Category: Public Info

Mobile Unit to Administer Free Testing to Residents in Multiple Municipalities.

 

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled more upcoming visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 tests for residents during the month of December. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any resident can use any of the walk-up sites, regardless of their place of residence. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for December (note: the Mobile Test Unit will administer the saliva test at all of these locations):

• Elizabeth – December 1, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Exrleben Recreation Center, 513 Richmond Street
• New Providence, December 3, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. New Providence Gym, 1378 Springfield Avenue

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit is available on request to visit local communities to provide tests for the general public. The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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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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 Schedule begins week of November 30th—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Due to increased demand for COVID-19 testing, the Union County Drive-in Test Center located at Kean University in Union Township will expand operations to four days a week. Starting week of November 30th, the testing site will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m, to 2:30 p.m.

“We are working hard to provide increased access to free COVID-19 testing to our residents,” said Freeholder Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage residents to get tested if they have any concerns about exposure to COVID-19.”

The Union County Drive-in COVID-19 Test Center offers free three-panel swab tests 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 is the first in New Jersey to offer the three-panel swab test.

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.

Along with the Test Center at Kean, residents can receive free COVID-19 saliva tests at one of the Mobile Unit Walk-Up events scheduled on multiple dates at various locations around Union County. No appointment is necessary for the Mobile Walk-Up events and testing is first come-first served. For an updated list of locations, residents should visit ucnj.org/walkup

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.

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.

For immediate release: November 25, 2020

Please note: this event has been rescheduled from December 5 to Sunday, December 6 due to expected inclement weather. Tickets for December 5 will be honored on December 6. For information on reserving a spot on the waiting list please read the updated press here.

Pop Music Quartet, The Company Men Present “The Holiday Show” at drive-in concert in Scotch Plains (update: rescheduled to December 6)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that nationally acclaimed tribute band, The Company Men, will be presenting what they are calling “The Holiday Show” in a drive-in concert at Union County Vocational-Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

The free, drive-in concert  starting at 6 PM. Tickets can be reserved now at www.ucnj.org/reserve, and are first-come, first-served.

“I cannot think of a better treat this holiday season than this concert by The Company Men,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is a must-see event that is certain to delight residents of all ages.”

The Company Men, who describe themselves on their website as a “Modern Day Rat Pack,” are a nationally acclaimed vocal, pop music quartet who performs 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.

The band’s “Holiday Show” will feature classic songs such as Happy Holidays, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and much more. Their performances are family-friendly and have been praised as huge hit with multi-generational crowds, according to their website.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, 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 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.

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets. 

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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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2020

Contact: Sebastian D’Elia, 908-527-4419

Tina Casey, 908-527-4346

 

 

Free Drive-Up Movie, “The Grinch,” in Scotch Plains on December 11

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the latest in their series of free Drive-up movies, “The Grinch,” at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 11th, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

 

Pre-registration is required for this event and it is open to Union County residents only.

 

“The Freeholder Board is pleased to offer this opportunity for our residents to enjoy a ‘night out at the movies’ with their families while staying safe during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

 

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, 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.

 

All drive-up movies are open to Union County residents only and require pre-registration. One registration is required per car. A registration link will be available at https://ucnj.org/reserve  beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 4. Due to space limitations, reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis.

 

To observe social distancing during drive-up movies, 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).

 

Further details will be available to residents upon registration.

 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

 

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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Interested in exploring career and technical education?

The Freeholders would like you to know that Union County Vocational-Technical Schools provides all Union County 8th Grade students with the opportunity to apply to five full-time academy high schools. These award winning schools offer high-end academic coursework in combination with a unique career specialization.

To learn more, 8th grade students and parents are encouraged to register for an Information Session.

Attendance at an Information Session is a required part of the application process to these prestigious schools.

To learn more and register – visit the UCVTS Admissions website at ucvts.tec.nj.us/Page/13

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to sponsor No Day But Today, a musical theatre concert honoring the mission of World AIDS Day. The live stream virtual performance, produced by the Union County Performing Arts Center to support the work of Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, is scheduled for Saturday, December 19 at 7:00 PM.

Virtual tickets are $20 per streaming device, available online at ucpac.org/NoDayButToday.

“The Freeholder Board is proud to partner with UCPAC and local artists to speak out against HIV stigma, and call for action toward ending the HIV epidemic,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The No Day But Today virtual performance reveals truths about HIV/AIDS, sexuality, love for others, and acceptance, that enrich our understanding and foster a more inclusive community.”

The No Day But Today live stream performance is produced by the Union County Performing Arts Center and directed by Brian Remo, Executive Director of the UCPAC. It features an impressive list of 14 local artists who share the passion and urgency for raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic including: Nikki Ashe, Nicole Bosc, Daisha Davis, Lyle Dungee, Julie Galorenzo, Maleesa Lamatina, Shane Long, Mike Mags, Taye McQueen, Jared Milian, Joe Piserchio, Lawrence E. Street, Kyrus Keenan Westcott, and Howard Whitmore.

