Join us for a Virtual Community Meeting to learn more about high-crash locations in Union County and the City of Elizabeth, as well as recommended design solutions, policies, and operational strategies to enhance safety.
Únete a nuestra Reunión Comunitaria Virtual para hablar sobre los lugares con mayor número de accidentes en el Condado de Union y la Ciudad de Elizabeth, y comparte tus comentarios sobre las soluciones de diseño, políticas y estrategias operativas recomendadas para mejorar la seguridad.
**Updated 11/20/25: Due to overwhelming demand, the line has been closed.
From our Union County family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Union County residents who are active SNAP recipients or federal employees are eligible to participate in an Emergency Food Distribution on Thursday, November 20 at 12:00 PM at the Warinanco Sports Center (1 Park Drive, Roselle).
Residents should walk up to the Sports Center parking lot to take part in the event.
Food packages will include shelf-stable items, fresh produce, and essential ingredients to support families during the coming weeks.
Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please bring: ✔️ Families First (EBT) card or federal employee ID ✔️ A valid government-issued photo ID ✔️ Proof of Union County residency
This event is supported through the generosity of residents contributing to the County’s Stock the Shelves Food Drive, along with key partners: Amazon, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health, and Village Super Market (operators of ShopRite stores in Watchung, Union, Elizabeth, and Garwood).
For more information on County services and upcoming programs, visit ucnj.org.
Distribución de Alimentos de Emergencia
Los residentes del condado de Union que reciben SNAP activamente o empleados federales son elegibles para participar en una Distribución de Alimentos de Emergencia el jueves, 20 de noviembre a las 12:00 p.m. en el Warinanco Sports Center (1 Park Drive, Roselle).
Los residentes deben caminar hasta el estacionamiento del Sports Center para participar en el evento.
Los paquetes de alimentos incluirán artículos no perecederos, productos frescos y ingredientes esenciales para apoyar a las familias durante las próximas semanas.
Los suministros son limitados y se distribuirán por orden de llegada.
Por favor traiga: ✔️ Tarjeta Families First (EBT) o identificación de empleado federal ✔️ Una identificación válida con foto emitida por el gobierno ✔️ Prueba de residencia en el Condado de Union
Este evento cuenta con el apoyo de la generosidad de los residentes que contribuyen a la campaña Stock the Shelves Food Drive del Condado, junto con socios clave: Amazon, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health y Village Super Market (operadores de las tiendas ShopRite en Watchung, Union, Elizabeth y Garwood).
Para obtener más información sobre los servicios del Condado y los próximos programas, visite ucnj.org.
Distribisyon Ijans Manje
Rezidan Konte Union ki resevwa SNAP aktivman oswa anplwaye federal yo elijib pou patisipe nan yon Distribisyon Ijans Manje jedi 20 novanm a 12:00 p.m. nan Warinanco Sports Center (1 Park Drive, Roselle).
Rezidan yo dwe vini a pye nan pakin Sports Center la pou patisipe nan evènman an.
Pake manje yo ap gen ladan pwodwi ki pa gate fasil, pwodui fre, ak engredyan esansyèl pou sipòte fanmi yo pandan semèn k ap vini yo.
Pwovizyon yo limite epi y ap distribye selon lòd arive.
Tanpri pote: ✔️ Kat Families First (EBT) oswa ID anplwaye federal ✔️ Yon kat idantite ak foto ki valab, bay pa gouvènman an ✔️ Prèv rezidans nan Konte Union
Evènman sa a sipòte gras ak jenewozite rezidan yo ki kontribye nan Stock the Shelves Food Drive Konte a, ansanm ak patnè kle yo: Amazon, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, RWJ Barnabas Health, ak Village Super Market (ki opere magazen ShopRite nan Watchung, Union, Elizabeth, ak Garwood).
Pou plis enfòmasyon sou sèvis Konte a ak pwogram kap vini yo, vizite ucnj.org.
