to receive the monovalent booster shots.
The vaccination clinics run by Union County welcome walk-ins for booster shots, but appointments are recommended. Residents ages 12 and up who previously scheduled a monovalent booster shot at a Union County vaccination clinic will need to make a new appointment to receive a bivalent booster.
To make an appointment online visit the Union County COVID-19 portal at ucnj.org/covid19/ or call 908-613-7829 for assistance.
Union County residents age 12 and up can make an appointment to receive the new bivalent booster shot two months after they have completed their primary series, or two months after their last booster shot.
As a reminder, the monovalent booster shots are no longer authorized for persons 12 years of age and older. Only children ages 5 to 11 will continue to receive the monovalent booster shots. At this time, booster shots are not authorized for children and infants under age 5.
Vaccination is the best defense against the worst impacts of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Union County residents who are not vaccinated yet are urged to begin their primary series as soon as possible, and then follow up with the new bivalent booster shot as soon as they are eligible (or monovalent booster for ages 5-11).
The primary series is authorized for all adults, children and infants beginning at 6 months.
Union County’s vaccine clinics currently offer all authorized vaccines and boosters as follows:
Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive at Warinanco Park in Roselle:
On Tuesdays, the Warinanco clinic is open only for ages 6 months to five years to receive the Pfizer (6 months to 4 years) or Moderna (6 months to 5 years) vaccines. The hours of operation on Tuesdays are 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
On Thursdays, the Warinanco clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations for all age groups. The hours of operation are 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue in Plainfield (use the Kenyon Avenue entrance):
On Saturdays, the Plainfield High School clinic provides all vaccines and booster formulations. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (please note the clinic will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on September 17).
To make an appointment for a vaccination at either the Warinanco or Plainfield clinics, create an account or log into an existing account through Union County’s vaccination portal, ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call 908-613-7829.
Walk-ups for booster shots for all eligible age groups are welcome at both the Warinanco Sports Center and Plainfield High School sites, but appointments are encouraged.
Home-bound residents may be eligible for a home vaccination visit. To make an appointment, call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-613-7829 during regular weekday business hours, or leave a call-back message after hours.
For details about Union County’s mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other resources visit ucnj.org/covid19.
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.
Flag Raising to kick off a month-long series of events in celebration of Hispanic Heritagethroughout Union County
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend the Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free for all to attend.
“We are proud to once again raise the Hispanic Heritage flag at the County Courthouse,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Union County is one of the most diverse in New Jersey and this is our way of recognizing the Hispanic community living and working in Union County and we are proud to be one of the most inclusive counties in New Jersey and we will continue to work to promote unity.”
“Approximately one-third of Union County residents are of Hispanic origin. Being of Salvadorian descent, I am proud to be one of the many constituents that make Union County a more diverse place to live,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Since the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration’s inception in 2018, it has been a symbol that recognizes and celebrates the many contributions Latinos have made throughout history. Being under one flag, unites all of the Hispanic cultures together and also gives residents of Union County of all races and ethnicities a chance to come together and learn about our rich heritages. I look forward to joining our neighbors in all of the County’s month-long festivities.”
“As a Cuban-American, I am proud to serve in a County with such a strong Hispanic presence,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “There are over 20,000 Hispanic residents in Union County alone who contribute to our growth and development and for the next four weeks, we will showcase the diversity, talent and cultures that make up our neighborhoods. I am excited to celebrate with everyone and honor the Hispanic community.”
The program for the event will include remarks from guest speaker Diana Calle, Director of the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN). Ms. Calle also serves the Hispanic community as Vice President of LUPE Fund, Inc. – a non-profit organization with the mission to educate, empower, and engage Latinas in the State of New Jersey. She has been an active member since she received the LUPE Young Latina Leadership Scholarship in 2011.
“The most recent census confirmed that Hispanic Americans are making an impact in NJ,” said Diana Calle. “I am proud to be a Hispanic member of the community, not only in holding a leadership role within the Union County administration, but as the guest speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising. I would like to thank the County for honoring my heritage along with the heritage of hundreds of thousands of other residents like me…in a place I call home.”
The flag raising is the first in a series of scheduled events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The full schedule of events includes:
September 15, 5:00 p.m. – Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising – Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth
September 17, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Cultural Day – Warinanco Park Sports Center, Roselle
September 23, 6:30 p.m. – Movie Night: Encanto – Warinanco Park, Roselle
October 12, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Panel: History of Union County’s Hispanic Media Connection – Kean University North Avenue Academic Building (Corner of Morris and North Aves.)
October 14, 7:00 p.m. – Drive-Up Movie: Encanto – (Salsa Lessons @ 7:00 p.m. & Movie @ 8:00 p.m.) – Plainfield High School, 950 Park Ave., Plainfield.
October 15, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Family Fun Day – Rahway River Park, Parkway Drive (Next to Ulrich Memorial Pool)
For movie events, residents are advised to bring their own blankets and chairs.
For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please visit: https://ucnj.org/hhm22/ or contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator, by email at judith.guest@ucnj.org or by phone at (908) 527-4388.
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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to announce that the County of Union will now operate the first monkeypox vaccination clinic for Union County, beginning next week. Union County’s Office of Health Management is hosting the clinic at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle, beginning Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“We are proud to work in collaboration with the State of New Jersey to bring all these free vaccine clinics to Union County and push back on the monkeypox virus,” said Union County Chair Rebecca Williams. “This new site will make it easier for eligible residents to have a vaccine appointment close to home and stay protected.”
As of mid-August, Union County has had a total of 55 reported monkeypox cases. At the clinic, the Union County Office of Health Management will be administering the Jynneos vaccine to eligible and high-risk residents ages 1-17 and 18 years and older. A limited supply was allocated by the NJ Department of Health.
The Jynneos vaccine is a two-dose series, given 28 days apart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends receiving both doses of the vaccine, as the level of protection for one dose is unknown. Residents who have been vaccinated against monkeypox by the Union County Office of Health Management will automatically be scheduled for a second dose appointment.
First Dose Appointments:
September 14, 2022: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
September 15, 2022: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
September 16, 2022: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Second Dose Appointments:
October 12, 2022: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October 13, 2022: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
October 14, 2022: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Eligibility Requirements:
Attended an event where known monkeypox (HMPVX) exposure happened within the past 14 days.
Had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in areas where monkeypox (hMPXV) has been reported.
Persons who are at continued risk for occupational exposure.
Appointments are strongly recommended
They can be scheduled at https://ucnj.org/monkeypox/ until all available slots are filled. Residents can click that link and follow the prompts to make an appointment for your monkeypox vaccination. Select ‘Jynneos 1-17’ or ‘Jynneos 18+’ from the drop-down menu.
What You Need to Know
Monkeypox (also known as hMPXV or MPXV) is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
It can cause a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and can also cause a flu-like sickness (fever, cough, headache, body aches, chills, feeling very tired, etc.).
Monkeypox can spread to any person – most likely through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with monkeypox, or through saliva or other body fluids.
It can also spread through touching things or surfaces, especially clothes, bedding, and towels that have been used by someone with monkeypox and not disinfected.
Symptoms start within 3 weeks of being exposed to the virus.
If you start having flu-like symptoms, a rash will usually come 1-4 days later.
The rash can be on the face, inside the mouth, chest, hands, feet, genitals, or anus and starts as small, reddish spots. It then develops into blisters that fill with pus (liquid from infected tissue).
Monkeypox can spread from the time a rash starts to the time a rash has fully healed with a new layer of skin.
This usually takes two to four weeks.
Residents may also call the County of Union Vaccination hotline if they need assistance in making and managing appointments at 908-613-7VAX (7829).
