County of Union, New Jersey

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the free 2023 Union County Inventors election date calendar is now available to New Jersey residents free of charge. The calendar provides all important dates for the 2023 election year, along with full page illustrations for each month that highlight the history-making innovators who made Union County a springboard into the future.

“As we start 2023 with hope and promise, it is inspiring to see the many Union County inventors who have shaped the modern world with their contributions to technology, science, medicine, computers and other fields,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

To request a free copy of the County Clerk’s 2023 Election Calendar, visit the County Clerk’s website at ucnj.org/county-clerk and fill out the online form.

The 2023 Union County Inventors calendar includes familiar names like Thomas Edison and Westfield resident Virginia Apgar, who developed the widely used Apgar test for assessing newborn health.

Union County Inventors also draws attention to the Tesla Electric Light and Manufacturing Company in Rahway, the work of Dr. James Edward Maceo West at Bell Laboratories in Berkeley Heights, and the building of the U.S. Navy’s first commissioned submarine at the Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth, among other milestones in Union County history.

As a convenience to Union County residents who are planning to vote by mail in 2023, each calendar also includes two pull-out Vote by Mail application forms.

The County Clerk publishes an elections calendar each year to ensure that voters are aware of important dates and deadlines, including early voting and vote-by-mail.

Voters are also advised to stay up to date on elections information by downloading the County Clerk’s free Union County Votes app for all mobile devices. To view information in a desktop format, visit the County Clerk’s dedicated elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.

In 2023, Union County voters will decide on candidate for the New Jersey Senate and Assembly as well as the Sheriff, Board of Commissioners, and candidates for local offices and school boards.

For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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 IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Kelly Martins, 908-527-4419

Director, Union County Office of Public Information

Tina Casey – 908-527-4346

Free 2023 Election Calendar Highlights Union County Inventors Who Changed the World

Union County, NJ – December 20, 2022 — Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that the free 2023 Union County Inventors election date calendar is now available to New Jersey residents free of charge. The calendar provides all important dates for the 2023 election year, along with full page illustrations for each month that highlight the history-making innovators who made Union County a springboard into the future.

“As we start 2023 with hope and promise, it is inspiring to see the many Union County inventors who have shaped the modern world with their contributions to technology, science, medicine, computers and other fields,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

To request a free copy of the County Clerk’s 2023 Election Calendar, visit the County Clerk’s website at ucnj.org/county-clerk and fill out the online form.

The 2023 Union County Inventors calendar includes familiar names like Thomas Edison and Westfield resident Virginia Apgar, who developed the widely used Apgar test for assessing newborn health.

Union County Inventors also draws attention to the Tesla Electric Light and Manufacturing Company in Rahway, the work of Dr. James Edward Maceo West at Bell Laboratories in Berkeley Heights, and the building of the U.S. Navy’s first commissioned submarine at the Crescent Shipyard in Elizabeth, among other milestones in Union County history.

As a convenience to Union County residents who are planning to vote by mail in 2023, each calendar also includes two pull-out Vote by Mail application forms.

The County Clerk publishes an elections calendar each year to ensure that voters are aware of important dates and deadlines, including early voting and vote-by-mail.

Voters are also advised to stay up to date on elections information by downloading the County Clerk’s free Union County Votes app for all mobile devices. To view information in a desktop format, visit the County Clerk’s dedicated elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.

In 2023, Union County voters will decide on candidate for the New Jersey Senate and Assembly as well as the Sheriff, Board of Commissioners, and candidates for local offices and school boards.

For information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises Union County parents and caregivers that new bivalent COVID-19 booster shots are now available at County-run clinics for infants and young children, beginning at 6 months of age.

Parents and caregivers are strongly advised to ensure that infants and young children are vaccinated and boosted as soon as they are age-eligible.

“The bivalent booster formula protects against the both the original and the Omicron strains of the COVID-19 virus, helping to save lives and prevent severe health outcomes. By offering the new formula at our clinics, we continue to build on our efforts to provide the Union County community with the latest resources for protecting themselves and their families during the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

Union County’s free COVID-19 clinics began dispensing the bivalent booster formula for adults and older children earlier this year.