In a heartfelt celebration of love and family, the Union County Surrogate’s Court hosted a special ceremony to honor three new “forever families” on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. The event was held in anticipation of National Adoption Day, which will be celebrated nationwide on Saturday, November 22nd.
“Adoption Day stands as one of the most significant and rewarding occasions observed by the Surrogate’s Court,”said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “It is a profound privilege to witness the formation of new families and the beginning of new chapters built on love, stability, and hope. I extend my deepest gratitude to the adoptive parents, our dedicated court staff, and our partner agencies whose collective efforts make these life-changing moments possible.”
This year’s ceremony included three families who finalized adoptions prior to the event. The families then celebrated their new beginnings alongside their loved ones, government officials, community partners, and families who adopted earlier this year. All adoptions completed on November 13th were facilitated in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P).
“The joy and happiness that filled the courtroom transformed the courthouse into a hopeful place. It was an honor to witness the beginning of a new life for these families,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Adoption represents a chance at a better life for children within the foster care system. The extraordinary individuals we celebrated exemplify what every child in America deserves: a loving family, a warm home, and a stable and supportive environment. You serve as an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank Surrogate Hudak, his dedicated team, and our partners for their tireless efforts in facilitating the formation of these ‘forever families’.”
National Adoption Day was established in 2000 by a coalition that includes the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, the Children’s Action Network, and the Freddie Mac Foundation to raise national awareness about the needs of foster children and encourage communities to work with court officials in efforts to find them a “forever home.”
This year marks the 17th Annual Adoption Day celebration in Union County. So far in 2025, the Union County Surrogate has successfully finalized 62 adoptions.
The Surrogate’s Court partnered with CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency, The Superior Court of NJ, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office to commemorate the day. Special contributions of decorative artwork from Elizabeth Public Schools, and a musical performance by Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Choir, as well as various donations from David Brearly Middle High School’s “Bears That Care” program in Kenilworth will add a heartfelt and vibrant touch to the celebration.
For information on adopting in New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency. An application can be filled out through Foster and Adoptive Family Services on the DCP&P website, by calling 1-800-222-0047 or emailing askdcf@dcf.state.nj.us. Please contact the Union County Surrogate’s Office at 908-527-4280 to inquire about court filing requirements.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se complace en anunciar el lanzamiento de la nueva iniciativa “Senderos de Cuentos” a través del Fondo Fiduciario para Espacios Abiertos, Recreación y Preservación Histórica del Condado de Union. Esta mañana, el Condado inauguró el primer Sendero de Cuentos en el Parque Nomahegan en Cranford, y en las próximas semanas se abrirán tres senderos más en el Parque Warinanco en Roselle, el Parque Mattano en Elizabeth y The Loop en la Reservación de Watchung, justo a tiempo para que las familias los disfruten antes del Día de Acción de Gracias.
Cada Sendero de Cuentos cuenta con 16 paneles, cada uno con una página de un cuento infantil en Inglés y Español. Los cuentos están diseñados para animar a niños y familias a disfrutar de la lectura mientras exploran la naturaleza y se mantienen activos al aire libre.
“Esta iniciativa combina maravillosamente alfabetización, bienestar y recreación al aire libre”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes M. Leon. “Nuestros parques son para todos, y los Senderos de Cuentos crean un espacio atractivo donde las familias pueden compartir la alegría de leer juntas, explorar la naturaleza y conectar con su entorno de una manera nueva y significativa”.
Financiados por el Fondo Fiduciario para Espacios Abiertos y bajo la dirección del Comité de Espacios Abiertos del Condado, los Senderos de Cuentos fueron instalados por la División de Mantenimiento de Parques del Condado de Union. Cada sendero contará con paneles de cuentos intercambiables, lo que permitirá que nuevos títulos roten a lo largo del año para ofrecer experiencias novedosas a quienes visiten el parque con frecuencia.
Todos los libros de cuentos y exhibidores fueron proporcionados por Syncretic Press, una editorial independiente especializada en literatura infantil bilingüe y multicultural.
