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Eliminate Hazardous Wastes from your Home in September

Union County to hold free drop-off event for old or unwanted household chemicals and many other items, Saturday, September 10.

hazardous waste event flyer

Union County residents can safely dispose their unwanted household chemicals, old fire extinguishers, propane tanks and other potentially hazardous items at Union County’s next free Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, September 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union College (formerly known as Union County College), located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town. Residents participating in the event should go to parking lots 5A and 5B on the campus upon arrival.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Board Chair Rebecca Williams. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drive-up only, and contact-free. Items for disposal should be brought in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area, where they can be easily unloaded by staff at the site.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Items accepted for disposal include outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

A list of items accepted at Household Hazardous Waste events is available at ucnj.org/recycling/household-special-waste. Residents with questions about items not included on the list should call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The next and last Household Hazardous Waste event of 2022 will take place on Saturday, October 22 in Scotch Plains. The recycling program will then go on winter hiatus.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

Car tires are accepted at these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted.  Leftover latex paint can be used around the house, shared, donated, or allowed to dry in the can. The dried can may be discarded in regular household garbage, with the lid off. To reduce drying time, add kitty litter, newspaper scraps or a commercial paint hardener.

The September 10 event is part of Union County’s annual series of recycling programs for household hazardous waste, scrap metal and personal paper shredding. Visit ucnj.org/recycle for dates, times and locations.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

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Union County to Observe POW/MIA Remembrance Day on Sept. 16

pow/mia

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents and visitors to attend the commemoration of POW/MIA Remembrance Day on the steps of the historic Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth on Friday, September 16. The ceremony will start promptly at 11:00 a.m.

“We are proud to honor those men and women who were prisoners of war, and those who are still listed as missing in action,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Board of County Commissioners will continue to remember the sacrifices made by those in our armed forces as well as their families.”

The ceremony features Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, as the master of ceremonies and an invocation led by Union County Commander, VFW Bobby Jeans.

The guest speaker will be United States Air Force Sergeant Ernesto M. Hernandez. The National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed by Kimberly Pierre.

The presentation of colors will be performed by Honor Guards from the Union County Sheriff Office, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Elizabeth Police and Fire Honor Guard.

The ceremony will include a rifle salute, TAPS performed by Alfredo Beltran and will conclude with the Retirement of the Colors.

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.

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Union County Recognizes National Recovery Month throughout September

“Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community”

national recovery month flyer

The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that September is National Recovery Month. To celebrate the strides made by those living in recovery and to raise awareness, the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse (OBHSA) acknowledges the focus and re-adoption of the 2021 theme by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

The 2022 National Recovery Month theme, Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community, emphasizes that resilience in the path to recovery is possible for all, with the strength and support of a thriving and educated community.

“The Commissioner Board is committed to empowering those around us by providing education about the various options for treatment and services available within Union County,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Treatment is effective and people can and do recover. We encourage residents to seek assistance if they need to address behavioral health or substance abuse issues.”

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Along with the Union County Board of County Commissioners, OBHSA will join the NAADAC, in declaring September 20, 2022 as National Addiction Professionals Day. Started by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals in 1992, the day was established to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication that addiction professionals provide to supporting our fellow residents to recovery.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with a substance abuse disorder, call the central line for NJ residents at 1-844-732-2465. It is available 24/7, and offers free, confidential, and live assistance. The trained staff will provide screening and quickly identify the caller’s needs to connect them to local treatment providers.

The OBHSA is a part of the Department of Human Services and is available provide resources to address well-being. For specific information about services for Mental Health, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, or prevention efforts, please visit: https://ucnj.org/dhs/individual-and-family-services/.

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 the Action Line at 888-558-2288.

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.

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“Hayrides & Campfires” Fall Family Fun Series Returns to Union County

hayrides and campfires flyer

Union County families can ring in the fall season with the Hayrides & Campfires series of fun activities hosted by the Union County Commissioner Board at Warinanco Park in Roselle and the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.

Each event in the series includes a hayride along with music, hot chocolate, and marshmallows to toast over a campfire.

“Our hayride and campfire events have become a family favorite tradition to celebrate the fall season, and it’s a real pleasure to bring them back this year,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

All tickets must be purchased in advance. There are no ticket sales on site. Ticket sales will begin online at ucnj.org/ticket beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6.

Residents and visitors without Internet access can purchase tickets in person beginning at 9:00 a.m. on September 6, at the following locations:

Trailside Nature and Science Center

452 New Providence Road, Mountainside

Open Tuesday through Sunday (except holidays), 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Trailside Info: 908-789-3670

Parks Reservation Desk

Union County Administration Building

10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth

Open Monday – Friday (except holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Reservation Info: 908-527-4900

The 2022 Hayrides & Campfires series includes two events starting at 3:30 p.m. in order to accommodate earlier bed-times. The other three events start at 6:30 p.m. Each event lasts for approximately three hours.

The first event will take place on Sunday, October 2 at the Warinanco Park Sports Center in Warinanco Park, at One Park Drive in Roselle (3:30 start).

