County of Union, New Jersey

Seniors and their caregivers can come to any one of Union County’s ASK community events in December, 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 two 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, December 1

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, 07083

10:00 – 12:00

Monday, December 5 (bilingual staff will be present at this event)

Westfield Memorial Public Library

550 E. Broad Street

Westfield, 07090

10:00 – 12:00

Monday, December 12

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue

Clark, 07066

10:00 – 12:00

Wednesday, December 14 (bilingual staff will be present at this event)

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 S. Broad Street

Elizabeth, 07202

12:00 – 2:00

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – November 28, 2033 — The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that an emergency food distribution event for Union County residents will take place on Saturday, December 17.

Details are as follows:

• Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.
• KEAN University in Union Township, located at 1000 Morris Avenue
• Drive-Thru Event

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

“Union County recognizes that with recent inflation and residual effects of the pandemic, many residents continue to experience food insecurity,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Tens of thousands of households within Union County have benefitted from our food distribution programs over the past two and a half years.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution event at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle.

“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.”

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers. Attendees are reminded to clear a space to make room for the boxes.

Upon arrival, proof of residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive a special holiday food box and produce with all the trimmings. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents with special needs and their loved ones to enjoy Skating with Santa, a free ice skating session and holiday party at the Warinanco Sports Center, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 10. A limited number of spaces are still available for the event.

The event is free to attend but pre-registration is required. To register, visit Union County’s secure registration page at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Union County residents have been making holiday season memories at the Warinanco ice skating rink for generations. It’s a community tradition for all to enjoy, and we welcome our special needs families,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

“Skating with Santa is one of many recreational programs we provide throughout the year, to help ensure that enriching social activities are accessible and inclusive for everyone in the Union County community,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We are looking forward to a wonderful event that brings smiles to everyone who comes, and brings families together to skate with Santa during the holiday season.”

Presents will be provided to all children attending the event, courtesy of the Moving New Jersey Forward Foundation.

The event includes an appearance by Santa and light refreshments along with ice skating. Skate rental is also provided free of charge.

The Warinanco Sports Center is located at 1 Park Drive in Union County’s Warinanco Park, in Roselle.

Skating with Santa is a program of the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services. The Office hosts seasonal events and recreational activities throughout the year.

For more information about activities and support services offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit ucnj.org/special-needs. To contact the office, use the online form at ucnj.org/special-needs 908-527-4807 or 4781.

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.

The Union County Board of Commissioners invites children with autism and other sensory sensitivities to enjoy The New Jersey Ballet in a live performance of the beloved classic ballet The Nutcracker, on Wednesday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m., at the Union County Performing Arts Center, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

“The story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince is a favorite holiday tradition that can be shared by our special needs families in the supportive, judgement-free environment of the Sensory Friendly Theatre series,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The Commissioner Board has supported the Sensory Friendly Theatre series at the Performing Arts Center since 2012. Audiences can expect relaxed lighting and sound along with other adjustments and supportive services during Sensory Friendly performances.

For complete details and to purchase tickets online visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

 As a reminder, do not purchase tickets through another vendor. Only purchase tickets for Sensory Friendly Theatre through the Union County Performing Arts Center.

To purchase tickets in person, come to the UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway. For Box Office hours and other information call (732) 499-8226 or email boxoffice@ucpac.org.

Please note that COVID-19 safety regulations are in effect for all performances at UCPAC. For details visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Ticket holders are advised to check for updates prior to arriving at the theatre.

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.

Union County residents and visitors can celebrate the season with a variety of cultural events made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

“We are very proud to support our local performing artists, who bring the enriching experience of live music and theatre to audiences of all ages during the holiday season, and throughout the year,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.

