Category: Public Info

New toll-free number available to make appointments during business hours, and leave callback messages after hours.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are home bound or have difficulty leaving their home can use a new toll-free number to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at home. The number to call is 1-833-256-2478, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The service is available to all home bound Union County residents free of charge, as part of the Union County Commissioner Board’s efforts to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines reach every household in the community  as quickly as possible. There is no income eligibility cutoff.

“The Commissioner Board is determined to help get the COVID-19 vaccines to our residents without delay, and the new toll free number removes barriers to access for people who would otherwise find it difficult if not impossible to travel to a vaccination clinic,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please don’t hesitate to call 1-833-256-2478 if you need help getting vaccinated at home.”

The home vaccination service is offered by the Commissioner Board through the firm Mobile Medical Services & Technology. Mobile Medical Services currently provides a choice of all three vaccines approved for use in the United States: Pfizer (ages 12 and older), Moderna (ages 18 and older), and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18 and older).

To request an appointment, home bound residents can call Mobile Medical Services at 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator. Appointments are generally available within five days or less.

Residents can also contact Mobile Medical Services by email at vaccine@mmst.io to request a callback for an appointment. In addition, residents can call 1-833-256-2478 during off-hours to leave a voice message requesting a callback. Messages are returned on the following business day.

“We are excited to partner with Union County to bring a comprehensive homebound COVID-19 vaccination program. Patient feedback has been incredible, and it feels great to be able to meet people where they are.” said Madeline De Ferrari, Founder and CEO of Mobile Medical Services & Technology.

Seniors and residents with disabilities who have additional questions are welcome to contact the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resources for assistance at 1-888-280-8226 during regular weekday business hours.

The Commissioner Board strongly urges residents who have not been vaccinated to get their jab as soon as possible, as new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge and spread.

Union County residents who do not need a home visit can use any of the free vaccination clinics established by the Commissioner Board, including three permanent vaccination sites and a mobile unit that comes to different municipalities on a rotating basis. To book an appointment online at any of these sites, and to see locations and hours of operation, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

Any resident who needs help making an appointment at a Union County vaccination site can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance, at 908-613-7829 during regular business hours.

More information about Mobile Medical Services is available at mobilemedservices.co.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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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Tickets to Red Bulls pro soccer match offered to Union County residents at $30.00 per person; ticket price includes a $10.00 food voucher to be used at the venue.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite special needs residents and their families to “A Night Out with the NY Red Bulls,” a New Jersey-based soccer team, in support of Autism Awareness Night at Red Bulls Arena beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 28.

“The Commissioner Board is proud to support the annual Autism Awareness Night at Red Bulls Arena,” said County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Red Bulls are known for creating inclusive spaces, and we hope a strong contingent of Union County fans will be present in the stands to cheer for their home state team on August 28.”

“The Red Bulls event provides residents with an exciting community activity in a welcoming environment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We encourage residents to connect with the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Need to find out about other programs and activities that reflect our values as an inclusive community.”

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs hosts a variety of events and programs including a new series of special sessions for children at Union County’s Wheeler Spray Park in Linden.

Red Bulls Arena is located at 600 Cape May Street in Harrison, New Jersey. The August 28 match will see the Red Bulls face the Chicago Fire FC.

The Commissioner Board’s support for Autism Awareness Night is organized through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which is providing a limited number of tickets at a cost of $30.00 per person. The price of the ticket includes a $10 food voucher for use at the venue.

Union County residents can purchase their tickets online through the Union County secure registration website, ucnj.org/opdsn-reg or https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey, established in 2018 in the Department of Human Services.

For more details and a list of programs, visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or contact the Office Director, Manuel Ramirez at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4781.

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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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Drive-through event provides nutrition assistance for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s ongoing series of emergency food distribution events continues on Saturday, July 31 with a drive-through event at the Kean University campus at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union County. The event begins at 8:00 a.m.

The food distribution events 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 take place rain or shine.

“Emergency food distribution continues to be a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and summer can be especially challenging for families that rely on nutrition assistance during the school year. We will continue providing this resource to those in our community who need a helping hand,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“During this time as residents continue to deal with unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity, we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership.”

