La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se enorgullece en anunciar el lanzamiento del nuevo Círculo Literario de Comisionados, presentado en celebración del Mes de la Historia de la Mujer 2023 por las mujeres de la Junta de Comisionados: la Vicepresidenta Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded y las Comisionadas Bette Jane Kowalski, Rebecca Williams, Lourdes Leon y Dra. Angela R. Garretson.
Los residentes del Condado de Union que estén interesados en unirse al nuevo Club de lectura del círculo literario de los Comisionados pueden registrarse en línea en ucnj.org/bookclub23 para participar en debates comunitarios en Zoom.
“Apoyo totalmente a nuestras mujeres Comisionadas en el lanzamiento de esta nueva iniciativa, y qué mejor mes para hacerlo que el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer”, dijo el Comisionado Presidente Sergio Granados. “Esta es una excelente manera para que todas las mujeres del Condado de Union se conecten con lectores de ideas afines, y una oportunidad fantástica para escuchar diferentes perspectivas, hacer preguntas y, en general, conectarse como Condado. Animo a todos los que aman leer o buscan conocer gente nueva en su comunidad a unirse”.
“ComoCcomisionados en la primera Junta de Comisionados mayoritariamente femenina en la historia de Nueva Jersey, nos enorgullece alzar nuestras voces para celebrar a las escritoras que comparten sus conocimientos enriquecedores con los lectores tanto aquí en los Estados Unidos como en todo el mundo”, dijo la Vicepresidenta de la Junta de Comisionados. Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.
Cada mes, los miembros del Club de Libros del Círculo Literario de Comisionados leerán y discutirán un libro recomendado por una mujer miembro de la Junta de Comisionados. Abarcando obras de ficción, así como biografías y otras no ficción, las selecciones destacarán personajes femeninos fuertes, autoras y figuras históricas.
El primer libro del Círculo literario de Comisionados es More Stories We Tell: The Best Contemporary Short Stories by North American Women, seleccionado por la Comisionado Rebecca Williams.
“El tema del Mes de la Historia de la Mujer 2023 es ‘Celebrar a las mujeres que cuentan nuestras historias’, y More Stories We Tell transmite la rica variedad de narraciones entre las escritoras contemporáneas”, dijo la Comisionada Williams. “La colección incluye 24 obras de Joyce Carol Oates, Margaret Atwood, Mary Gaitskill, Alice Munro, Sandra Cisneros, Lorrie Moore y muchas más luces literarias”.
More Stories We Tell: The Best Contemporary Short Stories by North American Women fue publicado por Pantheon en 2004 y editado por Wendy Martin, directora del Departamento de Inglés de la Claremont Graduate University en California. Es una continuación de su colección de 1990, Somos las historias que contamos.
El Círculo Literario de Comisionados es un proyecto de la Oficina de la Mujer del Condado de Union en el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico. Para obtener más información, visite en línea en ucnj.org/women o contacte a la Coordinadora de la Oficina,, Jen Erdos, a jerdos@ucnj.org
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a los residentes con discapacidades y necesidades especiales de 16 años en adelante a asistir a una visita reservada de Sight Unseen, una exhibición internacional de obras de arte de fotógrafos ciegos, en asociación con el Instituto de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad de Kean el viernes, marzo 24, de 5:00 p.m 7:00 p. m..
La participación es gratuita, pero se requiere inscripción previa y el cupo es limitado. Para registrarse, visite la página de registro seguro del Condado de Union en ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
“Sight Unseen es un evento increíble que realmente llamará la atención de todos los que asistan, especialmente de nuestros residentes con discapacidades y necesidades especiales, para quienes la Universidad de Kean brindará una visita la noche del 24”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados Sergio Granados. . “Esta presentación especial ayudará a empoderar a estos miembros de la comunidad del Condado de Union para que sepan que cualquiera puede ser creativo, sin importar cuál sea la discapacidad. El arte es expresivo. Impacta nuestra imaginación y percepción cuando vemos el sentido general del artista de su propio proceso innovador. Me gustaría agradecer a la Universidad de Kean por trabajar con la visión de inclusión del Condado de Union para extender esta invitación”, dijo el Presidente Sergio Granados.