The upcoming events funded through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in December are:

The award-winning CDC (Cranford Dramatic Club) Theatre presents Elf, the Musical from Dec. 9–11 and Dec. 16–18 (weekends) in Cranford. Based on the beloved holiday film, this fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin. Tickets are $25 online; $30 at the door. Performance times are: Fridays Dec. 9 and 16 at 8 pm; Saturdays Dec. 10 and 17 at 1 pm and 8 pm; and Sundays Dec. 11 and 18 at 2 pm. The CDC Theatre is at 78 Winans Ave., Cranford (908-276-7611) www.cdctheatre.org

On Dec. 11, Concord Singers present their Holiday Concert, “What Can I Give,” at 3 pm in Summit. With Matthew Zabiegala conducting, choral selections will center around the message of “giving joyfully,” both physically and spiritually. The program will feature an arrangement of Gustav Holst’s ‘In the Bleak Midwinter” by award-winning composer Jen Wagner. Tickets are $20. The concert will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Ave., Summit www.concordsingers.org

On Dec. 16, the Westfield Community Concert Band presents their free Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm. The Band’s 32nd annual holiday concert will feature both traditional and contemporary holiday selections, including Rhapsody for Hanukkah, Variants on a Moravian Hymn, Sleigh Ride, and popular carols — with special guests, the Edison Intermediate School Broadway Singers. The concert will be performed atEdison Intermediate School Auditorium, 800 Rahway Ave., Westfield (908-337-9073) www.westfieldcommunityband.com

On Dec. 16 & 17, the Celebration Singers perform their annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 pm in Cranford. Led by Music Director Louise Chernosky, the concert will include the return of the youth choir. The multi-generational Celebration Singers are known for singing selections from varied genres and cultures. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, and $15 for students and seniors. At St. Michael’s Church. 40 Alden St., Cranford www.celebration-singers.org

On Dec. 18, the Choral Art Society of New Jersey presents their Holiday Concert & Toy Drive at 3 pm in Westfield. Conducted by Martin Sedek and joined by professional soloists, the chorus will perform the Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio and other holiday choral gems by Kirby Shaw, Samuel Adler, Donald Fraser and more. Those attending are asked to consider bringing a wrapped new toy for a child in need, ages 2-12. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door; for students and seniors, $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children under 12 are FREE of charge. The concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 414 East Broad St., Westfield (908-209-5435) www.casofnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about grant programs, events and activities of the Office visit ucnj.org/cultural, e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550(NJ relay users dial 711).

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.

Christopher Hudak of Clark has been sworn in as the 16^th Union County Surrogate. Hudak assumes the position of Surrogate after serving 12 years on the Union County Board of County Commissioners, formerly the Board of Chosen Freeholders, where he served as Vice Chair this past year.

“I thank the residents of Union County for their confidence in first electing me in 2010 and now it is an honor to have been elected Union County Surrogate. Serving our constituents has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life and I look forward to serving all of our residents in a different capacity,” said Union County Surrogate Chris Hudak. “As I begin the work of the Surrogate, I remember my predecessor, James S. LaCorte, who held this position for 20 years and was a man of grace. My staff and I are committed to extending that same poise to anyone who walks through our doors.”

Hudak was nominated by Governor Phil Murphy in October to complete the unexpired term of Surrogate LaCorte in October and was confirmed by the New Jersey Senate. He will begin a new five-year term on January 1, 2023.

The County Surrogate is an elected position, established by the New Jersey Constitution, which oversees the probating of wills, qualification of will executors, appointment of administrators for those estates without wills, and qualification of guardians for incapacitated persons and minors, as well as certain matters related to adoption. The office also operates the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund for Minors and Incapacitated Persons. Elections for County Surrogate are held every five years.

While on the Board of County Commissioners, Hudak led the creation of the Union County Infrastructure Grant program, which to date has distributed over $12 million in matching grants for road resurfacing and other municipal infrastructure priorities. He proudly sponsored the County’s initiative to combat heroin addiction by supporting Operation Helping Hand, which connects residents with rehab services, created a grants program to support STEM opportunities in elementary and middle schools countywide, and during his tenure, Union County became the first county, nationwide, to ask gun vendors for their positions on gun safety.

A licensed attorney, Hudak’s experience in public and non-profit service includes Kean University, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the Partnership for a DrugFree New Jersey, and as a staff member in the New Jersey Assembly and State Senate. Hudak graduated from Roselle Catholic High School, holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Kean University, and received his Juris Doctorate, as well as his Bachelor’s Degree, from Rutgers University. He was born and raised in Linden, and now resides in Clark with his wife, Terri, their daughter, Catherine, and son, Jackson.

The Union County Surrogate’s office is located in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07207.

For more information about the programs and services of the Union County Surrogate, visit ucnj.org/surrogate, email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4280.  Questions and concerns may also be faxed to the Surrogate’s Office at 908-351-9212.

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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

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.

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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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.