Category: Public Info

COVID-19 Vaccinations as well as Saliva Testing to be offered drive-up at events in Union, and walk-up event in Plainfield

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents of the emergency food distribution events for Union County residents in December to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, December 4, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru

---

Saturday, December 18, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru – Holiday Distribution

---

Sunday, December 19, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up – Holiday Distribution

---

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource as well as an opportunity for residents to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents continue to face housing issues, food insecurity and unemployment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at all listed events on a walk-up basis. Johnson & Johnson and Moderna (for those 18 years or older) and Pfizer (12 years or older) vaccines will be offered. Along with vaccinations, COVID-19 saliva tests will be available as well on a walk-up basis.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Masks are required for residents picking up food at the walk-up event in Plainfield. Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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.

Free drive-up concert will observe COVID-19 safety guidelines; registration is open now.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that registration is now open for “A Soulful Holiday Show” with Terron Brooks and The Company Men. The free concert will be held on Saturday, December 11 at the campus of the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The event is free of charge but registration is required online in advance at www.ucnj.org/reserve. Only one registration is needed per car. Please note that a limited number of registrations are available, on a first come, first served basis.

“Holiday concerts are a staple of the season, and the drive-in format enables everyone to enjoy the show in a safe, comfortable environment,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Company Men, who describe themselves as a “Modern Day Rat Pack,” are a nationally acclaimed vocal, pop music quartet forming a mix of current Top 40 hits with classics of the last 60 years, with a special twist. They have appeared onstage with Mariah Carey, Billy Idol, Chaka Khan and others.

Terron Brooks has spanned the worlds of music, theatre, film and television with a voice described as smooth and soulful, having performed with Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, David Foster, Randy Jackson, Stephanie Mills, Peter Cetera, Lizz Wright, Yolanda Adams, Sheila E., and One Republic among many others.

He is widely recognized for his critically acclaimed role as the great Eddie Kendricks in the Emmy Award-winning NBC mini-series The Temptations, and his numerous recording credits include vocals on Smokey Robinson’s Smokey and Friends album.

Terron has also toured with the legendary Phil Collins and Golden Globe and Tony-nominated star Matthew Morrison, and opened for The New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys’ tour. As a guest artist for the Atlanta, Colorado, and Taiwan Symphony Orchestras, he has delighted audiences with classic songs from Disney productions. His numerous Broadway credits include Simba in Disney’s The Lion King and Seaweed in Hairspray.

“A Soulful Holiday Show” will run in compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines 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 help promote social distancing, 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). Those who are attending can bring their own food, and non-alcoholic drink. Alcohol is prohibited.

Additional details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

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.

The Covid-19 Virtual Town Hall will focus on misinformation and vaccines for children.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites members of the public to attend a virtual, interactive Town Hall on COVID-19, on Zoom beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, aimed at helping the Union County community understand the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots and pediatric doses for ages 5-11.

A pre-registration link is available at ucnj.org/covid19/town-hall.

“We are hearing concerns about newly available vaccines for children, as well as guidance on booster shots and third doses for persons with immune deficiencies,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Virtual Town Hall will provide an opportunity to get reliable answers from experts in the fields of medicine and public health, and we encourage everyone to attend.”

“The Town Hall is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that every Union County resident has access to up-to-date information about preventing infection from this deadly virus. We continue to encourage residents to can get fully vaccinated as soon as possible, and we hope that everyone who still has questions about COVID-19 will attend the Town Hall and get the facts,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chairman of the Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

The Town Hall will feature a panel of experts including:

Dr. Margaret Fisher: A specialist in infectious disease and pediatrics, Dr. Fisher is co-chair of the Professional Advisory Committee to the New Jersey Department of Health. She is also Medical Director of Clinical and Academic Excellence at Monmouth Medical Center.

Dr. Cecilia Di Pentima: The director of pediatric infectious disease at Morristown Medical Center and a professor of pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Di Pentima is Double-board-certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases. She is a specialist in treating children with an array of complex conditions, with more than 20 years of experience working closely with her young patients’ pediatricians, neonatologists, intensive care unit doctors, and other specialists.

Joseph Youngblood II, Ph.D.: Dr. Youngblood serves as Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Kean University and is Chair of the St. Francis Medical Center’s Board of Trustees. St. Francis is an acute care teaching hospital with more than 300 medical staff physicians representing all specialties.

For updates and additional details about the Town Hall visit Union County online at ucnj.org/covid19/town-hall.

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.

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.

Nominations must be received by midnight on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 for consideration.

The Women of Excellence Award 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.

All women 21 years or older who live, volunteer or work in Union County are eligible to be nominated.

Nominations may be submitted online to the Union County Office on Women by using the form at ucnj.org/women.

Mailed-in nominations are also accepted but must be received by December 1 in order to be considered. Nominations may be submitted by mail to the Office on Women, 3^rd Floor, Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

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.

 

Residents in need will have access to showers, laundry services and information regarding social service support programs offered throughout Union County.

Union County, NJ – Union County will officially launch the Fresh Start mobile program with the first event to be held on Wednesday, December 1, in Elizabeth from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This new County-based program is the first of its kind in New Jersey and will provide shower, laundry and restroom facilities to persons who are in need, along with guidance and resources on additional services that foster self-sufficiency.