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 at this event.

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.

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 and other protocols.

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 the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to invite persons with special needs and disabilities up to age 16 to attend the Wheeler Spray Park Program for Children with Special Needs. This program will take place every Wednesday evening in the month of August from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Wheeler Spray Park Program for Children with Special Needs has been organized through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs in the Union County Department of Human Services.

“The Special Needs Night series in July was a huge success and safe opportunity for children with special needs,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “To continue to provide a safe space for families with special needs, we have extended the program through August and added Saturdays to the schedule in support of our goal of providing inclusive, welcoming environments for all County residents.”

The program continues in August beginning on Wednesday, August 4 at Wheeler Spray Park, located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue in Linden. Every child must be accompanied by an adult.

The event is free but pre-registration is required online for each child through the Union County events registration page. To register, visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg and scroll to “Recreation Programs for People with Special Needs.”

“The Union County Commissioners were excited to see so many families with special needs come out to enjoy this wonderful event every Wednesday in July,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “We want to continue to strive for inclusivity throughout our County programming and are proud to add more opportunities for entire families to bond together in an inclusive manner.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening in Union County’s 11,000-square-foot water playground, Wheeler Spray Park, packed with over 30 attractions including a waterfall, pirate ship, water sprinklers, slides, sprayers, and even a giant water serpent.

The August Schedule for the Wheeler Park Program for Children with Special Needs:

August 4 at 6:30 p.m.

August 7 at 10:00 a.m.

August 11 at 6:30 p.m.

August 14 at 10:00 a.m.

August 18 at 6:30 p.m.

August 21 at 10:00 a.m.

August 25 at 6:30 p.m.

August 28 at 10:00 a.m.

For more information about Special Needs Night at Wheeler Spray Park, and all recreation programs for people with special needs and disabilities, visit ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs or call 908-527-4781.

For information on all programs and services of the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/dhs.

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

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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.

Enjoy a free, outdoor concert – registration is not required

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The concert will take place on Saturday, July 24 beginning at 6 p.m.

Attendees will have the pleasure of enjoying two opening acts, Ray Andersen and the First Verse and The Rusty Monks.

“Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes has been a fan-favorite act in Union County for many years,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As one of New Jersey’s most iconic rock acts, we are looking forward to a fantastic show.”

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes are among the creators of the legendary Jersey Shore Sound. The talented band  has recorded more than 30 albums and toured all over the world during the past five decades while playing a classic blend of searing rock, soul, and blues accompanied by a solid guitar sound and a blistering horn section.

Ray Andersen and The First Verse will open the stage with their rock sounds and the Rusty Monks will be opening with their groove oriented mixture of funk, rock, Latin and jazz started by Housecatnick in the early 2000’s.

Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs.

Food trucks and restrooms will be on site.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that it is easy and convenient to make an appointment for free COVID-19 testing and vaccination in Union County.

“Free tests are available for any resident who is concerned about their exposure to COVID-19, and we continue to encourage everyone age 12 and up to get their free COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “If you need help booking an appointment online, staff at the Union County COVID-19 Call Center can assist you.”

Union County’s free COVID-19 Test Center is available free of charge to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. A doctor’s note is not required. The Test Center is located in Downs Hall at the Kean University campus, at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

To make an appointment online at the Test Center, visit the Union County COVID-19 portal at ucnj.org/covid19. The online system is available on a 24/7 basis.

The Test Center is not a drive-through service; no car is needed. After booking an appointment, residents can walk, bike, take mass transit, or drive to the Kean University campus. Free parking is available on campus for those arriving by car. Follow the signs to walk from the parking lot to Downs Hall.

Union County also runs free COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Downs Hall, at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, and at Plainfield High School in Plainfield. In addition, the County’s mobile vaccination team visits local neighborhoods on a rotating basis. To book an appointment online for any of these sites, and to see a list of neighborhood locations, visit ucnj.org/covid19.

Any resident who needs help making an appointment for a COVID-19 test or vaccination can contact staff at the Union County COVID-19 Call Center for assistance, at 908-613-7829 during regular business hours.