Union County also continues to provide free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots for all eligible age groups at two clinics in Plainfield and Roselle.

The new bivalent formulas for infants and young children will be available at County-run clinics beginning on Tuesday, December 20 as follows:

• New Moderna bivalent booster for ages 6 months through 5 years: Infants and children ages 6 months to 5 years who have completed the two-shot primary series of the Moderna vaccine are eligible for the Moderna bivalent booster.
• New Pfizer bivalent booster for age 5: Children age 5 who have received all three shots in the three-shot Pfizer vaccine series are eligible for the Pfizer bivalent booster.
• New Pfizer primary vaccine for ages 6 months to 4 years: A new bivalent formula for the Pfizer primary vaccine is also available for infants and children ages 6 months to 4 years, if they have already received the first two shots in the three-shot Pfizer series (the bivalent vaccine replaces the third shot).

Before making an appointment, parents and caregivers are reminded that a two-month waiting period applies between shots.

To view the vaccination and booster schedules at Union County clinics in Plainfield and Roselle, and to make an appointment online, visit ucnj.org/covid19. If additional assistance is needed call the Union County Division of Health at 908-613-7829.

Please note that walk-ups for booster shots are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

For more details about Union County’s COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs visit ucnj.org/covid19.

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

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

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Seniors and their caregivers can come to any one of Union County’s ASK community events in January, to meet in person with professional staff for expert guidance on senior programs and resources. Help with filling out forms is also provided.

Bilingual staff will be present at four of the events to offer assistance in Spanish.

“The ASK program is a friendly, convenient way to find out about helpful programs and services, in the familiar environment of your local public library,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. 

ASK stands for Aging Services Kiosk, a program of the Union County Department of Human Services through the Division on Aging and Disability Resources, serving seniors age 60-plus and their caregivers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers.

Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.

No appointment or pre-registration is needed. The upcoming events are as follows:

Thursday, January 5

Union Public Library (bilingual staff will be present)

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Monday, January 9

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, January 11

Garwood Public Library (bilingual staff will be present)

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, January 18

Elizabeth Public Library – Main (bilingual staff will be present)

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07202

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Monday, January 23

Garwood Public Library (bilingual staff will be present)

411 Third Avenue

Garwood, NJ 07027

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

To check for other upcoming ASK events, call the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit the Division online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

ASK updates are also posted on Union County’s social media channels and are frequently carried by local media, both print and digital.

The goal of the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection is to promote wellness, independence, dignity and choice for seniors and their families, in accordance with a statewide initiative adopted by Union County in 2012. It is one of 622 “Area Agencies on Aging” nationwide established under the federal Older Americans Act.    

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

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

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Due to strong financial management, the Union County Board of County Commissioners are pleased to announce that amid growing concerns Statewide from union leaders and local government officials about the growing costs of health insurance premiums for those entities enrolled in the State Health Benefits Plan, the County of Union will continue to provide quality medical and prescription benefits to its employees without increasing its premiums and passing additional costs onto its employees or taxpayers with the continuation of its self-insured health plan.

“Health insurance is one of the main benefits employees look for when considering an employer and our Administration remained committed to its ongoing goal of making sure our employees are receiving quality healthcare at little cost,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “I would like to thank County Manager Ed Oatman and Finance Director Bibi Taylor and her team, for working diligently with the Commissioners to offset the hike.”

The State of New Jersey and other local units participating in the State Health Benefits Plan are anticipating rates on premiums to increase by more than 20% in 2023, which may lead to layoffs and property tax increases.  The County of Union maintains a self-insured plan, rather than a fully insured plan. The difference between the two is a self-insured plan pays for health claims as they occur and provides health benefits directly to employees whereas a fully-insured plan requires employers to purchase insurance from an insurance company and pays a per-employee premium to the insurance company regardless of usage. 