“Through this live event, we hope that the passion and commitment of the Union County arts community helps to raise awareness of the continued need to focus resources and attention on ending the AIDS epidemic, while honoring the memory of those who have died,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is the liaison to the Freeholder Board’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

“The Union County Performing Arts Center is honored and excited to be involved in this wonderful presentation to support an organization with such a strong effect on our community as Hyacinth. Aside from the awareness and support that this event will create everyone should tune in for what looks to be an amazing show,” said UCPAC Executive Director Brian Remo.

World AIDS Day is formally recognized on December 1. When first established in 1988, it was the first-ever global health day. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people with HIV, and remember those who have died from an HIV-related illness.

“Our mission at Hyacinth is to help people live with HIV, stop the spread of the epidemic, and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey,” said Kathy O’Brien, Hyacinth Executive Director. “We at Hyacinth are honored to work with the Freeholder Board and the UCPAC to use the art of musical theatre to bring attention to the facts about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New Jersey.”

“Our mission at Hyacinth is to help people live with HIV, stop the spread of the epidemic, and serve as a critical voice in the public debate surrounding AIDS in New Jersey,” said Kathy O’Brien, Hyacinth Executive Director. “We at Hyacinth are honored to work with the Freeholder Board and the UCPAC to use the art of musical theatre to bring attention to the facts about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New Jersey.”

Hyacinth is New Jersey’s largest and first established HIV service organization. Originally founded to help individuals diagnosed with AIDS to die with dignity and not alone, Hyacinth now has seven offices throughout the state, inclusive of an office in Plainfield focused on education, prevention, and providing resources for people to LIVE with HIV. Hyacinth has led New Jersey’s response to the epidemic and has been an integral community partner in the development and implementation of public health policies and services.

No Day But Today is organized in collaboration with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development. The Office of LGBTQ Affairs, was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.

The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.

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. 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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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 field includes top-notch Olympic running track, soccer and lacrosse field, field house with lockers and concession, bleachers, press box and track and field amenities

CLARK, NJ—The Union County Freeholders today joined with members of the Union County Improvement Authority, Union County College, Clark residents and officials today in cutting the ribbon at the new Oak Ridge Park Athletic Field.

“This magnificent facility now takes its place as one of the top-notch recreational fields in the state,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Union County is highly regarded for its award-winning parks system, and the Oak Ridge Park Athletic Field is a great new attraction for our residents and student-athletes to enjoy.”

Union County Improvement Authority Project Manager Bibi Taylor stated: “The Authority is pleased to complete another high-quality project on behalf of the Freeholder Board for Union County residents.  It is our fervent hope that the Oak Ridge Athletic Field will provide decades of enjoyment and usage for our residents at every stage of life.”

Union County College teams and athletes will use the facility for soccer and lacrosse games, and track and field meets and practices. The facility is also open through the County Parks Department to the public and schools and organizations for the same usage.

 “The College’s athletic teams have struggled without a home field for many years. Frankly, it’s a social justice issue when poorer community college students don’t have the decent and safe facilities that wealthier college students take for granted,’’ said Union County College President Dr. Margaret McMenamin.  “So we are pleased to partner with the County on this endeavor. Our soccer, lacrosse, and track athletes need to compete on a modern, safe, state of the art field. This includes our nationally recognized women’s soccer team that finished the 2018 season ranked third in the nation at the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. We thank the County for helping us to meet this need for our outstanding and grateful scholar-athletes.”

The field, which was a project of the Union County Improvement Authority, is uniquely built in a “sunken bowl” atop a perch that offers attendees in the bleachers a vista of the park and the Watchung mountains.

Among the field’s features is an Olympic-specification, eight-lane track, which is considered to the best in County and can be used for Division I athletic competition. The field, which has lighting for night competition, is also equipped for hammer throw, discus, high jump and pole vault competitions, and contains a full-size soccer/lacrosse field. The bleachers can accommodate up to 800 fans and includes a press box.

The stone-based, cedar-sided, 3,000 square-foot field house contains two sets of locker rooms for team play, which includes showers and bathrooms. The field house also includes a concession area for the public and public restrooms.

The 12-acre site also contains 120 parking spaces, and features an underground storm water detention area.

Pinnacle Consulting and Construction Services of Newark, NJ provided construction management. Design consultants included Neglia Engineering of Mountainside for the athletic field and Netta Architects of Mountainside, NJ for the fieldhouse. The general contractor for the project was Grade Construction of Paterson, NJ. 

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New grant program authorizes Federal CARES Act funding to assist families of children with disabilities & special needs.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce the new “Rest Easy Caregivers” grant opportunities for families in need of assistance in caring for children with disabilities and special needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. Approximately $1 million of Federal CARES Act dollars with fund the grant program.

Details on applying for a grant are available at ucnj.org/rest-easy-caregiver-grant. Additional questions about the program can be submitted by email to uccaresrespite@ucnj.org.

“The Rest Easy Caregivers grant program is designed to help families who have been impacted by the COVID 19 crisis to care for their children with disabilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With a trained respite care worker to assist them, parents can make time to pursue employment opportunities and tend to tasks that require them to be outside of the home.”

 “The Freeholder board is dedicated to finding ways to help all of our residents during this time of crisis, and the new grant program focuses on the challenges faced by families with special needs children. It is the result of many conversations I have had with special education educators, parents and caregivers, who are searching for resources that support the ability of school-age special needs children and young adults to continue learning and making progress from home, until they can return to their classorooms. The funds will provide additional assistance to Union County students who are most in need, while offering caregivers an opportunity to pursue other obligations while the respite provider is there,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados, who is the liaison to the Human Services Advisory Committee.

The Rest Easy Caregivers grant program will provide for in-home respite services Monday through Saturday, with a limit of 10 hours weekly.

Expenses covered by the program also include administrative support and supplies needed for COVID-19 prevention.

The grant program covers all 21 municipalities; however, applications will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Priority will be given to applicants residing in designated Communities of Opportunity, as identified in the 2019 Union County Department of Human Services Community Needs Assessment. The Communities of Opportunity include Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Roselle, Rahway, and the Township of Union.

For more information about programs and services for Union County residents with disabilities and special needs, visit the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs online or contact the Office Director, Manuel Ramirez, at mramirez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4807.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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 – Union County residents who are looking for a way to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance are invited to join the Union County Freeholder Board, the family of transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, the City of Elizabeth, the organization Garden State Equality, and the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs in building a monument to honor Union County’s own Marsha P. Johnson.

“As the final day in Transgender Awareness Week, the Day of Remembrance is a solemn reminder that everyone in our community has an equal right to live in safety and dignity,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Marsh P. Johnson made equality her life’s work, and with this monument we carry on her message of freedom and liberty.”

“By honoring the memory of those we admire, public monuments reflect who we are. I am proud of our community for recognizing Marsh P. Johnson as a leader in the continued fight to realize the ideals of liberty and equality upon which our nation was founded,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is the liaison to the Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee.

Marsha P. Johnson was a pioneer of the Stonewall uprising, an Andy Warhol model, an actress, and a revolutionary activist. She is perhaps best known as one of the main instigators of the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn, widely considered to be the event that kicked off the modern LGBTQ rights movement. She died in 1992 at age 46.

The Freeholder Board and partners have been working toward the creation of a monument in her honor with the help of contributions from the community, and the participation of local artists.

To contribute to the Marsha P. Johnson monument online, visit GardenStateEquality.org or charity.gofundme.com/mpjstatue. Contributions in excess of costs will go to establish a scholarship fund.

Artists who interested in submitting a design for the monument can find the submission details online at the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs at ucnj.org/lgbtq, or contact Danni Newbury, Office Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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 Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that 13 artists from Union County have been selected as award winners in the 54th annual New Jersey Senior Citizen Art Show.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to congratulate our local artists for receiving awards in this statewide competition. They enrich our community through their talent and vision, and it is very gratifying to see Union County represented with top honors,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

To view the 2020 New Jersey Senior Art Show online visit NJSeniorArts.com. The virtual exhibit consists of first-place winners statewide, and will be available until October 2021.

The group of 13 Union County awardees includes two first-place winners. The awardees are:

• Marcia Haller (Cranford) – 1st Place, Acrylic by a Professional artist, for her painting, A Villa Borghese Muse
• Leona Seufert (Garwood) – 1st Place, Digital Art by a Professional artist, for her artwork, Life Goes On
• Janice Metzger (Westfield) – Second Place, Printmaking by a Professional artist, for her artwork, Rapa Nui Festival
• Anne Occi (Cranford) – Second Place, Watercolor by a Professional artist, for her painting, Shells & More Shells
• David Weisbrod (Union Twp.) – Second Place, Photography by a Non-Professional artist, for his photograph, Night Owl
• Roberta Zlatkin (Union Twp.) – Second Place, Mixed Media by a Professional artist, for her artwork, My Sanctuary
• Eileen Bonacci (Berkeley Heights) – Honorable Mention, Oil Painting by a Professional artist, for her work, Afternoon in Amsterdam
• Dante Bonardi (Garwood) – Honorable Mention, Watercolor by a Professional artist, for his painting, Going to Church
• Lynda DuBois-Jackson (Plainfield) – Honorable Mention, Craft by a Professional artist, for her artwork, Church Ladies
• Deborah Mainiero (Summit) – Honorable Mention, Sculpture by a Non-Professional artist, for her sculpture, Abstract Flower
• Nancy Ori (Berkeley Heights) – Honorable Mention, Photography by a Professional artist, for her photograph, Glass Ceiling
• Barbara Uhr (Westfield) – Honorable Mention, Pastel by a Professional artist, for her artwork, At the Shore
• Catherine Varnelas-Smith (Scotch Plains) – Honorable Mention, Digital Art by a Non-Professional artist, for her artwork, Doors Before Corona: Hotel rooms I’ve stayed in, in numerical order

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

It is the culmination of a year of county-based senior citizen art shows held throughout the state. The artwork was created by professional and non-professional artists ages 60 and older. A panel of three art experts juried the show.

The annual Union County Senior Art Show is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, in the Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about more programs, events and online resources during the COVID-19 crisis visit online at ucnj.org/cultural, call 908-558-2550, or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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.