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Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded Unveils “Growing Together in Union County” Initiatives at 167th Annual Reorganization Meeting

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 167th 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.

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Union County Welcomes Back the Ask Program for Seniors and Caregivers

The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite seniors and their caregivers to the upcoming ASK community events in January. At these events, attendees can meet face-to-face with skilled professionals who offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources, as well as assistance with form completion. Additionally, bilingual staff will be on hand at several events to provide support in Spanish.

“Our Division of Aging is strongly committed to supporting our elderly community and their caregivers through the ASK program, providing invaluable information, resources, and in-person assistance through these live events,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We are aware that our seniors and caregivers have questions and may be hesitant to ask for support, or unaware of the existing programs and services available to them. I encourage all Union County seniors and their caregivers to attend one of our ASK events this January.”

ASK, short for Aging Services Kiosk, is a program within the Union County Department of Human Services, specifically operated by the Division on Aging and Disability Resources. It offers seniors aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue for Union County residents to discover valuable programs and services. This program brings Division on Aging professionals to local public libraries and community centers.

Staff at the ASK events can help seniors and care givers connect with a variety of services including home delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or care giver can visit any ASK event, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in January:

Wednesday, January 10th

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, January 17th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, January 24th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Elizabeth Public Library– Main

11 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Friday, January 26th

(Bilingual staff is available)

Union Public Library

1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, January 30th

Westfield Memorial Library

550 East Broad Street, Westfield

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The ASK program is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable professionals that are eager to assist our seniors, their families and caregivers in a variety of ways,” said Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “My fellow Commissioners and I are proud to support a program that is tremendously essential to the well-being of our esteemed elderly community.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

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PetCare Drive – Food, Toys and Happiness