The remaining four events will take place at the Trailside Nature and Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside on Friday, October 7 (6:30 start), Sunday, October 9 (3:30 start), Friday, October 14 (6:30 start), and Friday, October 28 (6:30 start).

Tickets are priced at $6.00 for Union County residents and $12.00 for non-residents. Group sales are limited to 15 tickets. Please note there are no refunds or exchanges.

For information about all events in and activities in Union County parks visit ucnj.org/parks.

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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Union County Clerk Offers Notary Training Seminar

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, October 7, from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.

government building

“Recent legislation requiring new processes for notaries will be discussed at the seminar, to update experienced notaries as well as instruct new or prospective notaries,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “The notary training seminar is designed to enable all the Notaries Public in our community to perform their duties with skill and confidence.”

Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process.  Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities.

It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

“We are very proud to renew our series of notary seminars after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “We offer this opportunity as a professional course that benefits the whole community, and all are welcome.”

To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Gloria Ford, 908-527-4999 or gloria.ford@ucnj.org.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Friday, September 30.

A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration.

Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

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 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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Shred and Recycle Your Personal Documents in September, Free of Charge

Free, secure paper shredding events to be held in Cranford and Westfield

Union County residents can bring their personal documents and sensitive papers to the next free paper shredding event sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The documents are shredded onsite, and the shredded paper is recycled.

paper shredding flyer

“We encourage residents to use our free shredding program to help guard against identity theft, in addition to helping to support recycling in our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Union County holds a series of free shredding events each year. Each event begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. The events may finish early if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

The locations for September are:

  • Saturday, September 17: Union County College, Parking Lots 5A and 5B, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford
  • Friday, September 23: Westfield Memorial Pool, 713 Cumberland Street, Westfield

Any Union County resident can bring their sensitive documents to either event, regardless of their home town.

Union County’s paper shredding events are drive-up only and contact-free. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers. A mobile shredding truck will securely shred the papers on site.

All documents must be clean and dry. No pre-shredded paper will be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

As a reminder, Union County’s paper shredding events are for sensitive, personal documents only. No businesses are allowed to participate. Magazines, junk mail and other waste paper should be recycled through a municipal recycling program.

Two additional free paper shredding events are scheduled for October, after which the program will go on winter hiatus.

For the complete 2022 paper shredding schedule, and for information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County in a handy mobile format, download the free Recycle Coach app. More information is available at ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at ucnj.org/green-connection.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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.

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Union County Students Can Join 4-H Clubs to Explore Arts, Technology, Sports, Civics and More

collage of kids presenting and participating in activities

The Union County 4-H program encourages students in grades 1-12 to explore their interests and share their knowledge.

Union County 4-H Clubs are gearing up for a new season, and students in grades 1-12 are invited to join the fun. Students and their families are welcomed to attend the 4-H Club Open House on Friday, September 23 to meet this year’s 4-H club leaders and learn more about the topics for the 2022-2023 school year. The event includes food, activities and more.

“The 4-H program encourages students to become experts in their favorite subjects, and share their knowledge with the community. It’s a unique hands-on learning and leadership opportunity,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Board of Commissioners is very proud to support the 4-H program in Union County.”

Students and parents who are interested in attending the 4-H Open House should pre-register by contacting Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz by email at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Open House will be held at Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, from 6:39 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, September 23.

Students can sign up for a maximum of 2 clubs per year. There is a fee for joining each class which varies by activity.

The list of clubs this year includes, archery, cooking, , engineering, gardening, LEGO robotics, crafts, outdoor exploration, civic service, and sewing. Students can also join clubs that encourage exploration in multiple areas. Club members meet with an adult leader each month during the school year to plan activities and programs.

For the 2022-2023 school year, the full list of clubs and their age ranges are as follows:

• Archery Club, grades 4 and up

• Cooking Club, grades 4 and up

• Engineering Club, grades 4 – 5

• Gardening Club, grades 4 and up

• LEGO Robotics Club with LEGO Robotics MindStorms kits, grades 5 and 6

• Craft Club, grades 4 and up

• Outdoors Club, grades 5 – 9

• 4-H Service Club, grades 8 – 12

• Sewing Club, grades 6 and up

• 4-H Club for exploring different skills and hobbies, grades 1-3

Union County 4-H is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 4-H program. The largest youth development program in the country, 4-H began as a way to encourage young people in rural communities to learn about innovative new farming practices. The focus on innovation and leadership continues to the present day, through age-appropriate topics and activities.

In Union County, 4-H is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County as part of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station. It is supported in part by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, with offices at the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

For more information about all Union County Extension programs, including 4-H, Master Tree Stewards, and Master Gardeners, visit ucnj.org/rce.

More information about 4-H in New Jersey is available at nj4h.rutgers.edu.

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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First Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic Opening in Union County

monkeypox vaccination clinics flyer

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).

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Union County to Hold Annual Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising on September 15th

Flag Raising to kick off a month-long series of events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage throughout Union County

hispanic heritage month events flyer
hispanic heritage month events flyer

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.

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New COVID-19 Booster Shots for Union County Residents

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.

union county covid-19

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.