«Proyectos como este representan la esencia del Fondo Fiduciario para Espacios Abiertos: brindar a las familias oportunidades para conectar, aprender y crecer juntas», afirmó el Comisionado Sergio Granados, Presidente del Comité de Espacios Abiertos. “Comenzamos con estas historias, pero mi objetivo inicial es ampliar esta iniciativa para destacar a autores del Condado de Union y presentar libros que celebren la diversidad de nuestra comunidad, desde el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer y el Mes de la Concienciación sobre la Discapacidad hasta otros temas culturales y estacionales. Al combinar la narración de cuentos con la actividad física, ayudamos a los niños a desarrollar un amor por la lectura, la imaginación y la exploración que les dure toda la vida, a la vez que creamos espacios que reflejan las voces y experiencias de quienes viven en el Condado de Union. Este es el tipo de proyectos que dan vida a nuestros parques.”
Las historias destacadas actualmente incluyen:
• “Lupita and the Squash” (Parque Nomahegan, junto al área de juegos) – Una celebración de la comida, la cultura y la ecología a través del amor de una niña por la calabaza. • “Mateo and the Red Cat” (Parque Warinanco, comenzando en el muelle de pesca) – Un cuento creativo sobre la imaginación, la empatía y la resolución de problemas. • “A Hug from Otto” (Parque Mattano (junto al parque infantil): Una conmovedora aventura oceánica sobre la amistad y la confianza. • “Habitat” (El Circuito, Reserva Watchung, junto al parque infantil) – Una exploración de los ecosistemas y la importancia de la comunidad entre los animales que buscan un hogar.
El Comisionado del Condado de Union, Sergio Granados, cortó la cinta en la ceremonia de esta mañana en el parque Nomahegan, acompañado por representantes de los equipos de mantenimiento de Espacios Abiertos y Parques del Condado, quienes instalaron las Exhibiciones.
Para obtener información actualizada y conocer la ubicación de futuras rutas de narración, visite https://ucnj.org/storytrail/. Para mantenerse informado sobre los eventos, servicios y ofertas del Condado, descargue la aplicación móvil gratuita Explore Union County.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of a new “Story Trails” initiative through the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund. The County cut the ribbon this morning on the first Story Trail at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, with three additional installations to open in the coming weeks at Warinanco Park in Roselle, Mattano Park in Elizabeth, and The Loop in Watchung Reservation – all in time for families to enjoy before Thanksgiving.
Each Story Trail features 16 panels, each displaying a page from a children’s story in both English and Spanish. The stories are designed to encourage children and families to enjoy reading while exploring nature and staying active outdoors.
“This initiative beautifully combines literacy, wellness, and outdoor recreation,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Our parks are for everyone — and the Story Trails create an engaging space where families can share the joy of reading together, explore nature, and connect with their surroundings in a new and meaningful way.”
Funded through the Open Space Trust Fund and guided by the County’s Open Space Committee, the Story Trails were installed in-house by Union County’s Park Maintenance Division. Each trail will feature interchangeable story panels, allowing new titles to rotate throughout the year to create fresh experiences for returning visitors.
All storybooks and displays were provided by Syncretic Press, an independent publisher focused on bilingual and multicultural children’s literature.
“Projects like this are the heart of what the Open Space Trust Fund is all about — giving families opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Open Space Committee. “We’re starting with these stories, but my original goal is to expand this initiative to highlight Union County authors and feature books that celebrate our community’s diversity — from Women’s History Month and Disability Awareness Month to other cultural and seasonal themes. By pairing storytelling with physical activity, we’re helping children build a lifelong love of reading, imagination, and exploration, while creating spaces that reflect the voices and experiences of the people who call Union County home. These are the kinds of projects that make our parks come alive.”
The current featured stories include:
• “Lupita and the Squash” (Nomahegan Park, by the playground) – A celebration of food, culture, and ecology through a young girl’s love for squash. • “Mateo and the Red Cat” (Warinanco Park, starting at the fishing dock) – A creative tale about imagination, empathy, and problem-solving. • “A Hug from Otto” (Mattano Park, by the playground) – A heartwarming ocean adventure about friendship and trust. • “Habitat” (The Loop, Watchung Reservation, by the playground) – An exploration of ecosystems and the importance of community among animals searching for a home.
Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados cut the ribbon at this morning’s ceremony at Nomahegan Park, joined by representatives from the County’s Open Space and Park Maintenance teams, who installed the displays.
For updates and locations of future Story Trails, visit https://ucnj.org/storytrail/. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.
New Jersey issued full November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible households on the morning of Friday, November 7, following a federal court ruling.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their Families First EBT cards at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling (800) 997-3333 to confirm their balances and use their benefits as needed.
SNAP benefits loaded on your Families First EBT card prior to Oct. 31 remain available for use as well.
New Jersey continues to monitor developments and will continue to provide updates at NJSNAP.gov as needed. Additional assistance for SNAP households during the ongoing federal shutdown is available at NJ.gov/SNAPshutdown.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2025 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
As such, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising the public, in accordance with the law, the cancellation of both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting of Thursday, November 13, 2025. The aforementioned meetings will not be rescheduled.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union anunció hoy que el Condado de Union suministrará en su totalidad los alimentos que el Municipio de Roselle distribuirá a los estudiantes que reciben almuerzos escolares gratuitos o a precio reducido durante el cierre del distrito esta semana. Esta medida se toma siguiendo las instrucciones del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Nueva Jersey para garantizar que los estudiantes elegibles continúen teniendo acceso a comidas nutritivas mientras los edificios escolares permanezcan cerrados.
Según datos proporcionados por el Estado de Nueva Jersey, Roselle cuenta con aproximadamente 1,412 hogares que actualmente reciben beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés) y se estima que 2,346 niños en edad escolar están inscritos en programas de comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido. El apoyo del Condado tiene como objetivo cubrir la interrupción temporal en el acceso a las comidas durante este período de cierre, para que las familias no enfrenten dificultades adicionales.
“Garantizar que cada niño tenga acceso a alimentos es una responsabilidad fundamental que nos tomamos muy en serio”, declaró la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados, Lourdes Leon. “Agradecemos al Alcalde Donald Shaw y a su equipo por su rápida coordinación y por trabajar estrechamente con nosotros para asegurar que las familias tengan lo que necesitan durante este cierre temporal”.
Roselle supervisará todos los aspectos de la distribución a nivel local e identificará directamente a los estudiantes elegibles a través de los registros del distrito. Cada estudiante que cumpla con los requisitos recibirá alimentos no perecederos para el desayuno y el almuerzo durante toda la semana escolar, mientras no haya clases. La distribución estará a cargo de Roselle, y las familias recibirán los detalles a través de los comunicados oficiales del municipio y del distrito escolar.
“Las necesidades en nuestra comunidad son grandes, pero juntos podemos superarlas. Estamos muy agradecidos por nuestra colaboración con el Condado de Union y por el trabajo en equipo que hace posible este progreso. Agradezco profundamente a nuestros Comisionados del Condado, al Administrador del Condado, Ed Oatman, al Administrador Municipal, Christopher Laba, a la Concejal Denise Wilkerson, al Dr. Nathan Fisher y a Derek Reese por su incansable trabajo y apoyo a esta iniciativa”, declaró el Alcalde Donald Shaw.
El Condado también agradece a Village Super Market (operadores de los supermercados ShopRite de Watchung, Union, Elizabeth y Garwood en el Condado de Union), que colaboró estrechamente con el Condado de Union para obtener y preparar rápidamente la gran cantidad de alimentos necesarios para esta iniciativa. Su rápida coordinación permitió que el Condado y Roselle avanzaran sin demora.
“El Condado de Union está comprometido con la protección de nuestros residentes más vulnerables, especialmente nuestros niños”, declaró el Administrador del Condado, Edward T. Oatman. “Gracias a la sólida situación financiera del Condado, podemos responder con prontitud a la solicitud del Estado y garantizar que ningún niño en Roselle se quede sin comer simplemente porque las escuelas estén cerradas. Agradecemos la colaboración del Alcalde Shaw y su equipo directivo, quienes trabajan directamente con las familias para distribuir estos recursos”.
