Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and the Office of Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak, will present a free Empowerment Hour webinar for same-sex couples interested in adoption or foster-to-adopt opportunities in New Jersey.

The virtual webinar will be held on Monday, September 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration is required and is available at www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

“Every prospective parent deserves access to clear, reliable information as they consider the many ways to build a family,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This webinar will provide same-sex couples with practical guidance, answer important questions and help connect them with resources as they explore adoption and foster-to-adopt opportunities.”

The webinar will walk attendees through important legal considerations and explain the typical steps involved in the adoption and foster-to-adopt process. Participants will also receive practical guidance to help them better understand what to expect as they begin exploring their options.

“Adoption and foster-to-adopt can involve unfamiliar legal requirements and procedures, and having the right information early in the process can make a meaningful difference,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “We are pleased to partner with the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs to help prospective parents better understand the process and move forward with greater confidence.”

The session will conclude with a virtual question-and-answer period, allowing attendees to ask questions and learn more about navigating the adoption and foster-to-adopt process in New Jersey.

“LGBTQ+ individuals and couples should feel fully supported and represented when seeking information about becoming parents,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Union County LGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee. “This Empowerment Hour continues our commitment to creating an inclusive space where residents can receive useful information, ask questions openly and connect with knowledgeable professionals.”

The Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, established in 2018, provides leadership and collaboration in support of equality and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals.

To register for the September 28^th webinar, visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

For additional information about the Union County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, contact Robert Charkowsky at 908-527-4742 or lgbtq@ucnj.org.

Please be advised the Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Clark – Riverside Dr., Miller Ave., King St. Area, Parkway Dr.
• Elizabeth – Livingston Rd., Summit Rd., Glenwood Rd.
• Fanwood – Kemp Shaw Ter.
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area, Miriam Pl. area, Aldine St. area
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.
• Linden – Tremley Pt., Area. Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Miner Ter.
• Plainfield – E. 3rd St. Area, St. Nicholas Blvd., Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct.
• Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St., Main St., Elizabeth Ave. area
• Roselle – W.8th St. Area, E.8th St. Fire House Area
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Terrill Rd.
• Springfield – Bernadette Ct., Brown Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Rahway Ave., Gifford Ct., Brighton St., Savitt Pl., International Paint property on Morris Ave., Carlton Ter. Area, Allen Ave.
• Westfield – Embree Crescent, Hanford Pl.
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to present artwork by students in Community Access Unlimited’s (CAU) Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) program at the Commissioners Gallery. The gallery is located on the sixth floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth, and is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display through October 30, 2026.

“Each piece in this exhibit reflects an artist’s own interests, ideas and perspective,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We’re proud to share the work of CAU’s ACE students in the Commissioners Gallery and to support a program that gives adults with developmental disabilities the freedom to explore their creativity and choose what they want to learn.”

ACE provides continuing education opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Students choose courses based on their interests, with offerings that include reading, math, history, science, music, theater, visual art, self-help, finance and digital art. Through hands-on activities tailored to different learning styles, students explore subjects they enjoy and develop skills that can support their future education, career interests and employment.

The ACE visual arts program is made possible through funding from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

CAU is a Union County-based nonprofit that supports people with disabilities and youth at risk. Its programs include community-based housing and a range of services designed to help individuals live with dignity, make their own choices and participate fully in their communities. For more information, visit www.caunj.org or call (908) 354-3040.

The Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates exhibits at the Commissioners Gallery. For information about this exhibit or other arts and history programs, contact the office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; call (908) 558-2550; or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay users may dial 711.

Sessions will prepare agencies and service providers to assist residents affected by federal program changes

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Human Services Advisory Council, will host two free virtual webinars designed specifically for agencies, nonprofit organizations and community partners that assist Union County residents.

The sessions will provide an overview of recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, along with practical information that organizations can use when responding to questions and connecting residents with available assistance.

“Our community partners are often the first place residents turn when they need information or support,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “By ensuring that these organizations have timely and accurate information, we can strengthen our collective ability to assist residents as these changes take effect.”

The partner webinar schedule is as follows:

Navigating Federal Changes to SNAP for You and Your Family
Monday, September 21, 2026
10:00 a.m.

Medicaid 101: How It Works and an Overview of Federal Changes
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
10:00 a.m.

“These briefings will help our partners better understand the changes, anticipate the questions they may receive and guide residents toward appropriate resources,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “Strong coordination among our agencies and community organizations is essential to making sure residents receive consistent and dependable information.”

Both webinars will be held virtually through Zoom and are free to attend. Advance registration is required. To register or learn more, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs-webinar.

“Human services agencies and community organizations play a critical role in helping residents understand and access essential programs,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “These webinars will provide our partners with the information they need to answer questions, recognize potential impacts and connect residents with appropriate assistance.”

The Union County Human Services Advisory Council works with public agencies, nonprofit organizations and community partners to identify local needs, strengthen coordination and improve access to human services throughout Union County. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Human Services at 908-527-4842.

Virtual sessions will help residents and families understand upcoming changes and available resources

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Human Services Advisory Council, invites residents to attend two free virtual webinars addressing recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

The community-focused sessions will explain how each program works, review the changes taking place and provide information on where residents can turn for assistance.

“Changes to programs such as SNAP and Medicaid can raise many questions for the individuals and families who rely on them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “These webinars are intended to provide clear, reliable information so our residents can better understand what the changes may mean for them and where they can find help.”

The community webinar schedule is as follows:

Navigating Federal Changes to SNAP for You and Your Family
Monday, September 21, 2026
7:00 p.m.

Medicaid 101: How It Works and an Overview of Federal Changes
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
7:00 p.m.

“Residents should not have to navigate complicated policy changes on their own,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “These sessions will break down the information in a practical, easy-to-understand way and connect participants with resources that may help them and their families.”

Both webinars will be held virtually through Zoom and are free to attend. Advance registration is required. To register or learn more, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs-webinar.

“Federal changes to SNAP and Medicaid can feel overwhelming, especially for residents who are unsure how their benefits may be affected,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of the Union County Department of Human Services. “Our goal is to make this information easier to understand and ensure residents know where to turn for guidance and support.”

The Union County Human Services Advisory Council works with public agencies, nonprofit organizations and community partners to identify local needs, strengthen coordination and improve access to human services throughout Union County. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Human Services at 908-527-4842.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside!

Join us for a fun day of fishing and outdoor recreation in partnership with the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club.

This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

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.

For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby and other programs and events offered by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4781.

Join the Union County Board of County Commissioners as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with our 2026 Flag Raising Ceremony!

Come together with us as we honor the cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities throughout Union County.

Wednesday, September 16
5:00 p.m.
Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth

Unidos, somos más. Together, we are more.

All are welcome!

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join us as we commemorate POW/MIA Recognition Day and honor the prisoners of war and service members who remain missing.

Together, we will remember their courage and sacrifice, while standing with the families who continue to carry their absence.

Friday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Union County Courthouse
2 Broad Street, Elizabeth

Lost, but never forgotten.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Berkeley Heights – Grant St. Area
• Clark – King St. Area
• Hillside – Cornell Pl., Harvard Ave., John St. Area
• Kenilworth – Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.,
• Linden – Tremley Pt., Area. Range Rd., Bradford Ave., Lexington Ave., Marion Ave., Miner Ter.
• Plainfield – E. 3rd ST. Area, St. Nicholas Blvd., Chelsea Blvd., Park Dr., Arlington Ave., F.S. Mathewson Dr. Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct.
• Rahway – Leesville Ave. Area, Elston St., Randolph Ave., Donald Ave., Price St., Allen St.,
  Main St., Elizabeth Ave. Area
• Roselle – W.8th St. Area, E.8th St. Fire House Area
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Martine Ave. Extension, North Ave., South Ave., Brandywine Ct., Terrill Rd.
• Springfield – Bernadette Ct., Brown Ave., Marion Ave.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Union – Rahway Ave., Gifford Ct., Brighton St., Savitt Pl., International Paint property on Morris Ave., Carlton Ter. Area, Allen Ave.
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Human Services, Division on Aging, invite Union County seniors, caregivers and community members to attend the Division’s Annual Public Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Plainfield Senior Center, located at 400 East Front Street in Plainfield.

The meeting will give older adults and caregivers an opportunity to speak directly with the Division on Aging about their needs, concerns and experiences. The feedback gathered will help the Division identify gaps in services and guide future planning to better meet the needs of Union County’s growing senior population.

“The best way to understand the needs of our older residents and their caregivers is to hear directly from them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This meeting gives members of our community a meaningful opportunity to share what they are experiencing and help us strengthen the programs and services they rely on.”

Attendees will also learn more about the programs, services and resources available through the Division on Aging and will have an opportunity to ask questions. The meeting is intended to be an open conversation focused on ensuring that the voices of Union County seniors and caregivers remain central to the Division’s work.

“Community feedback plays an important role in how we plan for the future,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron, Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We encourage seniors and caregivers to join us, share their perspectives and help us better understand where additional support may be needed.”

All Union County seniors and caregivers are encouraged to attend, whether they currently receive services through the Division on Aging or would simply like to learn more and make their voices heard.

For more information, contact the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870 or 800-820-8226.