County of UnionWe continued our mask distribution to help protect our residents against covid-19. Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Freeholder Sergio Granados joined County employees in distributing surgical masks to Berkeley Heights, Clark, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Linden, Rahway, Scotch Plains, New Providence and Winfield.
If you or someone you know needs a mask, contact your local city/town hall then coordinate how you can pick masks up.
Today is the first day of #TransAwarenessWeek and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Office of LGBTQ Affairs understand the importance lifting up and increasing visibility of transgender and gender diverse people and taking action on issues impacting the community.
This year for Transgender Awareness Week, the Freeholder Board and Office of LGBTQ Affairs join GLAAD in encouraging everyone to watch the documentary DISCLOSURE on Netflix. The feature from director Sam Feder and executive producer Laverne Cox explores the history of trans representation in TV and film in unprecedented form, revealing how Hollywood simultaneously reflects and manufactures people’s deepest anxieties about gender.
According to GLAAD, “Given that 80% Americans believe they have never personally met someone who is transgender, that means the majority of the public’s education and awareness about this community has been informed by more than a century’s worth of media which has overwhelmingly misrepresented and mischaracterized who trans people are–significantly influencing public perceptions, policy, and attitudes about the trans community.”
If you’re a member of the trans and gender diverse community and would like to know more about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, please feel free to contact Danni Newbury at DNewbury@ucnj.org.
Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski spoke with Union County Corrections Sgt. Dean Aneiros while thanking county workers at the Union County Mobile Test Unit site in Tamaques Park in Westfield as several hundred residents lined up for free COVID-19 tests. For more details and to view the most recent schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
Union County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Health Officer/Director Annie McNair at the Union County Flu Shot Drive at the County Public Safety Complex in Westfield. For additional updates visit the “Upcoming Flu Drives” page on the County website, at ucnj.org/flu. Please note that the Union County flu shot drive is for seasonal flu vaccines only. There is no vaccine available for the COVID-19 virus at this time. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
New COVID-19/flu test is latest in series of innovations at free Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center, located at Kean University, which will expand testing hours and add new test beginning November 2nd
Union County, NJ – Beginning Monday, November 2nd, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce that the free Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at the Kean University campus in Union Township will be the first such facility in New Jersey to offer a new three-panel swab test that produces results for the COVID-19 virus, Influenza A, and Influenza B all on the same swab. Kean is one of only two universities in New Jersey to serve as a location for free countywide COVID-19 testing, and it will be the first in New Jersey to offer the new three-panel swab test.
The Drive-Through Test Center is also expanding its schedule from twice weekly to three days a week. As of Monday, November 2, the Drive-Through Test Center will be open by appointment every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No doctor referral is required, but the site is accessible by car only. To make an appointment online visit Union County’s new COVID-19 website, ucnj.org/covid19, or call 908-518-4307. The Test Center is available to all Union County residents, and to first responders and front line health personnel who work in New Jersey. No symptoms or doctor referral are required to use the Test Center.
In addition to ensuring that all Union County residents have access to COVID-19 testing, the Test Center is Union County’s innovation hub for COVID-19 emergency response, including the introduction of new COVID-19 tests as they become available as well as recruiting and organizing health professionals and volunteers, and exploring new partnerships with Kean University including on-site specimen testing capability.
“The Union County family is facing this public health emergency together, and the new three-panel swab will be an important part of our efforts to help ensure that every resident has quick, reliable access to information about their exposure to COVID-19 and other potentially lethal viruses that are especially prone to spread at this time of year, regardless of their financial situation or their health insurance status,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Since the beginning of the outbreak last March, Kean University has been a key partner in our public health emergency response, and we are proud to bring this new testing capability to the Union Township campus and communities throughout the County.”
Kean President Lamont O. Repollet said: “Kean University is proud of our continued partnership with the County of Union to offer a convenient and accessible testing site for county residents and all front-line medical workers. As demand for testing increases, we remain steadfast in our shared commitment to defeat this virus and protect public health.”