Los datos estatales indican que Roselle tiene un alto porcentaje de estudiantes que califican para almuerzo gratuito o a precio reducido, por lo que el acceso continuo a comidas escolares equivalentes es esencial durante los periodos de cierre de las escuelas. Este apoyo temporal se mantendrá vigente solo durante la semana de cierre.
Se compartirá más información directamente con las familias de Roselle a través de los canales de comunicación del municipio y del distrito escolar.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that the County of Union will fully supply the food that will be distributed by the Borough of Roselle to students who receive free and reduced-price school lunches during the district’s closure this week. This action is being taken at the direction of the New Jersey Department of Human Services to ensure that eligible students continue to have access to nutritious meals while school buildings are closed.
According to data provided by the State of New Jersey, Roselle has approximately 1,412 households currently receiving SNAP benefits and an estimated 2,346 school-aged children enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs. The County’s support is intended to bridge the temporary gap in meal access during this closure period, so families do not face additional hardship.
“Ensuring that every child has access to food is a basic responsibility we take seriously,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are grateful to Mayor Donald Shaw and his team for their swift coordination and for working closely with us to make sure families have what they need during this temporary closure.”
Roselle will oversee all aspects of the distribution locally and will identify eligible students directly through district records. Each qualifying student will receive shelf-stable food items covering both breakfast and lunch for a full school week while classes are not in session. Distribution will be conducted by Roselle, and families will receive details through official Borough and school district communications.
“The needs in our community are great, but together we can overcome them. We’re truly grateful for our partnership with Union County and for the teamwork that makes progress possible. I’m deeply thankful to our County Commissioners, County Manager Ed Oatman, Borough Business Administrator Christopher Laba, Councilwoman Denise Wilkerson, Dr. Nathan Fisher, and Derek Reese for their tireless work and support with this initiative, says Mayor Donald Shaw.”
The County also extends its appreciation to Village Super Market (operators of the ShopRite’s of Watchung, Union, Elizabeth and Garwood in Union County), which worked closely with Union County to quickly source and prepare the large quantity of meal items required for this effort. Their rapid coordination allowed the County and Roselle to move forward without delay.
“Union County is committed to protecting our most vulnerable residents, especially our children,” said County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “Because of the County’s strong financial standing, we are able to respond quickly to the State’s request and ensure that no child in Roselle goes without meals simply because school buildings are closed. We appreciate the partnership of Mayor Shaw & his leadership team as they work directly with families to distribute these resources.”
State data indicates that Roselle has a high percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, making continued access to school meal equivalents essential during periods when buildings are closed. This temporary support will remain in place only for the duration of the closure week.
Further information will be shared directly to Roselle families through Borough and school district communication channels.
Reminder for SNAP recipients who have a Protective Payee (Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities):
Thursday, November 6th and tomorrow, Friday, November 7th, are the final days to access this assistance, as the program is not scheduled to continue beyond this week.
Because November SNAP benefits were delayed at the federal level, Union County has been providing temporary financial assistance this week to help bridge the gap. We encourage anyone who still needs support while November benefits finish processing to come in.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth Assemblyman Gerald Green Plaza – 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield
The Protective Payee must bring:
• Two forms of ID • The Families First (EBT) card associated with the case • The SNAP case number
Union County is sharing this reminder to help ensure that any resident who may need this support is aware of the temporary program — please share.
Reminder for Union County SNAP Recipients:
Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th, are the final days to access this assistance, as the program is not scheduled to continue beyond this week.
Due to the federal delay in November SNAP processing, temporary financial support has been available this week to help bridge the gap. We encourage anyone who still needs support while November benefits finish processing to come in.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth Assemblyman Gerald Green Plaza – 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield
To receive assistance, you must bring:
• Families First (EBT) card • SNAP case number • Valid photo ID • Must be the Head of Household listed on the case
