County of Union, New Jersey

In recognition of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to sponsor the annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest for students in Union County. The deadline for entry is March 8, 2024.

“In the rhythmic verses of poetry, we find a unique way to celebrate Arbor Day and highlight the significance of trees,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Arbor Day Poetry Contest invites students to weave words that capture the essence of trees, their benefits, and the harmony they bring to our environment. I encourage all students to join us in this contest.”

Participation in the Arbor Day Poetry Contest is organized through the schools. Each school in Union County has received information on entering their students in the contest. For additional information, principals and staff can contact Andrea Staten, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management at andrea.staten@ucnj.org  or 908-789-3659.

The poetry contest offers students of Union County, currently enrolled in grades 4 through 8, an opportunity to obtain a greater understanding of Arbor Day by encouraging them to portray the importance of trees in the natural environment and man-made landscapes, by focusing on the benefits, beauty, and contributions of trees to our communities.

All poems received will be categorized by grade and judged.  One winner will be chosen for first, second, and third place at each grade level.  The winners will be invited to attend an awards ceremony on April 24^th at 6:00 p.m., and will be publicly recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

“The Arbor Day Poetry Contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to express their appreciation for the vital role trees play in our lives and communities,” said Commissioner James Baker, the Commissioner Board Liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board. “The presence of trees significantly enhances the quality of life in our region and this contest is just another way to celebrate Arbor Day and a valuable occasion for everyone to acknowledge and appreciate the crucial role that trees play.”

Arbor Day has been a national observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, April 26, 2024.

For quick links to all environmental programs and services hosted by Union County visit The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connection.  

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite seniors and their caregivers to the upcoming ASK community events for February. At these events, attendees can meet face-to-face with skilled professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Additionally, bilingual staff will be on hand at several events to provide support in Spanish.

“The ASK program is intended to provide peace of mind to our senior citizens and caregivers,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We want our elderly residents to be aware that they do not have to navigate this season of life in the dark and to explore all of the possibilities available to them. To receive assistance from one of our trained professionals, we encourage you to attend the next ASK Event near you.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging and Disability Resources. It offers seniors aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue for Union County residents to discover valuable programs and services. This program brings Division on Aging professionals to local public libraries and community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and caregivers 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 caregiver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in February:

Thursday, February 8th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Friday, February 9th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 14th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Elizabeth Public Library– Main

11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, February 23rd

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street, Westfield

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 28th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The ASK Program is an avenue through which we provide our senior community with valuable information, tips, and assistance that can help build confidence for the future,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We urge our elderly and caregivers to attend one of our local ASK Events to learn more about this convenient and friendly service.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudakis proud to announce that the new Surrogate’s Court Office in Westfield for probate and administration services is now open. This expansion is part of the Surrogate Hudak’s 2024 initiatives, aimed at enhancing accessibility for Union County residents.

“This development reflects our dedication to making Surrogate Court services more convenient for Union County residents,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “Probate and administration services are essential for families experiencing loss. By adding a second location in the western half of Union County, our staff can make assistance with these emotional processes more straightforward and easier to access.”

The Surrogate will offer Probate and Administration services in the new Westfield Office, located in the County’s Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue. Appointment-only service will be available on Tuesdays. Residents can conveniently schedule probate and administration appointments through the Surrogate’s Office website, https://ucnj.org/surrogate,  or by contacting the Elizabeth office directly at 908-527-4280. The office hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm, and the last appointment will be accepted at 3:15pm.

“I thank the Union County Board of County Commissioners for their support of this initiative. Their partnership and commitment to our vision plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smoother process for Union County residents.”

The launch of the Westfield office is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and increase accessibility to Surrogate’s Court services. The Surrogate looks forward to advancing the mission of ensuring efficient probate and administration procedures for all Union County residents.

Do you like to hike?  Are you interested in spending more time outdoors?  Looking for a way to give back through volunteering?  Think about becoming a Trail Steward!

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are looking for volunteers to bolster the ranks of its Adopt-A-Trail Program.  Each Trail Steward adopts a section of trail in the Watchung Reservation or in any other Union County park. 

“Walking or hiking on trails in the Union County Park System has been the most popular activity in our parks since they were built over a hundred years ago,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.  “Changes in lifestyle since the pandemic have resulted in a dramatic increase in trail use and trail users of every kind – including hikers, joggers, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts – visit our parks by the thousands every day.  Though our park and trail maintenance staffs work hard to keep trails and paths in good condition, it is an overwhelming task.  The Watchung Reservation alone has over sixty miles of trails.  Volunteer Trail Stewards help the County keep the trails safe and clean for use by others.” 

Trail Stewards walk their adopted trail at least four times each year, picking up litter and fallen branches, clearing leaves from storm culverts, and cutting back vegetation.  They report larger problems, such as erosion or downed trees, to be dealt with by County staff or the volunteer Chain Saw Crew. 

Anyone 18 or older who is interested in becoming or continuing as a Trail Steward is invited to an orientation meeting on Saturday, January 27, from 9:00 am to noon, at Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.  A simple online registration for the meeting is available at the Trail Stewards tab at:  https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/union-county-nj/catalog.

The Adopt-A-Trail Program is administered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For additional information, contact the Division of Park Environmental Services at 908-789-3683 or email park.env.services@ucnj.org.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, such as the Adopt-a-Trail and Adopt-a-Park programs and the popular Peregrine Falcon Cam, are available at The Green Connection, www.ucnj.org/green-connection/.

Monday, March 11, 2024 from 6:30pm-8:30pm:

Training Expectations to Share with Participants:

• Participants MUST log onto training as individuals, not in groups
• Participants should use a laptop or desktop computer when possible – phones and tablets are permitted but discouraged
• Participants should have their cameras on when possible
• Participants are expected to take part in polls and conversations
• Participants are expected to arrive on time

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER