Under the terms of the “Open Public Act” P.L.., 1975, C. 231, and as per Resolution Number 2025-1001 adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Union on December 18, 2025, the 2026 Installation Ceremony and Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Assignment Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh, at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
James E. Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Temporary Service Adjustments Expected During Transition
Union County today announced that Brooklyn Kitchen will assume operations of the County’s Senior Nutrition Program, effective January 1, 2026. The program provides nutritious meals to eligible older adults through home-delivered services and congregate meal sites throughout Union County.
“As we welcome our new partner, our top priority is ensuring that Union County seniors continue to receive their meals safely, reliably, and without interruption,” said Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are working closely with Brooklyn Kitchen during this transition and will keep residents informed every step of the way.”
During the initial transition period, eligible seniors may notice some temporary adjustments as the new vendor ramps up operations:
Meal delivery times may vary as routes are adjusted and drivers learn new schedules. Some deliveries may arrive earlier or later than usual during the first few weeks.
Frozen meals will be provided temporarily in January before the program transitions back to hot meals. These meals meet the same nutritional standards and help ensure consistent service during the transition.
New staff will be providing service, including drivers and congregate site personnel who are being trained and on boarded. All staff are screened and trained to support senior safety and nutrition.
No changes are expected at congregate sites. All 17 congregate meal sites across Union County will continue to receive hot meals on their regular schedules.
“This program is about care, consistency, and making sure no senior goes without a meal — especially during a time of change,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “When County management learned this transition needed to happen sooner than expected, we moved quickly to put a plan in place that protects our seniors and keeps meals coming. That commitment to people — and to showing up when it matters — is something I will always be proud of.”
Eligible seniors who are already enrolled in the Senior Nutrition Program do not need to take any action to continue receiving meals. Residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870.
This event has been postponed. We will send out an update when an new date has been established.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is excited to announce its first event of the new year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History, presented by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, will delve into the rich and complex history of the Lenape people who inhabited New Jersey during the European colonization. The free and informative event will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum in Union, in the wagon shed. Attendees may pre-register at www.ucnj.org/250.
“The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a moment we can all celebrate together as a community. It connects us not only to our ancestors who courageously fought these historic battles, but also to the roots of the cities we live in and the places we love to visit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman, Lourdes M. Leon. “By exploring our past through history seminars like our Lenape presentation, we can understand how our ancestors lived and appreciate the values of freedom and unity that are still important today.”
Presenter Dr. Sean P. Harvey teaches courses on Colonial America, Revolutionary America, Democracy, Slavery, and Manifest Destiny, as well as Native American History before Removal. He also conducts surveys of American history and departmental seminars. He is the author of Native Tongues: Colonialism and Race from Encounter to the Reservation and serves on the Editorial Board of Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Council at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and the Revolution NJ Scholarly and Public Programs Working Group, and co-edited Reviews for Journal of the Early Republic from 2014 to 2017.
A countywide event calendar was created earlier this year, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion. Residents can explore upcoming activities and learn more by visiting www.ucnj.org/250.
“We’re excited to continue adding events to this calendar throughout the year, giving our residents and guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate this significant moment in our history together,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair to the Union County 250th Committee. “I encourage any historical organizations and local community groups to submit their 250th Anniversary events to our email for review.”
Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar, available at www.ucnj.org/250.
For more details and updates on the celebration, visit ucnj.org/250 and follow Union County on social media.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.
For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users should dial 711, or you can send an email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again collecting toys to bring holiday cheer to those who need it most. From now until December 23rd, there will be collection bins at select locations throughout the county, as well as the option to ship directly to 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth NJ 07207 for those who want to order from our Target and Amazon wish lists.
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.