“Esta exhibición de fotografías fascinantes, que se hizo aún más increíble por el hecho de que fueron tomadas por fotógrafos ciegos, se alinea con el enfoque de Kean sobre accesibilidad, equidad e inclusión”, dijo el Presidente de la Universidad de Kean, Lamont O. Repollet, Ed. D. “Kean se enorgullece de presentar una muestra reservada de fotos que nos desafían a ampliar nuestras perspectivas y ver el arte bajo una nueva luz”.
“Los fotógrafos que aparecen en Sight Unseen recuerdan a los espectadores que no se trata de la vista, se trata de la visión. Un mundo inclusivo es un mundo mejor. Las Galerías tienen el honor de asociarse con la Oficina de Personas con Discapacidades y Necesidades Especiales del Condado de Union para conectar a la comunidad con el arte impactante”, dijo Lynette Zimmerman, Directora Ejecutiva de Galerías en la Universidad de Kean.
La exhibición tendrá lugar hasta el viernes 14 de abril en la Galería del Instituto de Derechos Humanos, ubicada en el Instituto de Derechos Humanos en el campus de la Universidad de Kean, 1000 Morris Avenue en Union. El estacionamiento está disponible en el lote de visitantes al lado de Kean Hall.
La información sobre los horarios de visita para el público en general está disponible en el Instituto de Derechos Humanos en “kean.edu/offices.
La visualización reservada de Sight Unseen es un programa de la Oficina de Personas con Discapacidades y Necesidades Especiales del Condado de Union, bajo la División de Servicios de Apoyo para Individuos y Familias del Departamento de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Union.
La oficina alberga eventos de temporada y actividades recreativas durante todo el año. Para registrarse para todas las actividades visite ,ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
Para obtener más información sobre las actividades y los servicios de apoyo ofrecidos a través de la Oficina para Personas con Discapacidades y Necesidades Especiales, visite ucnj.org/special-needs. Para comunicarse con la oficina, utilice el formulario en línea en ucnj.org/special-needs o llame al 908-527-4807 o al 908-527-4781.
En reconocimiento al Día del Árbol 2023, la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se asocia una vez más con la Junta Asesora de Árboles de Sombra del Condado de Union para proporcionar árboles gratis para las escuelas locales.
“Estos árboles permanecerán en los terrenos de la escuela durante los próximos años, como recordatorios vivientes de la importancia de conservar y proteger nuestros recursos naturales”, dijo el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados. “Alentamos a las escuelas a que soliciten un árbol gratis para celebrar el Día del Árbol y brindarles a sus estudiantes una maravillosa experiencia práctica en la administración ambiental”.
“Plantar árboles es una de las formas más simples pero efectivas de mejorar la calidad de vida en nuestras comunidades. Esperamos que participar en este programa del Día del Árbol inspire a nuestra juventud a continuar ayudando con proyectos ambientales en sus comunidades y más allá”, dijo la Comisionada Lourdes Leon, quien es la enlace de la junta de comisionados con la junta asesora de Shade Tree.
Los estudios han demostrado que los árboles mejoran el valor de las propiedades y brindan muchos otros beneficios cívicos y ambientales, como absorber los contaminantes del aire, mantener frescos los vecindarios en el verano, prevenir la erosión del suelo y ayudar a aliviar las inundaciones.
Además del obsequio del árbol, la Junta de Comisionados también patrocina un concurso anual de poesía del Día del Árbol, y brinda a los municipios subvenciones equivalentes de árbol por árbol y apoya el programa voluntario de conservación de árboles Master Tree Stewards.
El árbol gratuito del Día del Árbol de este año es un árbol nativo del noreste, el Redbud del Este Floreciente. Miden alrededor de cinco pies de alto y pesan alrededor de 20 libras. Cuando estén completamente desarrollados, medirán entre 15 y 20 pies de altura.
Los árboles están disponibles para las escuelas por orden de llegada hasta agotar existencias.
La fecha límite para las solicitudes de árboles gratis es el 1 de abril. Las escuelas pueden comunicarse con Madeline Brigantino, Asistente del Director, Departamento de Ingeniería, Obras Públicas y Administración de Instalaciones del Condado de Union,mbrigantino@ucnj.org o llame al 908-789-3653 para pedir su árbol. request a tree.
Para las escuelas que reciben un árbol, las sesiones gratuitas sobre la plantación y el cuidado de árboles están disponibles para estudiantes, maestros, padres y voluntarios a través del Programa Master Tree Steward 4-H de la Extensión Cooperativa de Rutgers. Las sesiones de cuidado de árboles se llevarán a cabo en Oak Ridge Park en Clark el martes 18 y miércoles 19 de abril.