“This is great news for our County employees, as well as our taxpayers,” said County Manager Ed Oatman. “Union County has managed to keep the costs at almost the same as last year and keep our health care premiums stable. Think of it as a water bill, where you only pay for the water you use, whereas, a fully-insured plan is where you pay the same rate, no matter how much or how little you use it. This is a true testament to our strong fiscal management and leadership team.”

In 2022, the County of Union spent approximately $64.9 million and even though this year was budgeted for $78 million, they are on trend to spend around $65 million.  Seeking to replicate similar savings and migrate away from State administered plans, Union College and the Union County Vocational Technical Schools have both approved contracts to come under the County’s self-insured plan.

“Affordability and cost savings are always one of our top priorities and we are doing so while still providing a high standard of care, “said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Fiscal Chairman. “Based on what brokers were saying, we were also anticipating a 20% increase this year, but were able to accommodate that increase without passing the additional expense onto taxpayers or employees. The health of our County is fiscally strong and the implementation of our wellness programs, we are happy to be able to keep employee contributions low at year four – without increasing the premiums.”

Each year, Moody’s Investors Services has consistently pointed to the County’s budgeting, cost savings and its strong financial results, and Union County continues to maintain the credit rating of Aaa, which is the highest a county government can achieve.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds Union County residents in need that an emergency food distribution event will take place on Saturday, December 17, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the campus of Kean University, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

This event is first come, first serve, drive-up only and contact free. Participants must arrive by car with proof of residency. No pre-registration is needed.

Participants are reminded to clear a space in their trunk or cargo area. Event staff will load the food into their vehicle.

The December 17 event will include a special holiday food box and fresh produce with all the trimmings.

“Tens of thousands of Union County households have benefitted from our food distribution programs over the past two and a half years, and we continue to offer this emergency service to help alleviate food insecurity during the holiday season,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.

“These food distributions are a continuous lifeline for many who are still struggling financially, and they also help strengthen our entire community by helping to ensure that everyone feels included in the seasonal festivities, especially households with children and seniors,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and all volunteers for their continued collaboration.”

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present “Scenic Union County,” a selections of works by the photographer Jacki Dickert. Ms. Dickert’s photographs will be on display from Monday, December 12 to Friday, January 27 at the Commissioners’ Gallery, located on the 6^th floor of the Union County Administration Building, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in midtown Elizabeth.

“Ms. Dickert provides us with a whole new way of seeing the beauty that surrounds us, and she renews our appreciation for the natural heritage that is ours to protect and preserve,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “As stewards of Union County’s public parks, we encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy this enriching exhibit.”

The Commissioners’ gallery is open during regular weekday business hours, and on Thursday evenings when public Commissioner meetings are in session. To view the schedule of meetings visit ucnj.org/commissioners/schedule.

Ms. Dickert’s photographs have been showcased in both solo and group shows at galleries throughout New Jersey, and her work has been published in magazines, book covers and numerous online blogs. She taught at Winfield Elementary School for 18 years before retiring in 2019 to devote herself to art and the arts community full time. She teaches photography classes to people of all ages, and is an active member of the Camera Naturalist Photo Club and speaker and judge throughout the NJ Federation of Camera Clubs and other arts organizations, including the annual Union County Teen Arts Festival.

She was recently honored with the First Place award in the Ansel Adams contest at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, New York, and her work has been selected for display at the new Terminal A at Newark-Liberty Airport.

In a volunteer capacity with environmental organizations, Ms. Dickert also offers her art and skills for conservation purposes and self-publishes the annual “World of Wonder” photography calendar.

To see more of Dickert’s work, visit her website at lightdance.org.

The Commissioners’ Gallery was created more than 20 years ago to help connect visual artists and arts organizations to the Union County community. Exhibits are coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information about the Scenic Union County exhibit, the Commissioners’ Gallery, grant programs and other activities, e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550(NJ relay users dial 711), or visit online at ucnj.org/cultural.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing 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.