The inaugural event will be hosted by community partner, St. Joseph Social Service Center, located at 118 Division Street in Elizabeth. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m.

“The mobile Fresh Start program brings these essential services to those most in need in the community,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella, who announced this initiative late last month. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to offer this service to our most vulnerable residents.”

“We anticipate that the Fresh Start program will make a significant difference. Fresh Start will enable us to reach out to vulnerable residents, providing them with access to additional resources and services,” said Union County Department of Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.

“The Fresh Start program brings essential resources to individuals in their communities, making it easier to access a wide array of assistance,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Commissioner Board’s Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “Union County thanks all of our community partners that have connected with us to ensure the success of this critical resource for our community. We also thank Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation for their generous contribution this event.”

The County of Union Department of Human Services has partnered with the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation (https://bit.ly/3E66KEs) for this inaugural event to provide guests of the Fresh Start program attending on December 1 with essential items such as socks and underwear.

The Fresh Start program is part of Chairman Mirabella’s “Union County Rising” initiatives for 2021, aimed at maximizing countywide resources for response to the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing emerging needs in the areas of fiscal planning, public safety, education, economic development, opportunity, inclusion, and diversity in addition to human services.

The centerpiece of Fresh Start is a mobile trailer equipped with bathroom and shower units as well as laundry facilities. It is operated and maintained in accordance with standards for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The Fresh Start trailer serves as a portal and contact platform for a continuum of resources leading to self-sufficiency, including emergency shelter and clothing. Access to ongoing resources including but not limited to mental health services, housing, and employment assistance will be available.

The trailer can also provide essential services to Union County residents who are displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies, in addition to providing services to those in financial need.

This kick-off event for the Fresh Start program is a coordination of a wide variety of resources among public and non-profit organizations, such as Union County Department of Human Services, St. Joseph’s Social Service Center, Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, and PROCEED, Inc.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a time slot.  Guests are welcome to wait or come back later after they register. In addition, those wishing to use the services offered by the Fresh Start mobile program should note:

• Access to the bathroom for use of the shower is limited to a 20-minute duration per guest. It is cleaned after every use. Guests will be informed by a knock on the door when they have 5-minutes remaining.
• Guests will be provided with soap, hot water, and a clean towel.
• Shower and/or laundry capacity is limited so the program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Laundry services will be provided for additional clothing that guests bring with them. Guests should be sure to empty pockets prior to turning clothing in for laundry services.

The Fresh Start trailer will visit locations throughout Union County based on request. Agencies and organizations that are interested can send a request via email to freshstart@ucnj.org.

Additional details are available through the Union County Department of Human Services at https://ucnj.org/dhs/fresh-start.  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 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that 12 artists from Union County have been selected as award winners in the 55th annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show. Awards to Union County artists include the exceptional honor of Best in Show.

The 2021 New Jersey Senior Art Show can be viewed online at njseniorarts.com.

“The Senior Citizen Art Show enables senior artists from all walks of life to share their vision and creativity with the Union County community and beyond. We are all enriched by their efforts to reach out and communicate through the visual arts,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Congratulations to the award winners, and thanks to all those who participated.”

The 2021 New Jersey Senior Art Show includes more than 200 artworks created by both professional and non-professional artists, ages 60 and older, from 15 counties across the state.

As the culmination of county-based senior art shows held this year, the New Jersey Senior Art Show features every artwork that was awarded first-place at the county level in their respective categories. The New Jersey show was juried by art experts Lynn Lymere, Aubrey Kaufmann and Martha Press.

The Union County awardees are:

• Eileen Bonacci (Berkeley Heights) – Best in Show by a Professional; and 1st Place, Oil by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Day at the Beach”
• Tina Berlin (Scotch Plains) – 1st Place, Acrylic by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Painted Girl”
• Joe Manzella (Cranford) – 2nd Place, Digital Art by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Many Paths – One Destination”
• Anne Castellano (Cranford) – 2nd Place, Pastel by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “The Cupcake Dog”
• Betsy Fabricant (Elizabeth) – 3rd Place, Craft by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Covered Bridge, Williamsville, Vermont”
• Natalie Gregorio (Elizabeth) – 3rd Place, Photography by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Sunflower Sunset”
• Johnnye Hansford (Plainfield) – Honorable Mention, Craft by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Natural Sinamay and Purple Fascinator”
• Cheryl Payne (Hillside) – Honorable Mention, Mixed Media by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “Women in Their Seasons of Grace”
• Indira Govindan (Springfield) – Honorable Mention, Mixed Media by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “World versus Corona”
• Janice Metzger (Westfield) – Honorable Mention, Pastel by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Birdsong”
• Paul Lachenauer (Cranford) – Honorable Mention, Photography by a Professional artist, for the artwork, “Liberty State Park”
• Luciano Felicio (Union) – Honorable Mention, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist, for the artwork, “American Eagle”

The annual New Jersey Senior Art Show is co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Mercer County’s Division of Culture & Heritage, and is funded by the Council on the Arts with additional support from Mercer County and the New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Union County’s annual Senior Art Exhibit is a project of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation. The 2021 Union County Exhibit is on view at ucnj.org/senior-art.

For more information about programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or visit ucnj.org/cultural.

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 — 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.

#  #

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of 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.

#  #

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.

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.

#  #

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.

#  #

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.