Governor Phil Murphy stated: “This innovative partnership between Union County and Kean University will provide a very important service to residents of one of our most populous counties. As the flu season approaches, and cases of COVID-19 have risen at an alarming rate, Union County’s efforts to promote the safety of residents and to reduce strain on our healthcare system are remarkable and needed.”
Union County established the free Drive-Through Test Center at the campus of Kean University at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak on March 23, and continues to be the lead agency in organizing, financing, and running the operation through the Union County Division of Health in the Department of Public Safety in partnership with Kean University.
The new three-panel swab test will be introduced starting on Monday, November 2 with an initial turnaround time of 48 hours, which will be phased down to just 24 hours before the end of the month.
The 24-hour turnaround will be accomplished by transitioning specimen tests from a vendor located off-campus to a new on-campus lab to be operated by Kean University. The Division of Health is overseeing establishment of the new laboratory.
Union County’s Mobile Test Unit has also increased its activities. As of Tuesday, November 3, the Mobile Test Unit will offer free tests on a regular basis every Tuesday and Thursday, at various locations throughout the County. These are walk-up events; no car is required. For upcoming dates and locations visit ucnj.org/covid19.
The new initiatives are in response to an increase in COVID-19 case numbers in New Jersey and elsewhere. Public health experts have warned the public to prepare for an increase in COVID-19 cases during the fall, as the start of the seasonal flu year coincides with an increase in activities indoors, where COVID-19 is more likely to spread.
In support of its COVID-19 response efforts, Union County is also offering free seasonal flu vaccines at various locations. For the schedule of upcoming flu shot drives visit ucnj.org/covid19.
The Union County Drive-Through Test Center has provided free COVID-19 tests to more than 60,000 Union County residents, first responders and front line health personnel working in New Jersey since opening on March 23. It was the first county-based test center to open in New Jersey, and continues to lead in offering new resources .
The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is part of the Division of Health. It began operating in March with an initial focus on walk-up, on-site testing for senior residences and other vulnerable populations. The service recently expanded to include walk-up tests for the general public in communities throughout Union County.
The Mobile Test Unit also provides walk-up tests at various locations for Union County’s new school district test program, and it runs Union County’s COVID-19 testing, tracking, tracing and public outreach programs.
For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado announced the locations of two additional ballot drop-off boxes for the November 3 General Election, bringing the total number of drop-off boxes in Union County to 24.
The two new locations are Kean University, Wilkins Theater on Morris Avenue in Union and Union County College, Commons Courtyard near Parking Lot 2 on Springfield Avenue in Cranford.
The locations of the installed drop-off boxes are:
“With 24 ballot drop-off boxes now in place, Union County has far exceeded Governor Phil Murphy’s mandate of at least 10 drop-off boxes per county,” said Ms. DiRado. “The extra locations help to ensure that every Union County voter has convenient access to a secure, reliable, method for casting their ballot in time to be counted.”
Under Governor Murphy’s COVID-19 prevention orders, the November 3 General Election will be conducted primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots. All registered voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail, and are strongly urged to cast it as soon as they receive it.
Voters can choose any of the following methods to cast their Vote-by-Mail prior to, or on, Election Day, November 3:
Each Vote-by-Mail ballot includes instructions for designating a ballot bearer.
In addition, when the polls are open on Election Day voters may bring their Vote-by-Mail ballot to their designated polling place. A list of polling places is available at ucnj.org/boe/where-do-i-vote. Please note that voters who come to a polling place without a Vote-by-Mail ballot will be provided with a provisional paper ballot to cast their vote.
ADA-accessible voting machines will be available at polling places only for voters with disabilities who certify that they cannot use a paper ballot.
Union County residents who have not registered to vote are reminded that the deadline for voter registration is Tuesday, October 13. For more information on voter registration visit ucnj.org/boe/voter-registration-information.