El Día del Árbol ha sido una celebración nacional desde 1872, alentando al público a plantar y cuidar árboles. Este año, el Día del Árbol cae el viernes 28 de abril.
Para obtener más información sobre el valor de los árboles en las comunidades urbanas, utilice la herramienta en línea iTree, gratuita y fácil de usar, desarrollada por el Servicio Forestal de EE. UU., la Fundación Arbor Day y otros socios. Visite iTreeTools.org para más detalles.
Para obtener más información sobre los programas 4-H y Master Tree Steward, comuníquese con Jim Nichnadowicz, agente de Rutgers 4-H, 908-654-9854 o jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No se necesita experiencia para unirse al programa Tree Steward. Cada año se lleva a cabo un curso de capacitación, que incluye caminatas guiadas en parques y reservas naturales del área. La Extensión Cooperativa de Rutgers cuenta con el apoyo parcial de la Junta de Comisionados y tiene su sede en el edificio Colleen Frasier en el complejo del condado de Union en Westfield, en 300 North Avenue East.
Para obtener información sobre todos los programas de Extensión, incluidos Master Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards y el programa de desarrollo juvenil 4-H, visite ucnj.org/rce.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to free paper shredding events. The first two events of the 2023 recycling season will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
“Our free paper shredding service is one of our most popular programs. Every year, thousands of Union County residents use this opportunity to help prevent fraud and identity theft, by disposing of their personal documents securely. Our vendor also recycles the shredded paper to help conserve valuable resources,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
Union County’s free shredding events take place each year from March to November, bringing a mobile paper shredding truck to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events, regardless of their home town.
Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.
The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.
To bring documents to the Vocational-Technical Schools campus, follow signs from the main entrance to the shredding location at the rear of the campus, in the Police Academy parking lot.
Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.
For the complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.
Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.
The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.
For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.
Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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 is pleased to announce that the annual Wildlife Photography Contest is returning to the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Amateur photographers in Union County age 10 and up are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitats including birds, fish, amphibians and insects as well as mammals.
“Preserving and protecting our natural environment is a priority for the Commissioner Board, and the photography contest provides an opportunity for photographers in our community to share messages about the beauty and variety of life in our public parks, and beyond,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
To learn how to submit a photograph to the Wildlife Photography Contest, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.
Entries must be received or postmarked no later than April 18, 2023.
The Wildlife Photography Contest is open to non-professional photographers only. Photographs can be in color or black-and-white, and can depict wildlife in any natural habitat, including those located outside of Union County.
Each submission must be submitted without a frame or matting, in print size 5’ x 7.” A panel of local, professional photographers will judge the photographs in groups of ages 10-13, 14-17, and 18 or older.
The judging will be based on originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.
The winning entries will be announced at the annual Wild Earth Fest event at Trailside on April 30, 2023. Wild Earth Fest is an outdoor family event featuring live animals, children’s activities, nature education, food, music and more.
The Trailside Nature and Science Center located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners under the Department of Parks and Recreation.
For more details about the Wildlife Photography Contest and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670. Information on all Parks and Recreation programs is available at ucnj.org/parks.
Aside from special programming, Trailside welcomes visitors free of charge every day except Mondays and major holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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 is pleased to invite residents of Union County, age 6o and up, to enter an artwork in the 2023 Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. The exhibit will be held at the Scotch Plains campus of Union College of Union County NJ, at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.
“Older adults contribute so much to the rich diversity of creative talent in our community, and the annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit provides a way for all of us to recognize and celebrate their ability to communicate across a range of artistic mediums,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are looking forward to this year’s exhibit.”
Both professional and non-professional artists at all levels of experience are invited to submit their work to the Union County Senior Citizens Art Show. No previous experience in art shows is needed, and there is no entry fee. All entries must be an original work completed within the past three years.
The deadline to register is Sunday,April 16. Registration online is required. Full instructions and registration form are at ucnj.org/senior-art.
Seniors without internet access can have a relative or friend with an email address register on their behalf. If additional assistance is needed, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2552 (relay users dial 711) or email msturm@ucnj.org.
The Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is an annual program presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The exhibit will open on April 20, and a closing reception will be held on June 1.
The media categories include acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft.
