Author: Web Site Administrator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded has been selected as Chairwoman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and announced a series of initiatives for 2024, titled “Growing Together in Union County,” with a few key focuses on enhancing connectivity, inclusivity, supporting seniors, mental health, women’s initiatives, and fostering family connections.

“Union County has always been made up of diverse lives, stories, and aspirations; and the strength of our community comes from the connections between its county government and its residents,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman, while we start the journey of “Growing Together in Union County,” I will be dedicated to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and building a stronger community that promises a brighter future for all residents. Let us continue to work together for an even better Union County, where the bonds of community grow stronger and the seeds of progress are sown for generations to come.”

A lifelong resident of Union County, Palmieri-Mouded was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, and now lives in Westfield with her husband George and their five children: Matthew, Christopher, Nicholas, Ryan and Adeline. The Chairwoman announced her initiatives at the 167^th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Thursday.

Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded’s vision includes launching a new app and updating the county’s website for residents’ easy access and senior enrichment programs that focus on social activities, swim lessons, and a Seniors Against Scams program. Addressing mental health, the Chairwoman introduced the Train the Trainer Mental Health Program and she emphasized her support for women, relaunching the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. Her family connections involve a reading and tutoring program, expanded youth programs, a mobile sensory unit, and the purchase of aquatic wheelchairs. Lastly, a motivating literacy initiative, inspired by a young resident, Ben Steinberg, who was present at the reorganization meeting, that will introduce inclusive books in 116 Union County public elementary school libraries.

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli was sworn in for his second term, alongside Union County Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Joseph Bodek, and newly elected Michèle Delisfort, who were sworn in for their terms. Commissioner Bodek, appointed in December 2022, transitions into his first elected term, while Commissioner Leon assumes the role of Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman. The Commissioners also voted on various County advisory board positions and approved the Board’s 2024 schedule and procedural rules.

Residents can find a transcript of this speech on the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and County Manager Ed Oatman are proud to announce a partnership with Trinitas Regional Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, with support from Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) to enhance access to essential medications for residents facing financial difficulties. This new program, which falls under Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Equity & Inclusion” initiative, will offer certain medications free-of-charge to those living within 300 percent of the federal poverty level, which represents over 54,000 residents in the county.

“In a world where individuals often find themselves forced to make difficult choices, such as paying for rent, putting food on the table, or acquiring life-saving medications they need, it is their health that frequently takes a backseat,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “The collaborative effort between Union County and these stakeholders are set to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of numerous residents and their families in need. It reflects our shared dedication to improving access to healthcare services and promoting a healthier, happier community.”

Each participant must obtain their prescriptions from Trinitas Regional Medical Center’s Early Intervention Program and the County will use its clinical staff to facilitate distribution of prescriptions to participants of the program through their Immunization Center. Clients of this program will be carefully screened for eligibility.

Residents who wish to make an appointment can visit:

• Location: Dorothy B. Hersh Medical Clinic
• Address: 655 East Jersey Street,  Elizabeth, NJ 07206
• Phone: 908-994-5030

The mission of the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) is to increase access to medications, immunizations, health education, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underserved patients, to reduce clinical and social health inequities in the community and the County thanks RSCP for their support in their initiative.

For more information about this program, please call 908-965-3756 or email RSCPUC@ucnj.org.

On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and our Union County family, we are saddened to hear about the passing of former Commissioner (then Freeholder), Vernell Wright.

Today, we remember the extraordinary legacy of a dedicated public servant who served two terms as a Commissioner and held a strong commitment to Union County.

In her first term on the Commissioner Board, she chaired the Policy and Administrative Code Committee and served on various committees, including Homeland Security, Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Her extensive community involvement included affiliations with organizations such as the NAACP, First Baptist Church of Vauxhall, and the Vauxhall Historical Society.

Commissioner Wright’s dedication extended beyond politics, impacting the lives of countless students and community members.

Her profound influence will be deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.