Residents who are home bound or have difficulty leaving their home can call the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resources at 1-888-280-8226 during regular business hours to inquire about their eligibility for a home visit from the Union County vaccination team.

To retrieve vaccine information in case of a lost or damaged vaccine card, download the free “Docket” app recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health. More information is available at ucnj.org/covid19/lost-your-covid-19-vaccination-card.

Residents can also request a copy of their vaccination records from the Department of Health Immunization Information System at njdeptofhealth.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal.

The vaccines currently approved for use in the U.S. are Pfizer (ages 12 and older), Moderna (ages 18 and older), and Johnson & Johnson (ages 18 and older). Children and teens ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult to receive the Pfizer vaccine at Union County’s vaccination sites.

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

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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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Free outdoor movies will be presented in Union County parks this summer on a walk-in, sit-down basis; no pre-registration required.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners would like to invite all residents to join us at the next outdoor movie night in Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” series. The series continues with The Croods: A New Age on July 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Rahway Park in Rahway.

Released last year, “The Croods: A New Age” is an animated adventure comedy film that sequels the 2013 film, The Croods. Starring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and more, this film follows a prehistoric family in search of a safer habitat to call home and the struggles they face with their new and very different neighbors.

“The Board of Commissioners and I are excited to welcome all Union County residents to Rahway Park for a safe family movie night” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. We encourage all attendees to arrive early for the family-friendly dance party before the movie, beginning at 7:30 p.m.”

The movie will begin at dusk. Be sure to join us with a blanket or beach chair to claim a spot on the lawn.

An ice cream truck will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase a snack.

Movies will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date for each event will be the following Wednesday night.

The remainder dates for the 2021 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule:

Tom and Jerry: August 10 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Black Panther:   August 17 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org.

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

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program continues in August. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, August 5 and Saturday, August 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

The drop-off sites are available on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month, from April through November.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Please note that plastic-encased dehumidifiers are not accepted.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that free immunizations are available to eligible children and adults at the Union County Immunization Center. The Immunization Center is located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

“Union County’s immunization clinic helps to ensure that every infant and child in our community can receive protection from preventable diseases, regardless of their insurance status or family circumstances. We encourage everyone who may be eligible to contact the clinic and find out if their children qualify for this free service,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or who are covered by Medicaid Plan A are eligible for services. To receive vaccinations for a child, parents or guardians are required to provide the eligible child’s birth certificate, current vaccination records, parent or legal guardians ID and proof of address. Legal guardians must also have guardianship papers from the Court. If the child is in school, a referral by a school nurse must be presented. For adults looking to get vaccinated, photo ID is required as well as proof of address.

The Immunization Center provides information about available health services to families in need, screenings and more than a dozen immunizations for eligible children starting at 2 months of age as well as adults. Offerings have since been expanded to include the three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Historically, immunizations have helped to eliminate many transmissible diseases,” said Chair of the Public Safety Committee Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “The Commissioner Board is proud to provide this vital service to residents who lack sufficient medical coverage and want to get immunized.”

The following vaccinations are available at the Union County Immunization Center:

TD – Tetanus and Diphtheria

DtaP – Whooping Cough or Pertussis

HIB – Haemophilus Influenza Type B

Prevnar – Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (for bacterial infections that cause pneumonia, blood, and brain infections)

Gardasil

Proquad

Rota

Meningococcal

Pentacel

MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German or 3-day Measles)

Hepatitis B

Varicella – Chickenpox

Flu

Pediarix – DtaP; Hepatitus B; and IPV (inactivated polio vaccine)

Shenrix – Shingles

COVID-19 Vaccines: Pfizer (12 years and up), Moderna (adults) and J&J (adults)

To make an appointment at the Union County Immunization Center, to determine eligibility for free immunization, or to find out more about available programs, call the Immunization Center weekdays during regular business hours at (908) 965-3627/3868. Appointments for immunizations can usually be scheduled within 48-72 hours of calling.

The Union County Immunization Clinic opened in 2013 and is run as a service of the Union County Department of Human Services. Since opening, free immunizations have been administered for thousands of uninsured and underinsured children. Adult immunization began last year. The Immunization Clinic is open Monday through Friday 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 the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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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.