County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Surrogate Court celebrated their 16^th Annual Adoption Day Friday, November 22, 2024. National Adoption Day is a national effort to raise awareness of the needs of children and youth waiting to find permanent, loving families. This annual, one-day event has made the dreams of thousands of children throughout New Jersey come true by working with policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to finalize adoptions and create and celebrate “forever families.”

“Adoption Day is one of the most meaningful events I have the privilege of being a part of as Surrogate. It is a day when we celebrate the creation of forever families and give children the opportunity to thrive in a loving, supportive environment,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “Every adoption is a remarkable and unique story, and Adoption Day is a time to share those stories and shine a light on the families who make them possible.” 

This year’s event included a total of 12 participating families. Nine of these families finalized their adoption proceedings on the day of the event, including one family adopting two children. One additional family, whose adoption was finalized earlier this year, also took part in the celebration. Of the adoptions, three are private, while nine were facilitated in partnership through the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

The Surrogate Court partnered with CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, the New Jersey Department 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 added a heartfelt and vibrant touch to the celebration.

“Every child deserves the love and security of a forever family, and National Adoption Day reminds us of the incredible impact adoption has on the lives of children and parents alike,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I am deeply moved by the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need. It is an honor to be part of a celebration that highlights the beauty and strength of these new families.”

The Surrogate 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.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services joyously welcome all residents with disabilities and special needs and their loved ones to attend the Annual “Skating with Santa” event on December 14^th at the Warinanco Sports Center, located at 1 Park Drive in Roselle.

“Ice skating is a beloved seasonal activity we enjoy sharing with our friends and family, creating lasting memories both on and off the rink,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Bring a friend and bundle up in your coziest winter clothes as we gather together for this free and exciting event to celebrate the winter months ahead. I can’t wait to see you all there.”

The Skating with Santa event is scheduled for Saturday, December 14^th, at Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle and will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants can also enjoy warm pretzels, and hot chocolate. Additionally, children ages 12 and under will receive a holiday present, generously donated by the Moving NJ Forward Foundation, a Union County-based organization.

Attendance at the Skating with Santa event is free, but registration is required. To register, please visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“Our Skating with Santa event is a fun filled program that brings the entire family together to enjoy time on the ice, and make lasting memories,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “I am grateful to our dedicated partners, Elizabeth Public Schools, Elizabeth Fire and Police Departments, and the Moving NJ Forward Foundation, for their ongoing commitment in bringing the holiday spirit to our community and creating a fun, welcoming experience for our children.”

This event is hosted by 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, and in partnership with the Moving NJ Forward Foundation.

The Moving NJ Forward Foundation is a community-based non-profit founded in 2022 led by President Fernanda Correia. Their mission is to raise awareness and strengthen educational efforts about social justice issues, not only within the local community but also on a national scale. The organization’s commitment to promoting equity and justice is evident through its initiatives and collaborations within the Union County community.

For more information on the Skating with Santa event or other programs or events hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

To view the announcement on YouTube, click here.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the launch of its official “Explore Union County” app, now available for free download through the App Store and Google Play. The app, part of Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s 2024 “Growing Together in Union County” initiatives, comes stocked with tons of useful content for residents.

“Explore Union County is a great new way to discover more about our community, and an accessible tool to keep up with everything Union County has to offer,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Whether it’s a new park upgrade, cultural event, election information, or just the phone number you need to ask the right person a question, we’ve got you covered!”

Explore Union County launches with critical tools including a news tab, events calendar, parks and recreation directories, recycling and election shortcuts, Commissioner and administration contact directories, push notifications for countywide updates, and links to social media pages.

The app also includes a handy reporting function that residents can use to send feedback about issues and corresponding photos directly to County administration. With the user’s permission, the tool can also use GPS data to inform the County of the exact location where the issue was reported from. Users can also submit feedback on the Explore Union County app itself.

“This app is for the benefit of our community—and that means it’s going to get better the more feedback we get,” added Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded. “Once you’ve downloaded, feel free to use the App Feedback tool to share your opinions with us, and we’ll consider them for future updates. Thank you!”

For more information, residents are encouraged to visit ucnj.org/explore.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation invite all county residents to ring in the holiday season on the ice rink with Santa Claus at “Celebrate the Season,” Union County’s annual celebration at Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 8^th.

“Ice skating at Warinanco Sports Center at Celebrate the Season is the perfect way to kick off this holiday season,” said Union County Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The festive songs and treats, visits from Santa, and the spirit of togetherness are a sure way to spread the holiday magic throughout our community. I hope to see you all there!”

This year’s Celebrate the Season will be taking place in three sessions within the hours of 11:00am to 6:00pm:

Session 1

11:00am-1:00pm

Session 2

1:30pm-3:30pm

Session 3

4:00pm-6:00pm

Skaters will be able to see Santa along with his elves, sing holiday carols as they skate, and enjoy snacks available for purchase in the cafe. Admission is $8.00 per person and includes entry for 2 hours, a skate rental, one hot chocolate and one cookie per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance at warinancopark.com and will not be available at the door. Everyone entering the building will need a ticket, whether or not they will skate, however, children under 2 are free. Space is limited to 275 people.

The Warinanco Sports Center is located in Warinanco Park, off St. Georges Avenue. For more information about this event, please visit warinancopark.com or call 908-298-7850. To learn more about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and the activities they offer, please visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is now seeking volunteers for the 2025 Master Gardener training program, beginning in January. Residents who are interested in horticulture and gardening can gain valuable skills, make new connections, and become valuable assets to the community by joining the Master Gardeners of Union County.

“The Master Gardener program offers residents the chance to learn practical horticultural skills they can apply at home and share with neighbors and friends while also benefiting the community through their volunteer efforts,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This program is exceptional, and we are pleased to continue supporting its growth. We encourage gardeners of all experience levels to apply and join this wonderful community.”

This year, Union County will be participating in a pilot program for the Rutgers Master Gardener Volunteer Training. Orientation Zoom meetings will be hosted by Rutgers for residents interested in becoming Master Gardeners. These sessions provide an opportunity for applicants to learn more about the program before joining.

Residents who wish to participate in the 2025 training program must register and attend at least one of the virtual orientation sessions, which are offered twice a week until the beginning of December. You can register at njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/. 

Orientation session space is limited to 40 participants for each session, allowing plenty of time and opportunity for questions and discussion.  Register today by visiting to secure your spot in an orientation session.

“By engaging in volunteer work, participants gain a deeper understanding of the positive impacts their contributions have on our environment and the community at large,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “The Master Gardener Program is one of the many volunteer opportunities offered in Union County. I encourage residents to look into the program and attend an orientation session to find out if it’s a good fit for them.”

Classes will be held on Wednesday mornings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.  The new course will feature horticultural training with an emphasis on the volunteer aspects of being a Rutgers Master Gardener.  The classroom is conveniently located by the 1.5-acre demonstration garden and greenhouse at Trailside, maintained by Master Gardeners.

Additional information for applying to the program in Union County will be provided to those who attend the orientation session. You will be asked to complete an application form. The Master Gardeners of Union County will be accepting 25 students into the 2025 Program.   

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer program offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Agriculture Experiment Stations and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with the Union County Board of County Commissioners.  It is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Berkeley Heights, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects.

For questions or more information on the 2025 Master Gardener Training Program, call 908-654-9854 ext. 2 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rutgers-cooperative-extension-of-union-county/.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces an online Veteran Grave Registration Database and search engine her office has compiled as an aid to veteran families, genealogists, historians and others searching for the resting place of a veteran.

“This database includes more than 43,000 veterans, the majority Union County and New Jersey residents, who served in one of 23 wars and conflicts ranging from 1776 to 2003. The database is a treasure trove of well-known and lesser known conflicts ranging from the American Revolution and Whiskey Rebellion to the Banana Wars and Iraq War,” the Clerk said.

“These veterans are buried in 43 cemeteries in Union County, 122 cemeteries outside of Union County, and 62 cemeteries out of state. Other burial locations include those At Sea, Unknown and Medal of Honor honorees. We are excited to present this research tool to veterans’ families,” Ms. Rajoppi said, “some of whom may not know where their relative is buried.”

“Although this is not a complete database of all veterans from Union County, it includes archived collections of veteran graves the county has amassed over the years. In older cemeteries where engravings on gravestones are eroded or undecipherable, it is especially helpful to rely on a record which notes who is buried there.”

Ms. Rajoppi said the search page, entitled “Veteran Grave Registration Database” is located on the County Clerk’s website at www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate by using either a name, war, branch of service, birth year, death year or cemetery. Any of these fields can be used to search.

“We are excited to uncover some little-known data and format it in a way that is accessible to so many. We always honor our cherished veterans by remembering them and connecting them to family and friends,” the Clerk said, “and it seems even more appropriate than we introduce this program on the eve of Veteran’s Day.