Board of Elections staff is available to answer questions about voter registration, and the office will provide extended hours on October 13 until 9:00 p.m. While visiting the office, voters must wear masks and observe social distance.
To view instructions for using a Vote-by-Mail ballot correctly, visit the Election Board online at ucnj.org/boe/make-sure-your-vote-by-mail-ballot-is-counted-2
For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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The Union County Freeholder Board is proud to present “Fix You”, a highly regarded Coldplay tribute band, live in concert at the Union County Vocational-Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
The concert is on Saturday, November 7th starting at 6:30 PM. Tickets will become available online at www.ucnj.org/reserve on Friday, October 28th at 9 AM and are first-come, first-served. Attendance is limited to 220 cars.
“I am happy to welcome ‘Fix You’ as our next performer in our great drive-in concert series,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These concerts are providing great entertainment for Union County residents.”
“Fix You”, named after one of the top hits of the legendary British rock band Coldplay, describes itself as the latter’s ultimate tribute band. “Fix You” has played around the world and covers Coldplay’s greatest hits such as Parachutes and Head Full of Dreams. Learn more about the band and its performances at https://www.fixyoulive.com/.
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 and wash stations 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.
The Freeholder Board is proud to present the new Virtual Saturday Series through the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. The series will be held every other Saturday from October 10th through December 19th.
Each virtual event will feature a different interactive program for all ages.
“This virtual series will provide a wide variety of activities for our residents with disabilities and special needs to enjoy with their families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
The next program is Saturday, October 24th and will be an interactive Healthy Eating Workshop with Tony Bianchino from Out Run Your Fork. The workshop’s topic is “How to Beat Your Sugar Cravings.”
Each program will run from 10:00 until 11:00 am and will be hosted on GoToMeeting. Participants will receive the GoToMeeting link a few days in advance of the event.
The schedule for the series is as follows:
To register visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. Space is limited to 75 participants in each event.
For more information on the virtual series contact Nicole DeAugustine at ndeaugustine@ucnj.org.
For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, please visit the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are pleased to present a unique Beatles tribute band, The Weeklings, live in concert at the Union County Vocational-Technical School in Scotch Plains on Sunday, November 1st. An opening act to be announced later will go on at 6 p.m., and the Weeklings will take the stage at 7 p.m.
Tickets will become available online at www.ucnj.org/reserve on Friday, October 23 at 9 AM, and are first-come, first-served.
“Our amazing concert series continues with the Weeklings, a band that will present the music of the Beatles, who are universally loved, featuring Glen Burtnik, a great performer and Garden State musical icon,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I encourage our residents to sign up early as this is sure to be another popular performance.”
The Weeklings are a tribute to the music and inspiration of the Beatles, performing explosive renditions of Beatles classics, uniquely arranged Beatles nuggets plus brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals. The group features legendary Jersey shore rocker, Glen Burtnik who is known as much for his work with bands such as Styx, as he is for his work as a song writer for artists such as Don Henley and Patty Smyth (“Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough”), Mark Collie, Randy Travis, John Waite, Jo Dee Messina and Neal Schon. In addition to Burtnik, the Weeklings consist of Bob Burger, John Merjave, and Joe Bellia.
Burtnik also enjoyed success as a solo performer, and has played with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Bobby Bandiera, and Southside Johnny. He was a member of two other well-known New Jersey bands, La Bamba and the Hubcaps and Cats on a Smooth Surface.
In his early years, Burtnik appeared in the Broadway production of Beatlemania as Paul McCartney, alongside Marshall Crenshaw, who played John Lennon.
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 and wash stations 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.
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Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten joined Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran at the Union County Mobile Test Unit site at the Roselle Park First Aid Squad. The Freeholder Board has announced a series of dates for the Union County Mobile Test Unit for the month of October. Free COVID-19 saliva tests will be administered at these events. Additional details and dates can be found at ucnj.org/walkup. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)