Artworks entered will be judged by a panel of professional artists who will designate separate awards for professionals and non-professionals. All first-place artworks will go on to compete at the state level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show this fall.
This program is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
More information about all programs and activities of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is available 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.
As part of 2023 Chairman Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Division on Aging, is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 Social 60+ Program for qualifying senior Union County residents.
“After seeing the success of the pilot program last year, we have decided to launch the Social 60+ program again for 2023, which will include even more restaurants that seniors can visit and enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Seniors across Union County are active, engaged in their communities, and looking for ways to get out and enjoy the social scene with their friends and this program is a great way for them to do that, while enjoying a nutritionally balanced meal. As part of my Chairman initiatives, this is just another way we are taking care of our senior community, all while supporting local restaurants.”
Social 60+ was designed to bring the benefits of a healthy meal and socialization into the community for older adults in Union County. It is open to all Union County residents age 60 and over, with the exception of active County employees.
Participating restaurants include: the Garden Restaurant, located at 943 Magie Avenue in Union, The Tavern at Ash Brook, located at 1210 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains and Mambo Cuban Restaurant, located at 2185 US-22 W in Union.
Each participating restaurant has agreed to accept a voucher from the Union County Division on Aging in exchange for meal options designated by the restaurant and approved by a Nutritionist. To participate, one must be a Union County resident 60 years and over; agree to attend a nutrition education program offered by the Division on Aging at least once a quarter and provide all necessary information during intake.
“This senior dining program both expands access to nutritional meals as well as adds to community engagement,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “This is just another way to keep our older adult community active and there is no better way than breaking bread in a restaurant of their choosing with their peers. I would like to thank our Division on Aging for their constant efforts to improve our seniors’ quality of life and build a stronger community.”
All qualified residents are invited and encouraged to enjoy a meal through this program. The voucher process is done via the phone with the Division on Aging, once the intake is complete and approved, residents will receive their vouchers by mail. Vouchers must be used by 12/31/23. Expired vouchers will not be honored. Participants may select from a set menu of choices that have been designated to meet the Older Americans Act (OAA) standards of one-third recommended dietary allowances and compliance with the OAA dietary guidelines.
For the Social 60+ restaurant voucher, please call the Union County Division on Aging, at (908) 527-4870. Please visit www.ucnj.org/aging for information on any of their programs.
For more information about this or other programs offered, please call the Union County Division on Aging with any questions, toll-free at 1-888-280-8226.
The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that they can use Union County’s free, countywide drop-off locations to safely dispose of toxic or potentially hazardous products commonly found in the home and yard. The first Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2023 recycling calendar will take place on Saturday, April 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.
Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.
“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide every Union County resident with an opportunity to protect their property against environmental and health hazards, while also disposing of toxic wastes safely and responsibly,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Sergio Granados. “We can all benefit by reducing the presence of unwanted and potentially dangerous products in our homes and yards.”
The Household Hazardous Waste events offer Union County residents a free, environmentally responsible way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks and automobile tires (limit of 8 per household with rims off) among many other products.
The list of accepted items also includes oil-based paints and varnishes, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.
Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted at these events. To dispose of unwanted latex paint, residents are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.
Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drop-off only and contact-free. Participants should load their items in their trunk or other area easily accessed by staff.
Participants must remain in their vehicles while staff at the site unloads their items.
Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.
For more details about all Union County recycling programs, including a complete list of the materials that will be accepted at the April 1 event, visit ucnj.org/recycle.
The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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 Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.
“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.
Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.
No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course.
Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.
For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.
Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak announced a new system to help Union County residents schedule appointments for Surrogate services, including matters related to wills, adoptions, guardianships, and more.
“As Surrogate, I am charged with serving all of our residents in a professional and efficient manner during a time in their lives that may be difficult,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “With demand for services increasing, we have transitioned to a more efficient system that will allow us to accommodate more cases daily.”
Residents can now call 908-527-4280 or email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org to schedule an appointment with the Surrogate’s office. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8:30AM–12:30PM and 1:30PM–4:00PM. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred in order to serve residents most effectively. The Surrogate’s office cannot guarantee particular wait times for walk-ins.
The role of a County Surrogate is to oversee the probate 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 Surrogate also operates the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund for Minors and Incapacitated Persons. The Surrogate is a Constitutional Officer who is elected to the position every five years.
For more information, visit ucnj.org/surrogate, email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4280. Follow Surrogate Hudak on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateChristopherHudak.